Contact: David Volz, 608-266-2125
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker announced today that the Village of Waterford has been named the newest community to join the Wisconsin Main Street Program. As a Main Street community, Waterford will receive intensive technical services and training from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation staff to revitalize its downtown area while preserving its 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 Waterford to the program, and look forward to a strong state and local partnership that will make this endeavor a great success.”
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.
WEDC staff will be participating in a local celebration in Waterford at 5:30 p.m. today (September 1) to present community leaders with their official “Wisconsin Main Street” signs prior to their River Rhythms event. Prior to the sign presentation, the staff will conduct training with local leaders.
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.
