Economic Vitality

Economic Vitality focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.

 

The goal is to build a commercial district that responds to the needs of today's consumers.  Activities of this division include, among others: Market Analysis, welcoming new businesses, business inventory, business classes, one-on-one consultations, and free assistance from Main Street Iowa business specialists.

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Main Street Matters Chair:  Laura Eastwood

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Promotion

Promotion positions the downtown or commercial district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics. Our Promotion Team communicates the commercial district's unique characteristics, business establishments and activities to shoppers, investors, potential business and property owners and visitors through advertising, retail promotions, special events and marketing campaigns.

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Committee Chair: Morgan Fitzgerald and Mary Kay Daniel

Design

Design supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart. It takes advantage of the visual opportunities inherent in a commercial district by directing attention to all its physical elements: public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, parking areas, street furniture, public art, landscaping merchandising, window displays and promotional materials. 

 

Design activities also include instilling good maintenance practices in the commercial district.  Enhancing the districts' physical appearance through the rehabilitation of historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, educating business and property owners about design quality and long-term planning are all a part of Design. 

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Committee Chair: Jim Hosek

Organization

Organization involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district. By getting everyone working toward the same goal, the Main Street program can provide effective, ongoing management and advocacy for the downtown business district.

Communications

Communications supports overall comprehensive marketing and communications strategies. The Communications Committee partners with the Executive Director to oversee a consistent and active communication strategy to all stakeholders for the purposes of program messaging, fundraising, awareness and branding.

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Committee Chair: Ron Grebner

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Fundraising

Friendraising is a primary function of our Fundraising Team, creating collaborations to strengthen Main Street Fort Dodge efforts and in turn increasing vibrancy in the district.  We build partnerships by collaborating between many organizations, across the public and private spectrum.By getting everyone working toward the same goal, the Main Street program can provide effective, ongoing management and advocacy for the downtown business district.

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