I cannot say for certain prior to having this job that I never ran across one, but I can say for certain that in all my years with Main Street, I have only ever come across one shop like Heartland Graphics. And I have visited different Main Street communities, not just within the state but throughout the country. Much like many of the businesses that make Monroe so special, custom screen printing and embroidery businesses are very few and far between. Heartland’s owners, Tracy and Pam, are celebrating 30 years this year. Their contributions to the community and to us as an organization are innumerable. Heartland has been a pillar of the downtown community for more than a generation.

There is an innate drive from both Tracy and Pam about ways to be involved and to continue exploring new ways to celebrate Monroe. It is that drive that led them to propose a unique donation to Main Street Monroe.

Specifically with the new downtown park with public restrooms. In discussing how to even further support us as we work on the project, Heartland Graphics is making a one-of-a-kind donation. Through July, they are selling a variety of custom apparel items. Items include hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, unisex tees colors, a lady’s scoop neck tee, a baseball cap, and even youth options; all in multiple colors and sizes from XS to 4X. Prices range from $20 to $40. Each and every sale will be going directly to the park. So, when you pick up something for yourself or spouse or grandchild, it is a donation to the park. And every penny is a donation because of Heartland.

Heartland is covering the cost of materials, labor, and graphics. The design emphasizes Monroe, while including our logo and recognizing that we are now in our 19th year and close to hitting 20. True to form, Heartland has designed something stylish, unique, and that allows you to show off your city pride. We hope that it is a win-win. You get to represent your city and contribute to a beautiful new community space.

We have been blown away by the incredible response to our public park plans for the square. The restrooms will be open four seasons, there will be spaces for programming, spots to have lunch and coffee, and beautiful landscaping. Overwhelmingly, everyone wants to know when we are starting and when will it be done. The answers are soon! Hearing your enthusiasm and seeing your support motivates us even more to see this project through.

Heartland’s donation is going to help us get there that much faster. It is the type of donation that only comes from having a shop that is engaged in the community, supportive of efforts, and creative enough to come up with something like this.

If you visit our website, you can learn more about the park project and how to donate. But for the fastest way to make a difference, grab your limited-edition wearables from Heartland Graphics today.

Orders can be placed in store at both Heartland Graphics and Toy Haus or online at: https://main-street-monroe-24.spiritsale.com/products...

— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. Complete details on Main Street Monroe and its efforts can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org.