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Main Street Monroe earns state awards
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Representing Main Street Monroe at the recent state awards ceremony in De Pere were, from left, Jordan Nordby, executive director; Andy Hill, board president; Tom Miller, vice president; Mary Miller, and Donna and John Glynn, Design Committee co-chairs. (Photo supplied)
MONROE - Main Street Monroe was recognized at the Wisconsin Main Street Awards at St. Norbert College in De Pere April 17.

Long-time volunteers Donna and John Glynn were honored as volunteer of the year for their work as co-chairs of the Design Committee. In 2014, under their leadership, the Design Committee worked with city officials to create the color scheme, content, and design of vintage way-finding signs.

Andy Hill was also recognized for his volunteer work as board member volunteer of the year. Hill recently became president of Main Street Monroe, in addition to his extensive volunteer work with Cars on the Square, the Halloween Parade and the Economic Revitalization Committee.

Main Street Monroe was honored with the award for Best Public Improvement Project: Built Environment for the community garden on the corner of 17th Avenue and 11th Street, beating out projects from 35 other communities from around the state. Main Street has partnered with Master Gardeners of Green County, Monroe High School, Green County Inter-Church Food Pantry, City of Monroe Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, Brandt Construction, and the property owners to transform the area into a public space that has become a year-round attraction.

"It was so exciting to attend my first state awards ceremony and have Monroe recognized," Main Street Monroe executive director Jordan Nordby said. "The support we receive from our volunteers is second to none and it's been a pleasure to work with John and Donna and Andy. It's fantastic that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation recognizes all their efforts for our community. Our community garden is especially amazing because of how many partners Main Street has worked with to make it a reality. The aesthetic improvement has been huge and the sustainability aspect is a key component of what Main Street is."

Tricia Braun, deputy secretary and COO of WEDC, was on hand to recognize the efforts by Main Street volunteers and staff for the historic preservation and downtown economic development efforts of communities in Wisconsin.

"The Wisconsin Main Street Program is a true success story that has revitalized downtown districts throughout the state and has provided a significant economic boost to the local communities," Braun said. "This is a great way to recognize the amazing work being done by the volunteers and staffers who play a key role in that success."

In 2013-14, 90 new businesses opened in the Wisconsin Main Street communities, creating more than 450 jobs and generating $85 million in private investment.