Newton Main Street Hosts Main Street Iowa Two-Day Fall Workshop

Directors and staff from all 54 community state programs attended the two-day fall workshop of Main Street, Iowa, held at Des Moines Area Community College in Newton on October 3rd and 4th. The event was an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn from each other, exchange ideas, and network.

On the first day of the event, Tripp Muldrow FAICP, from Arnett Muldrow Partners, presented "Communicating the Value of Your Main Street Program." This was followed by the Main Street Living Laboratory, including Legacy Plaza and Downtown Newton tours, and the day concluded with a potato bar served in the courtyard.

On the second day, the presenters were Staci Ballard, Chief Strategic Communications Officer (IEDA/IFA), Tim Carty, Co-Founder and Chief Strategist, and Kate Wilson, Director of Client Success at RoleCall. In their session, they explained the critical role of Main Street organizations and place-making in attracting new residents to an area, focusing on how IEDA and Iowa City-based RoleCall can help.

A note form our director:

I want to express my gratitude to everyone who participated in the Main Street Iowa Fall Workshop held in Newton last week. A big thank you goes out to the Main Street Iowa Downtown Resource Center for choosing Newton Main Street to host this event.

I am grateful to my team of volunteers, including Lecia, Hannah, Laurie, George, Tanya, Carol, Miranda, Samantha, and Melissa, who provided assistance with breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner, and social hour. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Murph and Mary's Pub for hosting our social hour on Monday evening, as well as PJ's Deli for catering our sandwiches on Tuesday's lunch.

I am grateful for the support of Z Marie's by Michelle Stalzer, who catered our potato bar meal on Tuesday evening in the courtyard at Legacy Plaza Iowa. Additionally, I extend my thanks to DMACC Newton for allowing us to host the workshop on their campus, Steinbergers Garden Oasis for providing delicious muffins and cinnamon rolls, and Capitol II Theatre for the mouth-watering movie theatre popcorn.

I want to give a special thanks to the business and building owners who opened their doors for the Main Street Living Laboratory, including Legacy Plaza Iowa, Jerry Schwaller, Randy Plumb, Hotel Maytag Ballroom, and Farmhouse Creation. I am grateful for Erin Chambers, Tanya Michener, Kim Didier, Frank Liebl, and Alida Anderson for assisting with the tours.

Finally, I want to thank the City of Newton and businesses that welcomed all the Main Streeters into the district. Your support made this event a great success.