Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Applegate.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Julie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The Morris Downtown Development Partnership is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to preserve, enhance, and promote downtown Morris, IL. The organization hosts and promotes downtown events including the Liberty Arts Festival, The Liberty 5K Run/Walk, Home For The Holidays and many more! We market downtown Morris and oversee various physical improvement and historical preservation projects.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Morris is conveniently located about an hour from Chicago at the intersection of I80 and Route 47. We have a charming downtown, filled with unique shops, located about 2 blocks west of Route 47, which is the main road through town. Travelers on Route 47 may have no idea what lies only a 2 blocks west of route 47. We are addressing this challenge with additional signage.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Morris Downtown Development Partnership – what should we know?
The Morris Downtown Development Partnership is likely best known for the events that we host – the Liberty 5K Run/Walk, the Liberty Arts Festival and Home for the Holidays. Many other events are hosted by other organizations. We are particularly pound of the growth of our events. The Liberty 5k increased by about 100 runners this year and the Liberty Arts Festival had 50% increase in artists and an even greater increase in attendees. We are also proud to have a vital downtown, filled with unique stores, restaurants and great activities.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Much credit is owed to my Board of Directors and volunteers who assist with our events. We are fortunate to be able to collaborate with numerous local organizations to reach our goals including the Morris Retail Association, the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and numerous businesses and organizations that support our mission and events.
Contact Info:
- Address: 105 E. Main Street, Suite 201
Morris, IL 60450 - Website: www.downtownmorris.com
- Phone: (815) 941-0245
- Email: mddp@downtownmorris.com
- Instagram: downtownmorrismddp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Downtown-MorrisMorris-Downtown-Development-Partnership-113837068724997/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: @downtownmorrisI
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