State council endorses Main Street application

Now, it's up to the governor to give final approval

By Charlie Mathews, Herald Times Reporter

MANITOWOC — Advocates of downtown achieving Wisconsin Main Street status have "jumped through the first hoop," state program director James Engle said Thursday.

The Wisconsin Council on Main Street has scored Mainly Manitowoc's application second highest of five communities, also including Port Washington, Tomahawk, La Crosse and Cedar Grove.

The Main Street Program does not award grants, but does offer free technical assistance in several areas for five years, aimed at revitalizing downtowns.

Engle said he hopes Gov. Jim Doyle and Commerce Secretary Jack Fisher will make their final decision by June. Engle said the council's recommendations almost always are endorsed.

The council recommended three cities to be designated for assistance — Port Washington, Manitowoc and Tomahawk.

The council's application scores were: Port Washington, 230.8; Manitowoc, 230.3; Tomahawk, 224.3; La Crosse, 202.5; and Cedar Grove, 173.1.

Selection criteria include the need for the Main Street Program and its expected impact on the community, organizational capability, public and private sector commitment, the financial capability to employ a full-time manager, the historic significance of the proposed program area, and the interest in and commitment to historic preservation.

Four Mainly Manitowoc Steering Committee members made a presentation to the council Tuesday, including Courthouse Pub's John Jagemann, Heart & Homestead's Cathy Karl, TWH Collectibles and Manitowoc Coffee's Patricia Roth and Diana Schultz of the Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County.

If Doyle and Fisher approve its application, Karl said several areas of expertise would be immediately welcomed including consulting for businesses experiencing financial difficulties, image and branding advice, and suggestions for new façade and storefront design improvements.

"The hard work of volunteers, the local business community, the citizens of Manitowoc and the steering committee paid off," Karl said.

"We thank everyone who helped us along the way and we enthusiastically wait the secretary and governor's final decision."

The Wisconsin Main Street Program began in 1988, and about 35 communities currently are participating, including the city of Two Rivers.

"Downtown Manitowoc — Everybody's Business" is the theme of the downtown boosters group.

Its Main Street application was aided by financial donations and pledges from individuals, businesses and the city totaling about $100,000.

Online: www.mainlymanitowoc.com

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