MONROE - In the current economy, the role of downtowns as a center of entrepreneurship and creative activity is more important than ever. Downtowns are uniquely positioned in communities as the central place for new business and job creation. To learn more about supporting entrepreneurship, including recruitment methods, market analysis, financing and incubators, attend the webinar conference from noon until 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, in the upstairs conference room at Wisconsin Community Bank, 1717 10th St., (just off the Square) in Monroe.

This webinar is part of the Revitalizing Wisconsin's Downtown Series, offered via live, interactive Web. It is presented by the UW Extension's Local Government Center in cooperation with the Wisconsin Downtown Action Council and the Wisconsin Main Street Program. The southwest Wisconsin regional site is sponsored by Green County UW Extension, Monroe Main Street Program and Monroe Chamber of Commerce.

Lunch can be provided for those who are interested.

All participants must pre-register by calling Cara Carper at 328-9441. The webinar is free; the cost for (optional) lunch is $12. Checks payable to Monroe Chamber of Commerce.

Future programs in the series include:

• Downtown Image and Branding (April 16)

• Business Recruitment (May 21): Low Cost/High Impact Design for Downtowns (June 18)

• Use of Technology to Promote Downtown (September 17)

• Green and Sustainable Downtowns (October 15)

• Working with Big Box Retailers (November 19)

• Understanding the Potential of the Downtown Office Worker (December 17).