MONROE - Businesses will have more opportunities to be acknowledged at Main Street events next year.
The idea of sponsoring events came from Monroe businesses themselves when support was sought for Concerts on the Square.
Managing requests to sponsor an event was "not a problem Monroe Main Street had several years ago," board chairman David Riese said. "It's an indication that businesses are supporting Monroe Main Street's work and events."
At a meeting Monday, the Monroe Main Street Board of Directors approved a marketing tool that provides for various levels of sponsorships to be offered in conjunction with general support pledges.
In return for sponsorship, businesses' names will be included in radio and newspaper promotions of the events, and announced or displayed on banners at the events.
Karen Stollenwerk presented the plan developed by the Monroe Main Street Organization Committee.
Stollenwerk said she "had a huge sense of fairness," and developed various levels at different events in order for "little mom-and-pop stores" to afford a level of sponsorship.
Businesses can choose from multiple events and levels to become a co-sponsor, or choose to become the exclusive sponsor of one event. Sponsorship levels vary according to events.
Worried about competing offers to sponsor any one event, the directors decided that they would accept offers on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
The board liked the idea that sponsorships could produce a potential fourth pool of funds. Monroe Main Street is funded by the Business Improvement District, the City of Monroe and private contributions.
When developing the sponsorship levels for the concerts, Stollenwerk said three other event committees asked to be included in the marketing tool.
Monroe's business will have first choice at sponsorships; other businesses in Green County will be offered a chance at sponsorship about three weeks later.
The idea of sponsoring events came from Monroe businesses themselves when support was sought for Concerts on the Square.
Managing requests to sponsor an event was "not a problem Monroe Main Street had several years ago," board chairman David Riese said. "It's an indication that businesses are supporting Monroe Main Street's work and events."
At a meeting Monday, the Monroe Main Street Board of Directors approved a marketing tool that provides for various levels of sponsorships to be offered in conjunction with general support pledges.
In return for sponsorship, businesses' names will be included in radio and newspaper promotions of the events, and announced or displayed on banners at the events.
Karen Stollenwerk presented the plan developed by the Monroe Main Street Organization Committee.
Stollenwerk said she "had a huge sense of fairness," and developed various levels at different events in order for "little mom-and-pop stores" to afford a level of sponsorship.
Businesses can choose from multiple events and levels to become a co-sponsor, or choose to become the exclusive sponsor of one event. Sponsorship levels vary according to events.
Worried about competing offers to sponsor any one event, the directors decided that they would accept offers on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
The board liked the idea that sponsorships could produce a potential fourth pool of funds. Monroe Main Street is funded by the Business Improvement District, the City of Monroe and private contributions.
When developing the sponsorship levels for the concerts, Stollenwerk said three other event committees asked to be included in the marketing tool.
Monroe's business will have first choice at sponsorships; other businesses in Green County will be offered a chance at sponsorship about three weeks later.