MONROE — A project that’s been swirling around in the mind of Monroe Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melissa Even since she began her job is finally making its way to fruition, and the community has an opportunity to be involved. 

A 16x20 billboard will soon grace the outside of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce building at 1505 9th St., and will follow the chamber’s mission as well as beautify the space and bring the “Greetings from Monroe” concept to life.

“I just always felt it needed something there,” Even said. “We wanted to give people coming into the Square a must-see when you come into downtown.” 

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce has been housed at that location for more than 25 years, she said.

The project was made official last summer when the topic was brought to the chamber board and a committee was formed to focus on it. The plan was always to make the space a welcoming place from the chamber and have it complement the town’s motto of “We Bring You Back.”

The greeting will follow the preservation commission’s rules and will flow with the cityscape that’s already in place. The committee has worked closely with several businesses, organizations and individuals in the community including the City of Monroe and Main Street Monroe.

“We wanted it to fit in,” Even said. “The (city) board was very supportive.”

An important factor was being able to utilize the green space in front of where the sign will be placed, and benches, flower boxes and a walkway are among the amenities that will provide a welcome mat to visitors and residents.

The inspiration was taken from the famous “Greetings from Austin” mural but instead features the word “Monroe” as the backdrop for the historic courthouse. Incorporated into the letters are more intimate things that make Monroe special, Even said, like the park systems, arts and education. 

Adam Bansley served on the committee and helped design the imagery and Even said several ideas were tossed around and they had a list of “musts” that represented Monroe. 

“We created a wishlist,” Even said. “Lots of revisions came through.”

The M in Monroe features a farm, since Monroe has such a rich agricultural history; the O is a landscape of Blackhawk Technical College, signifying opportunities and education; the N is the bandshell to show how nature meets art; the R is a private, historic residence in Monroe; the second O features the National Historical Cheesemaking Center because it’s original to Monroe and to represent the strong cheesemaking foundation; and the final E is home to the water tower, to incorporate an environmental factor and a popular landmark.

Monroe High School students helped provide a rendering of what the space will look like eventually and the final design has received a warm response from community members. 

The billboard will have three overhead lights that coincide with the streetscape design and landscaping will provide stone flower boxes and a walking path that match the tones of the building where benches will be placed. 

Main Street Monroe is planning to incorporate the flower boxes into their seasonal décor as well, and Even is thrilled at the partnership that has taken place with so many different organizations and groups.

The goal is to have the space finished by Aug. 15 and to plan a dedication during the first week in September before Cheese Days.

The project cost is about $30,000, and Even said the entirety of that money will likely come from donations. 

“We’re fortunate to have some in kind donations to help,” she said. “We want this to be a legacy project.”

In doing so, there are commemorative opportunities for those who hope to be a part of it. A 4x8 paver can be scribed for a $125 donation and a limited amount of 12x12 pavers will be available for a $1,000 donation and will be placed in a special area.

“We really think this is a great way to be recognized,” Even said.

For more information about pavers or to fill out a form for a paver, stop at the Chamber office or see brochures around town, check for information in the Chamber of Commerce newsletter, find them on Facebook or visit 

monroechamber.org. The chamber office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 608-325-7648.