(Sentinel photo by Magdalene Biesanz) Jayne McGuire, the Main Street director for Le Mars throughout the past seven years, is taking a new position in Ames this month. A new director will be hired, but McGuire's impact on Le Mars' downtown and businesses leaves a legacy. [Click to enlarge]

But next month, the city's Main Street Director Jayne McGuire will be leaving to take a job in Ames.

The hiring process is already beginning for a new Main Street director, but

the impact McGuire leaves behind will remain.

Central Avenue business facade improvements like that of the Pizza Ranch were done with help from Main Street guru McGuire.

During her tenure, Le Mars passed the $5 million mark of private investments in the downtown.

"That's a real vote of confidence citizens have for the downtown," she said.

And the Cental Avenue occupancy rate is up since McGuire arrived.

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"There were 10 empty store fronts when I came," she said. "There are less now. We've kept it at the 10-15 percent range, and that's typical. Le Mars is keeping a nice mix of retail."

Bob Rust, the owner of Rust's Western Shed on Central Avenue, said McGuire's work jived with "the soft spot" he had in his heart for downtown Le Mars.

"I can honestly say that Jayne breathed Main Street," Rust said. "It's nice to know that the downtown is a vital part of community and Jayne always made sure of that."

He worked with McGuire on Main Street projects.

"I hope that we fill the position with someone who will put as much energy into it as Jayne did," Rust said. "She'll be missed."

McGuire worked not only with Central Avenue businesses, but also other small business development around town.

She worked with the Chamber of Commerce to put together downtown promotions like Ridiculous Days and holiday events.

McGuire also saw the completion of the Olson Cultural Events Center and the Streetscape project, both which were completely planned and paid for before she arrived.

"Over the past seven years, Le Mars Main Street has made significant strides under Jayne's guidance," said Neal Adler of the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce.

Kathy McCarty, who also worked with the Main Street program, agreed.

"She always had a lot of insight and she always made Main Street a lot of fun," McCarty said. "She just had a positive outlook on Le Mars and the downtown."

Adler and McCarty said that applications are being taken now for the position. They hope to fill it soon so the new director will have a day or two to work with Jayne and get up to speed on Main Street Le Mars projects.

"We're hoping to hire locally, but whoever fits the position best will be hired," McCarty said. "We're looking at who will continue to have the same focus and outlook for Le Mars."

McGuire, she said, will definitely be missed.

"She's got a great opportunity going to Ames," McCarty said. "I hate to see her go but Ames will benefit from her background and energy."

McGuire's new role will be Director of the Ames Main Street Cultural and Entertainment District.

"It's a different atmosphere," she said. "I'm looking forward to bringing in fresh perspective to the community."

McGuire said she'll miss the people of Le Mars, the business owners and employees she worked with daily, the groups she was part of like the Arts Center and Postal Playhouse, and the city hall staff.

"It's only in a small town where you can have the fire chief's cell phone number," she said with a laugh.

But McGuire's also anticipating watching how Le Mars will progress after she leaves. Her last day is Oct. 17.

"Le Mars's downtown is poised to turn a corner and make some lasting changes," McGuire said. "I'm excited to see what Le Mars will do. I think this is a good thing for me, and a good thing for Le Mars."