Facing the challenge together

This summer presents a real challenge for Buffalo: construction on North Main Street during our busiest and most important summer tourism season. Most of our businesses depend on those summer months to survive. When access is limited, sales suffer — and the impact can ripple well beyond a single construction zone.

That’s why the partnership among the Johnson County Tourism Association, Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, Johnson County Commission and city of Buffalo is worth commending. We know that dollars are tight. However, their joint effort to fund and operate the chamber’s satellite visitors center on Hart Street is more than a smart move — it’s a clear sign that local leadership is stepping up to defend one of our most vital economic drivers: our downtown.

Tourism generates more than $60 million in annual revenue for Johnson County. But those dollars don’t come from hotel stays alone. Travelers expect more than a bed and a fuel stop. They want to shop. They want to eat. They want to explore. And they want an experience that feels genuine, welcoming and walkable. That’s what our Main Street offers — if people can find their way to it.

The satellite visitors center, located at the east entrance of town, is designed to do just that. Staffed with knowledgeable people and stocked with maps and local guides, it serves as a friendly handoff — turning pass-through traffic into downtown foot traffic. It helps travelers see Buffalo not just as a stop on the map, but as a destination worth exploring.

Still, a visitors center alone won’t save the season. Every one of us has a role. Local businesses have long stood behind our community — giving to school raffles, civic fundraisers and youth programs without hesitation. They’ve earned our loyalty. Construction is temporary. But for some small businesses, the financial hit of a slow season can last for years. Lost income today can mean fewer employees, reduced hours or empty storefronts tomorrow. And without a thriving 

Buffalo has something rare: a vibrant, historic Main Street that draws people in and invites them to stay awhile. Let’s not take it for granted.

Shop local. Spread the word. Point visitors to local business and toward the heart of town.

Helping downtown succeed isn’t just good business — it’s the right thing to do.