The Building Futures committees are now working on these Action Plans:
Building Futures and the community Celebrate Emporia, a community open house event, sponsored by Building Futures on May 30, had more than 800 community members attend and 68 booths displayed, from shops, recreation activities, restaurants, services to other area offerings. “A wide variety of booths were at Celebrate Emporia – from community service organizations, such as Flint Hills Community Health Center, the Buck Foundation, businesses such as Green Door Recycling, dentist Dr. Clay Sligh, CableONE, and local artist Casey Wilson, just to name a few," said Vanda Stephens, of the Emporia Chamber, who helped coordinate the event. Celebrate Emporia was a success for those who attended, who were able to gather a wide variety of information on the community and learn more about the services available to them. The event provided the community a look at all the positive initiatives that have developed from Building Futures. It was also successful for the vendors who participated, helping to increase their sales and services. “Everyone seem to gain a better understanding of Building Futures, the community’s strategic plan,” Stephens said. Celebrate Emporia was a joint effort between the City of Emporia, Emporia Main Street and the Emporia Area Chamber and Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. Approximately 12 door prizes were given away every 30 minutes, giving everyone a chance to win. The big winner was Kay Hahn who won an Emporia Gift basket valued at more $500! “This was a great event to showcase all the committee work that has been done by Building Futures groups and to celebrate all that is good about Emporia,” Emporia Chamber President and CEO Jeanine McKenna said. Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Director Betty Senn said, “From my perspective attendees were well informed about Building Futures and found Celebrate Emporia beneficial and a feel-good event.” Emporia Main Street gives out awards The Emporia Main Street organization awarded the following Emporians at their 2009 annual meeting: Business of the Year: High Gear Cyclery & Fitness, 504 Commercial St. Volunteer of the Year: Tracey Graham of the Emporia Farmers Market Advocate of the Year: Chris Walker, publisher of the Emporia Gazette
State honors area Emporia businesses
Fanestil, Madelynn's, Amanda's included.
www.emporiagazette.com/news/2008/jun/10/state_honors_area_businesses/
Emporia's Main Street program receives accreditation
Emporia Main Street is now accredited through a national main street program.
Read the full story on the Emporia Gazette's Web site: http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/2008/apr/09/emporia_main_street_accredited/