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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Since joining Illinois Main Street in 2002, Marion Main Street has accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. One significant accomplishment is Marion Main Street received 2 Lieutenant Governor's Organization awards. This is an unprecedented achievement in the first year of a main street organization. One award was received for "Marion Pride Day Fund Raising" and the second award was received for "Partnership with the Illinois Arts Council".
Economic Restructuring
In conjunction with the City of Marion, Marion Main Street has developed and implemented a low interest loan program for commercial businesses in the main street district. The purpose of the loan is to encourage and enhance current or potential businesses in our downtown area. A number of businesses have applied for and were approved for this loan. Several others have expressed interest as they formulate their plans to improve their current business or to locate downtown. New buildings have been built and store fronts, once empty, are being filled resulting in new full and part time jobs as well as contributing positive to the economy.
Marion Main Street has made themselves available in assisting businesses in locating downtown. Businesses who are successfully doing business in the Main Street District include Quality Furniture, Papa Murphy's Pizza, Tower Place, Byassee, Andersons Furniture, APC Marine Sales and Service, Graphic Impressions, Miller Chiropractic, Bennie's, Zwick Shoes, Adams Shoes, Stotlar Lumber, Hill Printing Emporium, Blankenship's, Family Video, CVS Pharmacy, Walt's Pizza, IGA, The Bank of Marion, and many others.
Design
This group conducted a cleanup work party on Tower Square removing the past several years' growth of flowers and leaves and the much-needed trimming of shrubs. A plan was developed with ACCU-Grow Lawn and Tree Care, a local landscaper, and presented to the City of Marion. As a result, the City funded the extensive plantings of flowers, as well as maintenance throughout the growing season, for the beautification of the Tower Square.
Anthony Rubano, architect from Illinois Main Street, conducted a Pied Piper Tour of downtown Marion. The purpose of the tour was to better understand the architecture, which is unique to Marion. Anthony is available through Main Street for consultation with business owners, free of charge, as consideration is made for facade improvement. The emphasis is to preserve that "certain look", to the extent possible, in maintaining the uniqueness of our downtown. Several local businesses have already made contributions to the beautification of the downtown by upgrading their facades. This includes, but is not limited to, removing boarded up windows on second floors. These windows were replaced with new windows or existing windows were refurbished after boards were removed. In some cases, new awnings have been installed as well as sandblasting of exterior structures providing a new and improved look to existing buildings. One business owner completely refurbished both the outside and inside of a century old building. He maintained the unique metal ceiling, utilized the second floor by adding multiple interior stairways inside the facility and added murals. This along with a tasteful menu, has culminated into a very success downtown business.
The City of Marion is currently in the process of replacing sidewalks around Tower Square and, in conjunction, installing French Quarter Lights in front of businesses. Each light is paid for by each corresponding business for beautification of our downtown. French Quarter Lights have already been completed around the Tower Circle. Marion Main Street donated the lamp posts around the Marion Cultural and Civic Center.
Promotions
The week end near Armed Forces Day, Marion Main Street conducts a pet parade, which ends on Tower Square. Awards are given for the smallest pet, largest pet, best-dressed pet, most patriotic pet, the best-dressed bicycle, and the most patriotic bicycle. The Armed Forces and Drill Teams are invited each year. The Boy Scouts decorate the parade route and Tower Square with American Flags in honor of Armed Forces Day. Depending on the time of season opening, boys and girls ball teams join in the parade to kick off their summer long activities. The Williamson County Historical Society, housed in the Old County Jail, is also open for tours.
Each fall, Marion shows its pride with a festival on the Tower Square called Marion Pride Day hosted by Marion Main Street. The day consists of an auction, flea market, pony rides, moon walk, antique cars, kettle corn, cotton candy, Malone's Taffy, BBQ ribs and sandwiches as well as other venders promoting their products. Also included is live entertainment by area bands, which includes Bluegrass, Country Western, Gospel, and Christian Rock. Little Egypt Art Association artist demonstrate their painting, have art exhibits, face painting, and a bake sale. The Williamson County Historical Society, housed in the Old County Jail, gives tours in period attire.
Marion Main Street sponsors "Christmas Season On The Square". During December past years included Santa and his house on the Tower Square, the Tuba Christmas from SIU and surrounding area played Christmas Music, and an outstanding Victorian Charles Dickens Village was displayed for the enjoyment of the old and young alike. Main Street also coordinates with local churches to have live singing around the nativity scene. Two stores, which were converted for business offices, had a total of three storefront windows that were not utilized, and therefore, noticeably vacant. Shirley Absher, on behalf of Marion Main Street and the Williamson County Historical Society, utilizes items from the Historical Society to very attractively decorate these windows. The arrangements are changed on a quarterly basis significantly enhancing the downtown appearance. Passers-by are often seen stopping by the windows to take in the current theme.
Organization
This committee produces a bi-monthly newsletter keeping Marion Main Street members current on the happenings in Main Street and downtown Marion.
An appreciation night is conducted annually by this group to recognize the many volunteers it takes to perform the numerous tasks needed be a successful Main Street Organization in making a difference downtown.
This group has applied for and received a number of grants, which have greatly enhanced Main Street's ability to be much more effective in the revitalization of our downtown. The Organization Committee is a group who pulls together with the remaining committees, Promotion, Design, and Economic Restructuring, to ensure Main Street is working effectively in a team effort and maximizing the use of volunteers and all other resources for the common good in line with our mission.
You may be wondering how you can help. The organization is volunteer driven, If you are interested in volunteering, or would like more information, call 993-5299.
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