Downtown Revitalization Building #1 Revitalizing Downtown Downtown Revitalization Building #2 A Classy Downtown Downtown Revitalization Building #3 Downtown

For a Christmas gift this season I gave my business partners Peter Kageyama’s book, “For the Love of Cities: The Love Affair Between People and Their Places”.  Peter was a featured speaker at WEDA’s Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, February 9 at the Monona Terrace in Madison, WI.  He gave a dynamic presentation and got some great reviews at the conference.

I read the book in preparation to hear him speak at the conference.  Kageyama covers a lot of ground (from functional to emotional relationships, and what can be done to foster all) and I found myself more than once saying, “Yes!”  in agreement with a point he was making.  As practitioners of economic development and/or as citizens of our community, we can contribute to the loveability and the connection others feel with our community.

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As unique as communities are from one another with respect to their special geographic locations and cultural heritage, communities are also common in many respects by their infrastructure, provision of services to residents and keeping an eye on their budgets and spending.  As community economic development advisors, we are often asked what downtown things should communities invest in first with the available downtown dollars they have.

The answer: It depends…..on where your community is on the revitalization continuum.  It generally follows that an early assessment, organizational and planning phase is essential to revitalizing a downtown, but beyond that what’s the initial step communities can take to move forward?  Improve basic infrastructure, examine the conditions of commercial building inventory, create urban amenities, attract an interesting mix of retail and commercial business, eliminate blighting influences (including environmental remediation), and the list goes on.

An initial downtown assessment and planning phase will outline strengths and needs and also offer suggestions on priorities.  But to begin actually implementing plans and ideas, how do you move from where your downtown is currently?

Maybe you focus first on improving existing strengths in your downtown; maybe you work with properties which are currently available, affordable and ready to be redeveloped (the low hanging fruit opportunity); or identify and work first with an interested entrepreneur who wants to open a downtown business; or work with an investor who wants to in-fill, build or buy and renovate a building.

Other answers to the question, “What should my downtown invest in first?” include: evaluate the entry to the downtown (improving your gateway); concentrate on renovating one historic or other prominent building based on budget and scope; work with local business to create excitement in one (or a group of) retail storefront(s) (others will follow!), acquire and raze one blighted property, create and market a downtown event.

The answer to the question, “Which comes first?” is: All of the above!  Ideally a community should work simultaneously on as many opportunities as practical, but in the alternative…. at least do something!

 

 

 

In so many of the communities Redevelopment Resources has worked, there is a desire to be excellent. We see it across the communities and organizations where projects begin and either proceed or become stalled. Many economic development practitioners, municipal employees, Main Street employees, board members and volunteers have a desire to do the best work they possibly can.
So why are there communities with incomplete projects, struggling downtowns, languishing industrial parks, a glut of vacant commercial real estate? And at the same time other communities are thriving with “NOW HIRING” signs on many of their businesses; have vibrant downtowns; and business owners are expanding?

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No one gets uplifted or inspired when passing a vacant storefront. It’s depressing. It doesn’t bode well for the image of the community, and certainly isn’t fun for the adjacent business owners. So what can be done to bring some life back to these dark voids? If you can get permission from the building owner, here are some quick tips:

For those buildings with window displays:
Post a calendar of community events on an easel in the window and illuminate it well. If track lights are not an option, buy a floor standing light fixture that allows you to position the spot light(s). [see photo attached]

Create a fun window display using merchandise from neighboring stores. Place a sign acknowledging the merchants and where they are located. Illuminate the display and sign.

Buy some temporary paint and have an artist paint a large seasonal graphic on the window. Change the graphic monthly.

With all of the above suggestions, be sure to make room for a sign that describes the benefits of the space to entice passing pedestrians. You never know who might be interested in leasing the space, or who KNOWS someone interested in leasing a space like it.

For buildings without window displays, round up volunteers in the building trades and:

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I’ve recently had the opportunity to see inside a few organizations to understand just exactly where the commitment lies. It’s been eye-opening, and has caused me to really understand how people are motivated differently, and how effective, or ineffective it can cause the organization to become.
Commitment to the organization, its mission, vision, goals and objectives should be expected from all members of the organization. As an organizational leader, it’s important to make sure you provide a clear aiming point. Be specific about explaining the standards of commitment you are personally adhering to, and you expect them to adhere to. This commitment should be communicated to board members, city council members and other stakeholders as well. If you clearly outline your commitment to established goals and objectives, stakeholder buy-in is much easier to attain.

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May 2012
S M T W T F S
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WEDA 2012 Spring Collaborations: Bringing Ideas Together

1:00 pm – 5:45 pm

2012 Spring Collaborations: Bringing Ideas Together

 

2012 Spring Collaborations: Bringing Ideas Together

When:May 1, 2012
1:00 pm
Where:Map this event »
The Grand 
401 4th Street
Wausau, WI  54403
United StatesContact:
Megan Purtell (megan@weda.org)

Join WEDA for our Spring Meeting in Wausau. This year's is theme: 2012 Collaborations: Bringing Ideas Together.

The afternoon will be an interactive session with attendees:

  • Certified Sites Program
  • WEDA Strategic Planning
  • Open Meeting Session
  • Networking Reception

 

 

WEDA 2012 Spring Collaborations: Bringing Ideas Together»

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Centergy 2012 Economic Summit

8:00 am – 12:00 pm
SAVE THE DATE: Centergy 2012 Economic Summit
Mark your calendar
Please mark your calendars for Centergy's Economic Summit to be held onWednesday, May 2 from 8am to noon at Sentry Theater @1800. 

 

This annual event sponsored by Centergy brings together business leaders and community members interested in promoting and growing Central Wisconsin for a morning of regional updates, networking, and motivational messages. This year will be no exception.  Highlights will include the impact that the new Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is having on economic development throughout our region and details about the new initiatives and tools that this organization is deploying to communities. We are pleased to announce that Secretary Paul Jadin, CEO of the WEDC will be the keynote speaker for the event. More details will follow in the next several weeks.

 

 

 

Greetings!

Please join fellow Central Wisconsin business, community, government and economic leaders for a morning of regional updates, panel discussions, networking and entertainment.

 

To see the summit agenda, please click on event link.

Contact Peg Sullivan, Interim Executive Director, Centergy regarding any questions about this event.

We look forward to seeing you at the summit!

Sincerely,
Peg Sullivan
Centergy

Centergy 2012 Economic Summit»

Barron County Economic Development Corp ECONOMIC GARDENING CONFERENCE

8:30 am – 4:00 pm

 

2012 Northwest Wisconsin Economic Gardening Conference

When:May 2, 2012
8:30 am
Where:Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
1900 College Drive
Rice Lake, WI  54868

Contact:
David Armstrong (darmstrong@ricelakegov.org)

Barron County Economic Development Corporation will host the 1st annual Economic Gardening Conference in Rice Lake, WI, on May 2nd, 2012. The conference’s primary focus is to give business leaders and economic development representatives the tools necessary to cultivate viable business development programs that will strengthen their communities, regions and states.

Economic development practitioners from throughout Wisconsin interested in learning more about economic gardening are invited to attend.Economic gardening is a development strategy that was first coined in Colorado inthe mid-1980’s. In this approach, secondary market research is used to retain andexpand existing businesses, as opposed to spending resources to attract newbusinesses to a community. As a result, businesses stabilize and grow, create newjobs, and generate new investments in their communities.

 

Barron County Economic Development Corp ECONOMIC GARDENING CONFERENCE»

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WMEP: Manufacturing Matters!

7:00 am – 4:00 pm

Manufacturing Matters! Hosted by WMEP

Manufacturing Matters! Hosted by WMEP

 

When: 5/9/2012
Where:

Frontier Airlines Center
400 West Wisconsin Avenue 
Milwaukee, WI

ABOUT MANUFACTURING MATTERS!
  • Are you having trouble hiring talent?
  • How do you create a culture that embraces innovation and growth?
  • With a tight credit market and increased regulation, how do you go about accessing capital?
Get answers to these questions and more at the premier conference for Wisconsin manufacturers -- Manufacturing Matters!
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP), the conference focuses on delivering unmatched opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration. For 15 years, the conference has raised public awareness of the vitality, strength and contributions of the manufacturing sector, and promoted the well-being of manufacturing as essential for a healthy, vibrant economy.

WMEP: Manufacturing Matters!»

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Center for Rural Entrepreneurship: Strategies to Recruit Alumni and Young Families to Your Community

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Strategies to Recruit Alumni and Young Families to Your Community

Beginning in March, the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship and the Heartland Center for Leadership Development will co-host a three-part webinar series to help rural leaders address youth out-migration through attracting alumni and young families. This webinar series will incorporate the extensive experience of both organizations in working with young people and community leaders to revitalize rural communities.  It also builds upon input gathered from over 30,000 young people across rural America about what motivates them to want to return to rural communities.  If you would like a taste of this series, we invite you to click on this link to view a free webinar recording conducted by both Centers in December, 2011.

In three one-hour sessions, co-hosts Milan Wall of the Heartland Center and Craig Schroeder of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship will guide you through the process of identifying your target audience in relation to your community's strongest assets, crafting a compelling message and brand to attract new residents and building a game plan for recruiting alumni and young families to your community.  Upon completion of this series, you will have the knowledge and tools needed to move forward with implementing your action plan.

 

May 15, 2012: Building a Winning Game Plan

· Connecting with newcomers and returnees

· The medium is (still) the message

· How to seal the deal

· Why people stay...or leave

Contact:

Craig Schroeder

RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship

craig@e2mail.org

402-423-8788

 

Center for Rural Entrepreneurship: Strategies to Recruit Alumni and Young Families to Your Community»

16

Financial Analysis for Economic Development Deals & Projects

1:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Financial Analysis for Economic Development Deals & Projects

Financial Analysis for Economic Development Deals & Projects

When:Wednesday, May 16, 2012
1:00 pm
Where:Kalahari Resort 
1305 Kalahari Drive
Wisconsin Dells, WI  53965
United StatesContact:
Megan Purtell (megan@weda.org)

Financial Analysis for Deals and Projects

Attend the Financial Analysis for ED Deals and Projects course and learn how to analyze a deal for financial success. You will learn how to:

 

  • Critically assess the soundness of a deal using common credit underwriting practices
  • Learn how to structure deals with the appropriate and necessary amount of public sector support
  • Ask the right questions to discern long-term success of the project
  • Understand contribution percentages and appropriate payback of incentives
  • Structure a sources and uses statement to assist in making the case for support to elected officials and financial institutions
  • Gain confidence in your ability to package a deal with different and effective private and public funding mechanisms!

Financial Analysis for Economic Development Deals & Projects»

17

UWSP 23rd Annual Lenders Conference 2012

 

uwsppurple

University of WI Stevens Point

23rd Annual Lenders Conference

2012 Wisconsin Lenders Conference
May 17-18, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

  • Hear from Paul Jadin, CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in the keynote address.
  • Learn what's new with the Small Business Administration from Regional Administrator, Marianne Markowitz during the luncheon address.
  • Attend workshops in four different tracks. Beginner, General, SBA, and RMA
  • Network with Vendors throughout the day and at the evening reception
  • Celebrate with the SBA Lenders Awards Ceremony.
  • Golf at Trappers Turn Compliments of Wisconsin Business Development Finance Company
  • Get additional training on Risk and Opportunities with the separate RMA workshop on Friday.

For additonal details and online registration:

www.uwsp.edu/conted/ConfWrkshp/Pages/lenders

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UWSP 23rd Annual Lenders Conference 2012

 

uwsppurple

University of WI Stevens Point

23rd Annual Lenders Conference

2012 Wisconsin Lenders Conference
May 17-18, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

  • Hear from Paul Jadin, CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in the keynote address.
  • Learn what's new with the Small Business Administration from Regional Administrator, Marianne Markowitz during the luncheon address.
  • Attend workshops in four different tracks. Beginner, General, SBA, and RMA
  • Network with Vendors throughout the day and at the evening reception
  • Celebrate with the SBA Lenders Awards Ceremony.
  • Golf at Trappers Turn Compliments of Wisconsin Business Development Finance Company
  • Get additional training on Risk and Opportunities with the separate RMA workshop on Friday.

For additonal details and online registration:

www.uwsp.edu/conted/ConfWrkshp/Pages/lenders

WDAC LaCrosse Community Visit

10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Wisconsin Downtown Action Council

& Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. Present

Downtown La Crosse

Employment, Housing, & Culture

Part of the WDAC Community Visit Series

May 18, 2012, 10:00am – 2:30pm

Historic Piggy’s Restaurant - Ballroom

501 Front Street S, La Crosse, WI

$20 – payable at the door

Space is limited so please RSVP today to:

DMI at 608-784-0440 or

downtownmainstreet@centurytel.net

 

WDAC LaCrosse Community Visit»

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WEDA:Manufacturing Advantage Conference 2012

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Manufacturing Advantage Conference 2012

When: May 21 & 22, 2012

Where: UW-Stout - Memorial Student Center
302 10th Avenue East
Menomonie 54751
United States

Contact: Randy Hulke (hulker@uwstout.edu


Details

 


What keeps you up at night?

Register today for the Manufacturing Advantage Conference...

The worktime, innovation, logistics, sustainability, globalization, process improvement, culture so you can rest conference.

This multiple day event provides manufacturers with in-depth networking and educational opportunities that address the key ailments facing manufacturers today. Key tracks will feature best practices, insights and tools to address key strategy areas including:

· Customer-focused innovation

· Workforce engagement, development and retention

· Superior process improvement

· Sustainability Global engagement / Supply chain.

Focused tracks for 2012 will allow participants a more in-depth experience in the strategic area of their choice including key concepts, best practice sharing and specific tools for action. Register today to receive preferred pricing.

WEDA:Manufacturing Advantage Conference 2012»

22

WEDA:Manufacturing Advantage Conference 2012

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Manufacturing Advantage Conference 2012

When: May 21 & 22, 2012

Where: UW-Stout - Memorial Student Center
302 10th Avenue East
Menomonie 54751
United States

Contact: Randy Hulke (hulker@uwstout.edu


Details

 


What keeps you up at night?

Register today for the Manufacturing Advantage Conference...

The worktime, innovation, logistics, sustainability, globalization, process improvement, culture so you can rest conference.

This multiple day event provides manufacturers with in-depth networking and educational opportunities that address the key ailments facing manufacturers today. Key tracks will feature best practices, insights and tools to address key strategy areas including:

· Customer-focused innovation

· Workforce engagement, development and retention

· Superior process improvement

· Sustainability Global engagement / Supply chain.

Focused tracks for 2012 will allow participants a more in-depth experience in the strategic area of their choice including key concepts, best practice sharing and specific tools for action. Register today to receive preferred pricing.

WEDA:Manufacturing Advantage Conference 2012»

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25th Annual WWIG Scholarship Recognition Banquet 2012

5:30 pm

25th Annual WWIG Scholarship Recognition Banquet 2012

When: May 24, 2012
5:30 pm

Where: Monona Terrace Convention & Community Center
One John Nolan Dr.
Madison, WI 53703
United States

Contact: Megan Purtell (mmpurtell@gmail.com


Details

 

Dana Perino, who served as the White House Press Secretary to former President George W. Bush, will keynote the Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) 25th Annual Scholarship Recognition Banquet on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.

WWIG’s annual dinner is the premier bipartisan political event in Wisconsin, attended by more than 1,000 federal, state and local elected officials, business leaders, public servants, and political enthusiasts. Since 1987, WWIG has raised money to support and encourage women to choose a career in public service and to advance women in government.

Individual banquet tickets are on sale now for $65 and can be purchased online by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below. You may also download the reservation form and mail it in. Those interested in attending can also call (608) 848-2321 for more information. Sponsorships are also available.

25th Annual WWIG Scholarship Recognition Banquet 2012»

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2012 Wisconsin Real Estate and Economic Outlook Conference

7:45 am – 3:30 pm

2012 Wisconsin Real Estate and Economic Outlook Conference

2012 Wisconsin Real Estate and Economic Outlook Conference

When: 6/1/2012
7:45am – 3:30pm

Where: Fluno Center
601 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53708

Contact: Lee Gottschalk (lgottschalk@bus.wisc.edu)


Details

 

With budget battles looming and the presidential election already in full swing, 2012 is sure to have monumental implications for housing policy. Unfortunately, developing and advancing bipartisan solutions to fix the nation’s ongoing housing challenges have proven difficult in today’s highly polarized political environment. But housing is not only a basic human need—it is also a critical element of our economy. Now more than ever is the time to take a fresh look at this issue and consider these questions:

· What policies should the current or the next administration implement to design a healthy, responsible, functioning, and efficient housing market?

· What are the key lessons from past housing programs and policies such as HAMP and HAFA? How can we apply those lessons to future policy prescriptions?

· What are the best solutions for addressing the massive inventories of vacant properties due to foreclosures?

· Will the recent $26 billion multi-state mortgage settlement against big banks help struggling homeowners?

· What are the potential outcomes of GSE reform?What are the right roles for lenders, capital markets, regulators, insurers, servicers, governmental entities, and consumers to play?

· What options will Americans of modest means have in regard to their housing needs?

This conference will present varied perspectives and analysis on these issues while stimulating ideas on how to spur the housing market and get the U.S. economy back on track for solid growth. You will hear from experts from the public and private sectors who are involved in government, business, and academia—all of them are on the front lines of housing market research, policy, and practice.

 

Who Should Attend

· Real estate and housing professionals

· Builders and developers

· State and local government employees

· Non-profit professionals

· Financial services professionals

· Anyone interested in community and economic development

 

2012 Wisconsin Real Estate and Economic Outlook Conference»

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