Come and see what everyone will be talking about!  Downtown Eau Claire is growing and changing, and its future could be guided by the conceptual ideas of a Master Plan submitted by DECI and the South Barstow Business Improvement District!  It's an exciting time!

The ideas of the Downtown Master Plan will be unveiled next Thursday,  May 3rd, at the RCU Corporate Center.  

   Phil Johnson, Landscape Architect of Ayres Associates, and Designer and Landscape Architect Garret Perry of Design Studio will lead the discussion and show sketches that have been developed to enhance a thriving Downtown Eau Claire.  A design and consultant team was directed and hired to develop the plans by DECI and the S. Barstow bid earlier this year.

The conceptual Master Plan presents a vision of what Downtown can become.  The potential realization of that vision will be the result of thousands of actions made by both the public and private sectors.  It can provide a framework for coordinating and integrating future development in a way that will allow Downtown to reach its full potential.

Thank you to those who have participated in discussions, attended meetings, and contributed comments.  Your insights, ideas, and constructive criticism were invaluable in the preparation of this conceptual plan that will give us some thoughts on our future.  We hope everyone continues to be actively engaged in making Downtown an exciting and vibrant place! 

Please join us as DECI and the S. Barstow BID's  Downtown Master Plan is unveiled!  

Thursday, May 3, 2012

RCU Corporate Center, Eau Claire River Room 

12 p.m.

 City Council Approves "Sidewalk Sales" for First Fridays 

 Tuesday night, the Eau Claire City Council passed a resolution regarding First Fridays for 2012.  DECI asked the Council to once again consider allowing downtown businesses to sell their items on sidewalks in front of their businesses during the First Friday of the month.

The area included has been expanded a bit more this year. It includes the area bounded on the north by Cameron Street and William Street as extended to the Chippewa River, on the east by Dewey Street, on the south by Emery Street, and on the west by Fifth Avenue/Fulton Street/Whipple Street. In the Water Street location, it includes the area bounded on the north by Chippewa Street, on the east by Second Avenue, on the south by the Chippewa River, and on the west by Ninth Avenue.  And in the Grand Avenue location, inlcudes areas bounded from the Chippewa River to Second Avenue.

 So, please, come join us Downtown Eau Claire for special promotions, sales, entertainment, and other special surprises on the First Friday of each month!  Don't miss the sidewalk sales!

Sidewalk sales will be:

May 4

June 1

July 6

August 3

September 7

October 5 

Thank You Volunteers!

Thank You Houligans!

A special thanks to Houligans Steak and Seafood pub for hosting the Volunteer Appreciation Reception! The volunteers were able to enjoy some great appetizers in a fun atmosphere!

Also thank you to Body Focus Massage, McDonald's, Eau Claire Childrens Museum, Brent Douglas Flowers for Everyday, The YMCA, and Benny Haha Art Supply and Gallery for donating prizes to give away to the volunteers!

"Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biorgraphy of souls" - David Thomas      

Welcome Julie!

We welcome Julie Mishefske as the new Business Assistance Specialist.  Julie's duties include working with both DECI and the Economic Development Department for the City of Eau Claire.  Julie moved to Eau Claire after receiving her undergraduate business degree from UW-Stout in 2005.  Prior to joining DECI, she spent six years in marketing for a nationwide dental company and also earned her MBA from UW-Eau Claire in 2011.  During her free time, Julie enjoys running, swimming, biking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, and spending time with her husband, Jim, and their two dogs, Boston and Molly. 

Library Program Helps Parents Teach Kids About Money

The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library and RCU in Eau Claire want to give caregivers the tools to teach K-8 children important money skills.  The program "Value of a Dollar: Teaching Your Kids About Money" will be on Thurs., April 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Eau Claire Room on the library's lower level and is open to the public.

The average child aged four to 12 now spends over $1,500 a year.  At this program, participants will learn:

•          why K-8 children need to learn about money;
•          what motivates them to learn about money
           management;
•          how they learn about money;
•          how to use goal-setting, budgeting, saving, working
           and investing as teaching tools;
•          how to use an allowance as a teaching tool.

Money Smart Week^® (April 21-28) is a public awareness campaign that involves hundreds of programs designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances.

For further information e-mail the library at librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us. To learn more about library programs, check our library events calendar at  www.ecpubliclibrary.info.

Be a Part of 2012 Summer Fest and International Fall Festival! 

 It's Your Time To Shine at Summer Fest!  

Get the Word Out!

Would you like a little more help publicizing your Downtown event?  Just put it on our calendar!  Go to our website and submit your event!  It's that easy!  

(The link is near the bottom of the page under the calendar) 

And when you're done with that, head to Facebook and 'like' our page-

Downtown Eau Claire!