Strengthening Newton Main Street: A Visit from Jonathan Stone
We had the pleasure of hosting Jonathan Stone, Program Officer for Revitalization Services with Main Street America, to help strengthen our local program. This visit was an excellent opportunity for our Main Street Board of Directors, staff, and community partners to come together and reflect on our progress and accomplishments over the past years.
Purpose of the Visit
Jonathan’s visit aimed to:
Celebrate our achievements as an accredited National Main Street America program.
Engage with local community leadership.
Learn about revitalization trends happening across the country.
Gather tips to enhance the effectiveness of our local Main Street program.
Newton Main Street is evaluated annually by Main Street Iowa (Iowa Downtown Resource Center), which partners with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet six national performance standards. This ongoing evaluation helps ensure that we remain aligned with best practices in community revitalization.
Key Highlights
During Jonathan’s visit, we had the chance to connect with several key figures in our community. We spoke with Kayla Johnson, the owner of West Side Java Co., who shared her insights on local business growth. We also engaged with Kim Didier, Executive Director of DMACC Business Resource, regarding the ongoing development of Legacy Plaza Iowa.
A highlight of the visit was touring the Gray Moon Public Market, previously known as the Montgomery Wards building. We showcased our downtown area, highlighting recent streetscape improvements and building facade renovations. Additionally, we met with City Officials and members of the Main Street Board, along with dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and efforts to our initiatives.
Thank You
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time out of their day to make Jonathan’s visit both informative and successful. Your engagement is vital in our mission to revitalize and enhance Newton’s downtown.
