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Main Street: Awards & Accomplishments
Since it's designation in 1997 as a Kansas Main Street Community, the community reinvestment into McPherson Main Street has resulted in a significant economic impact on the community. During this time the Main Street organization and its' members have also received many Kansas Main Street awards.
Statistics (as of Sep 2008)
| $2,355,402 |
Spent on 68 facade renovations |
| $7,026,468 |
Spent on 78 building rehabilitation projects and new construction |
| $4,019,560 |
Spent on 33 buildings sold in the downtown area |
| $2,812,277 |
Spent on 54 public improvements |
| 28 |
Net gain of businesses |
| 84 |
New jobs |
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From 1997, when we began as Main Street, through Dec 2008 we have issued 5 grants totalling $63,665 and 11 IWW 0% interest loans totalling $97,483. Already in 2009 we have loaned $40,000, 0% loans on two current projects. |
| $16,213,657 |
Total Reinvestment |
Awards
2009 Kansas Main Street Awards:
 Kansas Lt. Gov Troy Findley presenting the Kansas Dept of Commerce Main Street Award for “Excellence in Architectural Design” to Chuck & Taryn Vetter for their upper story renovation at 123 N Main Street. The Vetter’s recognition, reuse and restoration of many existing materials and architectural elements played a significant role in the resulting space, which is absolutely beautiful. Their vision and the outstanding results give a positive example of how older spaces can be re-invented and still retain the integrity of their original history. They utilized the Incentives Without Walls funding through Main Street as an additional funding source and worked closely with local contractors to complete the project.
 Kansas Lt. Gov Troy Findley presenting the Kansas Dept of Commerce Main Street Award for “Excellence in Promotion” to Main Street Executive Director Ann Engel, Board member Sandy Ide, Promotion Committee member Jennifer Bonham, Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Burch and CVB Executive Director Anne Hassler. The award recognizes an outstanding special event designed to draw people to downtown and the community and give them a positive impression of the area. The combined efforts of Main Street, the Chamber and the CVB in the “Home for the Holidays” promotion was applauded as many communities do not have such a close working relationship between these entities. The Christmas Light Trolley tours, Thursday night activities and the advertising co-op package were also recognized as primary elements in the success of this promotion.
 Kansas Lt. Gov Troy Findley presenting the Kansas Dept of Commerce Main Street Award for “Excellence in Business Development” to Main Street Executive Director Ann Engel, Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Burch and CVB Executive Director Anne Hassler, for the success of their business seminars. Through the joint efforts of these three entities, they successfully presented seminars on Professional Customer Service Training, USDA Rural Development Energy for America, Food Safety at Your Fundraising Events, NetWork Kansas Resources for Starting or Growing Your Business, Social Media to Bridge the Gap to Reach a New Customer Base, and organized a round table discussion between the local colleges and the retail merchants to determine how to entice the students to shop locally.
Past Award winners:
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Sears, N. Main St. |
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Fruits of the Spirit, 120 N. Main St. |
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Artshirt, 211 N. Main St. |
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Old Muffin Factory, 317 S. Main St. |
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