Libertyville's MainStreet back in business

Libertyville's downtown revitalization group has reversed a financial skid that had many thinking it might go under after 18 years.

Residents and businesses responded to MainStreet Libertyville's public plea for funding in a big way, contributing more than $88,000 to the nonprofit organization since Nov. 1.

Membership has tripled to 1,116, giving the group that had for a time operated without any paid employees some breathing room and a rejuvenated sense of purpose.

Capping the renewed interest was a $10,000 gift from Tom Kreuser and M.S. Seiler, co-owners of a local Century 21 realty office, presented Tuesday in a ceremonial, oversized check.

The pair had vowed to match contributions to that amount at a time when those involved with the group had doubts about its future and relevance to residents.

"Are we meaningful to the community? Has MainStreet run its course?" Seiler recalled wondering.

"In two months you've tripled your membership. That's phenomenal. That's a tribute to the community," he told Executive Director Randy Nelson.

Nelson was back on the payroll as of Jan. 1 and the landlord of the group's downtown office provided the space rent-free until the end of March.

MainStreet may have been suffering an identity crisis. Many may have been familiar with some or all of the 16 events hosted annually by MainStreet but apparently were unaware of who was responsible. The group is not part of village government.

"People took it for granted (that) this is a village function," Kreuser said.

While the village has provided funding since its inception in 1989, the annual contribution has decreased the past few years from $50,000 to $10,000. And when MainStreet's biggest fundraiser tanked last year, the ink ran red. The majority of events are free to the public.

"Expenses were never the problem. It's always the revenue side," according to Seiler.

New memberships provided the bulk of new funds, but the plea for help also raised the awareness of the group in the community.

"Not only did this generate a lot of money for us, it generated a lot of volunteers," Nelson said. "Right now, we're planning a full schedule."

The next goal is to add another 400 members by July 1 for a total of 1,500.

"The main thing is we're hopeful most of the people who gave donations will view it as a subscription, not a one-time event," Nelson said.