MACC, Main Street collaborate with joint meeting

     On Feb. 21, members of Main Street Monticello board of directors and the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) executive board held a joint meeting facilitated by Michael Wagler, state coordinator of Main Street Iowa.

   The meeting focused on identifying lead and supporting roles for both community organizations.

   “By ‘lead role,’ I mean the organization that will be the main point of contact for the resource,” Main Street Monticello Director Brian Wolken offered.

   The topics and roles would include:

   • Downtown second-story housing – Lead, Main Street; supporting role, MACC

   • Community housing – Lead, MACC; supporting role, Main Street

   • Ribbon cutting events – Lead, Chamber Ambassadors; supporting role, MACC and Main Street

   • Tourism – Lead, MACC; supporting role, Main Street

   • Retail events – Lead, Main Street; supporting role, MACC

   • Industrial development – Lead, MACC; supporting role, Main Street

   “This was a productive meeting and demonstrated the partnership the two groups (MACC and Main Street) will forge as they work to make Monticello stronger in the future,” said Wolken. “By working closely together, we won’t have to divide our resources. Both organizations can thrive in different areas and help make Monticello that much better.”

   MACC Director Bobby Krum offered, “My board and I felt it was an effective work session. It started us on a path to understanding how the two organizations can work together to strengthen our community. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Main Street.”