Exploring why Jefferson matters

Hi there, my name is Matt Wetrich, Executive Director of Jefferson Matters. You’ll be able to find me here every couple weeks, excitedly telling you about the great things happening with our organization and the community of Jefferson. 

Perhaps you aren’t familiar with Jefferson Matters (JM); it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is part of a statewide and nationwide network. In Iowa, the Main Street program is under the umbrella of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. From www.iowaeda.com/main-street-iowa/: 

“The Main Street Iowa program works with a select group of communities that successfully complete a competitive application process and commit to exceptionally high standards for downtown economic development. As a Main Street AmericaTM Coordinating Program, over 50 communities in Iowa are connected to a network of 40 programs across the country representing over 1,200 communities.

Utilizing the Main Street Approach, communities capitalize on the unique identity, assets and character of their historic commercial districts. The Main Street Approach consists of tightly integrated components making up a common-sense, strategy-driven framework that guides community-based downtown revitalization efforts. Locally developed strategies are implemented through comprehensive work in four broad areas, known as the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Organization, Promotion and Design.

Assistance from the Main Street Iowa team includes training workshops, architectural and design assistance, business assistance, and a number of other technical assistance opportunities.”

The city of Jefferson is in its 11th year as a Main Street Community. As a part of the application process to become a Main Street Community, a geographic Main Street District had to be determined. Buildings within this area are eligible for additional statewide grants and other service. But JM serves and promotes the entire community of Jefferson, as well as numerous endeavors throughout Greene County. Three years ago, the Main Street program absorbed the Greene County Chamber of Commerce and continues much of its mission today as well. The combined organization we call Jefferson Matters now consists of seven teams of volunteers: Promotions, Tower View Team, Events, Organization, Economic Vitality, Tourism, and Design. These teams are what powers JM and I am proud to say, have unequivocally made a very positive difference in the community. If any of those sound like a team you’d like to learn more about, or maybe even be a part of to make a difference in Jefferson, feel free to reach out to our office at the Welcome Center at Thomas Jefferson Gardens. We’d love to have you be a part of the JM family!

The JM executive team has identified three priorities for the organization for the upcoming year:

1. Strengthen our organization from within

2. Strengthen Jefferson’s sense of community

3. Build an environment to support the retention and recruitment of businesses to downtown and the community at large

These priorities, along with direction from Main Street America and leadership from the Main Street Iowa program are what drive our organization.

I look forward to taking a deeper dive into all things Jefferson Matters with you right here. Check back in a couple of weeks as we explore why Jefferson does matter, and for all the exciting things we have planned for 2024! In the meantime, you can check out the 2023 Iowa Tourism award winner for best website, experiencejeffersoniowa.com webpage to learn more about how people locally and visitors from afar are experiencing Jefferson!