Emporia Main Street Auction Raises Over $42,000 for Local Business Support

Funds from the annual public improvement auction will boost existing programs and potentially develop new initiatives to assist small businesses.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Emporia Main Street's 2026 Public Improvement Auction generated over $42,000 through a combination of online, live, and dessert auctions, as well as a performance by HiFi's Dueling Pianos. The funds raised will help support existing programs and potentially develop new initiatives to directly assist local businesses in Emporia, Kansas.

Why it matters

The auction highlights Emporia Main Street's mission to help local businesses succeed, which has become an increasingly important focus in recent years. The funds raised will allow the organization to continue and expand its efforts to support small businesses in the community, especially as it navigates a new economic development coalition in the Flint Hills region.

The details

The auction proceeds will support existing Main Street programs that provide assistance to local businesses, such as different loan programs and access to the Fabrication Lab. While the organization's specific plans for the funds are still being determined, Main Street is researching ways to continue its business support initiatives under the new Flint Hills Economic Alliance, which is set to launch by the end of 2026.

  • The 2026 Public Improvement Auction was held on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • The Flint Hills Economic Alliance is tentatively set to begin by the end of 2026.

The players

Jessica Buchholz

Main Street Community Development Coordinator, who oversees the organization's efforts to support local businesses in Emporia.

Emporia Main Street

A local organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the downtown Emporia area, including through programs and initiatives to assist small businesses.

Flint Hills Economic Alliance

A new regional economic development coalition that Emporia Main Street is set to join, which will include the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Emporia Enterprises, Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas, and Visit Emporia.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The successful auction highlights Emporia Main Street's commitment to supporting local businesses, even as the organization navigates a transition to a new regional economic development coalition. The funds raised will allow the organization to continue and potentially expand its initiatives to assist small businesses in the community.