DEP’s Big Deck Yacht Party Raises $13,000
The Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. (DEP) hosted its annual benefit dinner on Thursday, September 14, 2023. The event was an outdoor dinner held in the Hall of Waters Circle Drive. Proceeds from the event are going toward the development of Lithia Landing in Downtown Excelsior Springs. During the benefit dinner, DEP highlighted the organization’s project, initiatives and events that have occurred during the last year, and also announced business excellence award winners for their outstanding efforts to preserve, promote and revitalize Downtown Excelsior Springs.
There were approximately 130 guests present at this year’s evening of celebration. Guests enjoyed mingling with one another during the cocktail hour and had the opportunity to play in the Diamond Duck fundraiser for a chance to win a 1.2 carat lab grown diamond donated by Sturm Brothers’ Custom Design & Fine Jewelry. Just before dinner was served, a welcome and introduction to the evening was given by Executive Director, Lyndsey M. Baxter. Baxter highlighted each of the DEP teams and the work they have been accomplishing throughout the year.
2023-2024 DEP Board of Directors
Promotion Team
Volunteered over 1,000 to Downtown Excelsior Springs.
Added two new events, Witch Way to the Wine & Whiskey Walk resulting in a $12,000 increase to budget.
Announced the 18th Annual Wine Festival will be moved to the downtown historic district.
BBQ & Fly-In on the River & Home Brew Team
Home Brew Contest doubled in size compared to last year.
Welcomed 59 competition BBQ teams to downtown.
Added a Friend’s of the Fly-In People’s Choice contest.
Hosted most profitable year generating nearly $16,000 that will go toward the revitalization of Downtown Excelsior Springs.
Christmas Team
The Lane of Lights grew in number of displays and generated $25,000 in donations with nearly $10,000 going directly back to other community organizations and causes.
Looking forward to bringing back the beloved Hall of Trees.
Continuing to work to add additional electricity to Lover’s Lane so the drive through lighted display can further grow.
Design Team
Working to complete the wayfinding signage implementation throughout the downtown district.
Nearing the completion of the streetscape design study and cost analysis for the downtown district.
Administered $58,000 in awarded ARPA Facade Grants that will result in nearly $170,000 in private investment.
Strenuously working to make the development of Lithia Landing a reality for the downtown district.
Organization Team
Continued to secure funding for DEP to fulfill it’s mission.
Administered a county wide $200,000 marketing matching grant.
Secured $7,500 in grants from the City of Excelsior Springs.
Currently working on a new destination branding that will be used city wide in wayfinding signage, as well as rebranding of the DEP logo.
Economic Vitality Team
Completed Economic Impact Analysis of all DEP events.
Showcased available properties in downtown resulting in new businesses to the district and properties finding new ownership that will have a substantially positive impact on the district as a whole.
Currently they are conducting an updated Retail Market Analysis, putting together a business recruitment packet and will be pursuing an Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem grant.
Website Team
Successfully implemented a $64,000 marketing plan with help from the Clay County ARPA Tourism Marketing Matching Grant.
Completed the videography procurement project with Jason & Courtney Cole and completed the photography procurement project with Jade Williams.
To date have had 154,735 visits to the Visit Excelsior website, which is 25% higher than the visits during the entire year of 2022.
Recently consolidated website and trip planner advertising into one marketing package.
Will be implementing a new You Tube ads marketing strategy for 2024.
After highlighted the great work of the DEP teams and volunteers, Baxter stated, “these DEP teams truly have a vision for vibrancy and work so hard to create a perfect place for people. I am constantly inspired because of these individuals and look forward to the future of Downtown Excelsior Springs because of them.”
Following dinner, DEP Board Member, Jim McCullough led the dessert auction. This year’s dessert auction raised nearly $5,000 toward the development of Lithia Landing.
DEP Board President, Nate Williams then began to recognize some outstanding businesses and individuals who go above and beyond and do extraordinary things to make Downtown Excelsior Springs the place it is and the place it is becoming. The businesses and individuals who received a recognition for business excellence at this year’s event were nominated by their downtown peers for their hard work and accomplishments.
Kilgore’s Vintage & Design
Not only has Mark & Brenda done a fabulous job rehabilitating the Kilgore’s Vintage & Design building, they always have a gorgeous storefront. She has taken it to another level and is going to be a big part of the redevelopment of Thompson Avenue. We are so excited for the future of the former Fishing River Market building and the possibilities that will come. She is single handedly working to grow our retail presence in Downtown Excelsior Springs.
Slightly Off Broadway Theatre
They have been producing live theatre since 1980. The Slightly Off Broadway Theatre is currently the only live theatre facility in our area. In their home at 114 N. Marietta, they produce a season of 7 shows per year. Well known as well as original musical revues, comedies, mysteries, classic dramas and children’s theatre. As a completely volunteer organization, their performances range in age from 5 years old to performers in their 80’s. All are welcome. Many of their youth performers have matured into theatre professionals. They draw performers and audiences from the surrounding communities which brings people to visit our city and learn about the special features Excelsior Springs has to offer. They recently had their largest opening weekend ever, which is proof of their continued growth and contribution to the success of our community.
Daphne Bowman
Daphne is the town’s biggest cheerleader! She wants everyone to be successful and promotes every business in town and is also encouraging to every business owner.
Style By Ry
Style by Ry, under the steadfast leadership of Ryanne Wilkins, has consistently exhibited qualities that make them a standout candidate for this recognition. Their dedication to being present, always open, and encouraging towards shoppers is truly commendable and has greatly contributed to the positive atmosphere in our downtown.
Ry’s personal involvement in the shopping experience is remarkable. They have shown an unwavering commitment to being present in the store, engaging with customers, and providing a warm and welcoming environment. This personal touch not only enhances the shopping experience but also establishes a strong sense of community among shoppers and local businesses.
One of the standout qualities of Style by Ry is their openness to collaboration and encouragement of patrons to explore other stores in our downtown area. By actively promoting other local businesses, they have demonstrated a remarkable spirit of unity and partnership. This approach not only benefits Style by Ry but contributes to the collective growth and success of the entire downtown ecosystem.
In an age where impersonal transactions are becoming the norm, Style by Ry has managed to create a shopping experience that is not only about the products but also about the shared experience and memories.
Style by Ry embodies the qualities of an Outstanding Retailer to honor. Her unwavering presence, open-hearted approach, and encouragement of shoppers to explore the broader downtown shopping scene make them outstanding and deserving of this recognition. Ry’s contributions have undeniably enriched our downtown community, and I believe their commitment to creating a positive, collaborative, and inclusive shopping environment is deserving of an award.
Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery
Mike and Denise have jumped in feet first to this community. Not only have the created an absolutely stunning venue on the outskirts of the city, they have integrated themselves into the business community and continue to find ways to support the projects we are working toward accomplishing, especially in Downtown Excelsior Springs. They have been great supporters of the development of the Lithia Landing and Denise has joined the DEP Promotions Team and is always finding ways to support the mission of the community and find ways to work together. We are so fortunate to have these two as a part of our Excelsior Springs business community and we look forward to the continued development of their property, winery and vineyard.
Solana On Broadway
Savanna is running a great business. Her marketing is great. Her event space is adorable. Her AirBnB is rockin! She is totally kicking butt on the corner.
Uptown Roots Salon
Erica has done a great job of making her building beautiful and welcoming. From the façade improvements to the quaint seating area out front, it’s such a beautiful space. Additionally, we love that not only is she a salon, she’s a boutique, too! By adding both she has successfully added another retail component to the downtown district. We love how supportive she is of her neighboring downtown business. We are so fortunate she chose to locate her salon and boutique in Downtown Excelsior Springs.
Dubious Claims Brewing Co.
DCBC has been great for Downtown Excelsior Springs. They’ve added an excitement to Thompson Avenue. The Bingo Nights have become a favorite and you can’t event find an available seat. We love the work Neil has down to create a fun outdoor patio area to the district. Event better, Neil travels far and wide to further promote not only DCBC, but the downtown district. He is helping put Excelsior Springs on the map. The downtown district is very lucky to have this great brewery in the heart of it!
Morgan Newkirk
“Morgan the magnificent” is her persona. She has been a great addition to our community. Her smiling face goes with her kindness. She has joined DEP and put her heart and witty mind to work. She is a pleasure to work with on committees. Last year she came up with an event “Witch Way is the wine”. It was a huge success and brought many people to our town. Her culinary skills have made the daily specials at Ray’s a meal to look forward to and a joy to the palate. We tell all our visitors that the trip is not complete without a meal prepared by Dan and Morgan at Ray’s Diner. Breakfast at Ray’s is a thing. Ray’s is truly a trip back in time. Excelsior Springs was recognized as a top 9 town in Missouri and It is people like Morgan that make that happen. We are proud to know Morgan. Her cute dimples bring smiles to our faces. She is a first mate of Excelsior Springs.
