TUESDAY – AUGUST 10
11:00 – 5:30 Get Plugged In…Downtown Main Street Training – Organization & Economic Restructuring Segments
• Attendees who complete all four segments and pass a brief essay test will receive a Missouri Main Street Basic Training Certificate and be recognized at the Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony on Thursday.
Organization Segment develops a sound structure for the revitalization organization and gets everyone working toward the same goal. It begins by assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement a Main Street revitalization program and sustain it over time. A governing board and standing committees are the foundation for the volunteer-driven program. This structure shares the workload among many people and delineates responsibilities, builds consensus and cooperation.
Economic Restructuring Segment educates the community to make the most of its existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base in a direction that leads to job growth, helps reduce poverty and improves the quality of life for everyone in the community. The ER committee sponsors workshops and training sessions, and conducts market analysis to determine what types of
services the community needs.
• Organization Segment 11 am – 2:30 pm, with a lunch provided during session – Presenter: Donna Harris, Heritage Consulting
• Economic Restructuring Segment 2:45 – 5:30 pm – Presenter: Todd Barman, Program Officer, National Main Street Center
• Other Downtown Main Street Training sessions are scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday.
WEDNESDAY – AUGUST 11
9:00 am – 10:15 am
How Downtown Revitalization Programs Can Manage Effectively until Resources are Available to Hire Staff
If you are beginning a downtown revitalization program or just feeling overwhelmed as a volunteer with a program that has been in existence for a while, this session is for you. Hear solutions that will inspire the board and committees to be great ambassadors for the program and set a goal to hire full-time staff.
Presenter: Norma Ramírez de Miess, Program Officer, National Main Street Center
Keeping Former Board Members Involved & Engaged in the Program
Board members rotating off your board are often overlooked as a resource. This workshop discusses a variety of methods, both formal and informal, to retain past Board members’ accumulated wisdom and positive feelings about the organization so they can be further mined for the good of the organization. We will discuss some recent research and best practices for retaining the hearts of these dedicated people who have nobly served the local Main Street organization over the years. This workshop includes one group exercise, a 30-page resource packet of information including articles, sample forms and a bibliography. Presenter: Donna Harris, Heritage Consulting
Ways Main Street Can Capture New & Existing Businesses during the Economic Downturn
The bad news is that many of your districts are still suffering through a slow economy and dealing with the realization that it may take years for the economy to reach its former levels. The good news is that you may already be seeing increased investment in business startup and expansion. Learn how subtle course corrections and a return to business fundamentals can help your district come out of the downturn stronger and better able to capitalize on the upturn as well as better prepared for the next downturn.
Packaging Resources to Restore and Revitalize Historic Buildings
In the past, sessions on this topic were usually subtitled: “Show Me the Money!” Now, it becomes:”We can do this!” In these tough economic times, a one- size- fits-all funding approach usually falls short… Preservation groups and owners of historic buildings must look for new methods to finance restoration and the improvement projects needed to help aging buildings. The topic will review recent changes in the regulations on historic preservation tax credits and address questions about uncovering alternative funding sources. Creative preparation will assemble a variety of funding tools to bring results.
Presenters: Mark Gardner, Gardner Capital Inc, & Board of Directors of Missouri Main Street Connection
Get Plugged In….Downtown Main Street Training – Design Segment Part I
• Attendees who complete all four segments and pass a brief essay test will receive a Missouri Main Street Basic Training Certificate and be recognized at the Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony on Thursday.Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Historic buildings and pedestrian-oriented streets are its most visible assets, but are just part of the story. Design elements can include façade improvement grants and low-interest loans with plans that are consistent with the Secretary of State’s Standards for Rehabilitation, plans for street improvements, downtown clean-up projects, and preparing a National Register nomination for your town. These all contribute to an inviting atmosphere, enhanced by tasteful window displays and parking areas, street furniture, attractive signs, safe streets and sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping that convey a positive visual image. This session continues at 10:30 am. Presenter: Professor Steven Hoffman, Southeast Missouri State University & President of Missouri Main Street Connection

10:30 am – 11:45 am
Creative Marketing that WORKS for Special Events and Keeping Business Alive Through Streetscape Projects
In “Creative Marketing that works for special events”, learn fun and affordable ways to make your special events stand out. Find out how to create experiences your customers will only find downtown, learn about cost effective marketing materials and how to generate buzz with social media. Also learn cost effective and creative ways to market your district and keep your businesses informed during streetscape construction. Presenters: Jeanine Rann, Executive Director, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street Inc, Advisory Director for Missouri Main Street Connection, Sarah Shore, Assistant Director, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street & Stacy Brandt, Events and Marketing Coordinator for Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street Inc.

Why Historic Tax Credits are Important to Downtown Revitalization & Example that Will Inspire Change
Without the incentive offered by historic preservation tax credits at the state and federal levels, many commercial district revitalization programs would be coming up short in terms of preservation. See examples of restoration and renovation projects of historic buildings that will help your revitalization program educate your community about the importance of utilizing the credits and helping your legislators understand why it is important to support the HP tax credit legislation. Presenters: Peter George, Sr. Director of the Historic Tax Credit Coalition and President of Blue Shutters Development Co..

What are My Responsibilities as a Board Member & How to Keep the Program In Compliance With the IRS
Recently the IRS completely redesigned the IRS 990 informational tax return form to collect much more information about nonprofit governance practices. Main Street organizations need to understand these expansive and highly technical changes and what information must be submitted. We will review the pertinent IRS 990 form questions and definitions, and provide sample policies and documents so that you understand the IRS concerns and be able to bring your organization into compliance. This workshop includes group discussion and a CD containing sample policies you can use when you get home. Presenter: Donna Harris, Heritage Consulting

All Those Expensive Studies, Surveys & Strategic Plans – Where Do We Begin to implement them?
Most revitalization organizations have a plan or two on the shelf collecting dust. Believe it or not, all plans have some redeeming value; certainly some more than others. Explore how to make the most of your plans (feel free to bring one with). More importantly, learn how to be wise consumers of planning and increase the return on your future planning investment.
Get Plugged In…Downtown Main Street Training – Promotions Segment Part 2
• Attendees who complete all four segments and pass a brief essay test will receive a Missouri Main Street Basic Training Certificate and be recognized at the Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony on Thursday.
Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Historic buildings and pedestrian-oriented streets are its most visible assets, but are just part of the story. Design elements can include façade improvement grants and low-interest loans with plans that are consistent with the Secretary of State’s Standards for Rehabilitation, plans for street improvements, downtown clean-up projects, and preparing a National Register nomination for your town. These all contribute to an inviting atmosphere, enhanced by tasteful window displays and parking areas, street furniture, attractive signs, safe streets and sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping that convey a positive visual image. Presenter: Professor Steven Hoffman, Southeast Missouri State University & President of Missouri Main Street Connection, Inc.
THURSDAY – AUGUST 12
9:00 am – 10:15 am
A NEW Matching Grant is Available for Newer Communities Starting Revitalization. Come & Hear All About It!

If your community has started a downtown revitalization program, or is thinking about doing so, this grant opportunity may be just what you’re looking for to jump start. Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) teaches a comprehensive, multifaceted, sustainable strategy – the Four-Point Main Street Approach® – that applies a preservation-based, volunteer-driven strategy that yields impressive results in communities of all sizes across the nation. MMSC will offer, for the first time, a $23,000 matching grant for revitalization training and mentoring to new, qualifying Main Street programs in Missouri. Towns that want to apply for this grant must send at least one representative from the community to this workshop. The session will cover all details about the grant and how to apply. Presenter: Gayla Roten, MMSC State Coordinator

Marketing Your Downtown & Organization with Winning Results through Social Media
Creative Marketing techniques that will bring new inspirations and more effective marketing tools to the organization and the district. Learn how to use branding to thread together all four points of the Main Street Approach to revitalization. Presenter: Ben Muldrow, Arnett Muldrow & Associates
Educating Elected Officials & Property Owners: The Importance of Code Enforcement & Building Preservation
Preservation of local historic assets happens only when citizens, property owners, and public officials are informed about what in their community is worth preserving, why it should be preserved, and how to preserve it. This session will prepare your Main Street and local preservation group to be the spokespersons and teachers to educate the community about all aspects of historic preservation and to make it a component of your city’s strategic planning. Presenters: Jo Ann Radetic, Missouri Certified Local Government Coordinator, Department of Natural Resources; and Darren Lamb, City of Washington, MO, Director of Planning and Engineering.
Nuts & Bolts of Establishing a Taxing District in Challenging Times
How do you convince a property or business owner to voluntarily increase their taxes? The leaders that spearheaded successful campaigns will tell you that it took more than just luck. Just like all Main Street projects, it takes a careful plan of attack. While an action or work plan for establishing your taxing district will be unique, learn some of the key tasks, a few targeted arguments or selling points, and the importance of timing.
Get Plugged In…Downtown Main Street Training – Promotions Segment Part 1
• Attendees who complete all four segments and pass a brief essay test will receive a Missouri Main Street Basic Training Certificate and be recognized at the Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony on Thursday.
Promotion generates a positive image and educates the community and visitors about the district by celebrating the community’s cultural assets. These efforts may include special events that focus attention on local art, music, and traditions, supplemented by information booths/kiosks and historic walking tours that highlight local architecture and history while guiding visitors around the town. All will generate confidence and community pride in the district while educating people about community values and strengthening the local economy. This session continues at 10:45 am. Presenter: Norma Ramírez de Miess, Program Officer, National Main Street Center

10:45 am – 12:00 pm
Need More Funding? It’s All Here: Creating a New Fundraiser & Getting the Most from a Membership Drive
This workshop shows you how to develop relationships with individuals, primarily residents, who can support your local Main Street program over the years. We will begin with a review of membership program mechanics and how to retain the members you have currently by running an efficient renewal campaign. Several methods will be discussed about securing more money from your current members. The second half of the workshop will focus on developing new events for different seasons and audiences to provide cash flow throughout the year. There will be one group exercise, a resource packet of materials and a bibliography available on CD.
Presenter: Donna Harris, Heritage Consulting

Entertainment & Art Districts Are Rejuvenating Downtowns & Changing Perceptions
See how successful arts & entertainment districts have developed and how they continue to attract crowds. The Delmar Loop District and Washington Avenue Historic District in downtown St. Louis are the basis for discussion. See how these districts can be role models for your own community’s efforts. The components include courageous entrepreneurs, architectural significance, stories from an illustrious history, a variety of talents and skills ready to be showcased, recruiting and business retention methods, and innovative funding tools that support the districts. Presenters: Kevin Flynn, Kiku Obata Architects; Jill McGuire, Regional Arts Commission.

Building Your Program’s Value & Budget With Special Events
Toss aside the typical brainstorms that result in watermelon eating contests and pie suppers. Rethink your special events schedule by identifying your community’s cultural heritage and stories from its past that everyone loves to repeat, discover the local people who have talents and skills to share, pinpoint the local assets that make your town unique. Those are the components of a revamped special event planning process. Every special event must be based upon your organization’s mission statement. This session will show you why events should educate people about your local heritage, introduce them to your Main Street program, teach them how they can be involved in preservation efforts, attract more volunteer participation, and boost the organization’s budget while everybody has fun. Presenter: Bridgette Epple, Executive Director, Downtown Washington Inc. & Board of Director of Missouri Main Street Connection

Understanding How to Implement Incentives with Municipalities, Business and Property Owners
Economic development often involves providing just enough stimulus to start (or keep) your local economy “developing” as desired. That stimulus can take the form of technical or financial assistance. Learn some of your incentive options, but more importantly explore how to tailor your incentive package to spur or leverage your desired investment.
Get Plugged In…Downtown Main Street Training – Promotions Segment Part 2
• Attendees who complete all four segments and pass a brief essay test will receive a Missouri Main Street Basic Training Certificate and be recognized at the Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony on Thursday.
Promotion generates a positive image and educates the community and visitors about the district by celebrating the community’s cultural assets. These efforts may include special events that focus attention on local art, music, and traditions, supplemented by information booths/kiosks and historic walking tours that highlight local architecture and history while guiding visitors around the town. All will generate confidence and community pride in the district while educating people about community values and strengthening the local economy. Presenter: Norma Ramírez de Miess, Program Officer, National Main Street Center.
FRIDAY – AUGUST 13
9:30 – 11:00 am

Breakfast Training Sessions, A Full Breakfast Served in Both Sessions (ticket required for breakfast)
Round Table Discussion with DREAM Panel – Where does the DREAM Go From Here? If your community was among the original participants in the Downtown Revitalization Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) that began several years ago, or if yours is among the 2008-2010 DREAM communities, you will find this discussion useful. The new DREAM projects may be wondering how to implement the strategic plan designed for their community and how others made it all come together with an organized Downtown Revitalization Program. Hear what other communities are doing to make a DREAM investment sustainable over time by integrating the DREAM concepts with their Main Street® Philosophy for ultimate results in downtown revitalization.
Facilitator: Todd Barman, Program Officer, National Main Street Center
Presenters:  Tim Arbeiter, Vice-President, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce;  Heather Brooks, City of Cape Girardeau; Marla Mills, Executive Director, Old Town Cape Inc.; and Russell G.Volmert, RLA AICP Associate Director, PGAV.
Hands on Marketing & Branding for the Organization, the Downtown & the Community
Ever wonder how a community came up with a great brand, or how communities market themselves
together with other organizations to form a unified image? Wouldn’t it be great if the entire community would “buy in” to the new brand? This hands-on session will inspire you to rethink the image and find the elements that will Brand and Market your community as a destination. Examples of implementation in helping Missouri Accredited Programs find their identity in 2009 will be showcased, from web-design and directional signage to boulevard banners. Presenter: Ben Muldrow, Arnett Muldrow & Associates.

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