Business innovation – Main Street & Connect Community businesses adapting to the pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic so many local businesses have had to adapt their business plan to adhere to safety guidelines and to best reach their customers. In fall of 2020, WEDC created the We’re All Innovating Contest to recognize and promote the creative ways local startups and small businesses have adapted to the recent challenges. Among the winners were multiple businesses in both Wisconsin Main Street and Connect Communities. These businesses were recognized for the We’re All Innovating Contest based on business innovations, adapting services and adapting technology. Read More
Reflections and resolutions for the new year
As we enter a new year, each of the stakeholder groups that are responsible for downtown revitalization have an opportunity to reflect on the gifts of 2020 and resolve to make changes that will make your organization and/or business more prosperous and effective in the coming year. Read More
Reflecting cultural diversity in Main Street design
Following last month’s focus on diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the Main Street approach, this month’s blog post will explore how the design of façades, storefronts and business signage within Main Street districts can incorporate cultural diversity and expression. Read More
Equity and inclusion on Main Street
Recent economic, social and political conditions have highlighted the many divisions and inequities in our communities. In many cases these disparities impact everyday life—for example, the availability of work and sacrifices expected of essential workers; access to broadband and the employment, school and commerce opportunities it provides; and adverse health outcomes for certain demographics as a result of the pandemic, among others. Read More
Upper-floor housing on Main Street
By Joe Lawniczak – Wisconsin Main Street Upper-floor space ready for renovation in Fond du Lac Upper-floor housing downtown can conjure up many images. Some might envision seedy, run-down apartments
Successful events during the pandemic
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,
Creative fundraising approaches for community organizations
While the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses has been well documented, community organizations have also been negatively impacted. Challenges to the usual in-person models of engaging stakeholders,
Revitalization success stories
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
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