Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.: Gov. Walker welcomes new Main Street communities

Contact: David Volz, 608-266-2125

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker announced recently that the City of Omro and the Village of Waterford have been named the newest communities to join the Wisconsin Main Street Program. As Main Street communities, Omro and Waterford will receive intensive technical services and training from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation staff to revitalize their downtown areas while preserving their historic character.

“Wisconsin’s Main Street Program is an award-winning effort that instills hometown pride and increases economic opportunities for over three dozen participating Wisconsin communities,” Governor Walker said. “I’m pleased to welcome Omro and Waterford to the program, and look forward to strong state and local partnerships that will make these endeavors a great success.”

Omro (population 3,414) located in Winnebago County was built on the banks of the Fox River. The 12-block district is anchored by two quality city parks and features several service businesses, specialty shops and restaurants. The district is home to the Friday Night Farmers Market, a public-private collaboration. The Omro Main Street seeks to develop a stronger retail and service mix in the district and create a beautiful, cohesive downtown streetscape.

Waterford (population 4,846) located in Racine County was built on the Fox River and developed around a dam that powered both saw and flour mills. The 14-block district is home to 51 service businesses, retail and specialty shops and restaurants that currently employee 199 full-time positions. Prior to applying to the Wisconsin Main Street program, the Village hired the CLUE Group to conduct a retail market analysis, and worked with UW-Extension to implement the First Impressions Program. “Absolutely Waterford”, as the program will be called, seeks to enhance the program area aesthetically and strengthen the existing businesses.

The Wisconsin Main Street Program was established in 1987 to encourage and support the revitalization of downtowns in Wisconsin communities. Successful applicants are selected to join the program, receiving technical support and training needed to restore their Main Streets to centers of community activity and commerce. Services are mainly provided over a five-year period, with limited assistance available in subsequent years. Since the program’s inception, Main Street communities have generated over $1 billion in new investment in the state, and attracted over 4,100 new businesses creating over 18,000 jobs.

For more information about the Wisconsin Main Street Program, visit their website at http://commerce.wi.gov/cd/cd-bdd.html or call Wisconsin Main Street Coordinator Jim Engle at 608-267-0766.