Businesses support downtown consultant

Herald Times Reporter —

TWO RIVERS — The Two Rivers Main Street program has met its goal of raising $6,000 in donations to pay for the services of Ed Wendland, a retail consultant.

Mike Zimmer, program director, said Wendland will help implement the Building Your Store in Downtown Two Rivers concept.

Wendland is contracted to assist local retail businesses create additional store traffic, and to assist in retail business retention, expansion and recruitment.

"Main Street's success in raising $6,000 in donations from local businesses shows there is true commitment to the Building Your Store in Downtown Two Rivers," said Ken Beine, president of the Two Rivers Main Street program and president of Shoreline Credit Union. Shoreline donated $600.

Greg Buckley, Two Rivers city manager, said the program is generating good ideas for further business development, and is exactly what the downtown needs.

The largest donation received was $1,000 from Prime Financial Credit Union of Milwaukee, which recently purchased the Northshore Bank in Two Rivers.

Prime Financial Credit Union believes in supporting a strong downtown, which, in turn, supports a strong credit union community, said Steven Schultz, executive vice president.

Jeff Zimmerlee of First National Bank, which donated $600, said, "I commend the fact that so many Two Rivers businesses are working together to create the success that is, and the greater success that can be."
Riverwood Maritime Credit Union President Bonnie Timm said even though Riverwood does not have any retail loans, "at this time we believe in a stable diverse, downtown where there are many shopping opportunities important to our members."

Cindy Thayer, owner of the Honey Pot, said, "Working with Ed has been great. I think that the cross-marketing efforts can only bring our retailers closer together and provide a superior shopping experience for our customers."

Local jewelers Rick and Colleen Inman, owners of Inman Jewelers, said, "It's been wonderful to work with Ed and be able to take advantage of his vast experience in retail sales."

Schroeder's Department Store manager AJ Schroeder said the downtown program has been assisting existing businesses expand their customer base.

For information, visit the Two Rivers Main Street Web site, www.trmainstreet.org

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