Creating a sense of normalcy and bringing the community together has always been an important goal for the Main Street districts around Wisconsin, but the lingering threat of COVID-19, has posed continuing difficulties for hosting events. Nevertheless, communities are doing their best to host events with social distancing and safety modifications in place, and
Many communities have traditional events they continue to hold because that is what they have always done—even if it no longer serves a specific purpose for the host organization nor provides a defined benefit for the community. Find key questions to consider when thinking about the future of community events. Read More
Surveys are a vital component in evaluating your events. Here are some tips and tricks for acquiring the best survey results. Read More
Events and promotions are an important part of what make your downtown a destination. However, it is important that event hosts have a regular process for reviewing what went well and what could be improved. Read More
Wondering what it takes for a successful Wisconsin Main Street Makeover? From the initial application to the final unveiling, this post covers all the moving parts of the Wisconsin Main Street Program's annual event. Read More
The recent survey found that new business starts in Wisconsin downtowns reached a high-water mark in 2018. With new businesses of all types were cropping up in Wisconsin's downtown, here's how a few found success. Read More
Main Street Now, the national downtown development conference hosted annually by the National Main Street Center, was held this year in Seattle. More than 20 Wisconsin Main Street network individuals attended the conference as both participants and presenters. Read More
Wausau River District is one of three winners of the 2019 Great American Main Street Award, which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. Read More
While infrastructure and amenities can be designed to foster spontaneous interactions, programs can also be designed to actively promote engagement and interaction among like-minded individuals. Read More
While statewide trends in Wisconsin point toward increased growth predominantly in the upper age brackets, both baby boomer and millennial/Gen Z groups show a preference for downtown. Read More
