Event planning during a pandemic
With most communities canceling events and unsure when they will be able to resume programming in light of the pandemic, WEDC’s downtown development team is offering some ideas for how communities can adapt. These include a focus on smaller events and virtual events, as well as events that can be planned in a short amount of time—so communities can adopt creative strategies instead of simply going the whole summer without any events. Read More
Designing for a pandemic
As our state, nation and world cope with a pandemic on a scale never before seen in our lifetimes, it has taken a toll on our health, our thinking, our economy and our communities. COVID-19 has also changed—perhaps forever—the the way we do business; interact with each other; and design the places we live, work and entertain. Some businesses, due to their nature, were able to easily adapt by providing window or curbside service, taking sales online or working from home. Others, such as salons, taverns, gyms, concert halls and sports venues, have had to shut down completely until further notice. Read More
Guide for communities and small businesses during COVID-19
The “Safer at Home” order, issued by Governor Evers on March 24, 2020, supersedes any conflicting advice contained in this post. Businesses should refer to the governor’s order to
Wayfinding 2020: Community Signage for Today’s Main Street
By Joe Lawniczak, Wisconsin Main Street It seems there are few areas of life that aren’t being revolutionized by technology, and travel is no different. People rarely read maps
Places Blog: Design for all seasons
For a community’s downtown to be winter-friendly, basic infrastructure must be in place: sidewalks cleared of snow and ice, easy (and snow- and ice-free) access from
Places Blog: Get creative with indoor activities in the winter
Planning for winter outdoor activities can be challenging if these activities rely on the availability of ice or snow. In many communities, ice rinks and sledding
Places Blog: Creative use of light to fight the winter blues
The biggest obstacle to getting people out and about in the winter is the general inertia against leaving the house when it looks so unappealing outside
Places Blog: Which type of sponsorship packet is right for you?
What to consider when choosing between tiered sponsorships, a la carte sponsorships or a mix of both, and between a yearly or per event sponsorship model. Read More
Places Blog: Create a smart sponsorship packet
A sponsorship packet is an integral part of the process. Learn the five things all sponsorship packets need to include and how choose the best time for reaching out to potential sponsors. Read More
Places Blog: Understand why you’re seeking Sponsorships
The first step to creating a sponsorship program that’s a win-win for both the community and sponsor is identifying what you want it to achieve and tailor your sponsorships to meet that goal. Read More
Issues and solutions for parking on Main Street
More often than not, parking issues in downtown districts stem from one or more of the following: confusion about available parking; abuses and enforcement; and physical condition and design. Here are solutions to those issues. Read More
Places blog: Encourage shopping small
While “shop local” campaigns can become controversial, seeming to discourage tourists and/or exclude franchises and other locally operated businesses, shopping small is a strategy that is hard to oppose. Consider the following unique strategies to encourage and recognize customers that make the effort to shop small. Read More