“Wearing jeans,” is what I stated when speaking to a group of students a while ago about what is one specific thing about working for a nonprofit. I might have said that immediately because our office is in a bank.
I’m typically the most underdressed person. But what it speaks to perhaps more so than anything is adaptability. Jeans somehow manage to work just fine when you’re planting your garden, but they can also work for meetings — pre-Zoom, at least, before many stopped worrying about pants — and everything in between. There’s a true adaptability about them. But like many people, this group asked more specifically what does a typical day look like for me.
The hours are typically pretty inconsistent. Long Fridays can lead to longer Saturdays and then a quieter Tuesday. There is often administrative work. There are days when I spend my time meeting with existing businesses and assisting them on plans to potentially expand — financial, design, securing new spaces and otherwise — then there are days working with property owners to fill a space with a new business. When a business has marketing needs, whether with social media or targeting a new demographic through print, Main Street provides that assistance. Two days are rarely the same, and a big part of that is being a small nonprofit that can redirect attentions as needed. Main Street’s work is focused on a particular geographical area, but the work itself is unrestricted. And the boots-on-the-ground approach means adaptability is a key component because the work is forever about adapting.
That adaptability is something I will forever appreciate. Main Street has been able to adapt its work in the matter of a couple weeks to provide sales to businesses that have been forced to be closed the last two months. Emily Massingill, editor of the Times, covered this on May 6. Through this past weekend, Main Street LIVE! shopping events have brought in over $28,000 to the local businesses in the district. Our gift certificate program, with matching funds made possible by an individual donor, has brought in approximately $20,000. I am grateful for a community that has responded in such a massive, positive way. All of these funds are getting into the hands of businesses as the funds come in regardless of whether they’re open. These results are possible because of adaptability that allows us to move beyond simply being “busy” or having activity. I am grateful that working for Main Street Monroe means I am part of creating real results. The work that goes into LIVE! sessions can take dozens of hours for each one — merchandise selection, actual set up at each store, invoicing, delivery and mailing. Main Street has played a role in all of that. Volunteers have found time during all of this to monitor and respond to comments in real time; whether a Saturday night or Tuesday. And like many of you, I’m working more hours on a Sunday than I used to on a regular eight-hour Monday.
Main Street’s adaptability is indicative of the businesses that make up the historic district. While some may wonder where the last eight to 10 weeks have gone, businesses have approached the time with a real diligence. Max’s Threads moved up its relocation to a larger space right across from Spring Square, Flan’s is having exterior work done on the building, Zodica Perfumery is launching its Wisconsin scent, Corner Café and Baumgartner’s put in new flooring, and Jim at Bartel’s & Co remodeled the bathrooms. When customers are back, the changes in the men’s room will really make it feel like a comfortable new day. I am grateful for these businesses and so many more that continue to take the time to adapt to the current situation and have let the community connect with them through our efforts.
Retail shops are open as of last week, and the salons and bars will be soon, too. Because, like that good pair of jeans that we always tend to grab, Main Street Monroe, Inc. and its businesses are moving (in some cases literally) and adjusting, so that we can live comfortably through the good and the bad. And this adaptability means that we can continue making sure that whatever work we do has lasting, positive impacts.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net.
