Local leaders, business personnel, residents and leaders in the military had an opportunity this past week to visit with national and state officials working to support the new Main Street program in the Junction City. They were gathering information about downtown from those who want to make it successful.
Norma Miess, Vice President of Revitalization Services for Main Street America, stated that their mission was to compare information with a market analysis that they are conducting about Junction City, and look at opportunities to help the local Main Street program. "Develop a strong foundation through strategy and develop a plan for action for the next couple years."
Miess noted that an earlier community survey showed a strong base of people that want to own their future. "It looks like that we have a spirit of entrepreneurship here so we're very pleased to see and want to see what that means for this community, in particular." A strong community spirit was also noted. "We've been very impressed that a lot of people feel there is a lot of potential for downtown. They have a vision of seeing a more diverse business mix, places to eat, activities to enjoy, really opportunities to bring them together as a community."
Investment in downtown and supporting small businesses are considered keys at this time. Support from the national and state level will be a long term partnership.
The visits Thursday and Friday also included a downtown parade by the JCHS Marching Band on North Washington Street.