MONROE - While in college in sunny Malibu, Jordan Nordby helped plan civic events knowing he always had nice weather backing him up. That year-round energy made for consistent community spirit.
Can the Pepperdine graduate, who started the first of the year as Main Street Monroe's new director, bring some wintertime energy to our icy downtown?
"I hope so," said Nordby, 25, who replaced Amy Brandt. "In February and March you have to learn to adjust and never just shut yourself in."
Nordby, a Green Bay native, saw cold-weather activities work firsthand with an annual restaurant-by-restaurant "soup walk" in downtown De Pere, where he volunteered for the Definitely De Pere organization - one that mirrors Main Street Monroe. He would regularly make the one-hour drive to De Pere from Waupaca, where he worked for that city's economic and community development arm. That set the stage for his landing the position in Monroe.
What will be his key to success in promoting the downtown and its surrounding blocks?
"Feedback - lots of feedback," he said. "In De Pere we really listened to businesses and what they were hearing from customers. We also sponsored business forums where they could interact and share ideas. And visitor surveys were also important."
Next comes the real task: the recruitment of event volunteers. Nordby said it's the lifeblood of a downtown and thankfully a strong suit of his.
"The key to finding volunteers is to first find their passion and only then can you find their right position," he said. "For example, maybe someone doesn't want to be at an event itself but is good at accounting. There is always need behind the scenes and sometimes that's the best fit.
"Or maybe someone would love to volunteer for a Concert on the Square, but not all eight. You can't burn them out."
Nordby feels the pool for volunteers is strong.
"The good news is I can already tell how dedicated this community is to its downtown. I'm very impressed," Nordby said. "I even came across a father-daughter volunteer team, which is the type of thing I'd like to see more of, especially considering our events are family friendly."
As for the setting in which he'll work, Nordby enjoys Monroe's traditional and unmistakable downtown look and feel.
"With the courthouse and the Square and all the shops it certainly creates a strong identity," he said. "It's built-in and it's something we need to make the most. That will never change."
Beyond the Square
Nordby also said a point of emphasis will be promoting all downtown businesses, not just the ones on the Square. He's aware some off the beaten path are frustrated.
"That has been brought to my attention," Nordby said. "We will value every business. I will be going to business to business to hear their concerns, and I hope to hold open houses soon where business owners can share ideas."
Joanne Weeden owns Boomerang Bakery at 1117 16th Ave., just a half-block off the Square - a half block she says can make a world of difference.
"The biggest thing that has to be addressed is that it's not just simply the Square, but all of downtown," she said. "I don't think some people realize there is any retail beyond the Square. And this does create tension between business owners. Many are disgruntled. Don't market it as the historic Square but the historic downtown. Leave off "the Square' part. It's creating a divide."
Weeden said she loved the idea of businesses networking through Main Street Monroe.
"Right now, we only work together if we choose to," she said. "Otherwise, especially with the events, they're doing a great job."
A new summer theme awaits
Meanwhile, the first event Main Street Monroe will lead is the March 17 St. Patrick's Day Parade, and the usual downtown outdoor concerts are slated this year as well. What will be new, pending approval this week, is a new summer-long theme for the downtown being dubbed as "Squarium," according to Tracy Hamilton, co-chairman of Main Street Events.
Beginning the end of May, colorful wood carvings of fish, coral and other underwater inhabitants will be found throughout the Square. In previous years, the themes were a zoo, pirates and farming.
Main Street Monroe is located at 1717 10th St. in the Wisconsin Community Bank building. It is funded through private donations, taxpayer dollars through the city's Downtown Business Improvement District and sponsorships. It is overseen by a board of directors.
Can the Pepperdine graduate, who started the first of the year as Main Street Monroe's new director, bring some wintertime energy to our icy downtown?
"I hope so," said Nordby, 25, who replaced Amy Brandt. "In February and March you have to learn to adjust and never just shut yourself in."
Nordby, a Green Bay native, saw cold-weather activities work firsthand with an annual restaurant-by-restaurant "soup walk" in downtown De Pere, where he volunteered for the Definitely De Pere organization - one that mirrors Main Street Monroe. He would regularly make the one-hour drive to De Pere from Waupaca, where he worked for that city's economic and community development arm. That set the stage for his landing the position in Monroe.
What will be his key to success in promoting the downtown and its surrounding blocks?
"Feedback - lots of feedback," he said. "In De Pere we really listened to businesses and what they were hearing from customers. We also sponsored business forums where they could interact and share ideas. And visitor surveys were also important."
Next comes the real task: the recruitment of event volunteers. Nordby said it's the lifeblood of a downtown and thankfully a strong suit of his.
"The key to finding volunteers is to first find their passion and only then can you find their right position," he said. "For example, maybe someone doesn't want to be at an event itself but is good at accounting. There is always need behind the scenes and sometimes that's the best fit.
"Or maybe someone would love to volunteer for a Concert on the Square, but not all eight. You can't burn them out."
Nordby feels the pool for volunteers is strong.
"The good news is I can already tell how dedicated this community is to its downtown. I'm very impressed," Nordby said. "I even came across a father-daughter volunteer team, which is the type of thing I'd like to see more of, especially considering our events are family friendly."
As for the setting in which he'll work, Nordby enjoys Monroe's traditional and unmistakable downtown look and feel.
"With the courthouse and the Square and all the shops it certainly creates a strong identity," he said. "It's built-in and it's something we need to make the most. That will never change."
Beyond the Square
Nordby also said a point of emphasis will be promoting all downtown businesses, not just the ones on the Square. He's aware some off the beaten path are frustrated.
"That has been brought to my attention," Nordby said. "We will value every business. I will be going to business to business to hear their concerns, and I hope to hold open houses soon where business owners can share ideas."
Joanne Weeden owns Boomerang Bakery at 1117 16th Ave., just a half-block off the Square - a half block she says can make a world of difference.
"The biggest thing that has to be addressed is that it's not just simply the Square, but all of downtown," she said. "I don't think some people realize there is any retail beyond the Square. And this does create tension between business owners. Many are disgruntled. Don't market it as the historic Square but the historic downtown. Leave off "the Square' part. It's creating a divide."
Weeden said she loved the idea of businesses networking through Main Street Monroe.
"Right now, we only work together if we choose to," she said. "Otherwise, especially with the events, they're doing a great job."
A new summer theme awaits
Meanwhile, the first event Main Street Monroe will lead is the March 17 St. Patrick's Day Parade, and the usual downtown outdoor concerts are slated this year as well. What will be new, pending approval this week, is a new summer-long theme for the downtown being dubbed as "Squarium," according to Tracy Hamilton, co-chairman of Main Street Events.
Beginning the end of May, colorful wood carvings of fish, coral and other underwater inhabitants will be found throughout the Square. In previous years, the themes were a zoo, pirates and farming.
Main Street Monroe is located at 1717 10th St. in the Wisconsin Community Bank building. It is funded through private donations, taxpayer dollars through the city's Downtown Business Improvement District and sponsorships. It is overseen by a board of directors.