Iowa Main Street hosted a public meeting this week about the future of Newton Main Street promotion committee. The meeting took place at Bridgehouse Coffee Company and was well attended by local business owners and citizens of Newton.
“We had 20 business owners represented during the meeting,” Newton Main Street Executive Director Andrew Bassman said.
The promotion committee is responsible for planning events to increase the image of the “Main Street” district. The type of events discussed at the meeting covered retail, special and cultural events. Iowa Main Street Promotion Specialist Terry Buschkamp pointed out some of the successful events done throughout the multiple Main Street communities.
“The focus should be doing what works,” Buschkamp said. “It’s better doing a few things great rather than doing a lot of things not so great.”
Terry pointed out many strategies downtown retailers can implement during special events held in downtown.
“Special events are amazing opportunities to let people know you’re open and what you have to offer,” Terry said. “If you’re closed, you miss out on a lot of opportunities.”
“Some events are focused on just bringing people to downtown, so many participants of the event don’t have a chance to shop, but they do look around,” Terry continued. “I have found throughout many Main Street communities the biggest retail days are the morning after a special event.”