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Wisconsin Main Street success stories celebrated at 33rd annual awards event at Green Bay awards ceremony, WEDC salutes top 2023 revitalization projectsGREEN BAY, WI. April 19, 2024 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) celebrated the best downtown revitalization projects of 2023 at the 33rd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held at Gather on Broadway in Green Bay. “As Main Street goes, so goes Wisconsin’s economy, its well-being, our way of life in the Badger State,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC Secretary and CEO. “And these awards prove once again Wisconsin communities are thriving. Congratulations to the winners. We salute and celebrate you, our partners in creating an economy and improving the quality of life for the betterment and benefit of all.”On behalf of Secretary Hughes, Sam Rikkers, WEDC Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, recognized the winners at the awards ceremony.“With many of these Main Street projects, we are preserving history and making history, leading by example in maintaining what sets Wisconsin apart,” Rikkers said. “While these projects in the heart of your communities are vital to local commerce and cultural activities today, they are part of our Badger State legacy we must preserve for future generations to enjoy.” Other WEDC leaders also joined in the celebration of successful projects and initiatives executed by Main Street and Connect Communities programs around the state. Recognized projects included business and community development initiatives, building renovations, community celebrations, and revitalization success stories from across Wisconsin.“Showcasing the variety of success stories from communities large and small is always inspirational,” said Mike Ward, WEDC vice president of business and community development. “The Main Street Awards ceremony celebrates the hard work, vision and dedication of those who are working tirelessly behind the scenes each day to preserve and promote their downtowns.” 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 the 34 Main Street communities to help them revitalize their business districts based on guidelines developed by the National Main Street Center.Since the program’s inception in 1987, Wisconsin Main Street community efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 3,300 new businesses and nearly 17,000 net new jobs, and over $2.6 billion in public and private investment has occurred in these districts. During fiscal year 2023 alone, Wisconsin Main Street communities added 112 new businesses and 287 net new jobs. None of this activity would be possible without the nearly 30,000 volunteer hours that were dedicated to the Main Street effort by passionate individuals from each community.Also represented at today's event were members of WEDC’s Connect Communities Program, a companion program to Wisconsin Main Street created in 2013 to provide access to resources and training to help communities pursue revitalization and redevelopment efforts. Over the past decade, 138 participating communities have added more than 870 net new businesses and attracted nearly $4.6 billion in public and private investment. Executive Director Years of Service AwardsShauna El-Amin – Beloit (12 years)Community ChampionsTim Taylor – Beloit

Our outdoor Farmers' Market starts on May 4th!It's Always Fun in Downtown Beloit!https://conta.cc/4aQlrf4

What are you in the mood for today? A Delicious Specialty Coffee or a Refreshing Twisty Tea? Lots of Yumminess to choose from. #deedees #goodvibes #coffees

Coffee Camper Season is Here!! Can you believe We got her (Miss Hazel) out of storage yesterday to get her all ready and geared up for her second season to serve all of you Fantabulous folks?! We are all in Our feels and the butterflies have started along with the nervous/excited goosebumps we get, but we are thinking this year is going to be one of the BEST yet! We have some New Drinks, New Ideas, and Events Brewing for this Season! Do you want her at an Event? Please Comment below with any Ideas that YOU may have for Miss Hazel this 2024 season! Share away! Warm Wishes- DeeDee & Crew

Post from Miss Beloit's Teen:Freaking out!today I was scrolling through Snapchat and saw Lizzie’s (Miss Beloit ) and my faces on the billboard. I immediately grabbed my things, bolted to the door, and made my grandma drive me to see it in person!Thank you to our amazing sponsors who made this possible: Always & Forever Formal Wear and Elite Ladies Of Beloit

The 2024 Rockton River Market is gearing up to be a delightful event, offering a vibrant mix of live entertainment and tantalizing food options. Set against the scenic backdrop of Settlers Park, this market is not just about shopping—it's an experience that invites you to linger, enjoy the music, and savor the flavors.Live Entertainment Schedule:**May 22, 6 PM: Lyndsay MarieMay 29: Harpo's RevueJune 5: MinimalJune 19:Nauti-NautiJune 26: That GurlJuly 3: Lola Blu-July 10: Bill and Jim's AttorlentacousticJuly 17: Dirty Fishnet StockingsJuly 24: Vintage VinylJuly 31: Jon Bon StamosAugust 7: Cover StoryAugust 14: Shuffle ThisAugust 21: Hanks NeighborsAugust 28: DistilledSeptember 4: Rockton Police Association's Blues & BBQFood Vendors:- After the Vine: Wine-to-go, tastings, and retailRustic Oven Wood-Fired Pizza: Wood-fired pizza and slushiesDisco Chicken: Chicken sandwiches, tenders, and totsCurious Herbivore: Vegan bakery delightsThai Jasmine Rice & Noodles: Authentic Thai cuisineCafe on Wheels: Smash burgers, hand-cut fries, brisket grilled cheese, and moreDairyhaus: Ice cream treatsDeedee's Main St. Coffee: Coffee, tea, and frozen lemonadesRockton Inn: Pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs, and bratsJammin Jerk Grill: Jerk Bowls, Taste of Jamaica, and Jerk Chicken Philly- Prairie Street Brewing Co.: Regional craft beerThe Mix: Non-alcoholic beverages and candyThe Licorice Guy: Gourmet licoriceThe Olive Branch: Greek gyros, chicken, pork kabobs, and rice bowlsBOP BOP Korean BBQ: Korean rice bowls, Korean corn dogs, and fruity iced drinks with bobaRookie's Pub & Grill: Italian sausage, Polish sausage, walking tacos, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beveragesFibs: Domestic beer and pizzaSimply Sweet: Bread, cookies, and assorted baked goodsAl's Main Street Tap: Mixed drinksFrybabies: Fried food and grilled chicken itemsCantina Taco: Tacos, chips, queso, and salsaWith such a diverse array of food vendors and an exciting lineup of live music, the Rockton River Market is sure to be a highlight of the summer. Whether you're a local looking for some midweek fun or a visitor seeking a taste of the Rockton experience, this market promises to deliver an unforgettable evening. Mark your calendars, and don't miss out on this fantastic event!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Rita, the driving force behind Rock County Restoration, a remarkable organization dedicated to helping individuals on their journey to recovery from substance abuse. Rock County Restoration is a 501(c)(3) serving Rock County, WI, and the Stateline area. Their current focus is on offering nonresidential recovery services, including Restore recovery support groups on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8pm. However, their vision extends far beyond this.Their ultimate goal is to open a long-term residential recovery center, providing a safe and nurturing environment for women to achieve long-term recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. What sets Rock County Restoration apart is their commitment to restoring lives through the love of Jesus Christ, making their approach not just about recovery, but about holistic healing.The planned facility will cater to women 18 years and older, offering individualized, supportive, and compassionate care. Importantly, Rock County Restoration does not discriminate based on religious or spiritual views, ensuring that all women seeking help are welcomed and supported.At the core of Rock County Restoration is the belief that everyone has the right and ability to live a life free from addiction. Their approach focuses on treating each client's underlying core problems, addressing emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of addiction to provide the tools needed for sustained recovery.Their mission extends beyond recovery to transforming lives in areas such as financial accountability, stress and anger management, and community interaction, all approached from a Christ-centered perspective.Rock County Restoration provides a safe, compassionate, confidential, and non-judgmental environment conducive to emotional and spiritual healing. They believe that by bringing glory to God, they can bring about real and lasting change in the lives of those struggling with addiction.In conclusion, Rock County Restoration is not just a recovery center; it's a beacon of hope, offering a path to recovery and transformation through the power of faith and love.

Hold onto your popcorn, folks! We are teaming up with Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) to deliver an experience that's bigger and bolder than ever before! From mouthwatering cocktail flights to epic burger deals and live music that'll have you groovin' in your seat, it all kicks off this Thursday.View the BEYOND BIFF lineup below.

DEVIATE Beloit is now accepting applications for visual artists and musicians interested in taking part in the 3rd annual art and entertainment experience in downtown Beloit. Read more and apply at the link!Link: https://www.geronimohospitalitygroup.com/post/deviate-now-accepting-artist-applications-for-3rd-annual-art-entertainment-experience?fbclid=IwAR2pl3o5m5MMq16vL3uHdFjmQg57OL5P48ZoCNPtQcKd09l3_scGQQr-qwA

What Does SEO Stand For and Why Is It Important? https://freshhorizonsgroup.com/.../what-does-seo-stand... Via Fresh Horizons Group's Blog

Congratulations to ABC Supply Stadium, Amazon, Community Action, Fresh Horizons Group, Inc., ICONIQ, Kettle Foods, Pinnon Meats, Rojas Boxing Gym, Stateline Boys & Girls Club, Walmart, Woodman’s Food Market, and Stateline Family YMCA for their Community Collaboration Awards. We were proud to recognize these organizations during our awards ceremony last week.All these organization donated services, resource or facilities or fostered opportunities for our officers to positively engage with our city’s youth. The City of Beloit Police Department is immensely grateful for their commitment to strengthening Beloit.

Thank you Family Services of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, inc. for this award! So grateful to be part of our amazing downtown and work with these fabulous ladies to help other women in need. Stay tuned for our next donation drive for Mother's Day! Family Services honored five remarkable women with the Good Neighbor Award for their generosity, leadership, and compassion. They have made a lasting difference in the lives of many and their legacy of compassion and empowerment will echo for generations to come. Pictured left to right: Betsy Schmiechen, Nikkie Chadwick, Christine Drake, Megan Warntjes, and Shatoria Teague."

Congratulations to our Robinson Cougars who were the winners of our 2nd annual Bookmark Contest for Read Across America! Each of their bookmarks will be printed and distributed to classmates in their classroom. #

𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐃𝐁 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞!Listen to today's podcast featuring Kathy Pohl, one of the coordinators of Becca's Closet. She joins the podcast to talk about the program, the Knight's Armory, how students can obtain free prom wear, and how individuals can make donations. 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: www.buzzsprout.com/1627771/14787749

Each quarter we honor and recognize our 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗶𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀. These individuals are nominated by their peers for their passion, work, and dedication to our students and district families.Today we celebrate 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗺𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲 nominated by Mary Jo Wilson!"Tammy stands out as an all-star staff member for her outstanding contributions during special ed. staff shortages at Converse. Going beyond the call of duty, she covered shortages with enthusiasm, demonstrating a strong commitment to the team's success. Notably, Tammy also provided crucial support to a new teacher, showcasing her dedication to a collaborative and supportive work environment. Her ability to seamlessly jump into any situation with full acceptance and support makes her an invaluable asset to the team. Tammy excels at creative problem-solving, addressing challenges with efficiency. She consistently goes the extra mile, demonstrating a commitment to the team's success that sets her apart. Remarkably, Tammy manages to maintain her caseload responsibilities while actively contributing to the team's success. Her unwavering dedication, adaptability, and willingness to go above and beyond make her a standout staff member deserving of recognition as an all-star."

As the weather warms up, we're all craving some cool, creamy treats! We want to hear about your favorite local ice cream spot. Whether you love the classic flavors, unique creations, or the cozy atmosphere, let us know!

Excitement is brewing in Beloit as Geronimo Hospitality Group prepares to unveil Henry Dorrbaker's, a groundbreaking entertainment concept that promises to transform downtown Beloit's landscape. Inspired by the city's rich heritage and the vibrant culture of the Ironworks Campus, Henry Dorrbaker's will offer a unique blend of vintage charm and modern thrills, catering to guests of all ages.The 20,000+ square foot venue, situated at the intersection of Spine Road and the Rock River, will breathe new life into a vacant warehouse space on the Ironworks Campus. Renderings of the facility reveal a dynamic space where duckpin bowling, mini-golf, vintage arcade games, and a lively bar scene will converge, creating an atmosphere unlike any other in the region.Jeff Whiteman, Chief Operating Officer for Geronimo Hospitality Group, expressed excitement about the project, stating, "Guests can expect a nostalgic yet contemporary experience that celebrates the spirit of community and camaraderie. The venue will bring a new and exciting dimension of entertainment to the heart of the city's downtown."Henry Dorrbaker's is set to break ground this Spring, with a planned completion date by the end of 2024. For the latest updates and more information, visit www.henrydorrbakers.com.About Geronimo Hospitality Group:Based in Beloit, Wisconsin, Geronimo Hospitality Group owns and operates a collection of award-winning boutique hotels, restaurants, and clubs. Committed to providing memorable guest experiences through genuine service and original brands, Geronimo properties are renowned as destinations of choice for locals and travelers alike. For more information, visit www.geronimohospitalitygroup.com.About Hendricks Commercial Properties:Also based in Beloit, Wisconsin, Hendricks Commercial Properties (HCP) invests in, develops, and manages mixed-use destinations and industrial properties across the United States. HCP is dedicated to creating work environments and lifestyles that people truly enjoy being a part of every day. For more information, visit www.hendricksgroup.net.

We look forward to seeing everyone Saturday for our Easter Eggstravaganza. In our Fun Zone we will have Miss Beloit and Miss Beloit's Teen doing some fun games and activities, chips from Frito Lay Beloit, WI, candy from Woodman's Food Market, Educators Credit Union, Dolphin Swim Club and NuLine Orthodontics - Beloit outside as well as Bucciferro Family McDonald's Birdie and many of our downtown businesses on the Bunny Hop Trail. Here is the map (copies will be available). See you then! Also, be sure to grab a word scramble sheet while you're here and complete it for a chance to win one of our Easter baskets!

Take a Look and Listen to a FUN experience I had this morning! Thanks so much Chelsea and Robby! Blessed to have been invited! https://www.facebook.com/share/9Vgk5qDoWhpbyKQK/?mibextid=oFDknkTheir comment: Need a cozy spot to kickstart your day? Look no further than DeeDee's Main Street Coffee & Decor! Nestled in the heart of Rockton, DeeDee's offers more than just great coffee – it's a charming oasis where you can sip, relax, and meet some new friends! From freshly brewed brews to delightful decor, it's the perfect blend of comfort and style. We had a great time getting to know Diana this morning. Listen to the full interviews here: https://omny.fm/.../2024-03-28-biana-from-deedees-main...March is Women's History Month, and we are highlighting women-owned businesses right here in the Stateline.

Hackett Elementary hosted their annual 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 in February. This event engages family and community members as guest readers, in order to build community partnerships and celebrate Black History Month. Students were able to interact with different members of the community, learn about their occupations and contributions to our city, and hear some great stories that amplify black voices, history, and excellence.

𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐃𝐁 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞!What makes you happy? Tune in to a special episode featuring Mrs. Capozziello's 2nd-grade class from Converse Elementary School to find out what makes our students happy. We hope this episode brings a little bit of joy to your day!𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: www.buzzsprout.com/1627771/14695901

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 - 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩!We loved the shout-out in your most recent newsletter to our BMHS students who graduated from the Craftsman with Character program. This program is possible because of the support of companies like yours, The Morse Group! Our graduates are career, college, and community-ready. #BeloitProud #GoodThingsHapening

The Historic Auto Attraction Family would like to inform everyone that our Chief Historian, Tony Farrell will be taking a Medical Leave of Absence. We would ask that you keep Tony in your thoughts and prayers, as he goes through Cancer surgery and treatment. We will be checking in with him and keeping you all updated as this process goes forth. Once he is back, you all will be the FIRST to know! Thank you all for your support and we will see you all soon!

OPENING FOR THE 2024 SEASONMonday, April 1st, 2024 start your journey through time and experience something incredible. The centerpiece of the NEW Wild West town is a stunning facade that was once a beloved feature of the Rockford Speedway. This magnificent structure will now be on display in Roscoe as part of Historic Auto Attractions. Its weathered and worn appearance tells the tale of countless races and roaring engines, adding a touch of nostalgia to this exciting new addition. But the wild west town is just the beginning. The museum has also curated an impressive collection of new artifacts that will be displayed throughout various exhibits. The Hall of Presidents, and Gangster Land, are just a couple of exhibits that were added. We will see you all very soon! Located at 13825 Metric Rd. Roscoe, IL 61073We're Conveniently Located 1 Mile Off Interstate I-90Just Off The Rockton Rd. Exit.Regular Hours:Tuesday- Thursday 10 am-5 pmFriday & Saturday 10 am-6 pmSunday 10 am-6 pm