2025 Illinois Main Street Conference
November 12-14, 2025
Join statewide leaders, advocates, and enthusiasts to learn from industry experts on how to grow and sustain downtown districts as hubs of economic and social opportunity.
This year’s conference will be held November 12-14th in Dixon and will include educational breakout sessions, informational tours, and numerous networking opportunities.
The conference is brought to you by Illinois Main Street, in partnership with Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the Driehaus Foundation, and Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street.
Who should attend?
If you are a current staff member, board member, or volunteer with a downtown or neighborhood commercial district revitalization program;
Hold a position in city or county government in leadership, economic development, planning, tourism, or other related fields;
Hold an elected position as an official in city, county, or state government;
Work in a related industry such as non-profit development, community development, historic preservation and design;
Want to learn about the combination community development, historic preservation, and economic development that creates lasting impact in downtowns.
FAQs
-
No. We welcome professionals from all different types of organizations. If you are a volunteer or serve on a board or committee for a revitalization effort, we would love to have you attend!
-
You can learn more about Main Street Approach, a national model for downtown development with a 45-year track record of success.
We also cover topics such as: historic preservation, real estate development, small business assistance, entrepreneurial ecosystem building, destination marketing, community engagement techniques, and creative placemaking projects.
-
The conference takes place at various venues throughout downtown and also includes walking tours, offsite networking events, and a hands-on project to conclude the event.
-
Revitalization works better with a group of active participants in your community. Illinois Main Street Members receive one (1) complimentary registration per community and will receive a promo code in advance. Other IMS Members receive 50% off of the General Admission price of $150.
-
Be part of Illinois’ only downtown revitalization event, where civic leaders, developers, small business owners, preservationists, and placemaking professionals come together to learn, connect, and act. Your sponsorship fuels the inspiration and big ideas that lead to real-world projects. Partnering with Illinois Main Street means more than placing a logo on a program—it means becoming a driving force for vibrant downtowns, successful small businesses, and thriving communities across Illinois.
Learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities
Conference Agenda At-A-Glance
Wednesday, November 12th
Conference Registration Opens
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Northwest Territory Historic Center
Welcome Reception
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Begin the conference with an evening of conversation and connection with community revitalization leaders from across the state. Explore the museum to learn more about Dixon history.
Northwest Territory Historic Center
Thursday, November 13th
Morning Registration Opens
8:00 - 11:00 AM
Dixon Theater
Opening Keynote
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Hear opening remarks and get some an inspirational speaker to kickoff the conference.
Dixon Theater
Breakout Sessions
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Choose from eight different concurrent learning sessions throughout downtown Dixon.
Tours & Roundtables
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Discover Dixon on a Historic & Architecture Tour or Arts & Culture Tour. Join a regional roundtable conversation.
Cocktail Hour & Awards Reception
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Celebrate success within downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the state.
Dixon Elks Lodge
Friday, November 14th
IL DCEO Statewide Updates
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Join DCEO to learn about projects and programs from across the state.
Breakout Sessions
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Choose from four different concurrent sessions throughout downtown Dixon.
Better Block Dixon
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
This hands-on experience will give conference goers an opportunity to bring a DIY approach to downtown Dixon.
Conference Closes
3:00 PM
AGENDA
Wednesday
November 12, 2025
-
The Community Accelerator Program (CAP) is a 9-month program for Illinois Main Street Aspiring Members that provides targeted organizational development support to build capacity in a community’s revitalization program using the Main Street Approach™.
Organizational leaders of the 2025 Cohort will join together for a full day workshop led by Donna Ann Harris of Heritage Consulting, Inc. and Erik Reader, Director of Illinois Main Street.
10:00 - 10:30 AM - Welcome & Introductions
10:30 - 11:00 AM - Main Street 101 - Why Our Main Streets Are Important
11:00 - 11:30 AM - Main Street Management: The Four Point Approach
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Lunch
12:30 - 1:45 PM - New Executive Director Training
1:45 - 2:00 PM - Break
2:00 - 4:00 PM - Board Member Training: Roles & Responsibilities
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
-
Northwest Territory Historic Center
205 W 5th St, Dixon, IL 61021
5:00-8:00PMAfter checking into your hotel or arriving to the Welcome Reception, stop by the registration table to grab your badge with conference program, and other goodies in your swag bag sponsored by the Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street.
5:00 PM
-
Northwest Territory Historic Center
205 W 5th St, Dixon, IL 61021
5:00-8:00PMBegin the conference with an evening of conversation and connection with community revitalization leaders from across the state. Hear welcome remarks from our Dixon hosts and start celebrating work done throughout this past year. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones as you explore a night at the museum!
Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided for attendees.
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Thursday
November 13, 2025
-
The Dixon: Historic Theatre
114 S Galena Ave, Dixon, IL 61021
8:00-10:30AMAfter checking into your hotel or arriving to the Opening Keynote, stop by the registration table to grab your badge with conference program, and other goodies in your swag bag sponsored by the Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street.
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
-
The Dixon: Historic Theatre
114 S Galena Ave, Dixon, IL 61021
9:00-10:00AMUnlocking the Power of Purpose: Building a Vision for Unity, Growth, and Greatness
Great communities are built on the foundation of thriving downtowns, the heart and soul of local identity, connection, and economic vitality. When a downtown thrives, it breathes life into every corner of the community. Main Street programs play a vital role in this work, serving as the bridge between vision and action.At the core of every thriving community are three key elements: leadership, strategic partnerships, and building on community strengths. These elements unite people around a shared purpose, foster collaboration, and transform bold ideas into meaningful action that fuels growth and lasting impact.
In this inspiring keynote, Danny Langloss shares how purpose can become the driving force that turns vision into reality. Through powerful stories and actionable strategies, Danny explores how purpose fuels collaboration, strengthens partnerships, and creates the momentum needed to reimagine the future of our communities.
Drawing from Dixon’s own transformation, including the merger that created Discover Dixon by uniting the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism, Main Street, and Riverfront Commission, Danny demonstrates how collaboration can break down silos, multiply impact, and ignite lasting growth.
Attendees will leave energized and equipped to lead with purpose, build strong teams, leverage collective strengths, and build bridges across sectors to create vibrant, connected, and thriving Main Streets. This keynote celebrates the visionary leaders, volunteers, and community partners who are making a difference today and challenges everyone to unlock the power of purpose to shape a stronger tomorrow.
Presenter Information:
Danny Langloss has dedicated 29 years of service to the City of Dixon, Illinois, where he has been a driving force behind the city’s transformation as both Police Chief and, for the past eight years, City Manager.During Dixon’s recovery from the $54 million embezzlement scandal, Danny served as the interim City Manager, where he led a team that explored new ways to strengthen community partnerships, enhance quality of life, and elevate Dixon as a regional destination. That effort led to the merger of Dixon Main Street and the Dixon Riverfront Commission, which laid the foundation for the creation of Discover Dixon, a unified organization that later brought together Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce under one roof.
9:00 - 10:00 AM
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 - 11:30 AM
-
Post House Ballroom
100 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
10:30-11:30 AMMain Street buildings are rich with sustainable, practical design features often overlooked today. This session explores how elements like tin ceilings, prism glass, and double-hung windows provide natural light, ventilation, and flexibility—offering timeless lessons for modern development and reinforcing the value of historic architecture in Main Street communities.
Presenter Information:
Ashley Sarver is passionate about sustainable and equitable improvements in communities and sees urban planning, design, and intentional real estate development as ways to partner with others and make that happen. Her specialties lie in historic real estate finance, corridor planning, and envisioning new spaces in old buildings. Ashley has been nicknamed “planitect” by her Studio GWA coworkers for her ability to dip into the design world just enough to be dangerous and then connect that vision to project feasibility.As an experienced senior architect at Studio GWA, Aaron Holverson is responsible for managing projects from the initial client conversations all the way through to on-site problem solving with the contractors. He has a Master of Architecture in traditional architecture and urbanism, and if you ask him, he’ll tell you why that is so cool.
-
Next Picture Show
113 W 1st St, Dixon, IL 61021
10:30-11:30 AMTransform community "Scaries"—density, zoning, parking, housing—from terrifying threats into collaborative opportunities. Learn strategic storytelling to humanize complex policies, acknowledge concerns, and guide stakeholders toward solutions. Through live feedback and structured guidance, participants master honest communication that turns conflict into productive dialogue and builds support for necessary changes.
Presenter Information:
Rachael Aziz is a designer and AICP-certified planner specializing in place-based brand identities and experiential marketing campaigns. Rachael’s design and planning solutions are centered in empathy—she puts stakeholders at ease, listens, and then creatively captures the spirit of a place and its people. Because of her unique process and background, her designs are featured in public spaces, on signage, and along trails in communities across the country. Rachael is trained on ICA’s Technology of Participation engagement methods.Kristian Gist, is a brand strategist and copywriter focused on bringing the authentic story of brands to life. After a decade years of working in marketing, sales, and strategic planning across industries, Kristian took her passion for connecting people with the things they love and merged it with helping businesses go from an idea to a million dollar brand. With a focus of working on minority-owned and women-owned businesses, her work has formed first-time deals for clients with major retailers, gained media spotlights for clients on the Today Show and People Mag, and positioned brands to secure millions of dollars in grants and fundraising. Kristian is a storyteller -- focused on helping people connect to place and helping places connect with their people.
Marisa Schulz is a writer and urban planner with 20 years of experience in community outreach, planning, and branding. While at the City of Austin and through her work in neighborhoods from Detroit to Santiago, Chile, Marisa has worked closely with communities to ensure the public plays a vital role in creating people-centric places. Her work has been in featured in Next City, Bloomberg, the New York Times, and USA Today. Marisa has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in sustainability, planning, and design at DePaul University in Chicago. She is a trained facilitator.
-
Salamandra Restaurant
105 W 1st St, Dixon, IL 61021
10:30-11:30 AMEntrepreneurship is a Team Sport emphasizes the critical role of a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem in driving success. This session explores how a supportive community can work together to cultivate innovation, resilience, and growth. Learn how collaboration, shared resources and peer-to-peer connections can empower entrepreneurs to thrive and scale.
Presenter Information
As Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Support, Gustavo collaborates with external partners and stakeholders to design, lead implementation, manage, and monitor Main Street America’s suite of entrepreneurial support and ecosystem-building programs to build more resilient business models and local economies. Gustavo previously served as Senior Manager for Entrepreneur & Small Business Support and Program Officer for Neighborhood Services, where he was responsible for supporting, delivering, and expanding the reach of MSA’s comprehensive commercial district revitalization technical services to our network of communities and Coordinating Programs across the country. He mainly served our big city programming and Spanish-speaking communities. -
Dixon City Hall - Council Chambers
121 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
10:30-11:30 AMLessons learned from creating a successful public-private partnership and sustainable funding model to revitalize, maintain and program a historic commercial district on the Mississippi River: Downtown Rock Island.
Presenter Information
Jack Cullen, 35, is Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. At the helm of the organization that manages the City of Rock Island’s Downtown Special Service Area, he is working with a diverse group of public and private sector leaders to revitalize the historic downtown along the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities. Jack was named to the International Downtown Association’s 2023 Emerging Leader Fellowship Program and the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal’s 2022 Forty under 40 list. A native of Madison, Wisconsin, and a graduate of Augustana College, he was a print journalist before transitioning to community and economic development work. Jack lives with his wife, Maria, and their two children in Rock Island.
Dylan Parker, 37, was first elected to Rock Island, Illinois' City Council in 2017, representing the Fifth Ward. He was re-elected to another four-year term in April of this year. As Fifth Ward Alderperson, he represents downtown Rock Island, which brings its own unique set of opportunities and challenges. Dylan was instrumental in establishing a Special Service Area in downtown Rock Island and has placed heavy emphasis on downtown revitalization. Dylan lives in downtown Rock Island with his daughter, Antigone, and cat, Luna.
Breakout Sessions
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch Around Downtown
1:00 - 2:00 PM
-
Post House Ballroom
100 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
1:00-2:00 PMAn overview of the multiple compliance paths in the Int. Existing Building Code with an emphasis on long term vacancies on Mainstreet. In depth case studies will focus primarily on how the Performance Code Path saved many buildings in Downtown Aurora from decades long vacancy.
Presenter Information:
John P. Curley AIA, CBCO, CFM. Chief Development Services Officer, City of AuroraAurora is Illinois’ second largest city with a population of 200,000 and prides itself on customer service. We are honored to be recognized with 3 ICC national best practices, 2014 ICC community service award, and Nationally Recognized by DGAA – ICMA - HARVARD Ash Center SmartCitiesCouncil.
Mr. Curley has more than 25 years’ experience as the City of Aurora’s Building Code Official and Building and Permits Manager and retains ICC certifications as Building Code Official and Certified Fire Marshal. John earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from University of Illinois Chicago, has been an IL registered architect since 1995. He additionally earned a Certificate of Graduate Study from Northern Illinois University with a focus on (Administration, Economic Development, Planning & Zoning, Performance Management, and Management Data Analysis.
Aurora’s staff expertise makes Aurora the Regional expert on code application and the flexibility the codes permit through use of the Existing Building Codes and IRC Appendix J. This flexibility helps make rational the application of new model codes on our existing building stock yet ensuring that we keep our historic building stock both safe and viable.
-
Next Picture Show
113 W 1st St, Dixon, IL 61021
1:00-2:00 PMFeeling overwhelmed? This hands-on session helps downtown leaders break the burnout cycle and focus on what truly matters. Learn practical tools to prioritize, plan, and lead with clarity. Walk away with a 90-day action plan, strategies to align your team, and a reset ritual to reclaim your time and impact.
Presenter Information:
Maggie Strong is a dedicated community builder passionate about helping communities and organizations think creatively and act strategically. In 2016, she founded Strong Consulting to provide expert guidance in strategic planning and community engagement, believing that thriving communities empower all people and that healthy organizations contribute to these communities. She fosters actions that uplift individuals, strengthen impactful organizations, and create vibrant communities. With 20 years of experience in strategic planning, communications, and public engagement, Maggie has held roles as an economic development vice president and marketing executive. She has led strategic planning initiatives, business retention and attraction efforts, fundraising campaigns, marketing initiatives, and public relations strategies, and facilitated strong public-private partnerships along the way. Maggie holds a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in arts management. She is a certified Nonprofit Board Consultant through BoardSource and trained in the McNellis Compression Planning® methodology. She is currently pursuing her AI Consultants for Nonprofits Certification. Maggie is known for her authenticity, humor, and sense of urgency. She brings a deep respect for all people to her work, making her an expert facilitator who can inspire and drive meaningful connections and change. -
Salamandra Restaurant
105 W 1st St, Dixon, IL 61021
1:00-2:00 PMThis session explores how communities can use branding, storytelling and marketing to define and communicate their sense of place in ways that drive economic and tourism growth. Through case studies, audience engagement and practical tools, we’ll show how this approach can attract investment, build community pride and support revitalization.
Using real-world examples from Illinois communities such as Oregon, Woodstock and Oak Park, as well as national examples, we’ll present a place-based branding framework that begins with listening and discovery, moves into identity development and culminates in activation. Attendees will learn how to engage local voices, uncover authentic character and translate that into messaging and visuals that resonate with both residents and visitors.
The format will be a fast-paced mix of presentation, visuals and interactive elements. We’ll use audience prompts and examples to encourage reflection and idea sharing. Tangible takeaways will include a clearer understanding of place-based brand development, sample messaging strategies and methods for building stakeholder alignment.
This session is especially relevant for Main Street directors, economic development professionals and civic leaders seeking creative, actionable tools to differentiate their community and support long-term growth. Attendees will leave with inspiration and a roadmap to begin or refine a branding effort rooted in their place’s values, vision and voice.
Presenter Information
John Harris is a principal at a5 Branding & Digital, where he helps communities tell their stories in clear, consistent and compelling ways to drive results. He has led initiatives that have generated investment and supported community building, economic development and tourism.Before co-founding a5 in 2001, John served as director of communications for The Marmon Group and as a strategic consultant with VSA Partners, advising clients such as Steelcase and Interface. A former Forbes journalist, he wrote the first national story on Starbucks, predicting its cultural impact.
John is passionate about helping communities thrive. He has developed expertise in public health issues including homelessness, affordable housing and environmental sustainability. He also co-created GreenTown: The Future of Community, an event that brings together public and private sectors to advance sustainable development.
He currently serves as board chair of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance and sits on the boards of Takeout 25 Oak Park, Friends of Richton Park, Triton College Foundation and Carroll University.
John is also on a personal mission to walk every block in the City of Chicago.
Ben Schulman is a5’s Director of Place. His varied experience has been delivered across academic, non-profit, media, and private sectors to activate space while fostering connections between people, place, history, culture, and the built environment. Ben’s writing has been featured in ARCHITECT, CityLab, Metropolis, and others. He was the editor of Chicago Architect magazine and the Design section of Newcity, where he also co-hosted “A Lot You Got to Holler,” a podcast about urbanism, architecture and design.
Ben has lectured at Columbia University Graduate School of Planning, Policy and Preservation (GSAPP) and taught at the University of Memphis. As the Director of Communications for the Congress for the New Urbanism and AIA Chicago, Ben helped communicate the value, impact, and benefit of good urban design before moving on to help launch the real estate equity crowdfunding platform, Small Change, and to lead the real estate, planning, and placemaking portfolio as Vice President of the community development organization, the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC).
At MMDC, Ben conceived the creation of an architectural form book for vernacular infill housing and managed a variety of grant and loan funds with a focus on emerging and/or minority developers and small businesses, leading to over $500M of planned and/or completed real estate development projects. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Community LIFT and the Progress & Poverty Institute.
Ken Williams is the Mayor of Oregon, IL. Ken was elected for a third term as Mayor of Oregon in 2023. Prior to his election in the spring of 2015, he had been City Council Vice President and Finance Commissioner for eight years. He was also a small business owner, operating the historic Pinehill Inn B&B, a National Historic Register property, for 10 years.
Williams is a proud member of Oregon VFW 8739 – serving as the post Service Officer and on the Honor Guard for funerals and parades. He is also a member of the local Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of the Oregon Trail Days Festival. He has a degree in business and a graduate degree in finance and was an officer in the US Army Infantry.
-
Dixon City Hall - Council Chambers
121 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
1:00-2:00 PMTaking your Downtown from tired to Terrific! The City of Lockport Mayor Steven Streit and his wife Wendy will share the practical and creative ways Downtown Lockport was revitalized. From burned-out, boarded up buildings in 2013 to the winner of the Strongest Town in America Award in 2021.
Presenter Information
Steven Streit is a veteran of the United States Navy where he served on the USS California and USS Truxton as a machinist. After his service he moved to Lockport in 1990 and attended college at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication.In 1999, Steven founded OH Design Group, a marketing and consulting company specializing in Branding and Marketing. Streit serves on multiple municipal and community boards, including Main Street Lockport. He has served as a volunteer at Pacific Garden Mission for over 25 years. Streit has been Mayor since 2013. Steven is happily married and has two children.
Wendy Streit is a 20-year resident of Lockport, IL and deeply committed to her community. She brings a wealth of experience in education and community art engagement. For 12 years, Wendy served as chairwoman of the Lockport Summer Art Series, leading a team of dedicated volunteers and collaborating with local organizations.
Professionally, Wendy has 30 years of experience in education, holding degrees in English, Bible, Speech, and a Master’s in English. Her career spans teaching grades 7-12, serving as an English Teacher, Building Union Representative, Educational Technology Trainer, Teacher Trainer, Ai Expert, and Adjunct Professor at Joliet Junior College and Lewis University. Recognized by the Illinois Reading Council, I’ve led initiatives like the Reading Walk to promote literacy.
Artistically, she and her husband have helped transform their distressed historic downtown with the arts with such projects as murals, duck benches, interactive art hunts, modern storytelling, city-wide scavenger hunts, live music, performance art, and film festivals.
Breakout Sessions
2:00 - 2:30 PM
Break
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Downtown Dixon Community Tours
-
Discover Dixon Office
87 S Hennepin Ave
2:30-4:00PM
Join the team of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street for a walking tour of downtown Dixon as we talk about the Anatomy of a Main Street Building and learn some Dixon history along the way. This condensed tour has been presented to Dixon 4th graders for 31 years.
The tour will start at the Discover Dixon office 87 S. Hennepin Ave. Please dress for weather and wear appropriate footwear. -
Discover Dixon Office
87 S Hennepin Ave
2:30-4:00PM
Join the team of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street for a stroll as we showcase how Dixon has incorporated murals, signage and other art pieces to bring visitors downtown and grow excitement in the community. We will also highlight establishments who have been promoting art, music and entertainment for years, and discuss plans for the future.
The tour will start at the Discover Dixon office 87 S. Hennepin Ave. Please dress for weather and wear appropriate footwear.
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Networking Roundtable Session
-
Post House Ballroom
100 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
2:30-4:00 PMFacilitated by Karla Belzer, University of Illinois Extension
Downtown revitalization isn’t a solo act—it takes boards, city leaders, business owners, volunteers, and residents working together. But what happens when the challenges pile up? From engaging younger generations and keeping boards fresh, to managing conflict and having those tough conversations, today’s leaders face obstacles that require creativity and collaboration.
Leading Communities Forward is part speed-networking, part problem-solving lab. Attendees will rotate through dynamic roundtable conversations on the “big five” challenges we hear across Main Streets everywhere: youth engagement, volunteerism, board participation, conflict mitigation, and difficult conversations.Each table includes guided prompts, playful activities, and peer-to-peer sharing designed to spark practical solutions.
What to Expect:
Connect with professionals across Illinois—downtown directors, economic development specialists, city officials, and community stakeholders.
Dive into five pressing topics in a fast-paced, interactive format.
Walk away with fresh ideas, sample strategies, and new contacts you can call on after the conference.
Contribute to a shared gallery of solutions and insights that highlight common ground across communities.
This isn’t your typical sit-and-listen session—it’s a chance to meet, engage, and leave energized with both connections and tools to take home.
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Break
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Cocktail Hour & Awards Reception
-
Dixon Elks Lodge 779
1279 Franklin Grove Rd, Dixon, IL 61021
5:00-8:00 PMWelcome to an evening of appreciation and recognition! The 2025 Illinois Main Street Awards celebrate success within downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the state. Help us recognize work in Organization, Design, Economic Vitality, and Promotions, along with Volunteer and Board Members of the Year.
Mix and mingle during a social hour before the program starts at 6:00pm. Join us as we present the Lieutenant Governor Award for Excellence in Revitalization, recognizing outstanding organization and activities, as well as the inspiring people who drive revitalization efforts in their communities.
Casual attire. Enjoy the Taste of Dixon as refreshments and dinner will be served. Event included in ticket registration. Dinner to be served at 7:00pm.
8:00 PM - ?
Extended Networking After Hours
Stop by Shinny’s to get your game on while letting your competitive spirit play on!
Shinny’s Arcade, Bar & Simulators | 120 W River St, Dixon, IL 61021
Friday
November 14, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
-
Post House Ballroom
100 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
8:00-9:00 AMAfter checking into your hotel or arriving to the Opening Keynote, stop by the registration table to grab your badge with conference program, and other goodies in your swag bag sponsored by the Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street.
8:00 - 9:00 AM
-
Post House Ballroom
100 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
8:00-9:00 AMGrab your morning coffee and join the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity for a lively start to the day. This hour-long discussion is a chance to hear updates on statewide programs, celebrate progress from RISE and RDMS grants over the past three years, and swap stories about the momentum happening in communities just like yours. Come ready to connect, ask questions, and kick off Friday on an energizing note with our state partners.
9:00 - 9:30 AM
Break
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
-
Post House Ballroom
100 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
9:30-10:30 AMAI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about making your work more efficient, creative, and impactful. In this session, you’ll explore practical ways to use AI tools for the everyday tasks that keep your Main Street or downtown district thriving. From marketing and communications to volunteer coordination and grant writing, we’ll look at real-world strategies that can save you time, generate fresh ideas, and support your mission of building stronger, more resilient communities. Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, you’ll leave with tools and tactics you can put into practice right away.
Presenter Information
Ben Sondgeroth is a technology leader, speaker, and trainer who works with thousands of educators each year, helping them harness emerging technologies to transform their work and communities. He specializes in making complex topics like artificial intelligence approachable, practical, and engaging. Beyond education, he partners with business and civic organizations to explore how technology can drive efficiency, creativity, and innovation in their day-to-day work. Known for his energetic and approachable style, Ben equips audiences with strategies they can put into action immediately. -
Next Picture Show
113 W 1st St, Dixon, IL 61021
9:30-10:30 AMMany Main Street communities focus on traditional approaches for their downtowns, while not incorporation powerful policy levers that could accelerate their revitalization efforts. This session explores local policy solutions that communities can implement to remove barriers, create opportunities, and drive sustainable economic development in their historic commercial districts.
Presenter Information:
Quinn Adamowski is the Regional Advocacy Manager for Landmarks Illinois, serving as the organization’s frontline preservation advocate in greater Illinois. He is a leader, administrator, and organizer who is committed to enhancing the quality of life of communities through advocacy for historic preservation, the arts and tourism. Quinn serves on numerous boards and commissions statewide and within his hometown of Joliet, including Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet Historic Preservation Commission, and others. -
Salamandra Restaurant
105 W 1st St, Dixon, IL 61021
9:30-10:30 AMTurn your bold ideas into real-world results! Side Street's Tanner Melvin guides an interactive lab showing how community driven pop ups revive vacant downtown spaces. Using case studies, teamwork, and a rapid design challenge, participants create actionable placemaking plans they can implement back home—turning vision into tangible, lasting impact.
Presenter Information
Tanner Melvin is the co-founder and executive director of Side Street Studio Arts, an independent nonprofit arts organization founded in 2013 in Elgin, Illinois. Side Street has led the creative revitalization of downtown Elgin through accessible visual and performing arts, pop-up programming, and deep community collaboration. Tanner’s work focuses on building sustainable public-private partnerships that bring people together through culture, creativity, and shared space. Under his leadership, Side Street has become a model for how arts organizations can serve as catalysts for downtown transformation. -
Dixon City Hall - Council Chambers
121 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
9:30-10:30 AMWorried about young people leaving rural Illinois? The “Hometown Leaders” program helps communities keep youth engaged and invested locally. Join this Illinois Extension presentation to explore a practical strategy for developing young leaders and encouraging them to stay, lead, and build a future in their hometowns.
Presenter Information
Mike Delany joined University of Illinois Extension in August 2020 as a Community and Economic Development Educator, serving Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties. He develops and delivers capacity-building programs, collaborates with community partners on issues like youth retention, and works to extend the resources of the University of Illinois to the communities of northern Illinois. Delany grew up in northern Illinois and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and an M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and a J.D. from the University of Illinois. He has worked and studied in places as varied as St. Louis, Missouri; Stuttgart, Germany; and Santiago, Chile.Heather Coyle, MBA, serves as the County Director for University of Illinois Extension in Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle counties. Coyle has served Cooperative Extension in various capacities since 2004, joining the current counties in May, 2018. Her University of Illinois Extension career began in Whiteside County, where, as a Visiting CED Educator, she focused on local government education and youth retention. In other capacities, Coyle has served as the Clinton County Director for Iowa State Extension, Central Services Administrator for Whiteside County Courthouse, Business Instructor for Skills, Inc., and academic advisor for Liberty University Online and Sauk Valley Community College. Coyle is a native of LaSalle, Peru, and a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, with an M.B.A. and a B.S. in Business Administration, summa cum laude.
Kathy Book is proud to call Dixon her hometown. She is a 4-H Youth Development educator with the University of Illinois Extension in Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties. Kathy offers programming to local youth that emphasize experiential learning, career readiness, and leadership. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and a Master of Science in Agricultural Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Kathy Dombek serves as an Extension Program Coordinator through the University of Illinois Extension for Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle counties. She coordinates and presents programming for schools and new audiences and has been involved with the development and delivery of the Hometown Leaders program in all three counties.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
-
Post House Ballroom
100 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
11:00 AM-12:00 PMJoin us for this advanced session leveraging complex financing tools that attract equity and drive successful, community-based housing in downtowns. Learn proven strategies that leverage private and public resources that lead to successful, proven, strategies for downtown housing development.
Presenter Information
Brian Hollenback is President/CEO of Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH), a community-based nonprofit with over 25 years of experience leading downtown housing developments. With nearly 30 years of Main Street experience, Brian specializes in creating market-driven housing that builds downtown communities. He has extensive knowledge in complex financing tools, public-private partnerships, and leveraging innovative resources. His hands-on leadership and proven track record make him a trusted expert in downtown housing and downtown revitalization. -
Next Picture Show
113 W 1st St, Dixon, IL 61021
11:00 AM-12:00 PMMicrobusinesses are powerful economic drivers and contributors to vibrant Main Streets, but often they remain home-based due to lack of support or direction. In this session, we will interview a local entrepreneur to hear what support she accessed, and what steps she took to her dream store a reality.
Presenter Information:
Marci Goodwin is passionate about helping local small businesses thrive. She draws from her 20 years of experience as a small business owner, including over 12 years in marketing and small business coaching, to drive entrepreneur engagement, programming, and marketing for SmartStart. She is passionate about removing barriers for rural micro business ownership.Leigh Ann Brown is a former Main Street Director, an experienced economic development and chamber executive with a passion for helping build and support community through local business development. She has worked in numerous rural communities throughout central Illinois, and brings that knowledge to the table when connecting prospective business owners to resources, and championing the ROI of micro economic and business development strategies.
-
Dixon City Hall - Council Chambers
121 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
11:00AM-12:00 PMMonticello, (population 6,000) never struggled with interest from businesses wanting to locate to the downtown, only with having "usable" spaces that could be occupied. Learn how this rural community took a bold approach to easily incentivize building improvements, all while respecting the historic integrity of the district.
Presenter Information
Callie McFarland began working for the City of Monticello in 2004, and has served in the role of Director of Community & Economic Development since 2008. Her primary focuses are on small business development, business retention and expansion, downtown revitalization and preservation, and land use planning. Callie received her B.A. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois and M.A. in Community and Economic Development from Western Illinois University. She serves on the board for Rural Partners of Illinois and Monticello Main Street board, and has been a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer since 2011.Shelly grew up in Monticello and graduated from MHS in 1998. She then went on to Parkland College and Illinois State University’s Katie Insurance School where she obtained her Associate and Bachelor degrees respectively. In 1998, she joined CF&H Insurance Agency, Inc. full-time, after having already obtained her insurance license in 1995, retiring from the insurance world in 2019. Over the years Shelly has served on various boards and committees for Rotary Club of Monticello, Monticello Chamber of Commerce, Monticello Main Street, Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, Christ Lutheran Church, and Habitat for Humanity of Piatt County among others. She has been the executive director of the Monticello Main Street, Monticello Area Chamber and Tourism organizations since 2020.
12:00 - 12:30 PM
Break
12:30 - 3:00 PM
Better Block Build: Dixon
-
Post House Ballroom
100 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
1:00-3:00 PMBetter Block, an international urban design nonprofit that has worked in more than 59 cities in 6 countries, will demonstrate the impact that a little bit of paint and a lot of community sweat has on revitalizing streets, plazas, and downtowns. But rather than just tell, they’ll show.
So in true Better Block fashion, after just a little bit of talk, they’ll have you put on some gloves and get to work building digitally fabricated signs and installing them in Dixon. Come learn, build, and transform.
During the workshop, participants will:
Learn about the Better Block process: We’ll walk you through the steps of creating a Better Block, from initial inspiration to final execution.
Embrace the power of placemaking: Explore the art of placemaking and how it can transform ordinary spaces into dynamic community hubs through case studies.
Build teamwork and community spirit: Participants will build one of way finding signage based of four Wikiblock library, which is digitally fabricated furniture that’s built without any glue, screws, or nails (it’s easier than Ikea, we promise).
This hands-on experience will give conference goers an opportunity to bring a DIY approach to downtown Dixon.
Following the Better Block presentation of their process, global success, and How-To lessons to building better blocks in your town, we will begin our own build.
In the weeks leading up to the conference, Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street has been hard at work building a few interesting wayfinding landmark signs using an open source Wikiblock toolkit.
Help us finish the build, placement, and installation around downtown Dixon. Tour the build and learn what certain aspects were chosen and how to incorporate these elements in your own community.
Presenter Information
The Better Block Foundation is an international, urban design nonprofit that educates, equips, and empowers communities and their leaders to reshape and reactivate built environments to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. In its nine years, Better Block has worked with neighbors in more than 90 cities to rethink streets, turn parking lots to plazas, and identify the barriers keeping communities from enjoying their public spaces. The work has resulted in economic development, calmed streets, and has lowered crime rates. But most importantly, it brings neighbors together.Learn more at betterblock.org.
3:00 PM
Conference Closing Remarks & Thank You’s
Sponsors & Supporters
Discover Dixon!
Tucked away in Northwest Illinois, Dixon is more than a charming small town off I-88. It’s the hug that you need. So come stay, live, and explore our Rock River adventures, rich Reagan history, thriving art scene, and more! There’s something here for everyone.
Dixon, Illinois, is a vibrant business community of startups, retail shops, restaurants, mid-size companies, and industrial parks. Whether you’re here to visit, work, or live, these businesses welcome you with a friendly smile and small-town pride. Help us support them by shopping local today.
Located halfway between the Quad Cities and Chicago, Dixon, Illinois gives you access to all the perks of city living with that laid-back, small-town feel. That makes it a great place to relocate to, work, stay, or spend the day.
As a hybrid organization, Dixon Chamber & Main Street (Discover Dixon) works to grow Dixon by advocating for our business members and giving them a voice in local decision-making. We also organize and host community events to enhance the quality of life for the people and businesses in Dixon and the surrounding areas. The City of Dixon also contracts us to promote Dixon as a place to visit. Through this partnership we’ve enhanced Dixon’s brand presence throughout the Northern Illinois area while also promoting the cultural, economic, and cultural aspects of our region.
Our Mission
For the betterment and growth of Dixon, the Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street advocates for our businesses, community, and visitors by promoting economic development, cultural programs, civic engagement, and historic preservation.
Learn more and visit DiscoverDixon.com.
