There is much to look back on for October downtown happenings: A record-breaking Chili Cook Off, an expanded Market on the Square (even though it was moved around a bit this season), and the Halloween Parade that was very well attended, even though it too also needed to take a slightly revised route.
The most significant look is that of the Square itself. What initially was envisioned and explored by the Business Improvement District Board nearly 10 years ago has become a reality through the Main Street Program, which those same board members pursued and saw through to our distinct designation by Governor Doyle and the Main Street Council as a Wisconsin Main Street Community in 2005.
Now that the physical appearance of our historic Square nears completion, there has been some speculation of "what's next" for the Main Street Program. Well, the answer to that is what is continuing to happen, every day in some way. The individuals who worked so hard to establish this program, including my predecessor as director, Susan Rolander, saw the future in adopting the principles of the National Trust to work for downtown revitalization to benefit the strength of our community long term.
The Main Street program is not just about pretty new sidewalks, trees or streetlights - which we will certainly be appreciating for many years to come - or the important infrastructure elements addressed in this Streetscape process. It is, however, all about investing in this community, as fueled by the time and energy of the committee volunteers who serve, and also by the city, BID and private financial support.
Perhaps the most important element of this program, which lies in sustaining continuing economic growth for our community, is the four-point platform:
• Design, which serves as a watch-dog and facilitator for public improvements and historic preservation.
• Promotion, which looks to the image of our town, and creates excitement through business and special events to please residents as well as tourists.
• Economic Restructuring, which looks at the realities and seeks to foster possibilities for our downtown business environment for the long term.
• Organization, which seeks to pull all these elements together.
The four-point approach is a process which has been proven to produce positive results in communities across the nation. I feel privileged to be part of such a process at this time that will continue to build the downtown of Monroe, not just with trees, benches or drinking fountains ... but keep growing vitality in the heart of our community. Want to be part of the process? Volunteers always are welcome!
- Barb Nelson is director of Monroe Main Street. She can be reached at 328-4023.
The most significant look is that of the Square itself. What initially was envisioned and explored by the Business Improvement District Board nearly 10 years ago has become a reality through the Main Street Program, which those same board members pursued and saw through to our distinct designation by Governor Doyle and the Main Street Council as a Wisconsin Main Street Community in 2005.
Now that the physical appearance of our historic Square nears completion, there has been some speculation of "what's next" for the Main Street Program. Well, the answer to that is what is continuing to happen, every day in some way. The individuals who worked so hard to establish this program, including my predecessor as director, Susan Rolander, saw the future in adopting the principles of the National Trust to work for downtown revitalization to benefit the strength of our community long term.
The Main Street program is not just about pretty new sidewalks, trees or streetlights - which we will certainly be appreciating for many years to come - or the important infrastructure elements addressed in this Streetscape process. It is, however, all about investing in this community, as fueled by the time and energy of the committee volunteers who serve, and also by the city, BID and private financial support.
Perhaps the most important element of this program, which lies in sustaining continuing economic growth for our community, is the four-point platform:
• Design, which serves as a watch-dog and facilitator for public improvements and historic preservation.
• Promotion, which looks to the image of our town, and creates excitement through business and special events to please residents as well as tourists.
• Economic Restructuring, which looks at the realities and seeks to foster possibilities for our downtown business environment for the long term.
• Organization, which seeks to pull all these elements together.
The four-point approach is a process which has been proven to produce positive results in communities across the nation. I feel privileged to be part of such a process at this time that will continue to build the downtown of Monroe, not just with trees, benches or drinking fountains ... but keep growing vitality in the heart of our community. Want to be part of the process? Volunteers always are welcome!
- Barb Nelson is director of Monroe Main Street. She can be reached at 328-4023.
