What are the Wisconsin Main Street Awards?
These awards celebrate the people, projects, and partnerships that are shaping vibrant downtown communities across Wisconsin. Hosted annually each spring by WEDC, the awards recognize the innovative programs, transformative initiatives, and outstanding accomplishments achieved by or in the Wisconsin Main Street and Connect Communities programs during the previous year.
More than an awards ceremony, the Wisconsin Main Street Awards are a celebration of the creativity, collaboration, and dedication that fuel community revitalization throughout the state. The event highlights successful projects, honors community leaders and volunteers, and showcases the work being done to strengthen Wisconsin’s downtowns as thriving places to live, work, and visit.
Community leaders, board members, local business owners, volunteers, elected officials, and community supporters from Wisconsin Main Street and Connect Communities participants are invited to attend. The awards provide a unique opportunity to connect with peers from across the state, exchange ideas, celebrate shared successes, and gain inspiration from communities making a meaningful impact in their downtowns.
Whether you are receiving recognition, supporting your community, or looking to learn from others, the Wisconsin Main Street Awards offer an evening of celebration, networking, and inspiration that reflects the strength and innovation of Wisconsin’s downtown development efforts.
“When I was 30 years old, I left a very stable corporate job to build a business of my own. It was my first venture, and I was terrified of the unknown. The WEDC gave me the resources and confidence I needed to make my business successful. Recently we were named Wisconsin’s Downtown Business of the year, and we have plans for a major expansion.”
Andy Lichtfuss
Owner, Andy’s Pontoon Saloon
Award Categories
The Wisconsin Main Street Awards recognize achievements in five areas: placemaking, facade rehabilitation, special event production, small business success, and community-making. We honor Community Champions from the previous year and name the Wisconsin Main Street of the Year.
Read more about the Wisconsin Main Street success stories recognized at 35th awards ceremony in Green Bay.
About Wisconsin Main Street
The Wisconsin Main Street Program and the Connect Communities Program are the two downtown revitalization initiatives overseen by WEDC. The programs provide support and training for communities and organizations dedicated to downtown revitalization efforts. The programs designed to foster business and community engagement and showcase the businesses that bring life to downtown districts.
