Illinois Main Street Conference
About the Illinois Main Street Conference
Powered by community, dedicated professionals, volunteers, and civic leaders, historic Main Street districts and neighborhood commercial corridors are at the heart of—and essential to—thriving communities. The Illinois Main Street Conference brings together leaders, advocates, and cheerleaders to learn from each other and industry experts on how to grow and sustain downtown districts as centers of economic and social opportunity.
Lt. Governor Award Recipients for Excellence in Revitalization
Alton Main Street | Alton, IL – Mini-Mural Grant Program: Funding and implementation of murals and artwork for the purpose of creating a positive visual impact, stimulating private investment, and complementing other community development efforts, while tapping into community talent and investing in local artists.
Awards for Design
Greater Freeport Partnership | Freeport, IL – Chicago Avenue Streetscape Project: Public improvements along Chicago Avenue for a safer, more vibrant environment for pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicular traffic while strengthening its identity as a cultural corridor. Since project completion all storefronts along Chicago Avenue have been filled. Four building owners have made substantial investments in their buildings.
Action Brown County | Mt. Sterling, IL – Start-Up Business Competition and Business Innovation Competition: Both inaugural activities: The Start-Up Business Competition (17 applicants) aimed to help aspiring Brown County business owners make the leap from idea to business success, catalyzing the creation of new businesses, and the Business Innovation Competition (10 applicatns) served existing Brown County businesses by challenging them to imagine forward thinking innovations or improvements to expand their reach, services, and customer base.
Awards for Economic Vitality
Batavia MainStreet | Batavia, IL – Batavia Boardwalk Pop-Up Shop: 10 seasonal spaces open May – December, Friday – Sunday incubating small businesses and entrepreneurs to ready them for their next level of growth and development. Currently the fourth season of our Batavia Boardwalk Shops, with 14 previous shops opening in brick-and-mortar spaces. Businesses have a way to transition and test the market at a lower barrier of risk and cost, coupled with a supportive network, as well as educational resources for the greatest success rate.
New Covenant CDC BFD | North Lawndale | Chicago, IL – Business Financial Dashboard: The New Covenant Business Financial Dashboard course directly addresses the financial literacy gap among local small business owners and entrepreneurs. The course equips participants with practical financial skills, enabling them to manage their businesses more effectively, make informed decisions, and position themselves for growth. Empowering these individuals with financial knowledge contributes to the overall economic vitality of the community, fosters success of local businesses and drives positive change.
Austin African American Business Networking Association | Austin Area | Chicago, IL – When Soul City Met Black Wall Street: A transformative journey to honor the rich legacy of Black Wall Street and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future in black economics. Bus voyage from Chicago to Tulsa, along the historic Route 66 and attendance at the Black Wall Street Legacy Festival. AAABNA members signed crucial documentation and presented groundbreaking legislation, symbolizing commitment to building and supporting a strong foundation for black economics between Soul City and Black Wall Street, inspiring local entrepreneurs.
Awards for Organization
MainStreet Libertyville | Libertyville, IL – Oktoberfest in Libertyville: MainStreet Libertyville brought back an original fundraising event previously held for nearly 20 years to celebrate heritage and culture. Several local organizational groups partnered to bring the fundraiser to fruition. In 2022, over 700 tickets were sold, with three-quarters prepaid in advance online. Last year each organization netted over $16,000. Combined approach to volunteer recruitment attracted volunteers from throughout Lake County for a fundraising impact of $18K to MainStreet Libertyville.
Jacksonville Main Street | Jacksonville, IL – The Plaza: Former Elliott State Bank building. USBank was unsuccessful in finding a long-term use for the structure that dated to 1924, was scheduled for demolition in 2018. Jacksonville Main Street intervened and found a local developer willing to acquire the building with an innovative vision for the 32,300 square foot two-story building to provide a home to several smaller businesses - five new retailers plus three fresh and exciting entertainment options on its first floor.
Sterling Main Street | Sterling, IL – Shoppes at Grandon Plaza: The Shoppes at Grandon Plaza, a retail incubator project by Sterling Main Street, was designed to attract small businesses, create more retail shopping options. Will accommodate 10 units and foster entrepreneurship in Sterling and the greater Sauk Valley region. Project is creative infill for vacant lot, which will increase sales tax and small business creation. Several community partners worked on the project with over $300,000 in local investment and donations.
Calumet Area Industrial Commission | Pullman/Roseland Community | Chicago, IL: Awarded for this program last year, the event has seen change and growth. As time progressed, this bike ride event became a conduit for more than physical exercise. It became a vehicle for social change, breaking down barriers among community members. Activities include organized bike rides, tours, community beautification events, vendor fairs, small business advertising, and networking.
Batavia MainStreet | Batavia, IL – Increased Merchant Engagement & Promotion: Over the last year, Batavia MainStreet has made it a priority to increase buy-in and engagement from our downtown merchants while also showing them organizational value. Created form to highlight how to be involved with Batavia MainStreet, extensive website redesign with more business engagement, hired a professional photographer to shoot photos of each of our downtown merchants, and monthly ask for newsletter content with strategic communications plan.
Awards for Promotion
Six Corners Association | Portage Park/northwest side | Chicago, IL – Go Local - Six Corners: 32-page guide to the Six Corners Community. 6 months photographing small business owners, their stores, and their products to create this insider's guide for the community highlighting the people behind community gems. 10,000 paper copies distributed. Around 2,000 were distributed locally, but the majority went to neighboring communities and Choose Chicago (local tourism) highlighting 95 individual businesses.
Batavia MainStreet – Suzy Ray (Outstanding Volunteer): An exceptional volunteer and board member supporting Batavia MainStreet staff and initiatives since 2022. From Artisan Collective vendor to Batavia Boardwalk Shop tenant to brick-and-mortar store owner, Suzy has traveled through the Batavia MainStreet economic vitality ecosystem and given back immensely to her community. Also serving as board Vice President, Committee Chair, as well as attending and volunteering at events. Suzy continually goes above and beyond- checking in and supporting staff, recruiting volunteers for our events, and being a cheerleader for downtown businesses.
Outstanding Volunteers & Volunteer of the Year
Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street – Beautify Dixon - Preservation and Beautification Committee (Outstanding Volunteer): Dedication and volunteer efforts significantly contribute to the town's overall quality of life. They manage community gardens and petunia baskets throughout town. During the holiday season, decorations transform Dixon into a festive wonderland. Through clean-up events and the Beautify Dixon Lawns of the Month, they create opportunities for residents to engage with one another and collectively improve their town. The Preservation and Beautification committee serves as a model of volunteerism, encouraging others to get involved in community projects and initiatives.
Board Member of the Year
The District Quincy | Quincy, IL - Blues in the District: Concert series finished its 26th season providing six free Blues concerts to the public on the second and fourth Fridays of the summer months. Multiple partners and individual giving help support the event. The concerts are the most inclusive Quincy event bringing in a diverse audience of all ages, from the entire community, many from underserved and represented neighborhoods. Usually seeing crowd numbers by the hundreds, Blues in the District is a hot spot for class reunions, and brings families and friends, to the heart of Quincy to enjoy and appreciate their local community.
Greater Freeport Partnership – Devin Mielke (Volunteer of the Year): Through countless acts of kindness, he has become a beacon of inspiration, positivity, and compassion, making a remarkable impact on the lives of those around him. He is an amazing ambassador for Main Street providing information, offering support and securing partners to help each business feel special and welcome. He actively serves on two downtown committees, Design and Placemaking, and Downtown Promotions. As a Block Captain he spends several hours each month to visit businesses. As a Committee Chair, he takes on leadership roles in community events, ensuring their success and creating memorable experiences for all.
Greater Freeport Partnership – Josh Elliott: Is the current vice-chair for the Partnership and has a deep love for his community and sense of pride. Enjoys the natural amenities and history of Freeport, has been a frequent supporter and visitor of downtown. He believes the Partnership has the City of Freeport’s best interest with economic development, business and the overall wellbeing of its citizens and wants to help in whatever way necessary. Also involved with many other community organizations, events and activities. With his business, Elliot Graphix and Zealous Art Studio & Tattoo, has been able to support local groups and organizations, especially by creating community t-shirts.
Conference Presentations
If You Build It, Will They Come? Creating a Successful Incubator Space.
Beth Walker & Kristen Desler
Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
National Main Street
Leadership Resilience – Mastering the Art and Science of Listening to Our Bodies
Jennifer Zach
Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Rural Communities
National Main Street
Crunchin’ The Nums’
Ashley Sarver & Aaron Holverson
2023 Conference Schedule
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9:00 AM – Application Workshop Registration
Location: Courthouse Classroom
10:00 AM – Application Workshop Morning Session.Location: Courthouse Classroom
12:00 - 1:30 PM – Application Workshop Lunch on Your OwnLocation: Throughout District
1:30 PM – Application Workshop Afternoon Session
Location: Courthouse Classroom
By 3:00 PM – Application Workshop CompleteLocation: Courthouse Classroom
3:00 - 6:00 PM – Conference Registration
Location: Pontiac Museum Complex
6:00 - 8:00 PM – Conference Community ReceptionLocation: Pontiac Museum Complex
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8:00 - 9:00 AM – Conference Registration
Location: Eagle PACC
9:15 AM – Conference WelcomeLocation: Eagle PACC
9:30 - 10:30 AM – Wednesday Opening Key Note Session with Malcolm Crawford & Corey Dooley
Location: Eagle PACC
10:45 - 11:45 AM – Breakout Sessions
• Crunchin’ the Nums’ at Courthouse Main
• Keeping Small Towns on the Map at Courthouse Classroom
• If You Build It, Will They Come? at Eagle PACC
• Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at City Hall Council Chambers
• HOLD FOR BACKUP at City Library Classroom
11:45 - 1:00 PM – Lunch on Your Own
Location: Throughout District
1:00 - 2:00 PM – Breakout Sessions
• Building Facades at Courthouse Main
• Ilana Preuss with Chicago Cohort (1-3:15pm) at Courthouse Classroom
• Crunchin’ the Nums’ Office Hours Bonus at City Library Classroom
• Creating Community Through Identity at Eagle PACC
• Main Street: Social & Economic Challenges at City Hall Council Chambers
2:15 - 3:15 PM – Breakout Sessions
• Signage Design Principles at Courthouse Main
• Ilana Preuss with Chicago Cohort (1-315) at Courthouse Classroom
• Crunchin’ the Nums’ – Office Hours at City Library Classroom
• WEPA! Mercado del Pueblo Business Incubator at Eagle PACC
• Supporting Entrepreneurs: The Missing Link at City Hall Council Chambers
3:30 - 4:30 PM – Wednesday Closing Keynote Session
Location: Eagle PACC
6:00 PM – Awards and Dinner Social
Location: The Elks Lodge
7:00 PM – Awards and Dinner
Location: The Elks Lodge
8:30 PM – Awards and Dinner Complete
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9:00 - 10:00 AM – Thursday Opening Keynote Session with Jennifer Zach
Location: Eagle PACC
10:15 - 11:00 AM – Breakout Sessions (Courthouse Main and Classroom NOT Available on Thursday)
• Community Heart & Soul at Eagle PACC
• Libertyville MainStreet: 35 Strong Years at City Hall Council Chambers
• The Power of Collaboration at City Library Classroom
• District Walking Tour at TBD
11:15 - 12:00 PM – Breakout Sessions (Courthouse Main and Classroom NOT Available on Thursday)
• Community Heart & Soul at Eagle PACC
• 501c3/c6/City Panel at City Hall Council Chambers
• From Data to Development: AI’s Role in Community Transformation at City Library Classroom
• District Walking Tour at TBD
12:00 - 1:00 PM – Lunch
Location: TBD
1:00 - 2:00 PM – Closing Keynote Session with Ilana Preuss
Location: Eagle PACC
2:00 PM – Conference Closing
Important Addresses
County Court House – 112 W Madison St, Pontiac, IL 61764
Eagle PACC – 319 N Plum St, Pontiac, IL 61764
City Hall – 115 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764
City Library – 211 E Madison St, Pontiac, IL 61764
The Elks Lodge – 459 Elks Club Rd, Pontiac, IL 61764
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Who Should Attend?
• Current staff, board members, or volunteers of a downtown or neighborhood commercial district revitalization program.
• City or county government employees in leadership positions overseeing economic development, planning, tourism, or other related fields.
• Professionals in a related industry such as non-profit development, community development, historic preservation and design.
• Individuals who are interested in and want to learn about community development, historic preservation, and economic development initiatives that create lasting impact in downtowns and commercial corridors.
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What to Expect?
• Three days of learning, networking, and connecting with colleagues and experts in community revitalization
• Professional development in the Main Street Approach, a national model for downtown development with a 40 year track record of success.
• In-depth topics such as: Downtown Development Finance; Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion; Importance of Public Arts; Equitable Community Engagement; Creating a Cultural Destination and more!
• Meet with Illinois Main Street staff to learn more about membership benefits and the application process for new communities.
About our 2023 Conference Host Community: Pontiac
With its historic charm, walkable and welcoming business district, and vibrant arts and cultural communities, Downtown Pontiac is committed to go from a place where people can be and a place where people want to be, to a place where people are. A unified and focused effort of downtown businesses, local government, and residents of the community ensures the success of this vision for Pontiac.
The City of Pontiac, applied to become a Main Street community in 2019, and earned Affiliate designation with Main Street America in 2021. The Main Street Manager is a City of Pontiac employee in the Community Enrichment Department. Downtown Pontiac Main Street is supported by an advisory board made of up local business owners, community members, and local economic development organizations.
Where to Stay
Room blocks for conference attendees are available under "Illinois Main Street". Quantities are limited and reservations are subject to availability. Calling to inquire about availability and pricing is strongly recommended, as room block rates may not be available via online booking.
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Hampton Inn
2000 Grand Prix Drive, Pontiac, IL 62764
(815) 844-4400
$129/per night -
Quality Inn
1823 West Reynolds Street, Pontiac, IL 61764
(815) 844-4444
$109.99/per night -
Best Western
1821 West Reynolds Street, Pontiac, IL 61764
(815) 842-2777
$109.99/per night
