WEDC salutes volunteers and staff at 24th annual event in De Pere (Photos from DJ Herda Photography)

DE PERE — 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.

Tricia Braun, deputy secretary and COO of WEDC, was on hand to recognize the efforts by Main Street volunteers and staff for the historic preservation and downtown economic development efforts of communities in Wisconsin.

“The Wisconsin Main Street Program is a true success story that has revitalized downtown districts throughout the state and has provided a significant economic boost to the local communities,” Braun said. “This is a great way to recognize the amazing work being done by the volunteers and staffers who play a key role in that success.”

Wisconsin Main Street is a community development program administered by WEDC that targets Wisconsin’s historic commercial districts. WEDC provides technical support and training to Wisconsin communities to revitalize their business districts based on historic preservation developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Wisconsin has 36 Main Street communities. Since 1988, Main Street communities saw more than 3,000 businesses open their doors and create 7,100 jobs with nearly $1 billion in private investment taking place in those downtown districts.

In 2013-14, 90 new businesses opened in the Wisconsin Main Street communities, creating more than 450 jobs and generating $85 million in private investment.

Kate Clanton, left, and Lois TeStrake

Awards presented to local recipients included:

Best Storefront Display

Winner: Circle The Date, Marshfield

2014 Volunteers of the Year

Kate Clanton, Marshfield

2014 Honorary Board Members

C.W. Mitten

Wisconsin Main Street Hall of Fame Inductees

Lois TeStrake, Marshfield; Current Board President and Main Street Board Member since 2001

In addition to the celebrating its local winners, Main Street Marshfield was recognized for a milestone anniversary of 25 years.

Circle the Date owner Jenny Kilty

“It was fun evening with a lot of inspiring stories being shared about our Wisconsin Main Streets. I was very happy to see Lois recognized as she has been a cornerstone at Main Street Marshfield for a long time” said Angie Eloranta, Main Street Marshfield executive director.