Emporia Main Street's PROMOTION programs are run by a committee of volunteers along with Main Street staff. Our promotion activities are focused on drawing visitors through year-round events, promoting local shopping, and marketing Downtown Emporia as a destination.
Emporia Main Street hosts or supports over 40 events each year. Our largest event, the Dirty Kanza Finish Line Party, brings over 10,000 visitors to downtown Emporia. Our Midnight Madness shopping event boosts sales at retailers throughout Emporia. All of our events promote a positive image of our community to both visitors and residents.
Whether we're putting on an event or reaching out through marketing, our promotion activities are designed to encourage economic activity and investment in our community.
Promotion Programs
Events
Emporia Main Street and the Promotions Committee host some of Emporia's biggest events, drawing thousands of visitors and locals each year. View our event calendar to see what's next.
Traffic Builders
Our events are designed not only to elevate the community, but also to provide exposure and foot traffic to our member businesses. Learn more here, and then contact us to register for an event!
Marketing Opportunities
Let us help promote you! Get your business in front our followers and other members.
Gift Certificate Program
Our gift certificate program is free for member businesses and encourages local shopping.
Promotion Committee Volunteers
Adam Eimer
Uncommon Threads
Brad Harzman
USD 243
Kelly Mayer
Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Becky Smith
Twin Rivers Winery & City Commissioner
Patti Canson
Kim Redeker
Sweet Granada
Michele Boyce
KVOE
Kristy Bayer
Emporia State University
Interested in joining the Promotion Committee?
The Promotions Committee is great for those who like to help to plan events! Click the button below if you'd like to join!
Promotion Education
Back to School – What Should Businesses Expect during COVID-19?
Like everything else in 2020, Back to School is going to look a lot different. Emporia hosts K-12, along with Flint Hills Technical College and Emporia State University. From a business perspective, “Back to School” generally produces a more pronounced economic shift than some may realize. Emporia has a much more balanced economy than many…
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Consumer Pandemic Trends
The mind of the consumer during a pandemic is difficult to track. Even outside of Covid, trying to guess the wants and needs of your customers can be a full time job. We know that information regarding the pandemic continues to change, and with each new alteration in infection rates, medical advances, news releases, or…
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Some Clarity for Your Customers: Accurate information posting can reduce frustration and increase sales.
The pandemic continues to change the hours and operational standards of several small businesses in the region. Customers are wondering: Can I walk into this business? When are they open (days/times)? Do they offer curbside options? Can I order online?We know how important every dollar is to your business right now. We also know that…
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How Has the Pandemic Impacted Your Brand?
There are wonderful people that work very hard to understand the world around them for the benefit of others. These people aren’t simply watching TV, reading commentary, or listening to podcasts; they are collecting data and refining raw information into something useful. When variables hit a market, shifts in consumer buying patterns and perceptions are…
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Radical Transparency: Your customers, staff, and the general public need to hear from you in a different way RIGHT NOW
We have many positive traits in the Midwest. The people here work hard, they are punctual, people believe in teamwork, and they typically value getting things done. One of the negative traits we sometimes experience is out ability to deal with knowledge vacuums. When we don’t know something, instead of simply saying “I don’t know”…
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Diversifying Sales Outlets. Extending Your Sales Capabilities Beyond Your Four Walls.
If there is one strategy that Covid-19 has accelerated for businesses, it is the adoption of technology to extend sales outside the traditional business physical space. Restaurants are promoting curbside delivery through on-line platforms to increase sales in an environment where occupancy has been cut in half, and online platforms allow for order placement without…
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