Mainly Manitowoc, Inc. is a grassroots group of enthusiastic individuals interested in the economic revitalization of downtown Manitowoc utilizing the Wisconsin Main Street Program as its framework.

The Wisconsin Main Street Program established in 1987 is a Four Point Approach to a comprehensive revitalization of historic commercial districts in Wisconsin through grassroots local commitment – city-wide business owners, residents, and volunteers – and technical assistance from the Wisconsin Main Street Program staff.

Downtown is everybody's business. Four active volunteer committees, and a variety of volunteer subcommittees, work together to carry out the goals of the Main Street program. The Main Street Four Point Approach refers to the four areas of concentration in the program. The four elements – Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Restructuring – must all be exercised in order for a local Main Street program to be successful.

A strong organization provides the stability to build and maintain a long-term effort. Promotion involves marketing an enticing image to shoppers, investors, and visitors. Rehabilitated buildings, attractively designed storefronts, properly designed signage, clean and function streets and sidewalks all help create an environment where people want to shop and visit. Improving competitiveness of traditional merchants, converting vacant space to new uses, and recruiting complimentary businesses are examples of economic restructuring activities.

The Wisconsin Main Street Program provides on-site visits, training, and technical assistance worth $125,000 over five years. It includes:

• Volunteer and manager training
• Advanced training on specific downtown issues such as marketing, business recruitment, volunteer development, and historic preservation
• On-site visits to help each community develop its strengths and plan for success
• On-site design consultations
• On-site small business consultations
• Telephone assistance
• Materials such as manuals and slide programs

The Wisconsin Main Street Program outcomes are:

• A return on investment of on average of 1,241 percent for every local dollar invested through Main Street organizations
• The creation of new businesses and jobs
• The growth of locally owned businesses
• A better environment for tourism and industrial development
• The preservation of historic and cultural resources

News

10/28 New director's mission is to strengthen downtown
10/02 Downtown boosters urged to dream big