MONROE - The city slogan, "We Bring You Back," was recently put to the test and proven by Jordan Nordby, who felt it only took a few weeks away from his position as executive director at Main Street Monroe to understand how much he enjoyed working within the community.
"I think, doing a little soul searching, I've found I wanted to work at the grassroots level," Nordby said. "I'm lucky Monroe has allowed me to do that."
Since 2005, Main Street Monroe has operated to help promote its community through a preservation of city history and attempts to bolster downtown growth.
From events like the bi-weekly Concerts on the Square in summer months to the hanging of old-fashioned holiday decorations just before the snow falls, the organization has worked toward a mission of transforming the community through economic investment, organization, promotion and creating an inviting atmosphere for out-of-town visitors.
For the last three years, Nordby has been a pivotal agent of those plans. Despite adoring the community, when he was offered a chance to work as an economic development planner for the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, he thought it might be a good idea to explore a new challenge.
Lamenting his departure from downtown Monroe, where he lived and worked, and which he referred to as "the heart of the city," Nordby left Main Street Monroe on Nov. 3. He said farewells to friends and colleagues as he departed for Platteville to begin project planning.
But it didn't last long, and roughly two months later, Nordby returned to his place with Main Street.
"The position at Southwest Regional Planning was not what I expected, and I'm glad to have the position still available here," Nordby said. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be. I really enjoy the Main Street Program."
Now in its less visible season as a presence in the community, Nordby said he has been planning for upcoming months of work by Main Street staff and volunteers. He has been busy with work as usual after recharging over a short vacation at home in the Green Bay area for the holidays.
"I think, doing a little soul searching, I've found I wanted to work at the grassroots level," Nordby said. "I'm lucky Monroe has allowed me to do that."
Since 2005, Main Street Monroe has operated to help promote its community through a preservation of city history and attempts to bolster downtown growth.
From events like the bi-weekly Concerts on the Square in summer months to the hanging of old-fashioned holiday decorations just before the snow falls, the organization has worked toward a mission of transforming the community through economic investment, organization, promotion and creating an inviting atmosphere for out-of-town visitors.
For the last three years, Nordby has been a pivotal agent of those plans. Despite adoring the community, when he was offered a chance to work as an economic development planner for the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, he thought it might be a good idea to explore a new challenge.
Lamenting his departure from downtown Monroe, where he lived and worked, and which he referred to as "the heart of the city," Nordby left Main Street Monroe on Nov. 3. He said farewells to friends and colleagues as he departed for Platteville to begin project planning.
But it didn't last long, and roughly two months later, Nordby returned to his place with Main Street.
"The position at Southwest Regional Planning was not what I expected, and I'm glad to have the position still available here," Nordby said. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be. I really enjoy the Main Street Program."
Now in its less visible season as a presence in the community, Nordby said he has been planning for upcoming months of work by Main Street staff and volunteers. He has been busy with work as usual after recharging over a short vacation at home in the Green Bay area for the holidays.