| MADISON - Gov. Tommy Thompson honored several communities - including Sheboygan Falls - involved with the state's Main Street Program. |
| The governor's recognition came Friday, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the program. |
| "Ten years ago, I saw the need for Wisconsin's downtowns to restore their place as centers for economic and community activity," Thompson said. "To fill this need I directed Commerce (Department) to establish the Main Street Program as a means to reach out to downtowns throughout Wisconsin." |
| The program provides technical assistance to local central business district revitalization efforts by using a four-point approach of: organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring. Over 30 state communities participate. |
| "Over the past decade, the program has succeeded in helping Wisconsin's downtowns attract more than 6,700 new jobs and over 1,200 new businesses, as well as nearly $200 million in new investments," Thompson said. He added the program has received national recognition for helping restore economic and community vitality to downtowns throughout the state. |
| Sheboygan Falls has been involved in the program for all 10 years. The city was honored for "Best Overall Design Achievement' during the period. |
| Heartland Properties, which conducted the Brickner Woolen Mills Project that converted the former industrial property into apartments in Sheboygan Falls, was honored for "Best Adaptive Reuse Project." |
| Sheboygan Falls residents Bob and Adam Hertel were two of 28 individuals honored with 1997 volunteer of the year awards with the program. |
| Lisa Wegener, Sheboygan Falls, was one of six people to receive two year service awards for their work with the program. |
| Jerry and Judy Selk of Sheboygan Falls received an honorable mention in the 1998 awards for the Falls Glass Service project in the Best Downtown Adaptive Reuse Program. |
| Sheboygan Falls resident Jim Fasse is a member of the 1997 Wisconsin Main Street Honorary Board of Directors. |
