Greetings,
This month, we're featuring the purpose and work of Main Street Wausau's Economic Development Committee. We hope you enjoy learning about the work and services offered by this important area of our organization. For similar information on our other committees (Promotion, Design and Organization), simply scroll down to find links on the right hand side that will direct you to previous e-newsletters.
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Developing Businesses In The River District
A strong, healthy economic climate in Wausau's central business district is an essential element of a strong, healthy community. When a commercial business district thrives, positive economic benefits are experienced throughout the community such as job creation and a stronger tax base to fund public services.
It comes as no surprise then, that Main Street Wausau, Inc. coordinates an Economic Development Committee dedicated specifically to developing and growing businesses within the District for the benefit of the entire community. While many businesses have opened, relocated or expanded within the District over the years, there is still work to be done. Continue reading to learn how Main Street Wausau's Economic Development Committee supports and strengthens the economic climate of downtown Wausau's River District.
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Market Research
Gathering information about the District's economic condition is critical to being able to develop programs and services that effectively recruit, retain and grow businesses in the District. This Committee gathers valuable data through conversations and surveys with business and property owners, maintaining an inventory of downtown businesses and buildings, informal consumer surveys, and more.
In April, the Committee will participate in a workshop facilitated by the Wisconsin Main Street program that will result in the compilation of an up-to-date market profile on the District. This information will enhance our knowledge and understanding of current market conditions and opportunities, and improve our ability to develop business recruitment and retention strategies that are responsive to the District's changing economic needs. We look forward to sharing this information with you upon its completion.
Business Recruitment & Retention Services
To assist business growth in the District, the Committee offers FREE, one-on-one business counseling provided by Wisconsin Main Street's small business specialist. Existing and potential business owners in the District are able to take advantage of on-site confidential counseling services in areas such as marketing, business planning, advertising, financial analysis and inventory control. Follow up assistance is also provided. To take advantage of this valuable resource, contact Dawn at 715.845.1328 or by email for details.
The Economic Development Committee also provides assistance recruiting tenants and investors by maintaining a real estate listing on space available for sale or lease in the District on the River District's website. To add or update a listing, contact Dawn with the details.
Near West Side Master Plan Promotion
The Economic Development Committee also serves as an advocate for the types of physical and economic enhancements suggested in the Near West Side Master Plan. Developed in 2007, the Plan provides comprehensive recommendations to guide public and private improvements that will assist the long-term economic vitality of the near west side. You can be directed to the plan by clicking here.
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Committee Volunteers
The Economic Development Committee is made up of the following volunteers:
- Kari Bender, The Needle Workshop
- Mark Craig, Compass Properties
- Dawn Follendorf, Main Street Wausau
- Mark McKinley, The Diamond Showcase
- Alfred Nahkla, Associated Bank
- Phil Valitchka, Phil Valitchka PR, Committee Chair
- Ann Werth, Community Development, City of Wausau
If you have an interest in partnering with us on any of the initiatives outlined above, or would like more information on how to get involved with any of Main Street Wausau's committees, contact Dawn Follendorf at 715.845.1328 or by email. The Economic Development Committee gathers the first Thursday of every month at 8AM in the Main Street office located at 316 Scott Street. |
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Wisconsin Main Street Program's
Uncertain Future
As you may have read or seen in the media, "Main Street"  communities like ours throughout the state of Wisconsin are in jeopardy of loosing a big supporter - the Wisconsin Main Street Program. Wisconsin Main Street is a comprehensive economic development organization housed in the Dept. of Commerce that is geared specifically at revitalizing traditional business districts.
Whether state support for Wisconsin Main Street will continue is up to the directors of the new Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., a public-private partnership that is to replace the Commerce Department, according to a statement e-mailed from Gov. Scott Walker's office. At present, Walker's proposed budget eliminates dedicated funding for the Wisconsin Main Street Program.
It is important to know that the Wisconsin Main Street Program does not give money away, and that Main Street Wausau, Inc. will remain in tact regardless of decisions made at the state level. The loss of this Program, however, would mean the loss of technical support that Main Street Wausau and 35 other "Main Street" communities throughout Wisconsin use to strengthen our downtown communities. Examples of this support include:
- Training and on-site planning visits for Main Street managers,
board and committee members on strategies to improve our
downtown economies
- Architectural designs for building rehabilitations
- Small-business counseling services (referenced above)
Advocacy for the Program continues. Located here is a letter of support written by Dept. of Commerce Secretary, Paul Jadin. If you would like to voice support for this program, contact your representative or Governor Scott Walker's office at 608.266.1212, govgeneral@wisconsin.gov, or Office of Gov. Scott Walker, 115 East Capitol, Madison WI 53702.
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 Updates on
The 400 Block
Construction on The 400 Block has resumed in order
to keep the project on track for its scheduled completion date of June 15th.
In the meantime, please be informed of the following construction-related updates:
- Jefferson St. from 3rd St. to 4th St. will be closed to vehicle traffic, the sidewalk on the south side of Jefferson St. will remain open to pedestrians. - The south lane of Scott St. between 3rd St. and 4th St. (including the adjacent parking) will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Both of these closures exist to accommodate numerous construction crews and are expected to last until June 15th. Wausau Area Events will jump start the event season on The 400 Block on Friday, June 17th with the Summer Kick Off Celebration! Marketplace Thursdays will begin the following week, on Thursday, June 23rd. Visit www.WausauAreaEvents.org for a completing listing of their event schedule.
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WhyNotWausau? 2011
Speaking of The 400 Block, WhyNotWausau? 2011 will take place downtown on The 400 Block during the weekend of July 30th. If you are a downtown Wausau business and would like to be involved, contact the coordinators at info@whynotwausau.com or
715.845.111 and they can share opportunities available to you and your business.
They are open to any ideas that you may have for involvement - don't hesitate to email or call!
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See you in the District,
Dawn
Dawn Follendorf Manager
Main Street Wausau, Inc.
316 Scott Street
Wausau, WI 54403
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