Main Street Four-Point Approach™

In 2005, Beaverdale was selected for inclusion in Main Street Iowa, a national program that has helped spur revitalization in over 2000 communities. The National Main Street organization has developed a successful strategy to achieve revitalization that has worked well in many commercial districts throughout the country. The points described below are the keys to the success of the Main Street Four-Point Approach™:

Organization means getting everyone working toward the same goal. Using a volunteer-driven program with an organizational structure of a governing board and committees can ease the tough work of building consensus and cooperation among the groups that have an important stake in the district.

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. It serves to improve consumer and investor confidence in the district.

Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Capitalizing on its best assets—such as historic buildings and traditional pedestrian-oriented layouts—is just part of the story. An inviting atmosphere, created through window displays, parking areas, building improvements, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping, conveys a visual message about what the commercial district is and what it has to offer.

Economic Restructuring strengthens a community’s existing economic assets while diversifying its economic base. By helping existing businesses expand and recruiting new ones to respond to today’s market, Main Street programs help convert unused or underutilized space into economically productive property and sharpen the competitiveness and profitability of businesses.