Main Street Association attends governor's awards banquet
By KRISTEN HOOPER
Director, Peabody Main Street Association
Each year the Kansas Department of Commerce hosts a banquet recognizing all the efforts and achievements of the various Kansas Main Street communities. This year the banquet was held Oct. 24 at Manhattan.
It is encouraged by the state that each association director invite the board of directors, MS volunteers, city officials, and governing body along with state legislators and representatives. This year Peabody Main Street Association was represented by the director and the organization chair, Susan Marshall.
The Kansas Department of Commerce provided each community the opportunity to decorate a centerpiece for one of the tables at the event. Peabody Main Street Association worked with Janet Post in developing a theme representative of all businesses downtown. The theme of the centerpiece was "Post Cards from Peabody" and included post cards featuring each downtown business on the front with a catchy phrase relating each business to Main Street. The concept provided wonderful representation of the diverse business district and was received well by attendees.
In addition to decorating the centerpieces each community provided 10 gift bags for each person who sat at their table with a total value which could not exceed $5. Peabody Main Street Association put together informative bags with brochures about the Peabody Historical Complex, the City of Peabody, a walking/driving brochure, and a welcome to Peabody post card which provided an introduction to the community and Peabody Main Street Association. The bags also included Grandma's Mustard, note pad and pin from Peabody State Bank, and a magnet from Sharon's Korner Kitchen.
After the meal was served the awards banquet began. Communities large and small won awards for various efforts improving their community and utilizing the four-point approach: promotion, design, organization, and economic restructuring. For communities the banquet is not only about recognizing efforts in your own community but sharing in the achievements of all Kansas Main Street communities. For most, the banquet instills ideas, inspiration, and motivation to continue progressive efforts within each individual community.
With the commitment of the board of directors, the four committees, and active volunteers it is it is the intention of Peabody Main Street Association to be recognized at next year's annual banquet. Through the inspiration given by other communities and the motivation to continue progress for the entire community of Peabody it is a goal which will be met.
