Dept. of Commerce: Main Street Program Reports Downtown Investment of $61.5 Million in 2002-03

Contact:
Tony Hozeny, 608/267-9661

MADISON- Businesses, communities and individuals interested in learning
about the Wisconsin Main Street Program can now receive The Wisconsin Main
Street Annual Report 2003, a free publication detailing its activities for
the past year. The report also lists the program’s 2002-03 reinvestment
statistics. The Main Street Program promotes the historic and economic
redevelopment of traditional business districts in Wisconsin.

“This program is playing a vital role in the economic success of our state
through the growth of our downtowns,” said Commerce Secretary Cory L.
Nettles. “The report highlights the work being done by Wisconsin’s Main
Street communities and gives a glimpse into the benefits that can come from
participation in its initiatives.”

Communities participating in the Department of Commerce’s Main Street
Program reported total downtown public and private investment of $61.5
million. There were 212 new businesses started that helped to create 839 new
jobs. Since the program began in Wisconsin in 1987, $518.8 million has been
reinvested in participating communities. For each state dollar invested in
the program, Main Street communities have seen a return of $41.46.

The Wisconsin Main Street Annual Report 2003 provides background information
on the Main Street Program and highlights several successful downtown
projects in the areas of design, organization, economic restructuring and
promotion. The report includes a Main Street directory.

Each year, the Department of Commerce selects communities to join the Main
Street program. The Wisconsin Main Street Program provides technical
assistance to local, central business district redevelopment projects.

For copies of The Wisconsin Main Street Annual Report 2003, contact the
Bureau of Downtown Development, Commerce, 608/266-7531. For more information
on the state’s Main Street Program, contact Jim Engle, Department of
Commerce, at 608/267-0766.