Main Street program has inspired $2.5 million in investment

First off, I can’t express how appreciative I am for all the well wishes to me and to my Dad, whose recent illness was an influential factor in my decision to step down as program director of Jefferson Matters: Main Street.

It was not an easy decision, but it is clearly the best for all involved — me, my family and Jefferson Matters: Main Street.

I leave behind a program on very solid footing.

I will remember fondly the day Chris Henning, board president, and Jamie Daubendiek, board vice president, came to speak to me in August 2012 while I was on duty as a tour guide at the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower to offer me the position of JMMS program director. I was thrilled.

To be in that moment right here in Greene County while gathered at a table on the Bell Tower Plaza Square adjacent to two of my favorite places anywhere — the Mahanay Tower and the Greene County courthouse — on a warm, summer Iowa day made it that much more special. (I had moved away from Iowa in 1985 and returned in 2011. Through the years, the talismans of “home” that I carried with me were our iconic “bell tower” and historic county courthouse.)

From that day on, it was full speed ahead.

At first, it was challenging to come to terms with the four points of the Main Street system and the role of each of the committees that support them: Organization, Design, Business Improvement and Promotion.

The founding five members of JMMS (Henning, Daubendiek, Reagan Osborne, Nancy Teusch and Jefferson Mayor Craig Berry) did a terrific job of creating committees to support Organization and Design, while later board officer Amy Milligan (first treasurer of JMMS) recruited members to a very active Business Improvement group.

Four members of the Tower View Team, established as a part of JMMS in the early stages of the program, stepped up to form the first JMMS Promotion Committee: Tri-chairs Deb McGinn, Lynda Cochran and Amy Roberts, along with “worker bee” (a Main Street term) Dianne Piepel.

This particular committee has exceeded all expectations.

And like the success of the Tower View Team, it has made a significant impact on downtown Jefferson.

This committee has been nominated for a state award as Committee of the Year, to be presented at the 2015 awards gala in May in Des Moines.

The committee’s two major events of the past year were the Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony in December and the Think Local/Shop Local campaign in October and November.

Jefferson was selected a Main Street community in February 2012.

Buildings around the Square have been upgraded and fine-tuned — tuck-pointing to the exterior of the Lincoln Building; tuck-pointing and marquee improvements to the Sierra Community Theatre; a major expansion at Home State Bank; new roof, loading dock and HVAC at Don’s Ace Hardware; a thorough renovation of the VFW Hall; renovations to the facade and interior improvements of 104 E. State St.; and a complete overhaul to the interior of Spare Time Lanes, with plans for a facade improvement in the near future.

Overall, since JMMS was launched in February 2012, through December 2014, the downtown district has seen a $2.5 million investment in building improvements and property acquisition.

This investment has resulted in 15 new or expanded businesses and 33 new jobs.

JMMS was also instrumental in helping improve public spaces in downtown Jefferson.

Main Street’s Tower View Team spearheaded the creation of Sally’s Alley, which honors the late Sally White, photographer and author from Churdan.

Sally’s Alley demonstrated great collaboration among JMMS, the city of Jefferson, Greene County Master Gardeners, the Jefferson High School class of 1965, honor society students of Greene County High School and the family of Paul White, Sally’s husband.

Plans are already underway to improve the west alley on the Square (Alphabet Alley) and the east alley on the Square (Bicycle Alley).

And TVT is making plans for its first rooftop art installation this spring on the roof of 104 E. State St., the project that embraces the “view” from the observation deck of the Mahanay Tower and serves as TVT’s namesake.

JMMS was instrumental in another project with longstanding impact on the downtown — the historical plaques project around the Square.

Through it all, the people of Jefferson have stepped up.

When I interviewed for program director with the board of directors back in the summer of 2012, I remarked that Jefferson is a “can do” community.

I amend that.

Not only is Jefferson a “can do” community, it is a “will do” community.

Well done, Jefferson, you are the best. Keep going!
Alan Robinson, a proud Grand Junction native, served as the first director of Jefferson Matters: Main Street until his resignation last week for personal reasons.

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