at jewell Main Street:
we put in the work
we stand shoulder to shoulder
we thrive on word of mouth
we ask for help
we get the job done
we will not stop
Jewell Area Development Enterprise is a public entity that works for improving the business community and for public betterment.
Mission Statement.
To secure downtown Jewell as a premier destination and place to call home through innovative and strategic promotion, event and business planning, for the purpose of preserving the historic landscape of our downtown as well as sustaining a healthy economic stage for our community’s economic growth.
Vision Statement.
To cultivate a fully revitalized Downtown; one that incorporates walkability, cultural activity, recreation, rest, relaxation, and entertainment, while supporting a thriving business, restaurant, and retail environment which is essential in preserving our buildings and community.
Jewell Area Development Enterprise
Organization History:
Jewell joined in a partnership with Main Street Iowa and Main Street America in 2019! This partnership involves the City of Jewell, JADE and JADE Foundation organizations in Jewell.
JADE was originally incorporated as the Jewell Community Club on April 5, 1973, under Section 36 of the Iowa Nonprofit Corporation Act. The Articles of Incorporation were amended on June 3, 1982 and the name was changed from the Jewell Community Club to Jewell Area Development Enterprise, Ltd. In 1993, JADE initially became part of the Main Street Iowa program through a county wide membership with Hamilton Hometowns. JADE has been an active participant in the Main Street Iowa program and has won nineteen Main Street Iowa awards over the past twenty years. While JADE has sponsored or assisted with various events and activities in Jewell, the past fifteen years have been devoted to building renovations on Jewell’s Main Street, business recruitment, and business support through various programs.
Local Results
It's hard not to see the results in the Jewell Main Street District, but if you're not convinced, the numbers don't lie!
Put one dollar in
In 2023:
Jewell Main Street invested $3,654.47 in local planning for grant funding which supported $13,005.68 of private investment in the historic downtown district.
5 new businesses
18 community events
680 volunteer hours
get four dollars of impact!
Four paths to meaningful progress
The Main Street Approach consists of tightly integrated components making up a common-sense, strategy-driven framework to guide community-based downtown revitalization efforts. Locally developed strategies are implemented through comprehensive work in four broad areas known as the Four Points:
Economic Vitality, Organization, Promotion and Design.
The Design Committee supports member businesses by improving the physical and visual attractiveness of the business community and offers a REGENT Grant that helps businesses physically improve the exterior or interior of the building.
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We don't just admire our historic buildings, we take action to help preserve them, enhancing the appearance of the Downtown. We encourage supportive new construction, develop sensitive design management systems and long-term planning.
design
The Business Improvement Committee focuses on providing support and resources for prospective businesses and continued sustainability of the current business community.
Our plans call for the addition of new retail, entertainment and restaurant opportunities as well as providing business-building resources for existing businesses.
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Strengthening existing businesses through seminars, consultant visits, etc.
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Recruit new downtown businesses to fill gaps in the market​
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Find new economic uses for traditional Main Street spaces​
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Monitor the economic performance of downtown on an ongoing basis​
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Promote downtown as a good place to do business
business
improvements
Promotions
The Promotion Committee promotes Jewell and encourages our community to shop local and support local business, organizes events to attract both residents and visitors to Jewell and offers a PROGENT Grant that helps our local businesses with advertising expenses.
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This hardworking and hands on group of community members meet once per month to develop ways for the public to engage with businesses. If you're gifted at marketing, sales or graphic design, this committee is perfect for you!
The Administration and Organization Committee is responsible for recruiting and developing new leadership, attracting new members, staying in touch with JADE supporters and arrange financing for the ongoing operation of JADE. They are the foundation of the entire Main Street program. A strong organizational base with committed funding will enable us to remain effective to our revitalization efforts.
​This committee is responsible for creatively building a solid financial foundation and keeping the lines of communication open to the public.
administration & organization
A National Movement
Main Street America
Vision: Everyone has access to an inclusive and resilient Main Street - a place that has a thriving local economy, is distinctive and rich in character, and features welcoming spaces and diverse businesses for residents and visitors alike.
​Mission: Main Street America leads a collaborative movement with partners and grassroots leaders that advances shared prosperity, creates resilient economies, and improves quality of life through place-based economic development and community preservation in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the country.
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The National Main Street Center leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
We believe Main Streets are for everyone. At the core of our approach to revitalization is a commitment to creating places of shared prosperity, equal access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement. The National Main Street Center models and champions this vision through our actions and programs.
​The Main Street Iowa program works with a select group of communities that successfully complete a competitive application process and commit to exceptionally high standards for downtown economic development. As a Main Street AmericaTM Coordinating Program, over 50 communities in Iowa are connected to a network of 40 programs across the country representing over 1,200 communities.
Utilizing the Main Street Approach, communities capitalize on the unique identity, assets and character of their historic commercial districts. The Main Street Approach consists of tightly integrated components making up a common-sense, strategy-driven framework that guides community-based downtown revitalization efforts. Locally developed strategies are implemented through comprehensive work in four broad areas, known as the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Organization, Promotion and Design.
Assistance from the Main Street Iowa team includes training workshops, architectural and design assistance, business assistance, and a number of other technical assistance opportunities.