Women’s History Month on Missouri’s Main Streets
March 28, 2024 | Logan Breer
As the 39th President of the United States, President Jimmy Carter said this in his presidential message in 1980,
“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”
MMSC chooses to recognize the achievements and contributions of Missouri’s Main Street female leaders this March in honor of National Women’s History Month and every day of the year. Every American citizen should be recognized for their impact on our country as well as their local community.
The board and committees of each Main Street program work best when it reflects the unique walks of life found in its community as the capacity for leadership is inside everyone. The following women, among many others, are making impacts through their determination to serve their local Main Street.
Downtown Washington was elated to recommend their rock star Karen Marquart. Karen is a Downtown Washington homeowner, owner of multiple businesses and buildings, and President of Downtown Washington, Inc. If that seems like an overachiever, then you have the right picture of Karen, and wait until you get to hear more about how she makes an impact on her local community! Tyler King, Downtown Washington’s executive director shared that “She is on the front lines when it comes to the city of Washington and the continued economic prosperity of our downtown area.”
Among the many things she champions in seeking continued prosperity for Downtown Washington is the Main Street Approach™, historic preservation, and small businesses growth and retention. Karen demonstrates her excellent servant leadership, positivity, and optimistic personality as she helps wherever there is a need from event setup to hosting a meeting at her place of business, being the chair of Downtown Washington’s
elegant Farm to Table dinner, and being a last-minute bartender serving drinks at an event. Despite wearing these multiple hats, she shines as a positive role model to her community on how any individual can make a difference and help their local organization thrive now and into the future.
Teena Simon is a longtime volunteer of Warrensburg Main Street. She currently serves as the Board President and brings a wide breadth of advice and perspective to Warrensburg Main Street as a business owner, an artist, and property owner. Teena wears so many hats for the organization and is always willing to help with the tasks others may not think of. For example, Warrensburg Main Street’s snack area is always stocked; office supply list is always picked up. Jamie Debacker, executive director of Warrensburg Main Street, added, “She truly always has the best interest of Warrensburg Main Street in mind. We think everyone should have a Teena, they are the best volunteers to have!”
The dreams and achievements of women-owned businesses create stronger and more vibrant historic commercial districts with a unique mix of businesses. Many local small businesses are people’s passions and fulfill their dreams of owning their own business. The following businesses are a sample of amazing businesses who leave their mark in the places they are located in.
The business owners that Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) wanted to recognize for their contributions to Excelsior Springs for March are Jill Rickart and Wendy Baldwin. These sisters had a vision and saw potential for an upscale restaurant in Downtown Excelsior Springs. When they opened The Ventana Gourmet Grill in 2002, the downtown was nearly empty. Since then, over the last seventeen years, the restaurant has grown exponentially and become a cornerstone for the downtown community and say they “are so glad that they had the foresight to make downtown Excelsior our home for Ventana Gourmet Grill.”.
Jill and Wendy do more for Excelsior Springs than own a business that has become well known to the community, surrounding areas, and tourists, they are an integral part of the Downtown Partnership. Jill and Wendy immersed themselves within DEP in any way needed as the Main Street principles were adopted. Jill commented that during this time that the Main Street Approach™ was being made the focal point of the organization, “my sister
and I knew that this could lead not only to great things for our downtown, but for our business as well.”
Over the years these two have received many awards including from Missouri Main Street Connection, local newspapers, and television stations for their business success and investment in their community. They don’t take anything they have gained for granted as they remarked, “We love that our gourmet cuisine has been embraced and our restaurant has become so popular and are so thankful the community has supported our business for almost a quarter of a century!”
Brick House Coffee Bar and Eatery – Love The Harrisonville Square
Downtown Harrisonville has been home to Brick House Coffee Bar and Eatery since 2017. Brick House Coffee Bar and Eatery was the top recommendation from Board President Amanda Stites as they remarked, “Brick House has an incredible entrepreneur with a passion for helping other women find their path forward when it comes to the business pursuits behind it all.” That is definitely true after getting to know Jennifer Fizer and Brick House.
Jennifer has created something more than a coffee shop in the heart of Downtown Harrisonville. She has created a “community hub” that’s mission is to be a place that fosters connection, conversation, and collaboration. Brick House sees many people stop by for their morning pick-me-up, to join a book club, or simply say hello because it offers its welcoming aroma of freshly brewed coffee and friendly staff’s smiles. Not a week goes by that there are not friends laughing over coffee, families bonding over biscuits and gravy, and visitors experiencing the revitalization of Harrisonville’s downtown district.
Jenifer had a lasting remark when reflecting on her journey as a business owner so far saying, “One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey has been the opportunity to empower other entrepreneurs in our community. Through Lunch & Learns, networking events, and initiatives aimed at supporting women-owned businesses, we’re paying it forward and helping to create a bright entrepreneurial landscape for our community.”
These highlights are just the tip of the iceberg. Across the state, individuals contribute their unique talents and businesses for the success of their dreams and as a result of the success of Missouri’s historic commercial districts overall. Truly we are better when we come together. If your business or organization is located in a Main Street community that has an agreement with MMSC, contact Logan Breer at logan@momainstreet.org for information on how to be highlighted in future #Mainstreetmonday posts as they are relevant.
