LET'S LEARN ABOUT MAIN STREET ELKADER...
The Four Points of a Main Street Community:
Utilizing the Main Street Approach, Elkader capitalizes on the unique identity, assets and character of our historic commercial districts. The Main Street Approach consists of tightly integrated components making up a common-sense, strategy-driven framework that guides community-based downtown revitalization efforts. Locally developed strategies are implemented through comprehensive work in four broad areas, known as the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Organization, Promotion and Design.
SERVICES WE OFFER:
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
- Main Street Iowa's Open 4 Business Grant
- Main Street Iowa's Challenge Grant
- Additional grant opportunities
- Low-interest Revolving Loan Fund
COMPLEMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES
- One-on-one business support and coaching with a Main Street Iowa Business Specialist
- Business start-up and expansion coaching with a Main Street Iowa Business Specialist
- Confidential third-party succession panning resources
- Design renderings (interior & exterior)
- Historic preservation education and efforts
- Downtown beautification projects
- Promotional events, activities and initiatives aimed at bringing tourism, visitors, and foot traffic to the district.
- Information on available properties for-sale or rent in our downtown, Main Street District
- Additional trainings by request
- Market analysis data
And so much more!
MEET OUR DIRECTOR!
We are excited to welcome Amy Holst as our Main Street Elkader Director, beginning July 1st, 2024. An Elkader resident for over 23 years, Holst is passionate about Elkader, its growth, and showcasing our vibrant rural community. She leads our organization, following our mission, vision and goals, executing the initiatives set forth by the board of directors.
OUR COMMITTEES
Main Street Elkader would not be complete without the various volunteer committees that lead efforts for our organization. From events to city projects to aesthetic design of Main Street, the committees get the job done.
PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
Each year, Main Street Elkader has various projects and initiatives that they either launch or support.
GET INVOLVED!
Each year, Main Street Elkader has various projects and initiatives that they either launch or support.
KEY MEMBERS OF OUR ORGANIZATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Our volunteer board of directors serves annually, elected by the fellow board and committee members.
Amy Holst
Executive Director of Main Street Elkader and Economic Development Director for the City of Elkader
Ashley Augustyn
President
Board member since in 2020
Promotion Committee Member
Owner of Ashley D Marketing
Jody Schroeder
Vice President
Board member since 2023
Organization Committee Member
Owner of The Brim Coffeehouse
Bob Hauber
Treasurer
Board member since 2017
Past President, Central State Bank
Jamie Reimer
Secretary
Board Member since 2025
Owner, Pedretti's Bakery
Owner, Hands on As We Grow
Candace Fette
Board Member
Board member since 2024
USDA / Clayton County Farm Service Agency
Caty Phillips
Board Member
Board member since 2025
Vice President, FreedomBank
Janis Lerch
Immediate Past-President
Board member since 2016
Design Committee Member
Owner, Elkader Floral Shop
Tony Hauber
City Council Liaison
Board member (non-voting) since 2021
Organization Committee Member, Volunteer Task Force
Main Street Iowa
Elkader is one of 50 communities within the state of Iowa to receive the Main Street Iowa accreditation.
Main Street America
Our northeast Iowa town is one of 2,000 chosen across the United States as a Main Street America community.
Committee Volunteers
Organization Commitee
Economic Vitality Committee
Caty Phillips
Sara Hertrampf
Jody Schroeder
Economic Vitality Committee
Economic Vitality Committee
Tony Hauber
Nick Trenkamp
Mary Kuehl
Jared Funk
Bruce Landis
Mark Reinig
Miranda Orr
Promotions Committee
Ashley Augustyn
Carly Hoeger
Paige Stramer
Carlyn Lechtenberg
Candi Roberts
Lorna Power
Rachel Bottelman
Michelle Gifford
Brooklyn Rowden
Design Committee
Janis Lerch
Jay Moser
Deb Stender
Tom Chandler
Becci Rentschler
Ketaki Poyekar
Art in the Park Committee
Turkey River Trot Committee
Ashley Althoff
Jillian Webb Hermann
Sally Stendel
Teri Ann Marting
Ara Kuennen
Ketaki Poyekar
Lucy Sharp
Jill Dillon
Gabriella Holub
Chris Huisman
Holiday Light Show Committee
Holiday Light Show Committee
Holiday Light Show Committee
Amy Holst
Ashley Augustyn
Holiday Parade Committee
Holiday Light Show Committee
Holiday Light Show Committee
Hailey Funke
Pam Hoth