Genoa Main Street salutes '09 heroes
Downtown group fetes volunteers, backers
GENOA -- Partners and volunteers of Genoa Main Street Inc. were recognized -- and thanked -- during its annual recognition dinner and meeting Thursday at the Prairie State Winery.
"This organization exists because of its volunteers and sponsors," said Pattie Marx, Genoa Main Street's president.
The not-for-profit organization is dedicated to preserving the city's heritage while promoting economic development and downtown improvements.
Mim Evans, the group's executive director, said, "We can count on Mike to help with anything."
Local businesses, the city and the Genoa Park District received recognition awards for their help with projects such as the new park, the skating rink, and the annual Harvest Moon Festival and Back Roads Tractor Run.
Gene Bradford and Jim Wilson were nominated for three-year terms on the Genoa Main Street board. In addition, the following members were nominated for 2009-10 board terms: Marx, president; Gordon Jones, vice president; Arlene Erickson, secretary; and Leslie Sanderson, treasurer.
The meeting brought together longtime Main Street business owners and newcomers.
Debbie Heiman, the owner of Everything Floral, met Pam and Jerry Semro, the new owners of Crumpet's Tea Room.
"Everyone in this town is so friendly," Pam said. "They make us feel welcome."
While the Crumpet's menu will continue to offer well-known, favorite items, Pam said it will be expanded to give customers more options.
Heiman once invited Genoa Main Street volunteers to her Everything Floral shop in West Dundee to talk about how to promote downtown businesses. After learning about Genoa Main Street's "Springboard" small-business incubator program -- which houses new businesses in a downtown building -- Heiman decided she wanted to open a second shop in Genoa.
"I was originally going to open a smaller shop using the Springboard program," Heiman said, "but I decided I wanted a larger store."
The meal served before the meeting featured menu items from Main Street restaurants. An auction featuring desserts baked by Genoa Main Street members followed the awards presentation. Bradford was the auctioneer.
Lana Haines' carrot cake and Arlene Erickson's cherry almond cheesecake each received the high bid of $60. Genoa Alderman Glennis Carroll's bread pudding and Alderman Laurie Curley's fudge also were auctioned. Proceeds will go toward covering general expenses for Genoa Main Street, according to Jones.
