The goal of the 2011 "Revitalizing Wisconsin's Downtowns" webinar series (i.e., web-based presentations) is to create dialogue among participants at a local level that will lead to more proactive support of downtown businesses as well as redevelopment and growth of Wisconsin's downtowns. State and national experts will present topical information on each of the four subjects being showcased this year, and will be available to answer questions during the webinar.
Following each web-based presentation, group dialogue is facilitated at sites located throughout the state lasting anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour. This facilitated discussion bring together community leaders, downtown redevelopment professionals their board members and their staff to interact, learn and share their knowledge with each other. The full value of the program is achieved when everyone participants from a regional host site, who also handles the technological support for the webinar and, who also distributes the materials needed for any session.
This year's series is targets the interests of local businesses and merchants with presentations aimed at defining their role in downtown development and vitality. 
The four main topics that will be featured include: Buy Local Campaigns; Public-Private Partnerships; Bringing Small Industry to Downtowns; and, Working with Big Box Stores to Attract People Downtown. These topics address the challenges that many local independent downtown businesses face on a daily basis. The "Revitalization Wisconsin's Downtowns" webinar series is a unique and effective way for any local leader, professional or director to gain and share knowledge on how to develop and grow their respective downtown businesses. We encourage you to join us for our 2011 programs.
For more information contact the nearest UW-Extension representative from the list below:
Appleton - Jim Resick, Outagamie County UWEX Community Resource Development Educator (920) 832-5121
Chilton - Mary Kohrell, Calumet County UWEX Community Resource Development Educator (920) 849-1450
Darlington - Ela Kakde, Lafayette County Community Resource Development Educator (608) 776-4820
Elkhorn - Joshua Clements, Walworth County Community Resource Development Educator (262) 741-4951
Green Lake - Jason Kauffeld, Green Lake County Community Resource Development Educator (920) 294-4036
LaCrosse - Karl Green, LaCrosse County UWEX Community Resource Development Educator (608) 785-9593
Monroe - Cara Carper, Green County UWEX Community Resource Development Educator (608) 328-9440
Oshkosh - Catherine Neiswender, Winnebago County Community Resource Development Educator (920) 232-1972
Port Washington - Nicole Sidoff, Ozaukee County Community Resource Development Educator (262) 284-8288
Rhinelander - Dan Kuzlik, Oneida County UWEX Community Resource Development Educator (715) 365-2750
Spooner - Beverly Stencel, Washburn County UWEX Community Resource Development Educator (715) 635-4444
Superior - Fariba Pendleton, Douglas County Community Resource Development Educator (715) 395-1363
Whitehall - Patricia Malone, Trempealeau County Community Resource Development Educator (715) 538-2311
For those of you who are unable to join us at a regional site, use the link to your left to register for this series.
Each webinar presentation is supported by a set of resources including foundational readings, program support materials, a guide to facilitating local discussion, as well as a blog that accommodates further interaction and continuous feedback. An RSS feed can be activated to keep you informed of any additions to this website.
Use the appropriate links on your right to find out more information about each upcoming session and previous sessions.