Downtown Updates

 

 

January 2010

 

It’s hard to believe 2009 is already over. We have seen some substantial changes in downtown Sterling over the last year. We had almost $300,000 in public and private reinvestment in downtown in 2009, and 3 new businesses opened in our district. TLC Rebalancing Center opened last spring in the Mishler building. Owner, Teresa Steele, offers massage, tanning, and body treatments. Black Bull Ranch expanded their business and purchased the building at 109 S. Broadway. They opened in May, and do screen printing and embroidery, and ad specialty items. Sterling’s newest business, Silver City Boutique, opened in mid-December at 115 S. Broadway, just in time for Christmas. Silver City has women’s clothing and accessories. Dollar General and Quizno’s also opened this year, and provide necessary shopping and dining opportunities for Sterling. This is very exciting for our community, especially during supposed hard economic times.

 

Hank and Nancy Schichtle reopened the Prairie Garden Bed and Breakfast at 320 E. Monroe in the Fall. They have 3 rooms available for nightly stay. This is very positive for Sterling, especially with all the Sterling College parents traveling to our area.

 

Volunteers continue to work hard on Studio 96, and interior construction continues on the Shay Building. Main Street Sterling looks forward to the continued rehabilitation of these projects this year.

 

This month, the Main Street Sterling Board of Directors will be attending a Board Retreat with Kansas Main Street. This Retreat will provide them with a solid start to the new year and help with setting goals for 2010. All four committees will also be setting goals and creating work plans for this year. If you have ever thought about volunteering with Main Street Sterling now would be a good time to do that. Contact me for more information on our committees and we will find the right place for you!

 

An exciting opportunity is coming on January 21. All business owners, volunteers, and members are invited to attend the Kansas Main Street quarterly training in Marysville. The training is titled “Promotion 2.0 Promoting, Engaging and Branding Your Downtown”. Topics to be covered include: Engaging businesses in Promotional Events and Activities; Marketing, Branding and Image Campaigns; and Retail Events that Work. The deadline to register is January 14 so let me know before then if you would like to attend.

 

Best wishes for the start of 2010. Thank you for your continued support of Main Street Sterling. We wouldn’t exist without our members and volunteers.  Have a great January!