Darcy Herold
Owner of La Bella Flowers & Gifts
Vice President, Downtown Augusta, Inc.
507 State Street
Downtown Augusta, KS

"I was born and raised in Augusta.  I have seen Downtown Augusta change so many times during my life.  I remember Midnight Madness sales . . . I remember when the downtown area was booming . . . when almost every retail space was filled.  I want to be a part of Downtown Augusta, Inc. to bring back that downtown atmosphere that I witnessed as a child.  I want merchants to come to Downtown Augusta to prosper.  I want the area to again be the core of the community.  That is why our Main Street program is so important - to my business and to businesses like mine in Downtown Augusta.  We want Downtown Augusta to survive . . . to prosper.  And we want our Main Street program to help that happen."

"I have spent tens of thousands of dollars creating a new business in my downtown.  Not to mention I undertook a major, costly facade and interior renovation project to rebuild and to enhance my business location.  Likewise, I have donated vast amounts of personal time to my Main Street organization as both a Board and as Committee member.  Why?  I love my downtown;  I feel that businesses like mine naturally belong in the downtown area and serve to enhance it greatly.  I could easily increase my walk-in customer volume by relocating.  However, when we are successful with our project, I will receive the same boost in my customer volume.  Along with my business investment, I am making a personal investment."

"I've been designing in Augusta for 25 years.  My mission is to provide excellent, premier quality floral arrangements, unique gifts and decorating ideas to Augusta and its citizens.  I believe my community deserves merchants who do want to deliver the best quality of products with the best customer service - the kind of service you can only get in a smaller community."