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Emporia Main Street Calendar of Events |  | |
March 7
Emporia Main Street Board of Directors Meeting
8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office.
March 14
Promotions Committee Meeting
8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office
Design Committee
noon in the Emporia Main Street office
March 17
St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Emporia
March 21
Emporia Main street Board of Directors Meeting
8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office.
March 27
Quarter Mania
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. the event starts at 6:30 p.m.
at the Granada Theatre
March 28
Business Enhancement Committee Meeting
8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office
Home Based Business Meeting
12:30 p.m. in the Emporia Main Street office.
April 1-4
National Main Street Conference- Baltimore, MD
April 13-15
Glass Blown Open Disc Golf Tournament by Dynamic Discs
April 14
Moonlight Madness
7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in downtown Emporia
April 26-27
Kansas Main Street Quarterly Training, Dodge City
April 21
The Taste
Civic Auditorium
May 19
Downtown Car Show by the Flatland Cruisers
June 2
The Dirty Kanza
June 9th
Symphony in the Flint Hills
Do you have an upcoming event for your business or organization? Let Emporia Main Street know and we may include it on our upcoming calendars!
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| General Level Members | |
AKA Marketing/The Sports Fan
Amanda's Bakery
Applebee's
Ash, LLC.
Atherton & Huth Attorney at Law
Barden & Thompson
Bath Expressions
Bennett Dental Group
Best Western Hospitality House
Brown's Shoe Fit Co.
C & J Woodworks
Cable One
Cable One Advertising
Capitol Federal
Cassell Insurance
Chester Press, Inc.
Clark Carpet & Tile
Coffelt Sign Co.
Commercial Street Diner
Complete Works
Country Mart/Price Chopper
Dan's Hands
Dorsey & Wise Family Eye Care
Douglas Chiropractic Center
Dynamic Disks
Emporia Chamber of Commerce
Emporia State Federal Credit Union
ESU Memorial Union
E-Town Solutions
First Community Bank
Flint Hills Eye Care Associates
Flint Hills Lanes
Flint Hills Music
Flint Hills Tech College
Flint Hills Mall
Forget Me Not Productions
Four Seasons Apartments
Furniture Loft
Genesis Health Club
George Groh & Sons
Gerald Schumann Electric
Glendo
Granada Coffee Company
Granada Plaza & Lofts
Graves Drug Store
Hair Krafters
Helbert & Allemang Attorney's at Law
High Gear Cyclery
Hornet Residential
IM Design Group
Inno-Vest Corporation
Java Cat 5
Jimmy John's
Kansas Radio 96.1 The Wave
Kari's Diamonds by Design
KISS 103.1
Krueger & Williams Law Office
L & L Pets
Little Acorns
Little Caesers Pizza
Lyon County State Bank
Lyon County Title
Marion National Bank
Mark II Lumber
Mathis Physical Therapy
McDonald's on 6th Ave.
McKinzie Pest Control
Menu Foods Midwest Corp.
Midas Touch Golden Tans
Modern Air Conditioning
Mr. Sisters Sweets
Muckenthaler, Inc.
Nature's Paradise
Navrat's Office Products
Pizza Ranch
Plum Bazaar
Poehler Mercantile
Pool & Wright
Prairie Sage Apartments
Prairie Land Partners
Pro Cuts
Redi Upholstry
Redline Trucking
Ru Yi
Sauder Custom Fabrication
Scheller's Lawn & Landscape
Simmons Pet Food
SS Graham Insurance Agency
Stanley Jewelry
Studio 11
Subway
Sunflower Gymnastics
Symmonds & Symmonds Attorney at Law
The Help Desk
The Henrikson Team
The Medicine Shoppe
The Sweet Granada
The Villiger
The White Rose Inn
Thompson Auto Repair
Toso Appraisal Service
Total Technology, LLC
Town Crier Bookstore
Town Royal
Verona Grill and Pizzeria
Wash House
Water's True Value
Westar Energy
Wheat State Pizza
Williams Automotive
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| Non-Profit Level Members | |
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Community Theatre of Emporia
Corner House
Emporia Arts Council
Emporia Farmer's Market
Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance
Emporia High School Future Business Leaders of America
Emporia Public Library
ESU Foundation
Small Business Development Center
First Presbyterian Church
Flint Hills Optimists Club
Jayhawk Area Council (Scouts)
Lyon County Historical Society
National Teachers Hall of Fame
Plumb Place
The United Way |
| Home Based Level Members | |
Boyzen Bunny Fiber Arts- Tracey Graham
Energy Innovators
Family Jewels-
Leticia Rust
Gold Canyon Candle- Stephanie Morgan
Green Door Recycling- Amy Becker
Independant Longaberger Consultant- Judith Dieker
Interdependent Web- Ben Stallings
Joe the Furniture Doctor- Joe Kurzen
Kynda Kreative- Amanda Mendoza
Mary Kay- Brenda Braynard
Pampered Chef- Chelsea Gerleman
Patti Cakes- Patti Lipson
Paula's Creations
Paula Roper
Premier Designs Jewelry- Nikki Simmons
RossTography
Mike Ross
Scentsy- Deann Rose
Scentsy- Kelly Long
Stampin-Up
Darcy Johnson
Tastefully Simple- Vanessa Apodaca
Thirty-One Gifts
Linsey Hopkins
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| Individual Supporters | |
Anne Strobel
Brad Harzman
Dale and Carolyn Davis
Erin Woods
Fred and Patricia Gilligan
Julie Johnson
Kayla Oney
Mark & Amy McAnarney
Mary & Tim Helmer
Matt & Val Zimmerman
Pam & Fred Stephenson
Peggy Mast
Rob Gilligan
Sue Blechl
Tyler and Melanie Curtis
Victoria Partridge |
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Emporia Main Street E- Newsletter |
Greetings!
Thank you for supporting Emporia Main Street. |
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St. Patrick's Day Activities
For information on the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 17th at 1:00 p.m. in downtown Emporia, CLICK HERE!
Click HERE for the release form
The Granada Theatre will have a series of events associated with St. Patrick's Day!
The Granada will be open Noon to 4 o'clock on St. Patrick's Day.
This is what will happen:
$2 green beer draws
$2 dollar Fanestil hot dogs
The Rest of the bar is open.
This is a social event (just like a bar) with Looney Toons and music playing in the background. |
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Glass Blown Open and Moonlight Madness
Click HEREfor more information on the Glass Blown Open Disc Golf Tournament
On Saturday, April 14th, we will have our next late night shopping event from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Glass Blown Open Players Party. So far, the following businesses have agreed to stay open late:
The Emporia Arts Council
AKA The Sports Fan
The Rainy Rose
Total Technologies
Jimmy Johns
The Sweet Granada
The Granada Coffee Company
Stampin Up
Dyanmic Discs
Kynda Kreative
Furniture Loft
Plum Bazaar
Family Jewels
L & L Pets
Pampered Chef
KISS 103.1 FM
Joe the Furniture Doctor
Scentsy
Java Cat
Dan's Hands
Paula's Creations
Brown's Shoe Fit
Longaberger
Water's True Value
Town Crier
Stanley Jewelry
Do you want to open late and take advantage of the opportunities that several hundred disc golfers and community member shoppers provide? Contact Emporia Main Street! |
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The Taste is April 21 at the Civic Auditorium in Downtown Emporia. Last year, we sold out of Tickets... We want to make sure that YOU have the first chance to purchase Taste Tickets, so you can either contact the Emporia Main Street office, or click HERE for the on-line purchase option! |
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Great Emporia Mainstreet Race
April 14, 2012
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION!!!
If you are interested in participating in this fantastic promotion please contact Don at KISS 103.1 FM by emailing him at don@mytown-media.com or by phone at 620-875-9442.
If we have more than 50 Emporia Mainstreet Businesses we will increase the amount of the cash prizes. If we have less than 50, the cash prize will reflect 100% of the businesses $200 promotion registration.
Call or email now to be included in this huge Emporia promotion.
Don Schlesselman
Station Manager
KISS 103.1 FM
Emporia's #1 Hit Music Station
541A Sherman
Emporia KS 66801
(620) 343-6144 office
(620) 875-9442 cell
www.kiss1031.net
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Lets add some CONTEXT
One of the ways people decide on business placement sites is a number called a "traffic count". This statistic measures the amount of vehicular traffic that travels through a particular area on a daily basis. While this number may serve as a good starting point for business placement, it doesn't tell the whole story (or even most of it). For placement success from a traffic perspective, we need to dig a lot deeper and find the unique quirks that exist within a local area. One statistic does not fit all... Click HERE for the Emporia Traffic Count Map.
Speed- What do you notice at 80 mph? How about 65? 45? 30? Did you know at speeds of 40 miles per hour and up, a driver's field of vision is almost entirely restricted to the roadway? As you continue to go faster, your eye absorbs less periphery information. At speeds of 30 miles an hour and less, you are able to pick up close periphery images readily. Usage of technology, like mobile phones, can cut a person's field of visual perception in half. This is one reason why downtowns are encouraged to have consistent "set backs" that allows traffic to spot store fronts and static signs. You may have higher traffic counts on an interstate, but visual data suggests that unless you have a massive complex, drivers may not notice you at all at high speed.
Alternative Traffic- Traffic means more than just cars. Pedestrian traffic, bike traffic, public transportation and mixed housing also generate significant consumer counts that are ignored by traditional statistical auto traffic analysis. As gas prices continue to fluctuate, alternative types of transportation will continue to grow in popularity. Think how many bikes you see on the road today as opposed to just a few years ago... The slower speeds and cross shopping opportunities provided by alternative transportation mean more opportunities to market your products and services more effectively.
Daytime/Night Time population- When is your business open? Now, what is the population of your immediate area during your business hours? This seems like an odd question, but think about it: more suburbanized areas of the community tend to "empty" during the day and return after work at night. Areas around job centers tend to increase their daytime populations dramatically during standard business hours. So, if you have a business that depends on daytime traffic, you might want that business located around areas where a lot of people hang out during the day... Of course, you have to target those individuals to effectively market your products or services, but if you have a few thousand people at Emporia State University, or job centers like the Courthouse, the City offices or other densely populated areas, these populations should give you access to potential consumers. In addition, the proximity to housing could provide you with night time consumers. Upper story housing, dense housing options and night time events in an area can help drive consumers to your door.
Nodes and Clusters- This element is, without a doubt, the hardest  placement option for people to understand. Regardless of traffic counts, node and cluster placement asks "does your business fit-in within an area?" Are their complimentary businesses within the area, are their competitors, are their shared demographics and would your business exist in an area where businesses cooperate instead of seeking market dominance? Being close to competitors is generally a good thing, because when the consumer feels they have choices they are generally more willing to spend. Proximity to shared demographics also allows a business to market to likely customers. While human nature is to avoid locating your business in an area with perceived competition or complimentary businesses, significant consumer evidence exists that indicates placing a business within close proximity to competition or complimentary businesses can help boost sales. Think of areas where several antique stores exist... They become a "district" that encourages more traffic because customers have more choices.
In addition to what you sell, Nodes and Cluster development encourages you to locate close to similarly structured businesses. Simply put, independently owned businesses and franchises operate well together, but chain businesses and independently owned businesses in very close proximity can cause problems. The differences in marketing materials, hours and "vibe" can be problematic for both business types, hurting everyone in the process. Make sure your placement plan includes locating in proximity of people that emulate your core concepts. Also, make sure that you are utilizing a building with a history that doesn't cause a conflict with your concept. An empty funeral home may provide a beautiful building, but converting it to a restaurant could provide some consumer thoughts that aren't helpful to your business concept...
Cost vs. Benefit- Why don't businesses simply look at the highest traffic count and say "I'm locating there"? Outside of some of the reasons listed above is a cost versus benefit analysis. What type of overhead can your business absorb? In many areas, rent simply covers building rental. In traffic areas with buildings owned by out-of-town interests, you may incur a "triple-net-lease" arrangement that requires payments for property taxes, building maintenance, snow removal, and even a percentage of your monthly sales. Look at the cost of an area, and then determine if it offers you the value you need for the location.
Trend analysis- Most people have heard the phrase "buy low and sell high". The same thing applies to business placement. Are things improving in the area where you are seeking a business placement? Are things on a downward slide? Do traffic trends suggest an increase in customer exposure over time? Are the businesses in your area controlled locally, or are your neighbors subject to the whims of an out-of-state corporate office? Are their new programs or services in an area that can improve your proximity over time? Are their stationary "anchors" that drive traffic and won't move, or are things more fluid? Projecting trends is difficult, but businesses need to ask themselves these questions when making placement decisions.
The more we all understand about the nuances of business  placement, the more we can all get involved in helping our existing businesses, potential entrepreneurs and out-of-town recruits succeed. Different types of businesses are simply built to succeed in different environments. With a little more understanding of these complex issues, we can redevelop many existing areas of Emporia and create the density needed to improve our existing building inventory and commercial environment. At Main Street, we recognize that the single most powerful tool in community development is YOU. The more information we can provide you, the more you can aid in redevelopment. We won't sit back and say "we're the experts, so just let us handle it" because that short sighted mind set discounts the importance of an involved/informed community. And, when it comes to issues as complex as redevelopment, its good to add a little context.
Do you want to know the traffic counts in your city? Click HERE!
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Did you know? Answers to YOUR questions...
Last week, we met with partners about the upcoming Glass Blown Open disc golf tournament, we made a presentation to the Chamber
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March 15th, come to the Start Your Own Business Class graduation and a celebration of the completion of the Historic District at ERG (608 Commercial from 7-9 p.m.! |
of Commerce concerning a community mobile application, we met with city management on several upcoming development issues, we spoke with area media about several upcoming events, we met with the Small Business Development Center about a recruitment packet we are compiling, we met with elements of Emporia State University about marketing/student recruitment (and wrote a marketing piece for ESU), we met with a couple of local businesses to help them through some growing pains, we met with the East Side Community group to talk about community resources, we met with a representative from ESU to discus participation in the mobile application group, we met with AMAI to get an update on CID III, we attended a Start Your Own Business Class, and we manned a booth at the Kansas Hunting and Fishing Expo at Flint Hills Mall on Saturday and Sunday. Whew! It was a crazy week, but we got some good questions from all of you!
1. "How can we improve our advertising (marketing)?" From a new member. I think one of the most common errors in advertising is the full concentration on "events" or "pricing" based advertising strategies. Price is one of many components that people cite when choosing a business. Others, like service, knowledge, product depth and business philosophy also strongly influence the decisions of consumers. Unfortunately, that type of "branding" based advertising is ignored by many companies. Think for a moment about why people shop with you. Make a list, talk to your customers and then advertise who you actually are and the real differences you make in the life of your customers in plausible scenarios that your customers understand. Not only will that allow you to encourage the sale of regularly priced products and services, but it will encourage more consistent buying patters and create the opportunity for more stable media campaigns. I mean, you don't just hear from Emporia Main Street during membership drive...
2. "How are Taste Ticket sales going?" From a lot of people. Quickly. We've sold more tickets on-line than ever before, and tickets are moving FAST. For the tickets sold on-line, we are reserving your tickets at the door, we also have tickets available through Emporia Main Street Board Members and at select business locations, or you can stop by the Emporia Main Street office. Last year, we sold out and, although we warned people that a sell out was eminent, we had to turn last minute ticket buyers away at the door. Let me just say that ticket sales are going MUCH faster this year. So, if you want a ticket to The Taste on April 21, at the Civic Auditorium, I suggest you purchase them soon. Tickets are $35 each. This isn't a sales ploy, I just hate to see people disappointed that they missed out on this fun event. CLICK HERE FOR ON-LINE ORDER OPTIONS (Must be 21 or older to enter The Taste).
3. "Why did you write a marketing piece for ESU?" From a volunteer. Well, they asked. Bill Noblitt in Marketing asked me to produce a piece that highlighted the community for potential students and their parents. Emporia State University is an important part of Emporia. We can either sit back and tell people what we think they should do, or we can take an active role in improving the tools necessary to grow the University. Through the Welcome Back Block Party, meeting with student groups, creating student centered events, including students on committees, creating student surveys and working to market existing events to ESU, we've shown an active commitment towards improving community and ESU ties. This effort is simply another step towards reaching the goal of a growing student population.
4. "What the heck are we going to do about these pigeons?" From building owners, businesses and consumers. The City of Emporia researched several options to seriously diminish the pigeon population in Emporia. I think we're all aware of the health hazards, building damage and unsightliness that pigeons can cause, and Main Street supports removing pigeons for those reasons. In the near future, you will hear of program options to significantly reduce pigeon populations in Emporia. Some of this work will undoubtedly require the cooperation of building owners and support from the general public. I think it's wonderful that the City is looking at effective solutions to this growing problem, and I hope everyone can support our city leaders in pigeon reduction programs.
5. "Why are you out here?" From someone that stopped by the Main Street booth at the Hunting and Fishing Expo this weekend. We were asked, and its a good opportunity to highlight our community, our member businesses and encourage repeat visitors. Jose Feleciano (the Mall Manager) and I talk on a fairly consistent basis, and both of us understand the necessity of emphasizing the redevelopment of pre-existing commercial areas. The Flint Hills Mall is a member of Emporia Main Street, and our policy is we try and help every member with problems or opportunities they set before us. At the Hunting and Fishing Expo, we were able to pass out Main Street dining guides that highlight member restaurants (they were very popular with out-of-town crowds), coupon flyers that showcased upcoming events/local businesses, we answered several community questions and we got the opportunity to make some connections for potential businesses and redevelopment projects that we might not have made otherwise. Simply put, we interacted with a lot of people to showcase all of you, and that's why we attended. In addition, the people that ran the event did a wonderful job, and this growing Expo will continue to highlight Emporia for years to come. |
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The volunteers, members and staff of Emporia Main Street are working extremely hard to improve our business climate and build a successful community. In short, we are working hard FOR YOU! We appreciate your support, and we will continue to aggressively pursue opportunities to benefit our membership in the future. Because, as we all know: small steps lead to BIG impacts!
Have a question? Submit it to the Emporia Main Street office and we'll do our best to help you! |
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