MainStreet needs everyone's support

Most of you are aware of the financial problem our MainStreet Libertyville organization is having.

I have lived in Libertyville all my life and have been involved with the downtown for 35 years. Over the years, there have been initiatives to revitalize downtown. Only one has worked, and that is the MainStreet concept. When it was implemented in 1989, it changed the course, the look, the feel and vitality of downtown Libertyville.

MainStreet Libertyville is more than just an event and party planner; the visible events like farmers market, and Out to Lunch, attract people to downtown. But under the veil of events is a marketing and promotional organization, whose focus is to promote, rejuvenate and attract quality businesses.

As a past chairman and board member of MainStreet, it disturbs me there is not more support for an organization that has given us the perfect place to live, work, shop and raise our families. We can all take a look in the mirror and know the problem -- we have taken for granted, or not known, who puts on these events and the volunteers who donate time to help build a sense of community. So shame on us!

I know the village and Mayor Jeff Harger have been accused of not supporting MainStreet Libertyville more than they have. Truth is, the village is the biggest partner MainStreet Libertyville has. Much has been brought up about the village's support, which even at its best was only 17 percent of the organization's budget.

The organization is a product of its own success. When people ask me why MainStreet Libertyville is in such financial trouble, I ask them what problems they see when entering downtown for the first time. Everyone answered, nothing, the downtown looks great. Similar questions could be asked about who fostered the downtown renovations and who produces the events. Many folks would not know, or would guess the village.

MainStreet Libertyville has become a transparent organization because most of the heavy lifting has been completed. The vital part of the organization's time is spent on promotion of the downtown, marketing, retention and recruiting. These are things that don't get noticed, but without them, the downtown and yes, the events would suffer.

Many prominent residents have taken up the fight to keep MainStreet Libertyville alive. I applaud them and all who have supported the organization. But it's not enough -- we need more members. So before we all get caught up in the holiday season take a look around -- there are many things that make Libertyville great, and one of them is MainStreet Libertyville. Become a member.

And if you work for a corporation, ask them if they would consider supporting MainStreet Libertyville. They located to the area because of communities like Libertyville, and you probably moved your family here because of the schools, the neighborhoods and, yes, the downtown. Do it today, if you wait, it might be too late.

Scott Adams

Libertyville