By Press Times staff
GREEN BAY – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized area Main Street programs for 2022 downtown revitalization projects during the 32nd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held April 21 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse.
On Broadway, Inc. earned top honors for Best Volunteer Engagement and Best Creative Fundraising Effort for its High Five fundraiser held in September.
“Volunteers are a huge part of how On Broadway, Inc. operates and achieves its goals. More than 2300 volunteer hours were tracked in 2022 helping with events, district cleanup, community art projects and large-scale development projects like the Shipyard and Green Bay Public Market,” a release from On Broadway stated.
“The High Five event was a dining experience held on the fifth floor of a vacant building, serving five courses from five different chefs in the Broadway District.”
The fundraiser highlighted the Broadway District’s chefs and sold out in two weeks.
“The success of the Broadway District is rooted in the deep commitment of our businesses, volunteers and partners to create welcoming spaces and activities for our community to enjoy,” said Brian Johnson, On Broadway executive director. “We are grateful for the investment made by all of our partners, which has led to the Broadway District being recognized as one of the most talked about revitalization success stories in Wisconsin.”
Copper State Brewing Co. was recognized as the Best Business Success Story.
Melissa and Jon Martens started the business in June 2017 and currently employ 40 people, while distributing their beer to a growing area.
“The owners express great pride in being part of the revitalization of the area and making Green Bay a craft beer destination,” the On Broadway release stated.
“We are humbled and grateful,” Melissa added. “Running a business like this is not easy, but we are honored to be able to live our mission: Connecting people. Creating experiences. Crafting great beer.”
Broadway District volunteer Michael Brodhagen was named as one of the Wisconsin Main Street Volunteers of the Year.
“Michael surpassed 100 hours of volunteer service in 2021 and 2022. He goes above and beyond the duties of an average volunteer and is always super friendly and great with customers at events,” the release stated.
“New North is very proud to support all nine Main Street Communities and all 21 Connect Communities in our region. The annual Main Street awards event is an opportunity to celebrate the work of these districts, to share creative economic development concepts, fundraising, and volunteer activities,” New North President/CEO Barb LaMue stated.
“Other communities in our region also received recognition, such as the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership for the best business development/recognition program for their open flags, security cameras and photo sessions. Waupun was honored as a Connect Community for the best Revitalization award for the Stone + Suede LLC. Amy Hansen was acknowledged for her 16 years of service in Fond du Lac and Craig Tebon for his 31 years of service in Ripon. Janet Treleven was honored as a volunteer of the year for Omro.
“We know the staff and volunteers work very hard to make downtowns such special places for commerce and community events.”
Wisconsin Main Street is a community development program administered by WEDC that targets Wisconsin’s historic commercial districts.