Happy New Year, Friends of Main Street!
January, 9 2025 | Gayla Roten
I am thrilled about the possibilities that the upcoming year holds for the amazing individuals who volunteer as well as own and operate small businesses in our Main Street communities. The efforts of these amazing individuals in revitalizing historic buildings help keep our history alive and our historic commercial districts bustling. I want to extend my gratitude to all the Main Street organizations that work tirelessly to ensure their community’s flourish.
This past holiday season was filled with wonderful Hallmark “movie” moments including sparkling lights, parades, tree lighting, and Santa visits—just to name a few. None of these things happen by chance; they are the result of careful planning by those who genuinely care about their communities. Your dedication makes a real difference in people’s lives, allowing many to enjoy and experience the magic of these moments.
This week, MMSC’s fantastic team gathers for our 2025 staff retreat. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on what went well, what could be improved, and which goals we met or missed. The team will also explore the strategic objectives within our four-year strategic plan, which the MMSC board worked tirelessly on last year and adopted six months ago. With ambitious dreams for Missouri designated Main Street’s communities and the aspiring communities, our team hopes to assist in the years to come.
2025 is set to be another exciting year fueled by the commitment of our dedicated MMSC team, who share your passion for Main Street. Coupled with a board of directors skilled in strategizing and building upon our nineteen years of success, we are poised for great things. I genuinely look forward to all the possibilities this year holds for us.
As I wrap up, I invite you to join me this year in becoming intentional community supporters again. Let’s think carefully about every purchase we make and every meal we enjoy. It’s time to prioritize serving and preserving our community over convenience. Our places need us to be deliberate. We want to continue creating those Hallmark moments on our Main Streets. With the growing trend of shopping at big box stores and extensive online retailers, let’s consciously shop small and eat local first. Together, we can foster vibrant communities across Missouri, strengthening and preserving our Main Street businesses while enjoying many incredible experiences along the way.
May this year bring you success, happiness, and countless beautiful moments on Main Street. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Warm regards,
Gayla
