“PDRI’s Main Street Program In Its Fifth Year”

Article for Chamber’s January, 2009 Newsletter

By Rogeta Halvorson, Executive Director

Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization, Inc.

Another year has come and gone and PDRI finds itself four years old:  successfully building momentum, enhancing downtown’s economic growth and keeping it strong and viable for generations to come.  Everything PDRI does today outlines its roadmap to success and is dependent upon the support and financial contributions received from generous supporters.  Every single membership – large or small – impacts how effectively PDRI accomplishes its downtown revitalization mission.

2008 was a very good year for PDRI as it spearheaded Prairie du Chien’s downtown streetscape project throughout tough economic times and in spite of region-wide flooding disasters and almost $4/gallon of gas which reduced by 30 percent some area tourism statistics.  PDRI also provided:

·         a series of retail marketing and customer service seminars; sessions on historical rehab tax credits and national register historic districts

·         two $2,000 grants to True Value and The Pickett Fence to implement a new marketing strategy

·         downtown retail promotions bringing in thousands of people throughout the year

·         historical façade renderings drawn for six businesses; promoted building and signage renovations

·         grants and fundraising for downtown revitalization, historic preservation, streetscape project and our holiday decorations and banners – all provided with sweat equity without raising your taxes

As PDRI moves into its fifth year it is counting on renewing membership donations to advance the re-establishment of downtown as the social and economic heart of this community.  With today’s downturn in the economy it is even more crucial that PDRI, retail businesses, organizations and downtown developers combine their resources and prepare for healthier times by creating an inviting year-round recreational and tourist destination.  Thank you so much for your past patronage and here’s to a successful 2009 for downtown Prairie du Chien, PDRI and you!  If you’d like to help PDRI revitalize downtown, please contact Rogeta Halvorson at (608) 326-7374 or pdcmainstreet@centurytel.net.