Emporia, Kansas

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Host of the 2012 Kansas Downtown Symposium. Emporia, Kansas. The Founding of Emporia. Named for a market center in Greece, Emporia was founded in 1857, and was described as the “loveliest site in the world for a town”. Development through the Years. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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EMPORIA, KANSAS

Host of the 2012 Kansas Downtown Symposium

THE FOUNDING OF EMPORIA

Named for a market center in Greece, Emporia was founded in 1857, and was described as the “loveliest site in the world for a town”

DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE YEARSEmporia expanded with the arrival of the railroad and State Normal School in the 1870’s

The 1960’s brought shopping malls and an alternate shopping area which paved the way for Big Box Development. Higher paying jobs were lost in the 1980’s due to a hospital closure, office relocation and the completion of a regional development project.

Losses in jobs, population and increased sales competition from other areas of Emporia contributed to soaring downtown vacancy rates.

CHALLENGES THAT BROUGHT ABOUT EMPORIA MAIN STREET

Sprawl Vacancies Lack of Vision Need for Change Downtown Association Accountability Downtown is Emporia’s

“Living Room”

WHO WE ARE 24,000 pop. 55,000 Trade

Market Area Diverse

Demographics Entrepreneuri

al “Goldilocks”

Community Emporia is a transportation hub at the

intersection of many highways and rail conduits.

WHAT EMPORIA IS KNOW FOR

VETERAN’S DAY Rand McNall

y Founded in

1954 Alvin King,

Senator Ed Rees & President Eisenhower

THE ARTS Engraving Glass Blowing Music Water Color Metal Work Digital Theatre

A TRULY GREAT OUTDOORS The Flint Hills Day Lilly City,

Iris Parks Trails

Agriculture Hunting/Fishing National Park

THE BIGGEST SMALL TOWN ANYWHERE A LOT of Activities

& Selection year Round

Still able to maintain a small town charm/feel.

DOWNTOWN SYMPOSIUM 2012

FUN EVENTS, NEW BUSINESSES & DEVELOPMENTS!

Youth Take- Video Growing Events CID Focus

New Businesses & New Developments in a vibrant community.

EMPORIA WELCOMES YOU! October 17, 18

and 19th of 2012 Fun events

planned for everyone!

Get an up close look at our programs.

We will see YOU in EMPORIA!

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