Making a difference downtown

GREEN BAY – A new “Welcome to Downtown” sign was unveiled on Oct. 17 at the corner of City Deck Court and North Washington Street in Green Bay, as a local association works to make a difference in the downtown area.

The sign is sponsored by the Green Bay Downtown Neighborhood Association and was unveiled by Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, District 9 Alderperson Brian Johnson, Green Bay Downtown Neighborhood Association President Christie Barlament and other city officials and association members.

“We worked with Schreiber [Foods], corporate office. They were so gracious to let us put it there and we're very excited,” Barlament said.

“There was no association as of last year. We got it reestablished and we came up with a brand-new sign. We really wanted to emphasize the City Deck with everything that you can do there. Christmas — all of the lights — it's spectacular. There are magic shows, comedy shows, restaurants, bars and a bunch of family-fun events.”

The goal of the association is to increase downtown foot traffic and support small businesses.

An additional goal is to make the area clean and safe.

“We also just received a grant. We created what's called the Downtown Cleanup Crew. We're going to start that in the spring,” Barlament added.

The city of Green Bay will provide a mini grant of $1,200, which will cover the cost of several cleanups a month and associated supplies.

“We're working together as a community to keep the downtown clean and to keep it safe,” Barlament stated.

The association is hoping visitors to Lambeau Field will also visit the downtown area.

“Coming to Lambeau is one thing, but Packer fans should also visit the heart of Green Bay, and that's downtown Green Bay,” Barlament said.

“We're really trying to emphasize support to small local businesses. Come to Lambeau but visit down here too.”

The Pass it Forward™ internship program is sponsored by the Packers Give Back and Nicolet National Bank.