Main Street Square merges with Visit Rapid City nonprofit
Main Street Square is now part of Visit Rapid City, the nonprofit destination marketing organization that promotes Rapid City as a travel, meeting and sports destination.
Visit Rapid City and Main Street Square have worked closely together for many years, and officials said their staff and projects will seamlessly integrate. The unification of the two organizations has resulted in an estimated savings of $250,000 annually.
"Having Main Street Square be part of Visit Rapid City provides the opportunity to focus the budget where it can have the most impact and garner the highest return on investment possible," said Brook Kaufman, CEO of Visit Rapid City. "This integration gives Main Street Square the tools, infrastructure and support it needs to function at the highest level possible, while positioning it to be sustainable for years to come."
In addition to strategic efforts, cost savings come in the form of operational expenses, overhead, shared resources and administration. With the new organizational structure, staff can focus on events, activities and communication that provide value to residents and move Main Street Square forward.
"Having Main Street Square integrate with Visit Rapid City was the right decision for the organization," said Billi Raker, board chair for Main Street Square. "It allows our resources to be used in the most efficient way and ensures we're serving locals and visitors through events at Main Street Square long-term."
Merchants and business owners in downtown Rapid City have noticed positive changes through the integration, including more hands-on outreach and an increased attention to detail with the physical appearance of downtown, according to a press release from Visit Rapid City.
"This partnership allows all of us to have a more impactful presence and better interactions with individuals who visit and utilize Main Street Square, while supporting downtown businesses and providing an incredible economic impact for Rapid City," added Raker.
