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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
ALTERNATIVE SPORTS The Dirty Kanza
- Video The Glass Blown
Open- Video
Dirty Kanza- 350 Pros Glass Blown Open- 700
INNOVATIONS Inventions Famous People A number of “Firsts”
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!
