MainStreet needs to preserve itself
Since 1989, MainStreet Libertyville has been working hard to develop the village's historic shopping district. It has had its share of success, promoting downtown preservation and improvements and sponsoring events. These include Dickens of a Holiday, the farmers market and summer's Out to Lunch that attract 70,000 people a year.
But the not-for-profit group is in a bind. It's so low on cash that Executive Director Randy Nelson stopped receiving his $56,000-a-year salary as of Friday.
A gradual funding cutback by the village of Libertyville -- to $10,000 a year from $50,000 four years ago -- and a failed fundraiser, when cold weather in September iced the annual Street Dance, put the organization and its $300,000-a-year budget in this tight spot.
There wasn't much fallback. Just 300 of Libertyville's 11,000 households paid memberships, and downtown businesses contributed only $17,000 a year.
The message from the village is clear: the organization needs to be more self-supporting. And the recent shock waves have set the group -- belatedly, it seems -- on a path toward more belt-tightening and better planning.
All is not lost. MainStreet Libertyville still rang in December with visits to Cook Park by Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, and emergency fundraising successes are more reason for good cheer.
M.J. Seiler and Tom Kreuser, owners of a Century 21 office, offered $10,000 of their own money as a match to an equal amount donated from residents. Attorney Terry Weppler promised office space. Business owner and activist Jack Martin offered to chair a fundraiser and, at his own expense, mailed 7,000 letters asking residents to donate $25 or more to MainStreet Libertyville. And they're responding.
About 120 new members have joined the group in recent weeks.
"Your organization makes it a community," said one note with a $40 check. "Keep up the terrific work that makes Libertyville Libertyville," wrote another $40 donor.
Downtown businesses also need to shoulder more of the load. While most don't have deep pockets, they benefit directly from MainStreet's efforts.
Meanwhile, Nelson, who's been on the job for a year, plans to court corporations whose employees also benefit from the downtown's homey character.
A group that has done well in promoting the downtown area now needs to do so some strong promoting of itself.
In that letter to residents, Martin wrote: "As a lifelong resident of Libertyville, I believe all of you agree with me that we cannot let MainStreet fold and go away."
That is the message the group needs to get across to those who live in the village and love their Main Street.