Emporia Main Street
E-Newsletter
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Greetings!
We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and are looking forward to a Happy New Year! It was quite a year in Emporia, and with your support we are looking forward to an even better 2015!!! |
Join the Radius Brewing Company "Speakeasy" Party for New Years! There are a total of 75 available. They can be picked up at the brewery, or may be purchased via phone at 620-208-HOPS during business hours. Outside of business hours contact Radius Brewing Company via email, [email protected] or private message them on facebook to make arrangements. |
Other New Years Happenings:
Join us New Year's Eve! Drink specials from 8:00 p.m. to Close on our classic cocktails such as Old Fashioneds, Martinis and our signature Auld Lang Syne as well as others! We will also have beer specials all evening, including a Stella Artois glass give away! Spend New Year's Eve downtown!
Waters True Value will be open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on New Years Day.
The Beauty Bar is doing a sale on beauty retail select shampoos, conditioners, styling aids and body lotions up to 75% off. The salon has some pampering spa packages on sale too and $25 chocolate and strawberry pedicures.
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Arm Knitting
Nothing sounds cozier in winter than sweaters and scarves! In this class, learn how to knit using just your arms! Bring 3 skeins of a bulky weight yarn to class and leave with a completed project.
Cost: $22
Instructor: Erin Woods
Schedule: Wednesday, Jan. 7th, 6-8:00pm
WordPress for Beginners - Sponsored by IM Design Group
WordPress is a powerful tool that can be used for everything from writing and sharing blogs to creating state-of-the-art websites and much, much more. This class will give you the tools to build your own blog or website, using the popular (and free!) WordPress platform. In this class, you'll learn how to design your own blog/website, how to pick a domain name, what WordPress plugins and widgets are, and how to use them. By the end of the class, you can have your own brand-new, modern website up and running.
Note: Students may bring their own laptops to work along, or simply watch the presentation and take notes.
Cost: $45
Instructor: Brandon Stiner
Schedule: Tues/Thurs, Jan 13 & 15, 6:00-8:00pm
Bollywood Dancing
Students will learn new moves every week to incorporate into a dance performed together. By the end of the class they will have learned one modern Bollywood dance which incorporates some traditional folk dance elements and will be able to do it well. This is very aerobic exercise, high intensity that pack a punch so wear comfortable clothing and get ready to rock. Jayashree is a classical Indian dancer with 30+ years experience. She also has training in folk dance and is familiar with Bollywood dance.
Cost: $35
Instructor: Jayashree George
Schedule: Wednesdays, Jan 14-Feb 4, from 6-7:30
Beginning Computer and Internet Basics
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? This interactive, hands-on computer class is geared toward beginners. Students will create a solid foundation and master basic computer skills like navigation, desktop settings and file management. Using the Internet and e-mail programs will also be covered. Limited to 10 students; enroll today!
Cost: $35
Instructor: Gwen Clements
Schedule:Tuesday &Thursdays, Jan 20, 22, and 27, 6:00-8:00pm
To enroll please visit https://flinthills.augusoft.net/ or call 620-341-1392.
Amy Becker
Director of Sustainability & Community Education
Flint Hills Technical College
620-341-1392
[email protected]
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Learn more about local amenities, organizations, businesses, events and more with the E-Town Mobile App! The ETown App is a joint project among Emporia State University, Flint Hills Technical College, USD 253, The Emporia Gazette, the City of Emporia, the Emporia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Emporia Main Street.
For IPhone Users, click here:
For Android Users, click here:
For the iPad Version, click here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/e-town-app-emporia-kansas/id712001984?mt=8
For the Web Version, click here:
www.etownapp.com
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Property Availability Guide
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For property owners with property available for rent or sale, this is a free service to collect information and post it on the Emporia Main Street Web Site. With other market information available, we hope this site makes it easier for potential businesses and property developers to find spaces they need.
CLICK HERE to enter information about your available property and view previously submitted information.
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Business Investment Guide
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Do you know a business that should locate in Emporia? Maybe you know an entrepreneur looking for resources or a business owner looking to expand? The Business Investment Guide is community information designed to help you point your contacts in the right direction!
CLICK HERE for the INVESTMENT GUIDE
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Year In Review
A series of "firsts" in 2014
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Emporia Main Street is a results oriented organization. The culture of measurable activities that push for community growth has been fostered by you, our membership, since the inception of the program in 1991. Each year, we look back briefly to assess what was accomplished during the calender year, and we utilize your feedback to help determine how to improve in future years. So, let's cover some of what the volunteers of Emporia Main Street accomplished in 2014. You ask us to constantly push the envelope, so let's just look at the new things accomplished in 2014, and we'll cover everything else in a January newsletter...
The New-
E-Community- Emporia Main Street worked with Network Kansas to establish the Lyon County E-Community. This zero interest loan fund can be used anywhere in Lyon County, and $96,000 were loaned out of the account in 2014 for one business start up and two business expansions. The majority of the loan funds were issued outside of downtown, but within the city limits of Emporia.
Tanker Tough- Emporia Main Street worked with the Freedom Fest Committee to establish an obstacle course following the traditional Freedom Fest bike ride and 5K. Freedom Fest funds go to support the local All Veteran's Memorial. Tanker Tough funds help families of local deployed reserve unit members. The event raised $1,000 to assist local families in the first year.
Preservation Conference- Emporia served as the host city for the Kansas Preservation Alliance for the first time. We helped coordinate speakers, venues and other conference activities. Members of the KPA were impressed with what Emporia has to offer, and we were assured the conference will be back in Emporia soon.
How It's Made Tour- This new event introduces community members to businesses that actually produce items. Our first tour consisted of Complete Works, The Sweet Granada and Uncommon Threads. Participants saw an increase in business as a function of their improved exposure, and the most popular question among consumers was "when can we do this again?"
Veteran's Banners- After Ron Slaymaker and Dr. Kevin Coulson brought the concept of lamp post banners that honored active duty personnel in military base communities, Emporia Main Street partnered with the Freedom Fest Committee to "tweak" the concept to highlight veterans and reach out to the community for sponsors. We hoped for forty banner sponsors, and we ended up with 104. The City of Emporia helped us procure more banner brackets, the Public Works Department did an amazing job placing banners and improving infrastructure and the local media helped get the word out. Social Media buzz led to regional news stories and national attention. Over 30,000 people were reached on social media platforms about the project, people visited downtown Emporia from other states to view the banners and we have an extensive waiting list for next years expansion of the project.
Shop Hop- The concept of a quick retail based event that utilized lanyards was brought to us by Gwen Longbine, who saw a similar event in Lawrence. Shop Hops are a new tool that gives us the opportunity to pull in participants of local conferences, reunions or other activities and converts visitors to shoppers.
Community Initiated Development Plan Adoption- The CID process started in 2006, but the downtown master plan component was adopted by the City of Emporia in 2014. The recommendations within the plan are designed to increase development and improve the community core. Less than a year old, the CID plan already has it's first "win" with a $4.5 million development project, and others on the way.
Historic Playing Cards- Special Projects Coordinator, Lauren Woolard, developed a series of sponsorship driven historic playing cards designed to improve community pride and showcase local history and architecture. Even though a VERY large quantity of the cards were ordered, we are almost completely out of stock, making this a very successful promotional idea.
Flint Hills Economic Development District formation- After a few years of planning, the City of Emporia and Lyon County are now a part of a regional approach to economic development. Emporia Main Street staff is part of the Executive Committee for the FHEDD, and we anticipate some exciting developments from this organization in 2015.
In the News- Emporia Main Street and Main Street activities were featured in two major news publications this year. Both Parade Magazine and the Wall Street Journal featured positive news stories. Parade focused on downtown redevelopment in Emporia, and the Wall Street Journal highlighted our first successful crowdfunding activity with Radius Brewing Company.
New Events- Downtown event activities continue to grow, and community members flock to the heart of their community for new events. Emporia Main Street was able to work with Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow (HOTT) to bring Cinco de Mayo activities downtown for the first time. Cinco de Mayo was on the same day as the Glass Blown Open Block Party (that continues to grow) and the two events will see more blending in 2015. We assisted with the Trilogy Open Disc Golf Tournament, sponsored by Dynamic Discs and, with new ownership involved in Flint Hills Music, we saw the return of Live in the Lot.
New Businesses and Developments- Although we will focus on new businesses with our quarterly reporting in January, we saw some major movement on establishing new market trending this year. Radius Brewing Company opened, Dynamic Discs added a 20,000 square foot distribution facility, SEARS occupied a large vacant historic building, new gift shops like the Little Red Rooster opened, clothing options like Studio 50-4 and Rockin' Accessories expanded and more Start Your Own Business graduates, like the owners of the Disciple Shoppe, moved into store fronts. Store fronts were remodeled, necessary aesthetic repair work was completed and a major new development (the Chelsea Lofts) was announced. We will focus more on economic impacts in a January e-news.
New studies resulted in new community tools- Research conducted by Emporia Main Street Intern Hillary Becker helped create a basis for the Chronically Vacant Property Ordinance passed by the City of Emporia. An economics student from Emporia State University helped create a gravity based market model that better defines our market opportunities. We started a new research project with Emporia State University in 2014 that could give our area a competitive advantage by enhancing crowd funding efforts.
Upper Story Enhancements- A LOT of upper story window coverings were removed this year, old lamp posts were painted, alleys were cleaned up, dilapidated housing was removed ( and is still being removed) and entire facades were revitalized. For those people that have been gone for a while, we hear a lot of "wow" comments. We have a long way to go aesthetically, but we've come a long way.
We are undoubtedly leaving some new things out, but I hope this brief list shows that we are working hard to innovate and push new projects through that benefit the area. Emporia Main Street volunteers donated over 12,000 man hours last year at a variety of events and activities to generate new economic vitality. What were your favorite "new" items? What can we do better? What are your ideas to make 2015 more successful? Contact the Emporia Main Street office and share your thoughts, because we work for you!
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Did you know???
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Last week we continued to work on expanding the Lyon County E-Community Loan fund, worked with a new business downtown, helped with some Taste sponsorship planning, worked with a local merchant trying to raise funds for more ESU Scholarships, met with a local business looking to diversify its partnership structure and started several "end of year" processes in the office. Thank you to all of our members and supporters for a productive 2014. All of the holiday feedback we receive means we get some good questions from all of you
1. "How was the Christmas season for everyone?"- From a volunteer. We are still getting feedback from merchants, and whenever you have as many member businesses as you see in Emporia Main Street there will be some variability. However, we have been able to spot some trends in the people we have talked to. Traffic seemed to be up across the board. We heard from a lot of area shoppers that they made local shopping more of an emphasis this year, and both consumers and businesses pointed to more (and more consistent) traffic patterns. We can always do a better job in promotion, and we appreciate any feedback you can give us so we can improve the shopping environment next year.
2. "What's the next big thing coming up at Main Street?" From a city official. We are already working on this year's Start Your Own Business Class, and we recently received a sponsor for the class through ESB Financial. This partnership between the Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University, Flint Hills Technical College and Emporia Main Street has helped start or expand 44 area businesses (soon to be 45, stay tuned...). ESB Financial's involvement will encourage certain expansions of the program and greater accessibility. We have a few new businesses opening up within the next couple of months, we start planning for several LARGE events and we have some big new initiatives that are starting in 2015. It's going to be a big year for Emporia, and the next few weeks will help kick off some cool new projects.
3. "Did you really buy everything in town?" From an acquaintance of mine. I happened to mention via social media that I did all of my Christmas shopping in Emporia. I can't remember a time when I haven't done all of my Christmas shopping in Emporia, but I usually don't post about it. I do have some family members outside of Emporia that make purchases for my family and me in different communities, but I've always thought that if I was going to encourage people to shop local I had better "walk my talk". The crazy thing is, it's not like shopping local and finding items for the people on my Christmas list in town is difficult. Actually, I knocked most of my shopping out in a day. Again, not everyone will shop in town and I get that, but I also understand that advocacy comes with a responsibility to adhere to the standard you are advocating for.
4. "Have you heard anything about the future of Fort Riley?" From a local businessman. Yes. As spending cuts are made at the federal level and missions of different agencies are realigned, many governmental institutions (including military bases) are being looked at for potential down-sizing. Prior to anything happening on a downsizing front, the general public is asked for feedback, and you will have an opportunity to get involved with the feedback process, should you choose. Please see the event information for a public assessment below:
The Flint Hills Regional Council invites you to a planning and strategy meeting for the February 9, 2015 Fort Riley Community Listening Session. The Army is considering force reductions at Fort Riley as well as other installations around the country, and the Listening Session is an opportunity for the community to provide input to visiting Army leadership as to the unique ways our community contributes to the mission of Fort Riley and the Army.
Your attendance at this meeting is critical to the success of the listening session, and we look forward to your participation.
CLICK HERE for time and location information.
5. "What was Emporia Main Street's biggest success in 2014?" From a volunteer. Really, my thoughts on this subject are immaterial. As I explained to the individual that asked, success is in the eye of the beholder, but the question did make me want to ask all of you: What do you think Emporia Main Street's greatest success in 2014 was? Please e-mail us at [email protected] Your feedback will help us in our never ending quest to be more proactive and find ways to better fill your needs.
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President's Circle
Emporia Realty Group
www.emporiarealtygroup.com
608 Commercial
620-412-9850
IM Design Group
www.imdesigngroup.com
17 W. 5th
620-343-3909
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541 Sherman
www.kiss103.1.net
620-343-6144
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Emporia Main Street Calendar of Events
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January 7th
Board of Directors Meeting
8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office.
January 9th
Board Christmas Party
January 14th
Promotions Meeting
8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office.
Design Meeting
Noon in the Emporia Main Street office.
January 21
Board of Directors Meeting
8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office
January 28
Business Enhancement Meeting
8:00 a.m. In the Emporia Main Street office
February 3- March 12
Start Your Own Business Class
Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6-9 p.m. at the Flint Hills Technical College Main Campus
March 29-April 2
National Main Street Conference
April 18
The Taste
April 28- May 3
Glass Blown Open
May 2
Cinco de Mayo and Glass Blown Open Block Party
Noon to 10:00 p.m.
May 16
Flatland Cruisers Car Show
May 30
The Dirty Kanza
For more community event listings, please visit:
www.etownapp.com
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
Amish Woodworks
Applebees
Ash LLC
Atherton & Huth
Bank of America
Bath Expressions
The Beauty Bar
Ben Moore Studio
Bennett Dental Group
BG Consultants
BLI Rentals
Bluestem Farm and Ranch
Brown's Shoe Fit
Bruff's Bar and Grill
C & J Woodworks
Candlewood Suites
Capitol Federal
Cassell Insurance
Chester Press
Clark Carpet and Tile, Inc.
Coffelt Sign Co.
Complete Works
Country Mart/Price Chopper
Dan's Hands Massage
Davis Paints
Disciple Shoppe
Dorsey Eye Care
Douglas Chiropractic
Dr. Kerri Thompson, DDS
Dynamic Discs
Eastwood Lake Apartments
Eclectic Bikes
Ek Real Estate
Emporia Construction and Remodeling
Emporia Radio Stations: KVOE, 104.9 & 101.7
Emporia State Federal Credit Union
E-Town Solutions
ESU Memorial Union
Evergreen Design-Build
Flint Hills Eye Care
Flint Hills Mall
Association
Flint Hills Music
Floyd's Automotive
Forget Me Not Productions
Four Seasons Apartments
George Groh and Sons
Gerald Schumann Electric
Granada Coffee Company
Graves Drug Store
Haag Management
Hair Krafters
Heart Center Studio
Helbert & Allemang
High Gear
Java Cat Coffeehouse
Jimmy Johns
Junque Drawer Emporium
Kansas Radio 96.1 The Wave
King Liquor
L & L Pets
Little Red Rooster
Lyon County State Bank
Lyon County Title
Mark II Lumber
McDonalds
McKinzie Pest Control
Midas Touch Tans
Mike Alpers Agency
Mr. Sisters Sweets
Modern Air Conditioning, Inc.
Mulready's Pub
Navrats Office Supply
Papa John's Pizza
Paper Moon Antiques
Pizza Hut
Pizza Ranch
Plum Bazaar
Poehler Mercantile
Pool and Associates
Prairie Sage Apartments
Pro-Cuts
Rand Simmons Law Office
Redline Trucking
Reflxns Salon
Rhinestone Cowgirl Salon
Rockin' Accessories
Sauder Custom Fabrication
Schellers Lawn and Landscape
Scott's Lawn and Landscaping
Second Love Gifts
Stanley Jewelry
Studio 11
Studio 50.4
Subway
Sunflower Gymnastics
Sutherlands Lumber Co.
Sweet Granada
Textbook Corner
Thompson Auto Repair
Toso Appraisal
Total Technology
Town Crier Bookstore
Triad Leasing
Uncommon Threads
Value-Net LLC
Waters True Value Hardware
Westar Energy
Williams Automotive
Wright CPA Group PA
Wright's Furniture
Xan-A-Do Salon
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Non Profit Level Members
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Cradle to Career Cneter
Emporia Eastside Community Group
EHS- FBLA
Emporia Arts Council
Emporia Chamber of Commerce
Emporia Farmers Market
Emporia Friends of the Zoo
Emporia Presbyterian Church
Emporia Friends of the Library
ESU- Alumni Association
ESU- Small Business Development Center
ESU- Memorial Union
ESU- Theatre Dept.
Flint Hills Community Health Center
Granada Theatre Alliance
National Teachers Hall of Fame
Saint Francis Community Services
Salvation Army
SOS
TFI Family Services
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Home Based Business Members
Avon- Amanda Hopkins
Gold Canyon Candles- Stephanie Morgan
Green Door Recycling
Interdependent Web, LLC
Mary Kay- Lori Engle
Origami Owl- Angela Dowell
Paula's Creations
Pampered Chef- Chelsea Gerleman
Purse Lady- Nancy Crawford
Tastefully Simple- Vanessa Apodaca
Thirty One Gifts- Linsey Hopkins
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Individual Supporters
Amy and Rick Becker
Amy Evans
Brad Harzman
Dale & Carolyn Davis
Don Hill
Erin and Casey Woods
Joyce Zhou
Julie Johnson
Kayle Oney
Kelly Wade
Lynn Knechtel
Mark and Amy McAnarney
Michael and Karen Shonrock
Valerie and Matt Zimmerman
Roger Heineken
Smitty Smith
Sue Blechl
Tim & Mary Helmer
Tyler & Melanie Curtis
Yvonne Pool
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