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Page 1: AR Front Page - downtownfdl.com · Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2012-2013 at the 23rd Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in October
Page 2: AR Front Page - downtownfdl.com · Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2012-2013 at the 23rd Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in October

PRESIDENTPhil Shepherd, Shepherd Law Offices

VICE PRESIDENTByron Pegram, Jack’s Team Sports

SECRETARYAngela Bingen, B&B United Enterprises, LLC

TREASURERTom Deitte, Edith’s Bridal and Tuxedo Junction

MEMBERSDave Buechel, Wood’s Floral & GiftsRon Emanuel, The GoldsmithMike Feudner, Agnesian HealthcareMitch Kahl, Jackson Kahl InsuranceLouie Lange III, The Commonwealth CompaniesTony O’Malley, Zacherl, O’Malley & EndejanNicole Wiese, National Exchange Bank & Trust

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSSteve Jenkins, Fond du Lac County Economic Development CorporationWayne Rollin, City of Fond du LacTammy Young, Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce

POLICE LIASONCaptain Jon Gutzmann, City of Fond du Lac Police Department

2014Board of Directors

The DFP would like to recognize the contributions of outgoing board members:

Sam Meyer, State Farm InsuranceLynn Wehner, Hometown Bank

Downtown Fond du Lac is healthy, vibrant and continuously improving. This wouldn’t be possible without the support and positive energy of property owners, merchants, service providers and patrons, as well as the hundreds of people who call downtown home. The DFP’s staff, board of directors and volunteers all thank you for your continued support.

We have accomplished much this year:First, we listened to our members’ voices and successfully completed our first year as an independent organization, Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership, Inc.

Second, our state and federal counterparts bestowed high accolades. The DFP is a Wisconsin Main Street Community founded upon four pillars of Organization, Design, Economic Restructuring and Promotion. State and national representatives from the Main Street program evaluated our program and concluded that the DFP is an exceptional example of a Main Street organization.

Third, our mission is to establish a diverse, prosperous and healthy district that is the social, commercial and cultural heart of the community. We use our funding to plan development, promote downtown businesses, improve properties and plan events to bring people down to downtown. With our budget, we met each of these goals, but we do so much more.

While other cities are cutting back on downtown programs and investments, The City of Fond du Lac continues to provide great support. Annual funding was increased from $38,800 to $50,000. We were also able in increase the Business Improvement District Assessment, which will provide $35,000 in additional funds. This additional funding will be strictly used for downtown development assistance.

The DFP’s long-range plan and vision played a significant part in new construction. This year we have seen the completion of Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts and Riverside Senior Apartments. Lastly, we have also seen the first steps in developing the long underutilized Retlaw Theater property.

Because of the DFP’s advocacy we have much to look forward to in 2014: free Downtown WiFi, a new wayfinding signage plan, the Downtown Bike Loop, Sheboygan Street improvements and professionally maintained sidewalk planters.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance in any way to improve the advancement of our downtown.

Phil Shepherd, President of the BoardDowntown Fond du Lac Partnership, Inc.

Letter from the President

Contact Us39 S. Marr Street, Suite 103Fond du Lac, WI 54935920.322.2006www.downtownfdl.com

Amy HansenExecutive [email protected]

Sadie ParafiniukDirector of Marketing & Special [email protected]

Kathy TaschResearch [email protected]

Page 3: AR Front Page - downtownfdl.com · Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2012-2013 at the 23rd Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in October

Past Recipients of the Friend of Downtown Award2012 Steve Schoofs and Sam Meyer2011 Wayne Rollin2010 Joe Tasch2009 Dave Schneider2008 Tom Meiklejohn III2007 Jim Gaffney and Gary Ott2006 Debra Heller2005 Randy Mittelstaedt2004 Esther Pietrowski2003 John Papenheim and Marian College

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2012-2013 at the 23rd Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in October 2013.

Wisconsin Main Street is a community development program through WEDC, targeting Wisconsin's historic commercial districts. Since the program started in 1987, the communities participating in Wisconsin’s Main Street program helped 4,500 businesses get started, creating 17,000 jobs. The Main Street development efforts leveraged $900 million in private investment.

Downtown Fond du Lac was one of the top recognized communities receiving several awards including the following:

Best Downtown Business Development Program/ProjectHonorable Mention: Financial Assistance Program, Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership

Best New Building ProjectTrinity Artists’ Lofts & D’anlann Art Gallery, Commonwealth Companies (pictured)

Best Adaptive Reuse ProjectCo-Winner: Trinity Hall and Restaurant, Commonwealth Companies

2012-13 Main Street Volunteers of the YearSteve Schoofs

2012-13 Main Street Honorary Board of DirectorsSam Meyer (Honorary Chairman of the Board)

Manager Years of Service AwardsFive Years: Amy Hansen

Wisconsin Main Street Awards

2013 Friend of DowntownJulie BalsonJulie began working at Gallery & Frame Shop in 1975 when her parents started the business. In 1979 they purchased the property at 94 S. Main. In 2002, Julie took over ownership, and the business has been growing ever since. Aside from the numerous volunteer organizations she supports, she has been an amazing spirit in the continuous promotion of downtown Fond du Lac. She consistently advertises all of the downtown events and urges people to shop local and discover all of the amazing offerings our downtown has.

Julie was an original board member of the Downtown Council (the group prior to the DFP). She is a frequent guest at DFP Board meetings, informing the board of what is happening on the street and what she is hearing from fellow business owners. She currently serves on the DFP Wedding Committee and heads up the monthly “Tour the Town” Art Walk.

A listing of some of Julie’s volunteer and community work: • Town of Fond du Lac Fire Department and North Fond du Lac EMS Relay for Life Team Captain• Board member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Professional Picture Framers Association• Secretary of the Christian Formation Committee at Holy Family• Supports Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac during October’s National Picture Framing Month• Supports the Youth Art Month in March by working with area schools• Supports Women’s Hockey Association Scholarship and Charity Event• Judge for 4-H Art Competition and recipient of the “Friend of 4-H” Award• A member of Fond du Lac’s Women Hockey Team the “Lady Lightning Bolts”• A local leader in the 3/50 Project

The DFP extends its sincere thanks to Julie for her commitment to downtown, and to her fellow business owners for continuously working to improve downtown Fond du Lac.

Friend of Downtown AwardIn 2002, the DFP created the “Friend of Downtown” award. The Friend of Downtown award is given to a person or organization that has made a deep impact and sustained commitment to Downtown Fond du Lac.

Page 4: AR Front Page - downtownfdl.com · Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2012-2013 at the 23rd Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in October

In 2013, the existing Windhover Center for the Arts located at 51 Sheboygan St took on the challenge of expanding their 16,275 ft2 facility. The expansion allowed the center to increase their space for gallery display, entertainment and performance areas, bar areas, offices and classroom spaces. After the purchase and removal of an adjacent vacant building; new major additions were constructed including a two level contemporary art cube along with an exterior plaza. A new Sheboygan Street main entrance was added and the entire 1906 Masonic Temple was completely remodeled and upgraded. The new Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts exceeds 33,485 ft2 and provides a marriage of old and new building themes harmoniously blended together into the new and exciting venue for displayed art and entertainment in downtown Fond du Lac.

Past Recipients of the Design of the Year Award2012 The Commonwealth Companies - Trinity Restaurant & Hall2010 Fond du Lac Family YMCA2009 The Commonwealth Companies - St. Peter’s Place 2008 Sam Meyer-The Knitting Room2007 Chuck Boyd-Pockets Bar & Grill2006 Hometown Bank & Sam Meyer-State Farm Insurance

Goal #1: Maximize the utilization of Downtown properties

Design of the Year AwardThelma Sadoff Center for the ArtsThe Project Management Team (PMT) began

discussing the current wayfinding within the City of Fond du Lac and how visitors navigate their way into downtown. They set about on completing an inventory of the current system, which has been in place for about 20 years. Upon reviewing the placement map of the current sign inventory, they realized a noticeable gap of signage in many areas around the city, most notably along HWY 151. They were surprised to learn there is currently only one “Welcome to Fond du Lac” sign. The DFP and the Fond du Lac Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) teamed up and hired a design firm to create a unified look throughout the entire city signage system. The goal in this project was to develop a series of signs that are attractive, clear to read, modern, and cost conscience. The resulting plan includes a variety of types of signs, with a color palate that blends the palates of the CVB, the City of Fond du Lac and the DFP. The City of Fond du Lac has designated $50,000 in the 2014 Capital Improvement Plan to fund the fabrication and installation of the signage system. This includes the city entrance signs, trailblazer signs and district menu Signs. The DFP intends to fund the fabrication and installation of the Downtown Fond du Lac Entrance sign, the Downtown District Maps and Downtown Banners. The new signs should be in place by summer 2014.

Downtown Fond du Lac Project Management TeamJoe Braun (Chair), Fond du Lac Area FoundationAmy Hansen, Downtown Fond du Lac PartnershipKevin Miller, Fond du Lac Arts CouncilCraig Molitor, Fond du Lac Convention & Visitor’s BureauJoe Moore, City of Fond du LacJoe Reitemeier, Fond du Lac Area Association of CommerceSteve Jenkins, Fond du Lac County Economic Development CorporationWayne Rollin, City of Fond du LacJoe Tasch, The Nielsen Company

In 2010, the economic development entities in Fond du Lac formed a unique collaboration in advancing the economic development and vitality of Downtown Fond du Lac. The Downtown Fond du Lac Project Management Team (PMT) was established to work in tandem with each of these local partners to further the vision plan for Downtown Fond du Lac. Each of the groups involved indicated a willingness to formally work together as the PMT to advocate, plan, coordinate and monitor the implementation of the vision plan for Downtown Fond du Lac. 2013 initiatives included: •Developing, designing and implementing a city wide way finding system. The City of Fond du Lac approved funding for this project to take place in 2014 (see story on the left)•Creating a website solely dedicated to downtown development projects and opportunities to aid in developer and business recruiting. www.developfdl.com •Streetscape redesign and implementation on Sheboygan Street in the Arts & Entertainment District. The City of Fond du Lac approved funding for this project to take place in 2014. The project includes new sidewalks and decorative light poles that will match the look of Main Street.

Wayfinding

Page 5: AR Front Page - downtownfdl.com · Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2012-2013 at the 23rd Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in October

The Fond du Lac Bike LoopIn September 2013, the Fond du Lac City Council approved the City of Fond du Lac Bike and Pedestrian Plan. The plan involves the development of a 15.4 mile recreational trail entitled the “Fond du Lac Loop” or simply put, the “Loop.”

Part of the plan includes a 1.8 mile urban route through downtown, with access to shops and restaurants. The Downtown Loop runs alongside Brooke Street and parallels the Fond du Lac River through downtown Fond du Lac. The concept of a “Downtown Loop” was cited as a goal in the Downtown Plan (a subset of the City of Fond du Lac Comprehensive Plan), which was adopted by the City of Fond du Lac in 2010. The intent of the Downtown Loop is to market various walks/runs, or simply be a great place to take a break for a quick walk or jog.

The Loop will be comprised of a combination of existing bike trails and on-road facilities, and encircles a large portion of the City of Fond du Lac. The Loop provides an interesting variety of terrain and sights including:

• The Prairie Trail - A six mile leg along the Hwy 151 bypass• A beautiful 2.2 mile shaded Rails-to-Trails pathway• A one mile section through Lakeside Park with restroom facilities, food services, and spectacular views of Lake Winnebago• A suburban 1.2 mile bike lane through southern Fond du Lac

Community partners include the City of Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac County, Fond du Lac Family YMCA, Fond du Lac Area Foundation, Fond du Lac Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership, Living Well Fond du Lac Coalition and Agnesian HealthCare. A kick-off event of the Fond du Lac Loop is being planned for Sunday, May 18, 2014.

The DFP created the Façade Grant Program in 2000. The 2013 program granted properties up to $1,000 in matching funds for the purpose of renovation, maintenance, preservation, and beautification to exteriors of businesses. To date, 118 properties have received grants totaling nearly $146,000, which has leveraged just over $1.3 million in property improvement projects.

The Facade Grant Program

Inspired By You, 18 E. Division St.Awve Development Corp., 74 S. Main St.MoJo Hair Studio, 82 N. Main St.Awve Development Corp., 88 S. Main St.MAP Properties, 15 N. Division St.Lora Lake LLC, 25 3rd St.Lora Lake LLC, 88 S. Portland St.

2013 Facade Grant Award Recipients

Downtown Beautification InitiativesThe Adopt-a-Planter Program continued to be successful in 2013. 38 businesses adopted 53 planters in downtown. Businesses filled the planters with flowers, greenery, and decor, many of them changing with the seasons. The adopted planters, originally purchased by the DFP, add visual appeal to the streetscape. The City of Fond du Lac also saw value in the planters and included funds in the 2014 City budget to maintain additional planters in the downtown.

For several years the DFP has purchased the Holiday Lights and garland which are hung on the light poles on Main Street by the City of Fond du Lac Electrical Department. The DFP also supplies the lights for Veterans Park which are hung by the Fond du Lac County Parks Department.

The Downtown Crew was established in spring of 2013. The Downtown Crew is a group of dedicated individuals committed to keeping the downtown a welcoming, friendly and beautiful atmosphere. This year the Downtown Crew helped at all of the DFP events, maintained planters and greenery in the downtown and cleaned sidewalks. Our goal is to grow the Downtown Crew in order to keep downtown a beautiful, welcoming place. Thank you to everyone on the Downtown Crew who assisted with several projects over the year!

The Downtown Fond du Lac Fund of the FDL Area FoundationThe Downtown Fond du Lac Fund of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation has been set up to aid in the improvement and beautification of downtown Fond du Lac.

The Non-Endowed portion is set up to put funds to work immediately. The Endowment portion becomes part of the DFP’s permanent fund where only the interest generated will be distributed. Monies from all donors will be pooled to fund projects on a larger scale, or you may choose to specifically designate your investment for a particular purpose. In 2014, the Downtown Fond du Lac Fund will be used for purchasing a new ‘Welcome to Downtown’ sign.

The Downtown Fond du Lac Fund is designed to be a long term solution in funding public improvements. The Foundation manages and invests these funds. A volunteer board of directors governs the funds and distributions.

“I am appreciative of the Fond du Lac area community and I believe in giving back. The downtown has been my business's home and I want it to remain vibrant well into the future.”

Steve MillinRegarding his donation to the Downtown Fund

Goal #3: Improve aesthetic/visual appeal of downtown

Page 6: AR Front Page - downtownfdl.com · Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2012-2013 at the 23rd Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in October

The Farmers Market saw exciting changes in 2013. Through an initial collaboration with the YMCA, the Downtown Fond du Lac Farmers Market began accepting EBT, credit and debit cards. The market audience grew exponentially with over 2,000 customers weekly. By accepting EBT, low-income individuals and families were able to shop local every week and buy fresh, healthy foods. The Farmers Market also welcomed a full-time Market Manager, Tracy Reinhardt. Tracy assisted customers with their card transactions, answered questions, and was a resource to our 75 vendors. Nonprofits were also welcomed at the Saturday markets where at no cost a local nonprofit could set up a booth to distribute materials and sell items to raise money for their organization.

Sidewalk Sale was a big day for the downtown businesses. This event which hails from the 1970s is a popular shopping day for Fond du Lac natives and visitors alike. Over 3,000 people enjoyed special discounts, live music on Main Street Plaza and a relaxed shopping atmosphere.

This noon-hour event featured live music performed by local and statewide artists. This event coincided with the Wednesday Farmers Market and allowed over 250 people weekly to shop for fresh produce while enjoying live music on Main Street Plaza.

Fondue Fest is the largest one-day event held in Fond du Lac drawing over 20,000 people from Fond du Lac and beyond. This event featured on Discover Wisconsin as one of the state’s unique festivals had tons of attractions including two music stages with live music playing all day. The Kids’ Zone was a huge success with fun for all ages including inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides and lots of goodies and activities. We didn’t forget about the adults who were able to stroll down Main Street and buy a range of products, enjoy delicious food and beverages and have some fun.

Small Business Saturday on November 30 kicked off Home for the Holidays, an event that promotes shopping local during the holidays. Free horse-drawn carriage rides, discounts and holiday activities were a hit for customers throughout the season. The 5th annual Chili Crawl was held with Foot of the Lake Candle Co. earning top honors.

Goal #2: Position Downtown Fond du Lac as a premier destination.

Lunchtime Live!

Home for the Holidays

Fondue Fest

Sidewalk SaleFarmers Market

Monster MarchOver 900 kids participated in this free trick-or-treating event that has become a Halloween tradition for many area families.

The DFP is continuously looking for new opportunities to bring people to Downtown Fond du Lac by providing marketing and advertising opportunities at little or no cost to downtown businesses. In 2013, through marketing efforts and special events, the DFP was able to:

• Grow our online presence through Facebook with over 1,110 followers.• Update 2,500 people through Get Downtown bi-monthly email blasts and sent monthly newsletters to 500 subscribers.• Expand advertising opportunities in Travel Wisconsin, the Green Laker, and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.• Update the community through our bi-monthly radio segment Get Downtown on KFIZ and invited 24 downtown business representatives to join as guests.• Increase fundraising at special events.• Bring 71,000 people to the downtown district through 63 special events which had a local economic impact of $3.4 million. • Form The Wedding Committee, ultimately creating a niche brochure advertising 23 of the downtown businesses which cater to brides and grooms. • Host a free branding seminar featuring Richard Carraro of ClownBike who presented an informative session on business branding and met one-on-one with 10 downtown businesses to review their marketing, advertising and branding. • Complete 137 marketing visits to various downtown businesses to offer marketing and advertising assistance.• Work with the Fond du Lac City Council to proclaim November 30 as Small Business Saturday which encouraged all Fond du Lac citizens to support local, small businesses.

2013 was an exciting and busy year for the DFP and we look forward to planning more events, keeping people informed and expanding marketing and advertising opportunities for downtown businesses in 2014!

Sadie Parafiniuk Director of Marketing & Special Events

Marketing & Special Events

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000Annual Website Visitors

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Page 7: AR Front Page - downtownfdl.com · Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2012-2013 at the 23rd Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in October

Steve Schoofs (Chair), Excel EngineeringMatt Mueller, Fond du Lac Police DepartmentDennis Malchow, St. Joseph’s Book RoomChuck Boyd, Boyd Properties LLCByron Pegram, Jack’s Team SportsWayne Rollin, City of Fond du LacJoe Tasch, The Nielsen Company

DesignCommittee

DesignReview BoardSteve Schoofs (Chair), Excel EngineeringJoellyn Dahlin, City of Fond du LacTom Meiklejohn, Tom Meiklejohn, AIA, ArchitectSam Meyer, State Farm InsuranceKevin Miller, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

Marketing CommitteeKirsten Quam (Chair), Fox Valley Savings Bank Jacqui Corsi, Thelma Sadoff Center for the ArtsLiz Engh, Action Reporter MediaDonna King, Radio PlusTracy Mathweg, Lillian’sLisa Pauly, Fond du Lac Convention & Visitor’s BureauAnne Pierce, US BankJoan Pinch, Trinity Hall & RestaurantJulie Wilson, Shut Up & Dance!

Events Committee& VolunteersKevin Edelfson, The GardenJoan Pinch, Trinity Restaurant & HallKirsten Quam, Fox Valley Savings BankAngelina Triscari, Eden Stone CompanyJulie Wilson, Shut Up & Dance!Katie Sperbeck, Fox Valley Savings BankLiz Engh. Action Reporter MediaJulia Cartwright, Fond du Lac Public LibraryLori Garbisch, Community VolunteerLee Ann Lorrigan, Agnesian HealthCareDave Schneider, Fives Giddings & LewisDave Thiel, Associated BankBrendan Wood-Taylor, Thelma Sadoff Center for the ArtsSara Cujak, Cujak’s Wine Market & BarTom Deitte, Edith’s Bridal and Tuxedo JunctionJacqui Corsi, Thelma Sadoff Center for the ArtsLisa Pauly, Fond du Lac Convention & Visitor’s BureauJoe Truesdale, Holiday AutomotiveBart Winkler, Mountain Dog MediaMarty Schibbelhut, B104.7Mary Weishapple, Community VolunteerJoe Tasch, The Nielsen CompanyLiv Moyer, EP DirectLori Stephens, CitizensFirstTrista Holtz, Trista Holtz StudiosBrian Klapperich, Community Volunteer

Agnesian HealthCareAlliant EnergyAmerican BankB104.7Commonwealth Landscape & MaintenanceCountry FinancialEdith’s BridalEdward Jones-Steve MillinErickson & AssociatesFat Joe’s Bar & GrillFives Giddings & LewisFox Valley Savings BankGallery & Frame ShopGrande CheeseHoliday Chrysler Dodge JeepHoricon BankInternational PaperJackson Kahl InsuranceKFIZ/ K107.1/ Mountain Dog MediaLee BeverageMarian UniversityMarine Credit UnionMilksourceNancy FreundNational Exchange Bank & TrustNew Vision Signs, Decals & Screen-PrintingOsborn & Sons TruckingPit Stop PortablesSociety InsuranceState Farm Insurance- Bill MahlikState Farm Insurance- Sam MeyerThe GardenThe GoldsmithThe Nielsen CompanyThelma Sadoff Center for the ArtsTrinity Restaurant & HallWaste ManagementWisconsin Milk Marketing Board

AdvocapAgnesian HealthCareAltrusa InternationalAmerican Diabetes AssociationAmerican Legion Auxiliary Unit #75Big Brothers Big SistersCity of Fond du Lac Community Development DepartmentCity of Fond du Lac Fire DepartmentCity of Fond du Lac Parks DepartmentCity of Fond du Lac Police DepartmentCity of Fond du Lac Public Works DepartmentCommunity Initiative for Fox Cities ArtisansElks Lodge 57Evans Cub Scout PackFishing Has No BoundariesFond du Lac Area Association of CommerceFond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors BureauFond du Lac Area FoundationFond du Lac County Economic Development CorporationFond du Lac County Parks DepartmentFond du Lac Evening OptimistFond du Lac Housing AuthorityFond du Lac Junior Football LeagueFond du Lac Public LibraryFond du Lac Visual ArtsFond du Lac YMCAFox Valley Savings BankFriends of the Fond du Lac Senior CenterLiving Well Fond du LacMarian University Men’s Hockey TeamMoraine Park Technical College Culinary Arts ProgramNew BeginningsRienzi Cemetery and Chapel MausoleumSalute the TroopsSolutions CenterSoroptimist Relay for LifeThelma Sadoff Center for the ArtsUnited for DiversityVenture Crew 9702The Volunteer Center of Fond du Lac County

CommunityPartnerships

Special Event Sponsors & Supporters

WeddingCommitteeJulie Balson (Chair), Gallery & Frame ShopJoan Pinch, Trinity Restaurant & HallSara Cujak, Cujak’s Wine Market & BarJacqui Corsi, Thelma Sadoff Center for the ArtsTheresa Menting, Sweet N Easy Events

Thank You!Many thanks to the individuals, organizations, corporations and public agencies that continue to support the efforts of the DFP. We couldn’t succeed without the support of our community.

The DFP lost a beautiful person in 2013. Lori Garbisch was a dedicated volunteer and advocate for downtown Fond du Lac. She brought grace and elegance to every occassion. Lori was the voice of the downtown radio commercials and the face of downtown for Sidewalk Sale and Edith’s Bridal runway show at Fondue Fest. To say we will miss her greatly is an understatement. The DFP was lucky to call her a friend.

Page 8: AR Front Page - downtownfdl.com · Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2012-2013 at the 23rd Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in October

STATE OF THE ORGANIZATION

Revenues

Expenses

In Kind

Special Events

City of Fond du Lac

Bid Assessment

Streetscape Improvements

Marketing

Business Development

Operations

Special Events

Administration

2013 was a year of significant progress in Downtown Fond du Lac including twenty new businesses, the construction of the new Riverside Apartments and Commonwealth Coffee and the opening of the new Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts.

The DFP assisted 23 new business startups through the various phases of opening a business, including: site selection, financial program assistance and marketing. We also worked with 34 existing downtown businesses in marketing/selling properties, information on financial incentives and dispute remediation. The current vacancy rate in downtown is 9.96% which is about average, but taking into consideration pending projects, the number goes down to 5.66%

The Board of Directors has taken a hard look at what we as an organization can do to make the most impact regarding the utilization of downtown properties. It was determined that the most impactful way to leverage funds was to create a grant program that would be a true incentive to fund larger scale projects. From this, the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) has been established.

BIG is a new grant program to assist in property renovation expenditures. The grant is designed to incentivize property owners to undertake interior and/or exterior property improvements, which will lead to increased property value. The minimum grant award is $2500 and there is no maximum. Grants will be awarded to projects based on the impact the project will have on the overall downtown district.

There are numerous community and development initiatives currently in the works for 2014. Some are direct initiatives of the DFP; while others are what I believe is a reflection of the city’s and developer’s confidence in investing in our downtown.

Amy Hansen, Executive DirectorDowntown Fond du Lac Partnership, Inc.

A Note from the Director’s Desk

Member Organizations

“Without the help of the DFP I wouldn't have the clientele I have today. Promoting my new business in the local newspapers, inviting me to be a guest on the “Get Downtown!” radio segment and bringing in a marketing consultant to meet with me and several other small business owners really shows a level of commitment to the community...specifically the downtown.”

Shawn TamblinOwner, Foot of the Lake

Candle Company

New BusinessesAHM, CPABackstage Bar and GrillCIFCA WisconsinCommonwealth Coffee and DeliDusk2Dawn PhotographyEfficient Technology ServicesEssential Rock ChurchFoot of the Lake Candle CompanyHaven SalonMancino’s Pizza and GrindersMoJo Hair StudioRejuvenate SalonReflexions Salon and SpaRiverside Senior ApartmentsSalon RebourneStealing Second Sports BarSweet N Easy EventsThe Twisted WarriorThe Voice and Acting StudioWhat Not Shoppe

Page 9: AR Front Page - downtownfdl.com · Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2012-2013 at the 23rd Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in October

Vision StatementDowntown Fond du Lac will be the local and regional designation that will serve as the cultural and economic hub of the city and surrounding areas. Our financially successful downtown will present a clean, safe and friendly environment that has broad appeal.

Downtown Fond du Lac will have an atmosphere that is welcoming, comfortable and enjoyable through its attention to historic preservation, restoration and development. Downtown will include a healthy and unique mix of businesses, including retail, professional services, dining and entertainment. The downtown’s streetscape will be modern and well cared for, while at the same time paying homage to its heritage.

The public will have great awareness of all that downtown Fond du Lac has to offer, and the community will support efforts to maintain a high quality of life for residents, businesses and other stakeholders.

To establish a diverse, prosperous and healthy district that is the social, commercial and cultural heart of the community.

39 S. Marr Street, Suite 103, Fond du Lac, WI 54935www.downtownfdl.com

Mission Statement