CONTACT MAINCOR

September/October 2004

Supporting Our Local Businesses

Kansas City's Main Street Corridor is an eclectic grouping of large corporations, small businesses and entertainment venues. We are proud that the corporations here are home-based, such as American Century, H&R Block, Sutherlands and Hallmark.

While there is concern across the country about large national chains displacing locally-owned small businesses, MainCor works hard to encourage area residents to shop and use services of our locally-owned businesses. At a town hall meeting earlier this year, we asked people what kinds of businesses they would like to see here. Imagine our surprise when the list included businesses and services already available on Main Street!

With that in mind, the Neighborhood Issues Committee wanted to have a Main Street Expo, giving businesses an oppor-tunity to market themselves to people who live here. Unfortunately, only a handful of businesses responded to our offer and the Expo was cancelled. Although we were disappointed, we hope to have a better response when we try again to organize the Expo in the spring.

Meanwhile, MainCor remains committed to our small businesses because we realize their importance to our city's economy. Independent local businesses employ a wide array of supporting services like local accountants, insurance brokers, computer consultants, attorneys and advertising agencies. Local owners usually have a vested interest in the vitality of the community and often serve on boards and give to local charities.

While Midtowners embrace the idea of distinctive businesses, we often forget their survival depends on our patronage. That is why we are encouraging participation in America Unchained on November 20. The American Independent Business Alliance is asking communities to shop locally-owned independent businesses on this one day. For more information about America Unchained, you can call the MainCor office or go to www.amiba.net/
campaigns/unchained.

Imagine the impact that would be made if we chose to do all of our holiday shopping at locally-owned independent businesses this year!

Annual Hors' Doeurve at Cafe Trocadero

Mark your calendars for Nov. 10 and plan to join us for the MainCor Annual Hors D'ourve at the Cafe Trocadero, 401 E. 31st St. Those of you who have attended in the past know this is a great time for everyone - an opportunity to get to know the MainCor Board of Directors, City Council members, local business and property owners, area residents and our wonderful men and women in blue, our friends at Central Patrol Division.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and won't end until the food is eaten, the laughter subsides and happy people head home. We promise you won't be bored by a long-winded speaker or talk about the Main Street Corridor Plan!

This is planned as a night of fun for all of us as we celebrate the accomplishments made this year and look forward to an exciting 2005.

All of this for only $35 per person! Watch your mail for an invitation or you can make your reservation now by sending your check to MainCor, 3215 Main, Ste. 200, KCMO 64111. For more information, call the MainCor office at 753-3820.

Volume 9, Issue 5

Urban Mining Homewares

A new business on the Corridor is a little hard to find, but worth the effort! Urban Mining Homewares & Co. is located at 3923 B Main, in the basement of the Meyer Building (where City in Motion is located).

This is a unique concept. Eight women hunter/artists are combining their talents and fabulous finds to put on monthly sales events. Every first Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. they open their treasure trove to the public.

The "wares" include lovely things for the home and garden including: artistically redone items, shabby chic, retro reruns, gently used and originally combined furniture and accessories.

The next sale event will be November 5 and 6. Be sure to stop by and find that perfectly unique item you've been looking for!

Holiday Decorating on Main Street

Soon people from all over the metropolitan area will be driving from Crown Center to the Plaza to see the holiday light displays! Let's give them a reason to make Main Street their route.

Have you thought about decorating your windows or building for the holidays? It's not too late. Get creative! String some lights and leave them on all night. Not only will it make Main Street inviting, it will provide additional security during this holiday season. Talk with your neighboring business and decide on a theme!

Once the lights are up, MainCor will call the media and see if we can't get some coverage. For more ideas, call us at the MainCor office, 753-3820.

Safety Concerns for Main Street and Broadway

You undoubtedly know there was an increased amount of unsavory street activity in our area this past summer. Much of the media focus was on Broadway. The unfortunate fact is, as we worked at cleaning up problems on Main Street, they merely moved west to Broadway.

MainCor is working closely with Broadway Westport Council, Central Patrol Division, Jackson County Prosecutor's Office and the Kansas City Prosecutors to reduce the problem of street crime in Midtown.

One thing we have learned recently is that the drug dealers are now riding bikes and using their cell phones. Others are "hanging out" for four or five hours at bus stops and other spots on the Corridor. If you see this or other suspicious activity, note the place, time, what the suspect looks like, what they are wearing and PLACE A CALL. You can call Central Patrol Division at 234-5510 or one of our community police officers. Even if the suspects are gone by the time the police arrive (as often happens) the information is placed in their data bank for future use.

The police are putting many man-hours in to fighting this problem. MainCor and Broadway Westport Council are looking at ways to increase security for our area. We will keep you posted.

It is important for everyone to stay vigilant. Don't allow loitering on your property. Keep your sidewalk and doorway clean and clear. Most importantly, if you see suspicious activity, make that call!