The Business Improvement Committee of Jefferson Matters: Main Street held an informational training session yesterday about how to improve building facades in the downtown square.

Business Development Specialist with Main Street Iowa Jim Thompson discussed various different topics but most important was looking at ways Jefferson could improve building fronts.

City officials and property owners in attendance were gratified knowing that Main Street Iowa provides different programs to help them realize the potential they have.  Thompson explains that Main Street Iowa provides design assistance which Jefferson has taken advantage of with Tim Reinders who visited the city last month and made some design recommendations for three downtown area businesses.  He also talked about professional business assistance to help with a business’s financial plans for the program and getting other city officials communicating with Jefferson to help with the overall plans and looks for the community.

Towards the end of the presentation, Thompson talked about three cases studies where other communities, like Woodbine and Belle Plaine that have smaller populations than Jefferson, have been affected positively by improving building facades in their downtown areas.  He says that business’s come to the city to start their companies and school enrollment numbers have increased.

Jefferson Matters Board President Chris Henning says it’s a long process, but the potential is there for Jefferson to continue to grow.  She believes that with Main Street Iowa’s resources, it will can lead to better growth for the city.