As with most annual meetings, Butler Downtown’s annual session on Nov. 28 involved a review of the past year’s successes and goals for the coming year.

But while the Butler Downtown meeting gave considerable attention to specific initiatives, the one big accomplishment that didn’t get enough attention was the increased acceptance the organization continued to build within the business community and among city residents.

To many of those who originally might have questioned Butler Downtown’s staying power, those doubts have faded as the organization’s ideas have evolved into reality, new ideas have emerged, and the number of volunteers has grown.

An article in Sunday’s Butler Eagle recounted some of the successes highlighted at the annual meeting. Likewise, the article reported some of the things Butler Downtown wants to do in 2013.

But amid all those things, being accepted by the community must remain a priority. The organization has not yet achieved full acceptance and support within the community.

It’s understandable that there will continue to be skeptics about what the organization is doing, until it is able to achieve much more.

However, Butler Downtown has come a long way since its beginnings in 2005, as was clear in Mayor Maggie Stock’s observation that “we not only have a Main Street program, we have a phenomenal Main Street program. When they say something and plan it, you’d better watch out, because it’s going to happen.”

One major goal outlined during the Nov. 28 meeting almost certainly will be an acceptance-builder — and might attract more volunteers to Butler Downtown as well. That is Butler Downtown’s presence at all meetings of city organizations and strengthening relationships with businesses.

Chelynne Curci, Main Street manager, emphasizing that “we’d like to expand and strengthen our partnerships,” said having a Butler Downtown representative at all meetings would help to eliminate duplication of efforts and pave the way for more cooperation.

Not all of Butler Downtown’s hard work will provide immediate visible benefits, such as the ongoing efforts on behalf of business tax abatements. Visible success on that front will be seen only when lower tax rates encourage many new businesses to occupy now-vacant storefronts.

Over the past year, Butler Downtown reinforced the “Field of Dreams” premise that if attractions are provided, people will come. That was evident with the opening of the West New Castle Street plaza, which hosted a number of events in the summer and fall, including live music on Friday evenings.

That Butler Downtown’s goal of being a stronger community asset is headed in the right direction also is clear from the organization’s more than 2,200 followers on Facebook.

The past year has been a busy one for the organization’s four committees, and all are responsible for the stronger acceptance being accorded to what Butler Downtown is trying to do.

There’s still much to be done and more community acceptance to be achieved, but growing acceptance will remain the key to unlocking some doors that might have seemed impossible to enter in the past.

If the determination of the past year remains in force, Butler Downtown’s annual meetings in future years are destined to be as positive and optimistic as the Nov. 28 session. And, that will be good for all that this city is and wants to be.