Creating an Economic Vitality Plan for Your Town

Mainstreet’s Commercial Alliance was excited to kick off a new commercial series in collaboration with NAR, Mains Street America, Counselors of Real Estate (CRE), and the local Economic Developer community. The purpose of this event was for participants to learn how to develop and use a workplan to motivate and create a stronger sense of ownership that can translate into greater economic vitality. 

This all-star workshop featured Hilary Greenberg, President of Greenberg Development Services (GDS), Michael Cassa, local Economic Development coordinator, Joi Cuartero Austin, Senior Program Offices and Director, Illinois Mainstreet Street America Program, and Casandra Francis, Principal, Kariatid 

This event brought our attendees an inside look at how to use market data to develop a stronger plan for their community, as well as identify the important role that property owners play in the economic development process. Each speaker brought their expert knowledge to the workshop, providing Mainstreet members with additional tools and a better understanding of the commercial solutions in their town, and how they can have a seat at the table for those transactions and decisions. Below, you will find information and tolls that were presented at the event. 

Greenberg Development Services 

Greenberg Development Services (GDS) is a North Carolina based planning and economic development firm that works with state and local governments and community development organization across the country. 

Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation 

The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation is the official agency for economic development and tourism for the Village of Downers Grove. Their mission is to enhance the economic vitality of Downers Grove through the retention, expansion, and attraction of business that is conductive to improving the quality of life in the town. 

Main Street America 

Main Street America, not to be confused with Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®, was established in 1980 as a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a way to address the myriad issues facing older historic downtowns during that time. Since then, the Main Street American (then Main Street Center) launched a new program to reinvigorate the collective look, feel, and strategy to position Main Street as a leader regionally, and nationally.

The Counselors of Real Estate

The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) is an international consortium of credentialed Real Estate problem solvers who provide expert advice on complex property and land-related matters. CRE is an affiliate organization of the National Association of REALTORS® with over 1,000 members. Members of CRE come from many industries in the Real Estate community, including bankers, attorneys, Real Estate developers, and more.  

If you missed this event and would like to receive additional information about the organizations and programs listed above, you can watch a recording of the Developing an Economic Vitality Plan for Your Town on Mainstreet’s MORe On-Demand.