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LA CROSSE — The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. recognized the best downtown projects of 2022 during the 32nd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony at the La Crosse Center.
Projects honored included business and community development initiatives, historic preservation, community celebrations and revitalization success stories from across the country.
The Downtown Racine Corp. came home with three first-place honors:
- Best Special Event: Party on the Pavement, Downtown Racine
- Best Cooperative Business Marketing: Fashion Show on Monument Square
- Diversity & Inclusion Award: Black History Month, Racine, co-winner.
“I am ecstatic at the strides we have made in Downtown Racine,” said Kelly Kruse, Downtown Racine Corp. executive director. “Not only have we had over 60 new businesses open in the last two years, the DRC has also programmed over 80 event dates. To be honored at the state level in three categories is incredible. I am so grateful for the support of the Wisconsin Main Street program, my board and incredible staff.”
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Wisconsin Main Street is a community development program administered by WEDC that targets the state’s historic commercial districts.
WEDC provides technical support and training to the 34 Main Street communities to help them revitalize their business districts based on guidelines developed by the National Main Street Center.
Kruse was also honored with a five years of service award.
DRC also recently was designated as an Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners recognize a commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.
DRC’s performance is annually evaluated by WEDC’s Wisconsin Main Street Program, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards.
