About Genoa Main Street

Genoa became an Illinois Main Street designated community in 1996. Established in 1993, Illinois Main Street is a preservation based economic development program.

We are a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded by community volunteers. Our Board of Directors is made up of 10 members. Our Executive Director is Mim Evans.

MISSION STATEMENT

GENOA MAIN STREET, INC. is a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving Genoa's historic heritage and small town wholesomeness while promoting economic development and downtown improvements.

OUR VISION

The future of Genoa's Main Street will be a healthy and stable mix of businesses with quality retail, shopping and dining. The fully developed downtown district will have diversified businesses housed in restored and preserved buildings protected by a historic preservation ordinance. We will be known as a premiere destination shopping district and a place for social gatherings. We will have a historic streetscape providing a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment, maintaining our historic architecture. The Main Street district will be expanded to the Kishwaukee River to take advantage of the park space, gazebo and riverfront opportunities. We will continue Main Street's Four Point Approach® and philosophy to maintain our small town spirit as we manage growth. Genoa's Main Street district will reflect a sense of community pride honoring its stagecoach trail history and heritage.

Modeled after the National Trust Main Street Center's Four Point Approach® our four committees are:

MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

Membership and Development's purpose is to develop and sustain an effective downtown management organization. The responsibilities of the committee are fundraising, managing staff and volunteers, promoting the program to downtown interests and the public, and managing the finances.

ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING

Economic Restructuring's purpose is to improve the downtown's economic base by assisting and recruiting businesses and finding new uses for underused space.

DESIGN

Design's purpose is to improve the appearance of the downtown buildings and streetscape and promoting historic preservation.

PROMOTION

Promotion's purpose is to market the district's unique assets to bring people downtown. Their responsibilities are to promote the downtown image both to our community and other communities, generate support for downtown businesses, and promote a sense of community for Genoa residents, through a series of special events.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Genoa Main Street's first state award was presented in 1996, the year Genoa was accepted as a Main Street community. The award was given for the information brochure that was put together as part of the application package. Genoa Main Street has earned a total of 17 state awards:

2012 - MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT - Annual Volunteer and Partner

Recognition Dinner and Dessert Auction

2011 -  DESIGN - Community Ice Skating Rink and

ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING - Genoa Springboard small business incubator

2010 -  No state awards conference held.

2009 -  No state awards conference held.

2008 - MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT - Dinner and a Movie Program, and

DESIGN -  Wet Paint Project

2007 - PROMOTION - Genoa Main Street and Downtown Businesses High School Scholarship Program

2006 - MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT President's Breakfast

2004 - DESIGN - Facade Grant and

ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING -Outstanding Partner - Briody Challenge

2003 - MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT - Newsletter - On The Corner and

PROMOTION - Partnership with Existing Event - Pioneer Weekend

2002 - ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING - Business Expansion - Prairie State Winery

2001 - MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT - Art Contest

2000 - MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT - Annual Report to volunteers and supporters

1999 - ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING - New Business Success - Prairie State Winery and

DESIGN -Signage Prairie State Winery

1998 - ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING - Expanded Business Success Story- Victoria's Crossing

Genoa Main Street can proudly point to many activities and achievements that have improved not only the physical appearance of the downtown but has also improved the quality of life for  its citizens. These include colorful banners for Main Street, architectural design help for facade renovations and new signage for businesses. Genoa Main Street worked with the city government in the creation of a park like parking lot on Main Street. The city approved a streetscape plan and by working with local civic organizations colorful planters and benches were added to the downtown. The annual Art Contest gives local students an opportunity to research the history of a local building and create an artistic rendering in order to win a cash award.

In 2007 we added a program of canoe rentals for exploring the Kishwaukee River. This is a partnership with the Genoa Park District.In co-operation the Kishwaukee Valley Historical Society a grant was applied for and awarded for the construction of an information Kiosk. The Kiosk was constructed by the Genoa Kingston High School students and stands on Main Street. Genoa Main Street in May of 2008 awarded a $1000 and a $500 scholarship to high school seniors. This was a partnership with Genoa merchants who provided funds for the award. The promotion brought added dollars to the participating merchants. The Open Air Markets are held the fourth Saturday of each month beginning in May and ending in October. These markets offer a blend of produce, plants, crafts, and flea market items.

This year will be our second Summer Farm Festival,, our signature event.  It is the successor to our oldest event, the Day Before Pioneer Day. This year Summer Farm Festival will be held September 22nd and feature the third annual Tractor Run. 

Movies on Main Street , one of our most popular events, began in 1997 and continues today. In July and August, movies are shown in the city parking lot at Main and Genoa Streets. Families and friends gather for an evening of entertainment and free popcorn, helping us fulfill our vision of providing a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment, and a place for social gatherings.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gordon Jones, President
Michael Haines, Vice President
Leslie Tobinson-Sanderson, Secretary
Pattie Marx, Treasurer

Maria Bennett, Director
Gene Bradford, Director
Arlene Erickson, Director

Sherry Frankenbach

David Glaum, Director

Mike Groark, Director

Diane Helleand, Director

Sandy Spier, Director
Linda Underwood, Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mim Evans

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