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Winter Directors Workshop and Main Street Day at the Capitol



Welcome to our fifth annual Illinois Main Street Day at the State Capitol!  We are excited about the opportunity to highlight how Main Street is working in your community and increase awareness of this highly successful program.

 

Who Should Attend?

Everyone!  Your attendance is important; there is strength in numbers.  Organizations throughout Illinois have long advocated through a specific day at the Capitol, and consequently have stronger, more stable programs on both the local and state levels. At a minimum, each program is required to send at least one person and bring a display but it is best to bring a contingent from your community so some can stay at the table while others visit with your Legislators.  In particular, invite your Mayor and City Manager; the Lt. Governor will award the first Civic Leadership Award during the Rally and we will be holding a Downtown Leaders Luncheon at 12:30 on Thursday the 21st.  This will be the opportunity for your City Officials to learn more about the Illinois Main Street Program.  We also encourage you to invite your Board President, Board Members, Committee Chairmen and key volunteers. 

 

What Will We Be Doing?

We have reserved the halls of the Capitol for displays from your local programs.  This is your chance to �strut your stuff�, so bring display boards, brochures, calendars of events, giveaways and anything else that represents your Main Street.  Make it colorful to attract attention. Have take-it or sample items if possible.  Elgin brought food from their newest local restaurant and it was a hit!  If you do not have a commercial display board, do not worry; inexpensive tri-fold boards are available at office and discount stores. There are three display space options:

 

v      Half-Table

v      Full Table

v      Space Only � for free standing displays.

 

Please be certain to mark the appropriate option when you register.  You will need to bring your own table coverings.  Since the restoration and update of the Capitol, electricity is available all along the hallways.  However, you will need to bring your own extension cords.

 

You may set-up between 8:30 � 9:15 a.m., and disassemble after 2:00 p.m.  Please plan your schedule accordingly.

 

The Lieutenant Governor will make remarks at 11:00, pose for a group picture on the (inside) west steps, and then visit each of the display tables.

 

You should plan to meet with your Legislators. Please make an appointment before you come to Springfield for sometime between 9 and 10:45 a.m. or after 12 noon � this will assure your best possibility to see them.  To find your local Senator and Representative go to: www.ilga.gov.  For time efficiency, please partner with other local Main Streets that share the same Legislator and set a time for a group appointment.  However, don�t be surprised if you have to wait, or it is postponed � session days are very hectic and oftentimes schedules change throughout the day.  With that in mind, plan for your time together to be brief and to-the-point. Briefly note how Main Street has had a positive effect on your community and share any concerns you may have. Be certain to bring along a small gift that represents your downtown - this will leave a lasting impression after you are gone.

 

The National Trust requires us to meet with the Executive Directors at least four times a year.  In order to fulfill this requirement, we will be holding our first Executive Director Workshop of the year on Wednesday the 20th of February.  Registration will begin at 10 a.m.; the workshop will begin promptly at 10:30.  The cost is $50.  Please pay in cash when you arrive.  This $50 will cover lunch, a break, dinner, coffee on Thursday morning, and all training materials.  Dinner will be at 6:30 at a Springfield favorite, Maldaners. 

 

What to Wear

Attire for Main Street Day is our Illinois Main Street state shirt in mango. Please wear it and appropriate slacks, khakis or a skirt.  Lower heeled shoes will be the most comfortable for the day.  For those of you who do not have one, and would like to order one, an order form is attached with this e-mail.  Please place your order by February 7th. If you do not have an Illinois Main Street shirt, then please wear something �mango� or orange.  We want to see a sea of citrus color!  Business casual attire is appropriate for the 20th.

 

Location

The Executive Director Workshop will be held at 313 S. 6th Street.  A map of the location is included.  Parking is indicated on the map.  For those who attended CORE Training in July 2007, we will be in the same location.

 

Events on the 21st will take place in the State Capitol.  The Capitol complex is bordered by Second Street on the East, Edwards Street on the South, College Street on the West and Monroe Street on the North.  The Downtown Leaders Luncheon will be in the Stratton building, which is directly west of the Capitol.

 

Unloading your Vehicle

Enter from Edwards Street on the south side of the Capitol and proceed to the south dock.  You can unload here, but cannot park here.  Main Street staff will be here to greet and direct you.

 

Parking

Parking spaces in the State Capitol area are limited.  Your best possibility for free parking is in the lot at the State Visitor�s Center.  The Visitor�s Center is located at the corner of College and Edwards Streets.  Parking is on a first come-first served basis but should be available during the early morning hours.  Otherwise you will have to find parking on the street and plug the meter.

 

Lodging

We have a block of rooms at the State House Inn.  The State House is a walkable distance to the Capitol.  http://www.thestatehouseinn.com/  The block is for Wednesday the 20th of February.  They are holding 24 non smoking doubles at $89.99.  When calling ask for the ILLINOIS MAIN STREET BLOCK.  These rooms are available on a first come first serve basis.  This rate for the IMS block will end on the 31st of January.

Another option in downtown is the Hilton.  When calling the Hilton, I suggest asking if they have a business rate as this is usually lower than the regular room rate. 

 

Registration

Registration will be available online at www.IllinoisMainStreet.org in the Members Area.  Please fill out one registration form per person.  Registration deadline is Friday, February 15th at 5:00 p.m.

 

We believe we�ve covered all the bases but if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.  We are really looking forward to seeing all of you on February 21st and celebrating Illinois Main Street at the State Capitol!