Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Recognizes Best Downtown Revitalization Projects

Thursday, April 28th, 2022 -- 9:00 AM

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2021 at the 31st Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held at the historic Hotel Retlaw in downtown Fond du Lac.

“Our Main Street businesses and communities are thriving thanks to the hard work and creativity of business owners, local Main Street professionals and dedicated volunteers,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “The projects, businesses and people recognized tonight should inspire us all to help make our own communities better.”

Hughes and other WEDC leaders were on hand to recognize the successful projects taking place in Wisconsin’s 34 Main Street communities and 81 Connect Communities.

The Main Street and Connect Communities programs are administered by WEDC with a goal of helping Wisconsin’s communities revitalize their business districts.

While the Main Street program and its companion, Connect Communities, are WEDC’s signature downtown development initiatives, helping small businesses recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic requires more support, Hughes said.

That’s why Governor Tony Evers and WEDC created the Main Street Bounceback grants, she said. In March, the state celebrated a milestone with Main Street Bounceback grants having been made in all 72 counties. More than 3,700 grants have been made statewide as of April 7.

Some local winners include the Black River Falls Business Video Series receiving the Connect Communities Award, Best Revitalization Initiative, Under 5,000 Population. Endless Designs in Marshfield won Best Storefront Display. Finally, Brad Remmen of Marshfield received a 2021 Wisconsin Main Street Volunteers of the Year award.

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