2025 Main Street Now Conference

Chillicothe, MO — [April 30th, 2025] — Main Street Chillicothe's Executive Director and volunteers recently joined downtown leaders from across the country at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference, held April 7–9 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Hosted by Main Street America and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the annual conference is the largest national gathering of professionals and volunteers dedicated to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. This year’s event broke attendance records with more than 2,100 participants representing communities of all sizes.

The Chillicothe delegation—composed of Executive Director Tomie Walker, Board Vice President Chuck Erke, and Promotion Committee volunteer Brooke Trussell—engaged in three days of immersive learning, hands-on workshops, and networking with peers from across the nation. Sessions covered topics such as civic infrastructure, business development, public-private partnerships, and the proven strategies of the Main Street Approach™.

The Chillicothe delegation attended sessions focused on fundraising, grant opportunities, placemaking, and support for local entrepreneurs. Keynote speakers highlighted national trends in placemaking and inclusive economic development, while workshops covered a wide range of practical and strategic topics.

Main Street Chillicothe’s participation in the conference underscores its commitment to professional development and the long-term success of Chillicothe’s historic downtown.

For more information about Main Street Chillicothe’s initiatives or to get involved, please visit www.downtownchilli.com or follow us on social media @mainstreetchilli.

About Main Street Chillicothe
Main Street Chillicothe is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, revitalizing, and enhancing downtown Chillicothe. By fostering community pride, supporting small businesses, and celebrating our rich history, we are building a stronger and more vibrant future for our community. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.downtownchilli.com/partnership/ or contact us at 660-646-4071.

As a Missouri Main Street Accredited program, MAIN STREET CHILLICOTHE is a recognized, leading program among the state network of more than 50 districts and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

As a Main Street America Accredited Program, Chillicothe Main Street, Inc. is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America Accredited Programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standard of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

Special thanks to our current partners, many "Friends of Main Street" supporters, and our volunteers who make it all happen. This place matters and so do you.