Executive Director
Joyce M. Glasscock, CMSM
Director Emeriti
Anne Schock
Dan Long
Lorrie Rector
President
Jay Zetterlund
Vice President
Mike Grimsley
Secretary
Robin Johnson
Treasurer
Barb Smidt
Business Improvement
Linda Mullen
Design
David Gudgel
Organization
Mike Grimsley
Promotion/Retail
Robin Johnson
Directors
Brian Ingles
Ed Vinson
Gary Johnson
Tony Conn
City Liaison
Susan Dunek
CED Liaison
Ed Kiedaisch
Student Liaison
Vanessa Shearer
Zack Benedict
Business & Improvement
The BI Committee constanly works to understand the changing marketplace that is downtown Keokuk through market analysis, trends surveys, surplus and leakage studies, and talking with merchants and property owners. The committee identifies challenges and opportunites and works to bring downtown and community stakeholders to the table to find and implement solutions and take advantage of opportunites.
The B.I. Committee launching a series of monthly coffees to meet with merchants and property owners to discuss issues specific to their area. The first coffee was held Wednesday, March 10 at Lud's Barbeque. Sixteen people representing 23 businesses, the City and MSKI particpated in the parking discussion resulting in the following solutions: City of Keokuk will install Public Parking signs in the lot between Blondeau and Concert on North 5th Street. The City also said that the City Hall parking lot could be used after 5:00 p.m. Historic Hotel Iowa owner, Kevin Kuckelman plans to initiate a sticker system that will correspond with designated parking for his tenants, residents, and employees. First Community Bank will consider opening their lots to the public after 5:00 and on weekends. Police Chief Tom Crew explained the 1-Hour Parking Limit on Main Street and the 2-Hour Limit on the side streets. Merchants and employees are encouraged to park in public lots - away from Main Street.
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.