McPherson Main Street 2025 Annual Meeting

McPHERSON, Kan. — The annual McPherson Main Street meeting was held at Knackies Meats & Sweets on Monday, March 31.

McPherson Main Street Treasurer Alex Graber, with Graber’s Ace Hardware, gave the opening announcement, introducing past president Ben Coffey.

Coffey, owner of The Ark Antiques & Flea Market, followed by sharing the 2024 recap.

He started by sharing that Johni Doughman was hired on July 8, 2024, as executive director of McPherson Main Street. Her first event as executive director, “Shop the Night Away” was just four days away.

“She kind of had a little baptism by fire,” Coffey said. “But that’s just how we kind of do it.”

McPherson Main Street held 22 promotional events during 2024. Some highlights were:

Spring Open House – Retailers get to show off their spring merchandise
All Schools Day Pre Parade Sales and others throughout the day
Shop the Night Away – 2024 theme “Hot Nights, Cool Savings”
Give Sales Tax the Boot, Back to School Event- New event. Retail stores who participated paid nine percent off of the sale.
McPherson College Extravaganza (partnership between McPherson Main Street, McPherson Chamber of Commerce, Go McPherson, McPherson College freshmen)
Burnin’ Down Main Chili Cook Off (about 500 wristbands sold)
Trick or Treat Down Main Street – Johni Doughman, the Main Street board, the City of McPherson, the construction crew, the Chamber, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau all worked well together in figuring out a solution to have the event while construction was happening in the middle of Main Street.
Candy Cane Cash/Holiday Open House
Ladies Night Out
Holiday Free Movies at the Opera House
Cookies with Santa (9 different locations)
McPherson Mini Main – Held at The American Legion in 2024, instead of the McPherson Community Building

The Promotions Committee meets once a month, and plans out these events according to Coffey, and the committee members are the “creative brainchild” around events. The committee is always looking for additional minds and hands.

Coffey mentioned sponsors who have contributed to events and to McPherson Main Street in a variety of ways.

“I’m always worried to list these, because we’re always going to miss folks, but we just want to hit on a couple that have really made some ideas possible,” Coffey said.

He gave a shoutout to the CVB who has granted money to help expenses for “Shop the Night Away”, “Burnin’ Down Main”, and also holiday promotions.

This year, the Rotary Club approved a $3,500 grant for outdoor umbrellas to be put up at the Plaza.

“The city, last I knew, has also been gracious enough to say they will store those,” Coffey said. “So, we’re very appreciative of that. And we’re very happy about that.”

As far as business changes in the past year: Twice Told Tales was purchased by Katelyn Cortez. Julie Johnson closed Rosie’s on Main, but then opened up Central Kid’s Consignment — a secondhand clothing store.

“We have picked up several new members to McPherson Main Street over the last year,” Coffey said. “This has been thanks to Johni’s hard work, and she’s wearing the soles of those shoes off because she’s always walking around.”

New McPherson Main Street Members:

The Little Pink Cart
Midwest Sippin
McPherson Pet Resort
Faithful Fans Sports
Brookdale Senior Living

McPherson Main Street President Deb Luttig recognizes past president Ben Coffey (left). (Photo by Casey Justus)

Coffey thanked all who helped McPherson Main Street during the transitional process last year.

“For March to July, I, with the help of the exec board, kind of helped just man the fort, keep the place floating,” Coffey said. “I just want to thank everybody that really helped that happen. We were looking at weekly meetings, just really trying to make this work and I think it went very well.”

Coffey thanked the city staff for their support and understanding, offering advice and mentorship. He also thanked Debbie Hawkinson, Amber Dennett and Shirley Mackey with the chamber. They helped Coffey collaborate on events, and with things like taking the trash out and finding the stapler.

“Main Street is better when we’re all rowing in the same direction,” Coffey said. “We’ve all got unique businesses, unique offers; we’re all working on some new big promotion.”

Coffey concluded by saying, “Instead of Thank God it’s Friday, I say, thank God we hired Johni Doughman.”

McPherson Main Street President Deb Luttig, who served as President-Elect last year, presented Coffey with a plaque for his dedication and years of service to McPherson Main Street. Coffey served on the board from 2022 to 2024 and was president in March of 2024.

“He [Ben] took on the critical role of interim director, stepping in at a pivotal time to ensure continuity and growth for our community,” Luttig said. “As interim director, Ben stepped into the leadership role with immense dedication. He led our monthly board meetings, organized and planned our annual meeting, and represented Main Street at local events and meetings. His contribution is even more remarkable because he was also a local business owner, balancing both roles with passion and commitment. At this time, we want to thank Ben for his dedication and hard work. His leadership, passion and commitment have been truly invaluable.”

After Coffey was recognized, Doughman then introduced the current board of directors, saying, “Over the past eight months, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know this remarkable group,” Doughman said. “Their dedication, commitment and passion for the success of McPherson Main Street for has been genuinely inspiring. I sincerely thank each of them for their tireless efforts to help us thrive. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a strong and devoted team, guiding us forward.”