GREEN BAY — The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) celebrated the best downtown revitalization projects of 2023 at the 33rd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held in Green Bay. 

“As Main Street goes, so goes Wisconsin’s economy, its well-being, our way of life in the Badger State,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC Secretary and CEO. “And these awards prove once again Wisconsin communities are thriving. Congratulations to the winners. We salute and celebrate you, our partners in creating an economy and improving the quality of life for the betterment and benefit of all.”

Other WEDC leaders also joined in the celebration of successful projects and initiatives executed by Main Street and Connect Communities programs around the state. Recognized projects included business and community development initiatives, building renovations, community celebrations, and revitalization success stories from across Wisconsin.

“With many of these Main Street projects, we are preserving history and making history, leading by example in maintaining what sets Wisconsin apart,” said Sam Rikkers, WEDC Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer. “While these projects in the heart of your communities are vital to local commerce and cultural activities today, they are part of our Badger State legacy we must preserve for future generations to enjoy.” 

Mary and Tom Miller, husband and wife, and Tina Koch received honorable mention for best event in the state with last year’s New Year’s Eve Cheese Drop. The trio spearheaded efforts to celebrate Monroe’s Swiss heritage and ring in the new year. 

When receiving recognition at the awards ceremony, of note was the limited budget — no advertising was done beyond social media and the budget only covered supplies and the cost of the permit. There were also a number of community partners which included civic groups, cheese companies, and the fire department which dropped the replica Limburger block, and the attendance which likely hit 1,000. Main Street Monroe’s executive director Jordan Nordby noted that the group is planning on continuing with the event in 2024 with even more planned.

Brittany Hurd, who has been volunteering with Main Street for the past few summers, was recognized as a community champion. Previously known as volunteer of the year, this award is designed to recognize the individual who has contributed the most to the Main Street program throughout the year. 

Nordby said that when being discussed internally, Hurd’s name came up again and again. 

“If you follow us on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll have seen Brittany’s work,” Nordby said.

A trained photographer, Brittany owns West Indies Portraiture and has volunteered hundreds of hours capturing various Main Street events including concerts, the wine walks, and Yoga on the Lawn. 

“It has been said over and over again that Brittany’s talent and commitment to photographing our events allows people to feel as though they have attended the events. When our job is to emphasize community and the reasons behind hosting the events, Brittany’s volunteering is invaluable,” Nordby said.

The biggest surprise of the night was reserved for Tracy Hamilton, owner of Heartland Graphics. Hamilton was announced as an inductee into the Wisconsin Main Street Hall of Fame. This highly prestigious recognition is reserved for individuals based on their leadership, time commitment, longevity, advocacy, and perhaps financial commitment, as well as impact in Main Street beyond their own community.

Hamilton, a Monroe native, has been involved with revitalizing Monroe since before Main Street Monroe’s inception. When only a Business Improvement District existed, Tracy spearheaded events and marketing and secured funds. In 2006, he became co-chair of Main Street’s Events & Promotions Committee and then chair — a role he kept through 2022. He continues to be on the committee and involved in several different ways.

Nordby expressed that for an organization that prides itself on volunteerism, no one person has meant more to Main Street Monroe than Hamilton, and that if you ask someone about Hamilton’s involvement, the answers vary. 

“He has mentored new businesses, recruited volunteers, volunteered at hundreds of events, advocated, built camaraderie, and chaired the subcommittee of our annual ‘summer theme’ — a public art installation celebrating local talent and imagination that has attracted tens of thousands of people over the past 12 years. It is almost impossible to put into words what he has and continues to provide,” Nordby said.

“He (Hamilton) has adapted his style to accommodate, reinvented events he helped start, remained true to Monroe’s historic square, and still creates definitive organizational looks that embody the mission which is to improve the quality of life for all Monroe residents and its visitors,” Joe Lawniczak, WEDC’s Downtown Design Specialist said after Hamilton’s name was announced. 

Hamilton was shocked to learn that he has been responsible for approximately 1,100 different graphics, and that if quantified his volunteer hours adds up to a $200,000 plus donation. He was even more shocked that his sisters, mother, children, and grandchild were on hand to help him celebrate the recognition. His wife, Pam, with whom he runs Heartland Graphics, was also present. 

“I am totally floored. It was too much, but I loved every minute of celebrating with everyone. I am lucky to be part of such a fantastic organization,” Hamilton said. 

Since its inception, only 35 individuals have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Wisconsin Main Street is a community development program administered by WEDC that targets Wisconsin’s historic commercial districts. WEDC provides technical support and training to the 34 Main Street communities to help them revitalize their business districts based on guidelines developed by the National Main Street Center.

Since the program’s inception in 1987, Wisconsin Main Street community efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 3,300 new businesses and nearly 17,000 net new jobs, and over $2.6 billion in public and private investment has occurred in these districts. During fiscal year 2023 alone, Wisconsin Main Street communities added 112 new businesses and 287 net new jobs. None of this activity would be possible without the nearly 30,000 volunteer hours that were dedicated to the Main Street effort by passionate individuals from each community.

Main Street Monroe, Inc. is in its 19th year as an organization. It has been recognized by the state in a number of competitive awards throughout the year, including last year for its summer theme: Cheese, Glorious Cheese, while House to Home Designs won best retail storefront display in 2021. Volunteers of the Year have included Brad Grebner for Concerts on the Square, Noreen Rueckert (Green Country Tourism), and two-time winner, Kareesa Wilson. It is also nationally accredited.