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

Downtown Fond du Lac News

Open Call for Public Art Entrees The DFP has announced an open call to artists to create an original piece of public art. Up to four sculptures created by four artists will be permanently installed in the Arts and Entertainment District in the center of beautiful downtown Fond du Lac. The intent of this program is to increase awareness and understanding of public art; to present an affordable and accessible art experience for people of all ages; to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Fond du Lac; and to promote the Fond du Lac Arts & Entertainment District as a cultural destination for visitors, artists and residents. This program is coordinated by a committee of the DFP and includes representatives from the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, Fond du Lac Area Foundation, Fond du Lac Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Fond du Lac. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Sept.15, 2015. The selection committee will review applications and select the final sculptures for permanent installation in spring of 2016. The selected artists will receive a $2,000 stipend. The contest is open to professional and amateur artists. Complete details and application forms can be found at

www.downtownfdl.com.

May 2015

New Year. New Location. New Logo! Farmers Market is Moving to Main Street Beginning Saturday May 9th!

The Saturday Farmers Market will run May 9

thru October 31, 8:00 a.m.

- Noon. Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Sheboygan Street to Western Avenue from 6:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Over 80 vendors (and growing!) will sell the freshest Wisconsin-grown produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, meats and prepared foods. Crafts, arts, and unique hand-made items are also available. At the height of the season the market brings over 2,000 shoppers downtown weekly. We will be heavily promoting our locally owned businesses as part of the event, therefore downtown businesses are encouraged to be open during these hours to take advantage of the increased customer traffic. The Wednesday Farmers Market will begin June 3 and run thru October 28, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The market is located on Main Street Plaza (the intersection of Main Street and Sheboygan Street). Both markets accept EBT, credit and debit cards. You can swipe your card at the information tent and receive wooden tokens which are used like cash at participating vendor booths. For EBT, use your Wisconsin QUEST card at the information tent.

Know of a local musician who would be interesting in performing at the market? We are still looking to add to our summer lineup. Non-profit and community organizations have an opportunity to do community outreach at the Farmers Market. Local groups are invited to participate in a “Veggie Valet” service. The Veggie Valet is a service that allows shoppers to receive help getting their purchases to their vehicles for a suggested donation of $2. Please contact Dusty Krikau for all inquiries at 920.322.2006. The Downtown Farmers Market is presented by Agnesian Healthcare, United Healthcare and Gannett Media. A reminder - Saturday morning parking on Main Street will be restricted May through October from 6:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. New permanent signs will be installed.

The new Farmers Market logo.

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

Downtown Fond du Lac News May 2015

Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership Welcomes

Dusty Krikau

The DFP is pleased to announce its recent hire of Dusty Krikau as the new Director of Communication & Special Events. Krikau serves as the primary contact for media relations, organizational communication and special events, including the downtown Farmers Market and Fondue Fest.

Krikau brings more than ten years of experience planning large scale events in addition to her knowledge of communication, social media, web development, and relationship management to the DFP. Amy Hansen, Executive Director stated “Dusty’s wealth of experience has already made her a key addition to the DFP team. We view her hiring as a sign of our commitment to continued growth of the DFP with her extensive experience in volunteer and community engagement. We are very fortunate that we were able to find someone of Dusty’s caliber to fulfill this role. We’re confident Dusty will play a key role in implementing continued growth in the communication and special events of the DFP.”

Prior to joining the Fond du Lac community, Krikau organized events for universities and neighborhood communities ranging in size from 5,000 to 20,000 individuals, including fundraising events, educational conferences, and cultural celebrations. She most recently worked as the Volunteer Coordinator for The Volunteer Center of Fond du Lac County. Krikau holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Communication from of the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and completed her M.Ed. in College Student Personnel and Administration at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Volunteers Needed for the Farmers Market ‘Downtown Crew’

Looking for something fun to do, and give back to your community? Volunteer to be a member if the Downtown Crew. Volunteers are needed to assist vendors and customers, and serve as community ambassadors at the Saturday Farmers Market from 6:00 am to 1:00 p.m. If you are interested in joining the Downtown Crew, please contact Dusty Krikau at 920.322.2006.

Doing Business in Downtown Fond du Lac The DFP has created a helpful guide in getting your business started in Downtown Fond du Lac. Click here for more information. If you are considering renovations to your property, the Downtown Design Guidelines provide valuable information on regulations. Click here to read the Guidelines.

DFP Announces 2015 Photo Contest

The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership (DFP) is accepting entries for an amateur photography competition. This contest is open to all amateur photographers and entry is free. Photos must be family friendly and can be of any subject . Of particular interest are photos that highlight various qualities, features, businesses and people that positively represent the uniqueness of downtown Fond du Lac. This might include:

People — Individuals from all walks of life enjoying downtown Fond du Lac.

Recreational Activities — Walking, biking, and playing in downtown Fond du Lac.

Festivals and Events — People participating in activities, enjoying entertainment and food.

Streetscapes — Notable buildings, interesting attractions that include history, landscape.

All photos must be taken in locations within the boundaries of Downtown Fond du Lac.

Entries are due September 15, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.

Winners will be selected by the DFP Marketing Committee.

Enter as many times as you like. However, each photo entry must be its own email, accompanied by its own entry form.

Winners will be announced by September 21, 2015.

For complete details, go to www.downtownfdl.com

First Place - $500

Second Place - $250

Honorable Mention (5) - $50

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

Downtown Fond du Lac News May 2015

Downtown Brings Home Awards from Wisconsin Main Street Awards Ceremony The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2013-2014 at the 24th Annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony at St. Norbert College on Friday, April 17, 2015.

Volunteers, board members, and businesses from communities across the state were recognized, including four winners from Fond du Lac.

The award for Best Cooperative Business Marketing Campaign went to the “The Wedding Collection,” a marketing effort led by the DFP. In 2014, the DFP created The Wedding Collection after a wedding niche was identified in downtown Fond du Lac. There are several dedicated wedding businesses such as Edith’s Bridal, Tuxedo Junction and Sweet N Easy Events; there are also several businesses who can easily assist wedding planners such as florists, venues, restaurants, etc. The Wedding Collection consists of 22 downtown businesses who came together for a coordinated marketing campaign. This campaign had a huge influence on the downtown district by providing brides-to-be with a one stop shop for all the wedding related businesses in Downtown Fond du Lac. Oaks Development Group received the award for Best Façade Renovation under $7500 for their renovation of 111 S. Main Street. Owners Larry Kent and Tony O’Malley took a tired 80’s façade and replaced it with them neutral colors that complement the surrounding buildings and historic façade on the upper floors, the building now sports a fresh and welcoming look. Adding an awning that supports hanging plants in the summer, a new front door and side

columns that mimic the architectural elements of the original façade further completes the look. The rear of the building was also repainted and repaired in order for customers to use both entrances. The property is now home to The Nail Studio. The DFP assisted by awarding the project $3,000 from the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. The BIG is designed to incentivize property owners to undertake interior

Tracy Mathweg received the 2013-14 Main Street Volunteer of the Year Award Mathweg is the owner of Lillian’s ~ ‘The Hippest Shop in Town”. In recent years, she has served on the DFP’s Marketing Committee, Events Committee and Wedding Collection committee. She is a frequent attendee at Board of Directors meetings as an observer, just to stay ‘in-the-know.’ In 2014, Mathweg began a local campaign called “Positively Fond du Lac” to focus on all of the great things happening in Fond du Lac; the Facebook group for the campaign has more than 700 members. She is also an administrator of the DFP Facebook page. Tracy also coordinated a Downtown Clean Up day in the summer of 2014 which brought in 20 volunteers on a Sunday to pick up trash and pull weeds in the downtown district. Phil Shepherd was recognized with the 2013-14 Main Street Honorary Board of Directors Award. Shepherd recently completed a two year term as president of the DFP’s Board of Directors. Prior to joining the board he served on the Organization Committee. In 2014, Shepherd was part of the local “Positively Fond du Lac” campaign to focus on all of the great things happening in Fond du Lac. Shepherd serves as a model ambassador for downtown by not only working, but living in the district.

111 S. Main Street

Phil Shepherd, DFP Director Amy Hansen, and Tracy Mathweg

Central District Community Meetings

The City of Fond du Lac Police Department's Central District Command will be hosting a series of public forums to discuss crime issues within the Central District. Anyone who lives or works in the central part of the city are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held on Monday, May 11 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Eugene G. McLane Meeting Room at the Fond du Lac Public Library.

West Division Street Closure

West Division Street is closed for reconstruction between Macy Street and Brooke Street. The closure began April 20 and will be in effect for a majority of the summer. This section of Division Street is being reconstructed under the City’s Annual Utility and Street Reconstruction Project. Businesses located within the area will be open to customer traffic. The public is asked to plan an alternate route during this time as there will not be a marked detour.

2015 Downtown Events Calendar

Saturday Farmers Market May 9 – October 31

8:00 a.m.—noon

Wednesday Farmers Market June 3 – October 28

11:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

Fondue Fest Saturday, September 12

9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. After party 5:00—8:00 p.m.

Monster March

Saturday, October 31st 10:00 a.m.— noon

Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 28

Building Your Business Legacy Workshop Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is hosting a ‘Building Your Business Legacy Workshop’, with a focus on helping businesses develop a successful transition plan, regardless of age or business type. The workshop will provide a panel discussion along with opportunities for small group and one on one assistance for businesses by a wide variety of experts in fields relevant to transition planning. The workshop will be held Tuesday, May 5, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Fond du Lac Elks Lodge #57, 33 Sheboygan Street. This participatory workshop is designed to help Wisconsin small business owners understand and successfully navigate the process of developing a successful business transition plan. An essential strategic item for all businesses, this plan provides contingencies for a wide variety of situations, including family transitions, retirement, life changes or other causes. The panel of speakers will address ways that businesses can proactively plan to address some of the most common challenges encountered in this area, and offer strategies that small business owners of any age can use to maintain and grow the value of their business and establish an effective plan for the future. The presentation will be followed by roundtable discussions which allow participants to ask more in depth questions of panelists and other subject matter experts. Doors will open at 5:45 with the program beginning at 6:00. Heavy appetizers will served at 7:00 followed by group and individual discussions with panelists. Space is limited. Please RSVP by emailing Errin Welty at errin.welty@wedc.org.

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

Downtown Fond du Lac News May 2015

DFP Board of Directors Tom Deitte, President Edith’s Bridal of Fond du Lac Byron Pegram, Vice President Jack’s Team Sports Tony O’Malley, Treasurer Zacheral, O’Malley, Endejan Nicole Wiese, Secretary National Exchange Bank Phil Shepherd, Past President Shepherd Law Office Angie Bingen B&B United Enterprises Dave Buechel Woods Floral & Gifts Ron Emanuel The Goldsmith Alan Hathaway Brownboots Interactive Inc. Steve Little Agnesian HealthCare Brent Skiba Marian University Ex-officio members: Dyann Benson City of Fond du Lac Steve Jenkins Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation

Police Liaison: Jon Gutzmann City of Fond du Lac

Staff

Amy Hansen, Executive Director amy@downtownfdl.com 920.322.2007 Dusty Krikau, Director of Communication and Special Events dusty@downtownfdl.com 920.322.2006 Kathy Tasch, Research Assistant kathy@downtownfdl.com 920.322.2006