About Us
Who?
Volunteers are the heart & soul of Sterling Main Street. They help drive our mission forward in creating a vibrant downtown.
Sterling Main Street’s board of directors, staff and committees are responsible for planning and implementing its various projects.
The current Sterling Main Street Board of Directors are:
Nick Lareau (Edward Jones), President
Joe Strabala-Bright (Sauk Valley Community College), Vice-President
Robin Duncan (Scholl Insurance), Treasurer
Mike Sprague (State Farm), Secretary
Brian Grummert (Grummert’s Hardware), Past-President
Anna Garcia (Steel River Systems)
Jodie Gaffey (CGH Medical Center)
Brian Carradus (Kurt & Brian Properties)
Micki Dettman (Castor Home Nursing)
Ex Officio Community Liaisons:
Andy Beswick (Sauk Valley Bank), Sterling Today, Inc.
Kris Noble, Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
Scott Shumard, City of Sterling
Our Staff:
Janna Groharing
Executive Director
janna@sterlingmainstreet.org
Lori VanOosten
Marketing Assistant
lori@sterlingmainstreet.org
To learn more about our committees and the work they do, and for more information on ways you can get involved, click HERE.
What?
Sterling Main Street is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown Sterling. Sterling Main Street was recognized as one of Illinois’ Main Street programs and received National Main Street accreditation in 2009 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Sterling Main Street has maintained its accreditation with Main Street America annually since then.
Our Mission:
To unite individuals, organizations, businesses and local government to support a revitalized, historic downtown through a comprehensive approach focusing on community assets and partnerships to develop, maintain and promote an attractive and vital downtown district.
Main Street America is a movement. Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 40 years. It is the leading voice for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization across the country. Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, Main Street America represents the broad diversity that makes this country so unique. Working together, the programs that make up the Main Street America network help to breathe new life into the places people call home.
Main Street America is a mark of distinction. It is a seal, recognizing that participating programs, organizations, and communities are part of a national movement with a proven track record for celebrating community character, preserving local history, and generating impressive economic returns. Since 1980, over 2,000 communities have been part of Main Street, bringing renewed energy and activity to America’s downtowns and commercial districts, securing $61 billion in new investment creating more than 525,000 net new jobs and rehabilitating 251,000 buildings.
Main Street America is a time-tested strategy. Main Street America communities are encouraged to make use of a time-tested approach, known as the Main Street Approach. The Main Street Approach is rooted in a commitment to broad-based community engagement, a holistic understanding of the factors that impact the quality of life in a community, and strategic focus on the core principles of downtown and neighborhood revitalization: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
Where?
Sterling Main Street focuses its efforts on the Downtown Business District as defined the zoning code of the City of Sterling. Its boundaries are roughly Avenue C to the West, 5th Street to the North, 4th Avenue to the East, and the Rock River to the South.
As of March 4, 2021, our office is now located in the Sanborn Building at 15 East 3rd Street in Downtown Sterling. Generally, office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM. However we can often be found out and about in the downtown, so it’s best to call ahead.
Why?
Our Vision:
A vibrant downtown experience for all.
- To create a sense of PLACE by enhancing the downtown’s physical appearance while preserving its historic fabric and authentic character.
- To create a sense of VITALITY in strengthening the local economy by supporting the existing base, fostering entrepreneurship, development, strategic recruitment and use of space.
- To create a sense of OWNERSHIP in bringing the community together to build consensus and a common vision; by developing partnerships that add resources and lead revitalization.
- To create a sense of ACTIVITY, positioning Downtown Sterling as the center of activity, marketing its unique assets and promoting its positive image.
