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Articles from Our Blog
Downtown Strong Grant January Update
We have calculated the numbers of the Downtown Strong grant, which are impressive. However, the important takeaway in the end is the impact. Good news is we don’t have to wait until the end of the Downtown Strong Grant program to see this impact in small businesses in Missouri communities.
 
Let’s look at The Rail 1868 Restaurant & Tavern in Lebanon, a new restaurant that received a Downtown Strong grant.
Chillicothe: Using Diversified Funding for Project Implementation
The path to $1 billion in public and private investment in Missouri Main Street downtown districts has been rich with diverse improvement projects funded by using various sources and funding options. Chillicothe’s use of available state financing options and pairing projects with local, private fundraising to complete large-scale projects provides a model for other Missouri Main Street communities. Two projects have really stood out using this funding model: Silver Moon Plaza and the purchase and renovation of the Main Street Building.
Missouri Main Street Connection: AARP Community Resiliency Project Overview
Missouri Main Street Connection Inc. (MMSC) partnered with AARP Missouri in awarding $5,000 to five selected communities including Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, Dutchtown Main Streets, Independence Square Association, Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization, and Clinton Main Street to make their resiliency projects, meant to inspire change and improve communities for all ages, a reality. As a result of the completion of these projects, each community has activated spaces in their communities, met the changes in evolving business climates, and bettered their downtowns while celebrating and encouraging inclusivity.
1st Quarter Maintenance Tips for 2022
Winter weather can wreak havoc on a building and if not maintained, can cause further long-term damage. In order to prevent expensive headaches in the future, building owners can take those simple steps to ensure the longevity of their building.
I SPY... GREAT WORK!
The winter holiday season can be full of family and community traditions. Families around Missouri partake in amazing activities that are a part of their holiday celebration and form memories for everyone old and young. Communities like Lee’s Summit deck out their downtown with lights throughout the district but especially their downtown Howard Station Park. Every year it is covered with candy canes hanging along the fence.
Upcoming Events
Community Empowerment Grant Workshop

Missouri Main Street Connection has seven Community Empowerment Grants to award in 2022. Visit our website to find out more, download the workshop flyer, and register to participate in these upcoming grant workshops.

Date: February 2, May 4, and August 17

Due to the forecasted inclement winter weather, the Community Empowerment Grant Workshop scheduled for February 2, 2022 will now be held virtually!
Fundraising Downtown Revitalization & Preservation Projects

Save the Date! Friday, April 1, 2022.

Missouri Main Street Connection’s spring 2022 quarterly workshop will be hosted in Joplin Missouri on April 1, 2022. This workshop will examine why preservation is valued in our communities and some of the ways we can financially achieve our preservation goals.

Preservation helps us protect irreplaceable buildings, monuments, places, and landscapes in our downtown districts. Main Street values what preservation represents in our communities, but preservation often has costs that discourage many from undertaking preservation projects. 

There will be multiple speakers sharing information on capital campaigns, estate planning and a grant program from the 1772 Foundation.

Registration and the workshop flyer will be available soon.
Main Street Opportunities
I SPY... GREAT WORK!
I Spy Great Works is your way to nominate a dedicated volunteer for MMSC's 2022 State Conference. Submissions are made through our website after being approved by the local Main Street Board. Nominations are open until April, 8 2022,
Main Street Resource Library
Ensure you are a Missouri Main Street investor to gain access to our Main Street Resource Library that hosts documents covering all areas of the Main Street Approach™.

Email Staci Cox at staci@momainstreet.org for more information about becoming an investor.
Main Street 101 Training
Main Street 101 is a free online training series that provides flexible training on the Main Street Approach™ for new board members, volunteers, staff, and city officials. This tool includes 40-45 minute long modules that can be used for volunteer development, committee training, and leadership development. The training series includes various resources and guides to help a Main Street program with further committee development. 
Congratulations To Those Certified In January!
Ben Hotz - Downtown Washington, Inc.
Natalie Cash - Downtown Washington, Inc.
Judy Vokac - Main Street Willow Springs
Lindsay Gagnon - Downtown Joplin Alliance
Donna Hulett - Missouri Resident
Emily McKinney - Old Town Cape, Inc.
Emily Zweifel - Old Town Cape, Inc.
Brenda Newbern - Old Town Cape, Inc.
This project has been funded in part by a grant from the Kemper Fund for Kansas and Missouri of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, USDA Rural Development, and Karen Bode Baxter.
Downloadables
Heritage Circle
Missouri Main Street Connection
is dedicated to creating and preserving
memories made by generations in our
historic downtowns.

You are invited to support Heritage Circle through a monetary donation. Your donation will have a lasting impact in the creation of memories in your community and many others. Your donation supports communities across Missouri and celebrates the importance of community culture, the value of local history, and embraces traditions that make each community irreplaceable.

Your donation can be made monthly or annually in whatever amount you choose. Please choose the frequency of your donation to Missouri Main Street Connection today by clicking on one of the buttons below.

As a gift of appreciation, you may receive an exclusively designed lapel pin, handmade ceramic mug, or other gifts that show our gratitude and your support in preserving your community.
Select Frequency Of Donation
Monthly Gift
One-Time Gift
YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Missouri Main Street Connection is a statewide, 501c3, not-for-profit organization and is the leading statewide nonprofit organization devoted to preservation-based economic development. Through the Main Street America® movement and our partners, we empower community revitalization by celebrating, supporting, and sustaining Missouri historic commercial districts in both rural and urban settings.
Thank you to our January Investors:
Missouri Main Street Connection | 417-334-3014 | info@momainstreet.org | momainstreet.org
Missouri Main Street Connection is a statewide, 501c3, not-for-profit organization committed to fostering renewed vitality and sustainability in historic commercial districts across the state of Missouri.
Missouri Main Street Connection is an equal opportunity organization.