The Town of Boulder Junction has joined a state program to help revitalize its downtown.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's Connect Communities Program recently told the town they were accepted into the program. Connect Communities Program is similar to the better-known Main Street program.
President of the Boulder Junction Community Foundation, Barbara Boston, says several volunteers organized a group and with the help of the town board were recently approved by the WEDC. Boston says some empty stores prompted the group to take action...
"...we have a few empty buildings downtown that are very worrisome. One just happens to be in the center of town. It makes it look like a bigger problem than it is, but perception is reality. What this program gives us is we get to network with other towns in the state. We get trainings on best practices, what worked in this instance, what won't work in this. Just all the knowledge of others working toward the same goals...."
Boulder Junction is one of 15 communities added to the program this year, now totaling 67 participants. The Connect Communities Program provides access to resources and training to help local communities revitalize areas.
Since beginning in 2013, the Connect Communities program has added 175 new businesses and more than 550 jobs, including $30 million in investment.