DEP’s ‘Toast This Town’ Great Success — $10,000 Raised
The Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. (DEP) hosted its annual benefit dinner on Thursday, September 15, 2022. The event was an outdoor dinner held in the Hall of Waters Circle Drive. Proceeds from the event are being used to construct a new outdoor deck seating area on Broadway in Downtown Excelsior Springs. During the benefit dinner, DEP highlighted the organization’s projects, initiatives and events that have occurred during the last year, and also awarded winners for business excellence in 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 were able to enjoy mingling with another during the cocktail hour. 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 committees and the work they have been accomplishing throughout the year….
Promotion Team
15 events that brought over 32,000 people to the streets and business of downtown.
Hosted their most successful Wine Festival generating over $26,000.
Added VIP ticketed opportunities to create elevated experiences during events.
Volunteered 893 hours of their time to Downtown Excelsior Springs.
BBQ & Fly-In on the River & Home Brew Team
Partnered to host the events together for the first time.
Brought the BBQ back to Downtown Excelsior Springs.
Both events grew substantially, and they are looking forward to them being larger next year.
Christmas Team
Raised $30,100 at the Lane of Lights with nearly $12,000 going directly back to other community organizations and causes.
Working on a Lane of Lights electrical extension to continue adding additional displays.
Design Team
Added new self watering planters to the streetscape.
Awarded $57,828.88 in ARPA Facade Grants to downtown businesses and property owners.
Launched a Memory Tree fundraiser.
Completed a city-wide Wayfinding Study through a Downtown Strong Grant Program with plans to add new signage throughout the downtown streetscape in the Spring of 2023.
Are currently working to add the “Lithia Landing” deck to Broadway
Organization Team
Implemented an Annual Sponsorship campaign.
Hosted a successful Downtown Raffle fundraiser.
Brought back Quarterly Downtown Merchant Mingles.
Secured a $200,000 grant from Clay County ARPA dollars to administer a countywide Tourism Marketing Matching Grant Program and have awarded over $186,000 of those dollars to county tourism partners.
Economic Vitality Team
Continues to produce Event Economic Impact studies for DEP sponsored events.
Last year ticketed events resulted in a positive economic impact of $296,182.
Developed an economic development agreement with the City of Excelsior Springs to obtain Placer.ai to access and track consumer data.
Website Team
Secured $32,000 in Clay County ARPA Tourism Marketing Matching Grants to increase marketing spends and secure videography and photography procurement.
Website visitation has increased 111% since adding the additional marketing grant dollars to the budget.
On Wednesday, September 14, officially hit the mark of 1 million visitors to the Visit Excelsior website.
DEP then released some exciting news for the organization. Baxter said, “In addition to all of those amazing volunteers that make my job so much easier, I’m very excited to announce that after 18 months, maybe longer, of me pushing back and backburning growing our DEP team, we have found a great individual to join us in a part time capacity, but hopeful full time soon, beginning later this month.” She then introduced everyone to Kati Lawrence who will be serving as the new Promotional Coordinator for DEP beginning the last week of September.
Following dinner, Baxter invited Lieutenant Renne, the imagination behind this new public space to speak to the crowd and share the story of what make him envision this beautiful addition to Downtown Excelsior Springs. Then the dessert auction commenced, led by DEP Board Member, Jim McCullough. This year’s dessert auction raised over $5,330 toward the development of the new deck project.
DEP Board President, Nate Williams then began to recognize some outstanding businesses and individuals who 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.
Atlas Saloon Brewery
“This business has jumped in head first working hard to not just grow their business but to be a part of the community by encouraging all businesses to come together and team up. Their energy, spirit and creativity is inspiring. They have utilized the tools of the downtown to grow and beautify their building.”
Other Trails
“Other Trails is an extraordinary newcomer to the downtown district. They are some of the best neighbors to have. They have done a phenomenal job with the rehabilitation of the building and are doing an even more incredible job of growing and expanding their business. We are so happy they made the choice to join our Downtown Excelsior Springs culture.”
Ventana Gourmet Grill
“Ventana Gourmet Grill deserves to be celebrated. They have been in business for over 20 years, and they started with an almost empty downtown. They are now an anchor for our historic district, and we are so fortunate to have them be a part of our community.”
Jordan Sturm
“Not only are Jordan and his family great neighbors that are very welcoming, but Jordan is a very talented young man who does a lot of things for our downtown community. From taking care of plants, to making sure the streets are clean from trash and debris. His creativity and talent in making jewelry are amazing and not many small towns are fortunate to have a jeweler who is a true artisan. Jordan is involved in efforts to make sure downtown is prosperous, he offers feedback and is always willing to lend a hand whether to the community or his neighbor.”
Paula Wilkinson
“Paula recently purchased 215 Spring Street. Since their arrival they have made many improvements and have done so much to brighten up the entire corner. Moments and Memories is one of the businesses they have recently opened and is certainly a fantastic addition to Downtown Excelsior Springs, especially on the Thompson Avenue Corridor.”
Casa Di Vite
“The work that Susan has done to restore this beautiful rock building is absolutely breathtaking. What was not long ago 4 walls and dirt floors, she has worked so hard to make a welcoming space for special occasions and wine drinking. Another fabulous addition to the Thompson Avenue corridor of Downtown Excelsior Springs.”
Wine & Shine Tasting Room
“The Wine & Shine Tasting Room opening their own storefront in Downtown Excelsior Springs has been a great addition. They have been able to add an experience residents and visitors can have, while also being able to purchase the ‘tastes’ they enjoy.”
Payne Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast
“The expansion of Payne Jailhouse and the offering of the BIG HOUSE is fantastic. We are so fortunate to have additional rooms in Downtown Excelsior Springs. Downtown businesses receive constant feedback about how amazing of a place it is to stay.”
Willow Spring Mercantile
“Willow Spring is all about supporting downtown and its merchants. They are strong believers in the excellence and growth of our downtown and they show those beliefs every single day.”
Keith Hudson
“Keith’s energy is infectious. Whether you are spending time with him at the Atlas or any other place. His excitement for what is happening in downtown spreads. He always shows up to help wherever he is needed. We are so fortunate to have such a team player as a part of downtown and event more fortunate to have him so active in DEP.”
Following the awards recognitions, Mayor Sharon Powell presented the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. with a proclamation honoring DEP and Executive Director Lyndsey M. Baxter for the dedication, progress and improvements made in the downtown area of Excelsior Springs. That proclamation can be read here.
Williams and Baxter then thanked all of the volunteers that made the evening possible. And the evening concluded with raising a glass of champagne and “Toasting The Town”.
For more information about the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. annual dinner, please contact Executive Director, Lyndsey M. Baxter at 816.719.9912.
