MISSION STATEMENT

Elkhart Centre, Inc., is a local organization whose function is to inspire and facilitate the artistic, cultural, aesthetic, civic, social and economic vitality of downtown Elkhart, enhancing the quality of life for the entire community.

Young dancers get in the swing of the Elkhart Jazz Festival

Attendees browsing at the Showcase of Art

Who We Are and What We Do

A not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization, the Elkhart Centre is a certified member of the National Main Street Program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Indiana State Main Street program. We work to improve Elkhart’s central business district, using the Main Street program’s proven four-point approach to revitalization:

Organization

This is the “human” aspect of the program, involving the internal structure of the organization along with volunteers, financial supporters, and partnering organizations. The objectives of this part of the Main Street approach include getting everyone focused on the goal of Main Street revitalization, recruiting and coordinating volunteers, and building consensus and cooperation among the various stakeholders.

Economic Restructuring

This facet of the Main Street Program is focused on projects that strengthen downtown’s existing economic assets and/or boost the profitability of the area by recruiting compatible new businesses and converting unused/underused commercial space into economically productive property.

Design

The Design aspect of the Main Street Program involves creating and maintaining an inviting downtown atmosphere through building improvements, streetscaping and landscaping, lighting, window displays, signage, etc. Additionally, this area may include rehabilitating and enhancing existing properties, developing design-management systems, and providing best-practice information on beautification and building maintenance to downtown building and  business owners.

Promotions

This aspect of any Main Street Program is obviously quite visible, though the results are less tangible than, say, a new business opening on Main Street. Yet it is through promotions that we “market” Main Street to consumers and investors, both locally and outside our area. With special events, retail promotional activities, and marketing efforts, we convey a dynamic, positive image of downtown to residents and visitors – and encourage commercial activity and investment in the area.

Most Main Street programs address each of the four points of the Main Street approach while excelling in one or two moreso than the others. For the Elkhart Centre, that excellence is evident in our Promotions, the most impressive of which is the Elkhart Jazz Festival.

Quick Links

Downtown Elkhart Website

Greater Elkhart Area Chamber of Commerce

Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau