On Broadway: Broadway District earns statewide recognition at 32nd Wisconsin Main Street Awards

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized the Broadway District for some of the best downtown revitalization projects of 2022 at the 32nd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held Friday at the La Crosse Center in downtown La Crosse.

On Broadway, Inc. earned top honors in the categories of Best Volunteer Engagement and Best Creative Fundraising Effort for its High Five fundraiser held in September of 2022.

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.

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 was a ticketed event that sold out in less than two weeks and also brought recognition to our district chefs and their talents.

“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, executive director, On Broadway, Inc. “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.”

“Powered by dedicated business people, volunteers and government officials, Wisconsin’s Main Street and Connect Communities are working hard to make our downtowns more vibrant and prosperous places,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “These thriving communities with exciting places to work, beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities and safe, affordable housing are some of our state’s best talent attraction tools.”

Projects honored Friday include business and community development initiatives, historic preservation, community celebration and revitalization success stories from communities across Wisconsin.

Copper State Brewing Co. earned the title of Best Business Success Story. Owners Melissa and Jon Martens started the business in June of 2017. They currently employ 40 people and distribute their beer to a growing area of Wisconsin. The owners express great pride in being part of the revitalization of the area and making Green Bay a craft beer destination.

“We are humbled and grateful,” said Melissa Martens, owner of Copper State Brewing Co. “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.”

Michael Brodhagen was announced a 2022 Wisconsin Main Street Volunteer of the Year for his time volunteering in the Broadway District. 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.

Wisconsin Main Street is a community development program administered by WEDC that targets Wisconsin’s historic commercial districts. WEDC provides technical support and training to the 34 Main Street communities to help them revitalize their business districts based on guidelines developed by the National Main Street Center.

Since the program’s inception in 1987, Wisconsin Main Street community projects have resulted in the creation of more than 3,200 new businesses and nearly 16,500 net new jobs. In addition, over $2.1 billion in private investment has occurred in Wisconsin Main Street communities.

During fiscal year 2022, Wisconsin Main Street communities added 215 new businesses and 647 net new jobs. None of this activity would be possible without the nearly 33,000 volunteer hours that were dedicated to the Main Street effort by passionate individuals from around the state.