A Decade of Growth
November 31 | Keith Winge
The year was 2013, seven years after Missouri Main Street Connection, Inc. (MMSC) came into existence as the leading statewide nonprofit organization devoted to preservation-based economic development. I joined the MMSC staff in November and that first week was a whirlwind with a Directors’ meeting and Quarterly Workshop in Cape Girardeau. Since that first week, it has been a very rewarding ride and is always inspiring to watch the dedication to save our local downtowns.
For those of you not familiar with MMSC, we use the Main Street ApproachTM and with our partners, we empower community revitalization by celebrating, supporting, and sustaining Missouri’s historic commercial districts in both rural and urban settings.
In the past decade, MMSC has grown from about 29 Main Street programs in 2013 to over 52 programs in 2023, serving communities of all sizes and regions across the state. We also currently work with over 150 Missouri communities per year through our various services and trainings. This remarkable growth is the work of a lot of hardworking people and reflects the increasing demand and recognition for the value of downtowns. My initial role early on was to reach out to communities in need and assist them through our Affiliate Grant program (now called the Community Empowerment Grant) working to build a strong foundation with an active board of directors and committees, identifying goals with community feedback, and developing implementation and funding plans. I could very much relate to these new Main Street programs as I helped start the Main Street program in Excelsior Springs and served as a board member, president of the board, and the organization’s first executive director.
One of the early areas of need was developing an urban Main Street program in St. Louis. Through listening meetings and MMSC board support, the St. Louis Main Streets program launched in 2020. Using the Main Street ApproachTM and reaching out to our Main Street America partners, I have helped lead our team in developing the three districts in St. Louis – Dutchtown Main Streets, Laclede’s Landing Main Street, and Delmar Main Street.
One highlight of my ten years with MMSC was the year we hosted the Main Street Now conference in 2018. My over 20 years in the hotel/hospitality industry before joining MMSC was a skill that I employed with our team as we planned that conference for Kansas City. From assisting in the selection of the education sessions to being the point person for speakers and audio/visual needs, it was certainly a learning experience that may come in handy if we ever host another national conference in Missouri.
As I stated earlier in this article, the work of Main Street is very rewarding and inspiring to assist those working tirelessly in the Main Street districts of the local programs. To see their successes stacking up over the years is very impressive. Since 2006, Missouri Main Street local programs have reported over $1 billion in public and private investment, 834 net new businesses, 4,109 net new jobs, and 444,113 volunteer hours in their districts. These numbers demonstrate the economic, social, cultural, and environmental benefits of historic downtown revitalization. But beyond the numbers, MMSC also celebrates the stories and experiences of the people who make Main Street possible. From the local executive directors and board members, to the business owners and residents, to the visitors and customers, Main Street is about creating a sense of place and community pride and we celebrate those that make it happen.
As we mark my 10th anniversary working for MMSC, I am very proud of what we have accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to serve our communities. I look forward to continuing our mission and vision for the next decade and beyond, as we help Missouri Main Streets thrive and shine. Thank you for being part of this journey with me!
