Mornings on Main Webinar: Building Strong Relationships with Property Owners & Business Owners

Main Street thrives when property owners and business owners work hand-in-hand to strengthen their downtown district. This webinar will explore how Main Street programs cultivate these vital relationships, support stakeholders, and connect them to resources and tools that foster long-term success.

Led by Joi Cuartero Austin, Senior Program Officer for Main Street America, the session will highlight strategies for:

• Encouraging collaboration between property owners and business tenants.
• Addressing shared challenges such as occupancy, investment, and district vitality.
• Leveraging Main Street resources to support both groups in sustaining vibrant downtowns.
• Showcasing tools and best practices that empower stakeholders to work toward common goals.

Whether you’re a property owner, business owner, or Main Street leader, this conversation will provide practical insights into how these partnerships drive economic growth and community impact.

Speakers:

Joi Cuartero Austin, Senior Program Officer, Main Street America

Joi Cuartero Austin is a Senior Program Officer for Economic Vitality at Main Street America, where she provides technical assistance to state coordinating programs and local districts nationwide. She previously directed Illinois Main Street and served as Executive Director of Batavia MainStreet, leading award‑winning downtown redevelopment efforts. Joi also worked with the Great River Economic Development Foundation, advancing regional economic and workforce development initiatives. A Certified Economic Development Practitioner (CEcD), she brings extensive experience in cultivating local assets, supporting small businesses, and strengthening Main Street communities. In her hometown of Quincy, IL, she is a small business owner and a property owner.

This webinar is brought to you by:

This webinar is a private and public partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Main Street America, and Missouri Main Street Connection.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.