Illinois Main Street Conference comes to a close

Illinois Main Street Conference comes to a close

8 months, 1 week ago by Denise Donley

This was the first time Quincy has hosted the state-wide event

The Illinois Main Street Conference came to a close Friday after a presentation from keynote speaker Mike Frank.

Frank first started out of college in the insurance business and found that he was not thrilled with having to see every human being that he came in contact with as somebody I was suppose to try and sell.

In 1967, he changed career paths after attending a seminar from a company in Denver, Colorado, and ended up going to work for that company. He’s been in the business ever since.

Frank now owns his own business, Speakers Unlimited, which schedules other speakers for various events, and also presents about 25 speeches a year himself.

In Friday’s speech, Frank discussed leadership and what qualities make up a good leader.

“Bottom line is, you have to get people involved, keep them involved, you have to sometimes ‘sell,’ if you will, the city council, the Mayor, the Chamber of Commerce on being part of it because it becomes a teamwork situation,” Frank said.  “So we talk about all those pieces of the puzzle on how to be a more effective leader.”

When asked what Quincy could do to be more of a leader, Frank says, “From what I’ve seen, they’ve been doing an awfully good job. What I’ve seen has been very positive.”

Frank adds, “I hope those in attendance realize they are leaders, but also learn how they can enhance their leadership skills as a speaker, increase their sales skills, and just remind them what really goes in to being a good leader.

Other sessions touched on topics ranging from how to gain volunteers, how to have unusual and unique programs to get people downtown and networking programs.

Travis Brown, executive director of the Historic Quincy Business District, says the conference has been wonderful.

“We have been overwhelmed just with the support of the volunteers that have come and the outpouring of love for our community from all of the conference attendees. They’ve had nothing but positive things to say. They’ve spent a lot of money in our downtown and it’s just gone better than we could have ever expected,” says Brown.

Those participating in the conference traveled to Quincy from all over the state, including those who have an interest in downtown redevelopment.

This is the first time Quincy has been host to the three-day event.