Main Street has worked for hundreds of communities nationwide, thanks to thousands of volunteers who serve on committees. Since 2009, local volunteers (not just those individuals who serve on a committee) have donated over 7,500 hours to help revitalize our historic downtown!
Staff
Mary Ottoson, Director
614 9th Street
Fort Madison, Iowa 52627
319-372-5471 x 103
mottoson@fortmadison.com
2011-2012 Board Members
President: Charles Scoville
Vice President: Robert Reding, Esq.
Secretary: Angela Sodey
Treasurer: Ryan Nagrocki
City Liaison: Byron Smith (City Manager)
Sarah Crabtree
Kathy Greenwald
Mike Howard
Samantha Manka
Neva Peak
Jared Reed
Tom Schulz
Jimmy Wendorf
Michele Young
The four committees that drive all Main Street efforts can be found below. We always welcome new people, donating as little or as many hours as you would like. Please contact Mary Ottoson, Main Street Director, for more information.
Committees
We love our volunteers! Every year, we honor our dedicated volunteers at the local and state level. Some of the previous champions of Main Street are:
- Main Street Iowa, Best of 25, Martha Wolf, 2010
- Main Street Iowa, Volunteer of the Year, Maggie Abolt, 2009
- Main Street Iowa, Volunteer of the Year, Maggie Scott, 2010
Business Improvement
The Business Improvement Committee’s goal is focus on current business retention, as well as to encourage new entrepreneurs and small-business owners to invest in the downtown community. Often using training opportunities and offering technical data and assistance, this committee works at economic restructuring. Their challenge is take the work of the other committees and turn their work into investment opportunities for the historic commercial district.
Design
The Design committee is responsible for the beautification efforts throughout the district. Their main focus is on the aesthetics of our built environment, streetscape planning, signage and landscaping. This committee also works with Main Street Iowa to offer design assistance (typically renderings and suggestions for façade restorations) to property owners, as well as working to educate the public about historically accurate renovations, Green building practices, as well as encouraging responsible maintenance.
Gregory Designs installing a new custom pole topper
Organization
The role of the Organization Committee is to ensure the long term health of the local Main Street program. Responsible for both financial records and fundraisers, this committee often plans large annual events (Sensational Chefs, Steppin’ Up for Main Street, etc.); manages pledge drives, donations and gifts; and recruits volunteers. They are also the group of volunteers who establish communication efforts between the Main Street program and the rest of the community.
Promotion
The Promotional facet of Main Street works to create special community events, retail/sales events and build a positive image to attract citizens and visitors alike, downtown. This committee is charged with the task of balancing efforts that market the historic downtown commercial district in the near and long-term outlook. Often incorporating tourism with retail promotion, this committee works to promote downtown Fort Madison as a safe, vibrant and diverse place to be!
