Contact:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
MADISON – Businesses, communities and individuals interested in learning
about the Wisconsin Main Street Program can now receive The Wisconsin Main
Street Annual Report 2004, a free publication detailing its activities for
the past year. The report also lists the program’s 2003-2004 reinvestment
statistics. The Main Street Program promotes the historic and economic
development of traditional business districts in Wisconsin.
“This program is playing a vital role in the economic success of our state
through the growth of our downtowns,’ said Department of Commerce (Commerce)
Secretary Mary P. Burke. “This report details the important work being
completed by the Main Street communities and highlights the economic
benefits that can come from participating in Main Street initiatives.”
Communities participating in the Department of Commerce’s Main Street
Program reported total downtown public and private investment of $80.4
million. There were 214 new businesses started that helped to create 1,110
new jobs. There has been $599.2 million reinvested in participating
communities since the program’s inception in 1987. For each state dollar
invested in the program, Main Street communities have seen a return of
$44.54.
The Wisconsin Main Street Annual Report 2004 provides background information
on the Main Street Program and highlights several successful downtown
projects in the areas of design, organization, economic restructuring and
promotion. The report also includes a Main Street directory.
Each year, the Department of Commerce selects communities to join the Main
Street program. The Wisconsin Main Street Program provides technical
assistance to local, central business district redevelopment projects.
For copies of The Wisconsin Main Street Annual Report 2004, contact the
Bureau of Downtown Development, Commerce, 608/266-7531. For more
information on the state’s Main street Program, contact Jim Engle, Commerce,
at 608/267-0766.
