Save The Date: July 30th - August 1st
Foundations to Futures: Preserving History and Fostering Growth
Join us for Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference. This year’s annual conference Foundations to Futures: Preserving History and Fostering Growth will transform your mindset on the ties between historic preservation, upper-story housing, and historic commercial districts. This conference is for communities of all sizes whose residents and stakeholders are eager to discover how thriving local economies and walkable neighborhoods can transform their communities. The conference brings together over 275 community members including local program directors, board members, volunteers, city and county elected officials and professionals, economic developers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners from across the state of Missouri to revitalize commercial districts and build foundations for the future.
Recharged and Reassured to Revitalize.
“I found exactly what I needed by attending the 2023 conference. The guest speakers encouraged me during the break-out sessions and provided many suggestions, ideas, and resources to bring home and utilize. Networking with, listening to, and sharing stories of what did and did not work with other communities across the state helped tremendously. The conference recharged me and reassured me that I was on the right path.” Tiffiny Shankle, Charleston Revitalization Movement
Fueled to Engage with Dynamic Speakers!
“I was part of a group of four from Vision Carthage which allowed us to have at least one person in every session during the 2023 conference. We all found the sessions valuable and interesting with the variety of topics they covered. I most enjoyed the general session on Friday: A Recipe For Place. The topic was right on point and the speaker was very engaging. Speaking of recipes: thank you for providing a delicious breakfast each morning, it helped get my brain in gear for the day.” Kara Hardesty, Vision Carthage
Small Steps to Success Begins with Confidence.
“The 2022 conference helped me build confidence, energy, and enthusiasm to come home and get to work with Main Street Albany. There are small steps we can take to make our downtown look more inviting without spending a ton of money… by painting, cleaning up vacant areas; adding greenery; adding seating areas; etc. Listening to the success stories people have had across the state was encouraging and I learned that it is important to take chances on projects and ideas that I might not personally see value in, but that others might.” Kaylie Walker, Main Street Albany
Takeaways in Unique Places.
“I took away great information from the 2022 conference sessions Downtown Sedalia can use soon or in the future. I personally enjoyed the opportunity to explore Independence. It’s always good to get a sidewalk perspective on what other downtowns are doing to bring people into their businesses. As a chef and a local ice cream store owner, I value the insight and resources I’m able to take away from these conferences.
I have found that the networking, especially within Missouri’s communities, is just as valuable as the sessions offered. I have quickly made connections widening the circle of people I feel comfortable contacting if I have a question.” Chris Paszkiewicz, City of Sedalia
Creating a Lively Downtown
If They Can Do It, We Can Too!
This conference is a private and public partnership with the Department of Economic Development, the State of Missouri, USDA, and MMSC.