Executive Director
Joyce M. Glasscock, CMSM
Director Emeriti
Anne Schock
Dan Long
Lorrie Rector
President
Jay Zetterlund
Vice President
Robin Johnson
Secretary
Blake McGhghy
Treasurer
Barb Smidt
Business Improvement
Tony Conn
Organization
Britny Soper
Promotion/Retail
Robin Johnson
Directors
Chad Hartogh
Brian Ingles
Gary Johnson
Linda Mullen
Dale Thomas
Ed Vinson
City Liaison
Susan Dunek
CED Liaison
Ed Kiedaisch
Student Liaison
Blake McGhghy
The Heart of Keokuk
See the NEW Spring 2013 Issue of the Confluence! Click Here
Downtown Keokuk belongs to everyone, from teenage cruisers to health-wise walkers, tourists, merchants, property owners, industrialists and you . . . and me. Each of us plays an important role in making the heart of Keokuk—the front porch of our community – the best it can be.
Just as our community’s economy changes, so too does downtown’s environment change.
From the appearance of buildings to the businesses they house, life in Keokuk has and will continue to change. As a community, we’ve come together and are carefully planning to manage that change.
Main Street, as an organization founded in preservation, is working to protect our historic assets and promote civic engagement and responsibility, while encouraging new growth and development.
The power of an idea can change the course of a community. An important idea that we support is that a healthy, vibrant downtown can be built on the strength and beauty of its historic architecture;
and, if we don’t act on this idea, Keokuk is at risk of losing what sets us apart from every other town.
It is not an easily accomplished idea It is an idea whose time has come.
Today, we invite you to get involved in the Main Street program—to be a part of the ever-evolving, dreaming and planning that will help manage and guide downtown revitalization.
Keokuk’s future is limited only by the collective imaginations of those who care enough to get involved.
The Four Point Approach ™©
Mike
Grimsley
Robin
Johnson
Jay
Zetterlund
Linda
Mullen
Ed
Kiedaisch
Organization means getting everyone working toward the same goal. The tough work of building a consensus and cooperation among the groups that have an important stake in the district can be eased by using the common-sense formula of a volunteer-driven program and an organizational structure of board and committees.
Promotion means selling the image and promise of Main Street to all prospects. By marketing the district's unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses and visitors, an effective promotion strategy forges a positive image through advertising, retail promotional activity, special events and marketing campaigns carried out by local volunteers.
Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Capitalizing on its best assets-such as historic buildings and traditional downtown layout-is just part of the story. An inviting atmosphere created through window displays, parking areas, signs, sidewalks, street lights and landscaping conveys a visual message about what Main Street is and what is has to offer.
Business Improvement means finding a new purpose for Main Street's enterprises. By helping existing downtown businesses expand and recruiting new ones to respond to today's market, Main Street programs help convert unused space into productive property and sharpen the competitiveness of business enterprises.
Keokuk Cultural & Entertainment District. The KCED is governed by a nineteen member volunteer board of directors under the Main Street Keokuk, Inc umbrella. Their purpose is to market and bring awareness to Keokuk's wealth of arts and cultural opportunities. The CED will host its 3rd Annual Back Alley Band Fest Friday, May 28. The Band Fest is held in garages, yards and commercial venues throughout the District.
Mission Statement To aid in the preservation and revitalization of the Keokuk business district while promoting its history, charm and character.
