About Us
Mission
To improve the quality of life in Fremont by strengthening the Historic Downtown as the center of the Community.
Mainstreet Fremont capitalized on the idea that the downtown is the center of community life, and more than just a place of commerce. We believe that a revitalized downtown benefits the community because an active downtown is a symbol of community economic health, local quality of life, pride, and community history. The purpose of Mainstreet Fremont is to encourage, promote, and support downtown Fremont’s economic vitality, as well as the image and appearance of downtown.
In Fremont, Mainstreet just doesn’t include the “Main Street,” it encompasses the entire downtown district. Mainstreet Fremont is a resource to the entire community. We emphasize the infrastructure and the business located between 1st and 8th Street, and C to H Streets. The historic district is designated as Main and 6th Streets.
Mainstreet Fremont is founded on eight effective principles for success that are carried out through the Four Point Approach. Through the work of volunteer committees, the four point approach encourages economic development of business improvement, design, organization, and promotion. When working simultaneously and comprehensively, they help keep downtown thriving by addressing present as well as future strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges.
Eight Effective Principles
COMPREHENSIVE
No single focus can do the job. Downtown revitalization is a complex process requiring a simultaneous, all-encompassing strategic approach.
INCREMENTAL
Small projects and simple activities lead to a more sophisticated understanding of the revitalization process and help members of the community develop skills to tackle more complex problems and projects.
SELF-INITIATED HELP
Local leaders must educate residents and business owners alike of the rewards for their involvement, investment and commitment of time and money in Mainstreet Fremont, as the heart of the community.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
Both public and private sectors have a vital interest in downtown. Each sector has a role and must understand that others are contributing time, money, and enterprise.
ASSET ENHANCEMENT
Main Street must capitalize on the unique qualities it already has – distinct buildings, neighborly shop owners, and a human scale that cannot be copied.
QUALITY
A high standard of quality must be set for every aspect of the commercial district, from window displays to marketing initiatives, from public improvements to storefront renovation.
PROACTIVE, POSITIVE CHANGE
Proactive attitudes and positive changes are slow but definite, and essential. To improve current economic conditions, revitalization program leaders must work to change public attitudes about the commercial district. Mainstreet Fremont requires a new way of thinking about downtown’s purpose and future.
IMPLEMENTATION ORIENTED
Make a difference TODAY. Main Street’s focus is to simultaneously plan for the future while creating a visible change and activity now. Mainstreet Fremont works because we follow through.
Four Point Approach
ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING
Strengthening the existing economic base of downtown, while diversifying it. Economic restructuring activities include helping existing downtown businesses expand, recruiting new businesses to provide a balanced mix, converting unused space into productive, and sharpening the competitiveness of downtown businesses.
DESIGN
Contributes to improving the downtown’s image by challenging its physical appearance. Not just that of the buildings, but also of street lights, window displays, parking areas, sidewalks., promotional materials, and all other elements that convey a visual message and create a sense of place about what the downtown is, an inviting center of the community, and what it has to offer.
PROMOTION
Marketing the downtown’s unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, tourists, and others. Effective promotion creates a positive image of the special events and ongoing programs to build strong perceptions of the district.
ORGANIZATION
Concentrating on getting everyone in the community working toward the same goal: a vital, active, and inviting downtown. Organization means building consensus and cooperation between the groups that play a role in the downtown area. Many individuals and organizations have an important stake in the economic and cultural viability of the district. The four-point approach builds a framework for sensible, volunteer-driven programming and organizational structure that matches the community’s assets and potential.
MainStreet of Fremont Board Members
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Melissa Powell | Executive Director MainStreet of Fremont
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Sam Heineman, President | Dodge County Realty Group
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Jasmine De Luna, Vice President | 1st State Bank & Trust
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Sarah Brandt, Treasurer | Bixby Financial Services
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Kim Schwartz, Secretary | First Community Bank
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Jill Gossett | Fremont Methodist
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Kim Cuda | Abe Krasne Home Furnishings
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Nichole Owsley | Arch Bishop Bergan
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Nik Beninato | Don Peterson & Associates
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Tom Coday | Lou's Sporting Goods
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Katy Jones | Midland University
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Liz Gibney | FNBO
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Erika Martinez | Don Peterson & Associates
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Bridget Sawyer | S2 Roll-Offs