Saturday, June 10, 2006

Harvest Market is Back!

Harvest Market is back for 2006. Every Thursday until September 28th from 12 pm to 6 pm in the Civic Center Parking lot at Highland and Grove (across from the post office).

Fresh vegetables, bread, flowers, plants, French pastries, honey and more...

Friday, June 09, 2006

Brewfest 2006


Brewfest is back for 2006. Join us on June 16th and 17th on Prairie St. in front of the Prairie Rock Brewing Company, 127 S. Grove, Elgin IL.

Elgin 1440 Photography Exhibit

1440








The Elgin 1440 Photography Exhibit featuring the works of 69 different photographers taken May 2, 2006 is currently on display at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove. The 175 photo collection will be on display on the main art wall and on the second floor in Adult Services through July 10.

Elgin Post Office Book Drive

The Elgin Post Office is hosting a book drive for the Elgin community, from now through July 31st. Drop off new or gently used books at the Elgin Post office’s main office, 66 Grove Court. They will be distributed to families in the Elgin community. For details call 847.741.0725.

June Out to Dinner



Out to Dinner
What: An opportunity to network with Downtowners and meet with Councilman David Kaptain
When: Tuesday, June 13th at 6 pm
Where: Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant
11 Douglas Ave
Elgin, IL
How: RSVP to 847.488.1456 or email by June 12th
Cost: $12 for a buffet dinner

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

News From New Orleans

The National Main Street Conference is in New Orleans this week. Norma Miess and Jennifer Benson are representing Elgin and have these thoughts to share.

French Quarter is Open!!!
If there was only one idea I could convey and get across to the readers of this blog about the status of the French Quarter in New Orleans is that it's open and waiting for ya'll to visit and enjoy. Though touched by Hurricane Katrina last August, it did not have flood damage but only wind damage. Nine months of clean-up and repair in this area have left only some buildings in disrepair as far as some roofs, windows, and trees damaged and new trees being planted. After talking to three different business they all mentioned that businesses that aren't open because the tourists are not here. With tourists believing the general hype that there is nothing open and that everything here is flattened and destroyed. The French Quarter still has most of the vibrancy that I remember from when I was here in 2003. So don't postpone your plans in coming to the Big Easy!!!

National Main Street Conference
With 1200 attendees, not counting all of the LA staff, National Trust staff and speakers, this conference has been successful in staying with New Orleans as it's host city through all of the tragedy. Though a main reason for attending conferences is the sessions, there is also the award ceremony, the opening and closing programs, tours, clean-ups, networking and the Main Street Expo. Along with fellow Illinois Main Street executive directors (Antioch, Waukegan, Libertyville and others), we were able to network with programs from Iowa, Indiana, Oklahoma, Maine and National, State and Preservation agencies. At the Expo we ran into streetscape vendors of light poles, street furniture, banners and holiday decorations.

The Opening Reception was held at Jackson Square, a beautiful historical city park right in the heart of the French Quarter. A great chance to enjoy networking with the attendees from around the country.

Highlights at the Opening Session included a national trends survey naming 5 top challenges for Downtown revitalization organizations:
  • Small business survival
  • Funds
  • Development issues
  • Competition for volunteers
  • Rebuilding infrastructure
Other emerging trends affecting the revitalization field are the shifting concept of "community", diversifying demographics, and the lack of novelty or excitement.

Mitchell J. Landrieu, Lt. Governor of Louisiana reported on the relief efforts and the need for his office to address the effort with reduced staff.

Some of the sessions we participated in are:
* Asset-based Economic Development - Heritage tourism
* Preserving and Promoting a Sense of Place
* Effective Downtown Marketing through the Web
* Developing and Effective Pledge Campaign
* Target Markets & Events Calendar Development


Photos and more reports will be posted upon Norma and Jennifer's return.

Budget Roundtable Tonight

Don't forget the Budget Roundtable Discussion tonight.
It is hosted by the City of Elgin and Elgin Community Network. The Mayor and City Council Members will be on hand to speak with stakeholders to gather community input on the upcoming 2007 Budget process. To reserve your spot please contact RuthAnne Hall at 847-931-6104 or email.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will be participating and suggesting a joint marketing effort between the city and businesses to promote downtown Elgin. Arlington Heights has run a similiar campaign for several years.