New Glarus Holds Successful Connect Communities Kickoff

On October 3rd, 43 Village business owners, residents, and policymakers gathered to celebrate the Village’s selection by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) as one of 15 communities around the state to participate in the Connect Communities program. The Connect Communities program is aimed at helping local and community leaders leverage the unique assets of their downtowns and commercial districts.
Organized by the Village’s Community Development Authority (CDA) and staff from WEDC, the participants conducted a walking tour of the Village’s downtown to gather impressions of what is working in the downtown and potential improvements. After the walking tour, Village Administrator Bryan Gadow provided an overview of Village economic development activities, and Mark Tallman and Darrin Wasniewski, of the WEDC, conducted a strategic planning session with the group. The purpose of the strategic planning discussion was to gather feedback on the positive aspects of the current downtown, such as how well it is maintained and the limited number of empty storefronts, and the desired wants for improvements, including addressing parking concerns, and drawing customers towards the 2nd Street commercial corridor.
“This is one of the best turnouts at one of these Kickoff events that I have seen,” said Mark Tallman of the WEDC. “You are doing so many things very well in your downtown.”
“I am very excited about the excellent turnout at this event, it speaks to how much people in the Village care about their community and ensuring it remains vibrant,” said Bryan Gadow, Village Administrator.
As a follow up to this event, Village Staff will summarize the feedback received and post it on the Village’s website, and invite interested participants to convene again in early 2017 to go more in depth on implementation strategies for the priorities that were discussed.
For more information on the Connect Communities program, please contact Bryan Gadow, Village Administrator, at (608) 527-5971 or bgadow@newglarusvillage.com.