Main Street rep visits Grant

Efforts to implement a long-term plan for revitalizing Grant’s business district took another step forward last week.

Members of the Grant Innovation Team (GIT) hosted Elizabeth Chase of MainStreet Nebraska on Nov. 18. 

Mainstreet Nebraaska is nonprofit organization whose mission is to rejuvenate Nebraska towns. 

The purpose of the meeting was to create a starting point in a long-term plan for Grant.

In addition to GIT members, representatives from Pinnacle Bank, Sandhills State Bank, AdamsBank & Trust, the City of Grant, the Perkins County Chamber of Commerce and the Perkins County Community Foundation took part in the meeting. 

Activities began with a walking tour of downtown, during which Chase was given a history of many of the storefronts and businesses by GIT member Brenda Styskal.

During a lunch discussion, Chase said she was favorably impressed with the community after driving through residential areas. 

She commented on the clean and well-maintained houses and yards and felt Grant residents take pride in their surroundings.

She acknowledged Grant’s main street is showing signs of age and could benefit from some updating efforts. 

Improvements don’t have to be large and costly to have an impact, she said. Keeping sidewalks clean and swept and adding unifying features such as planters or benches can make a difference.

She stressed the importance of not only striving to improve the physical appearance of the district, but building relationships and establishing a healthy business climate through communication. 

Taking the process in small incremental steps is the best way to success, she said.

Chase will be compiling a full report and will share her findings in December.

Other GIT members include Val Foster, Shari Friedel, Denny Hansen and Kris Long.