About
From Stuck to Standout — Fast.
Growing up in the small town of Geneva, Illinois — with the big city of Chicago on one side and open cornfields on the other — RAD founder Erik Reader learned early how place shapes people, and how people shape place. That perspective, combined with more than a decade of community and economic development leadership, has made RAD a go-to resource for rural and small-town downtown revitalization.
Erik currently serves as Director of Illinois Main Street with Main Street America, where he leads the statewide network supporting downtowns through training, networking, and program development. He is the key point of contact for public and private partners while driving statewide conversations on revitalization, preservation, and place-based economic development.
Over his career, Erik has:
Stimulated investment in rural redevelopment projects.
Launched small business assistance and startup programs.
Created branded destination marketing campaigns.
Developed commerce-driven events to boost local economies.
His leadership track record spans roles as Executive Director of the Downtown Rock Island Partnership and President & CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Throughout his career, Erik has helped dozens of cities create actionable, measurable strategies to bring their downtowns back to life.
RAD’s approach is hands-on and results-driven:
Quick Wins Now — visible, achievable improvements in weeks, not years.
Clear Path Forward — practical strategies to build lasting momentum.
Partnership, Not Paperwork — action in motion, not just a plan on a shelf.
We believe every small town has untapped potential — and the fastest way to unlock it is with focus, momentum, and the right guidance.
Let’s get your downtown moving again.