THE BRIGHT SIDE

Alexandria Binanti.
The executive director of the Business Improvement District (BID) gave a very informative update on the Main Street Accreditation and the growth the BID has experienced over the past year. The BID has formed its nonprofit status, updates were made to bylaws and board policies, the mill rate resolution was established, communication and growth with city administration have grown, city committee involvement has improved, and last but not least, Lake Geneva became a Wisconsin Main Street.

This accreditation has been a process taking a couple of years. The first step in becoming a Main Street City, Lake Geneva needed to become a connected community. Lake Geneva was a connected community in the past, but for whatever reason, this was not maintained, and the BID had to start the process once again. Alex worked with the businesses, residents, visitors, and city officials to get the ball rolling and to connect more with the community, and regained the title of a Connect Community.

Once this was held for a year, the BID could apply to be a Main Street City. This is not an easy task, as only two cities a year are accepted. This took a few months, including a very extensive interview process. This year, Lake Geneva was the only city accepted. Alex deserves a big hand for this accomplishment and all her hard work.

With the Main Street Accreditation comes some great opportunities. Four points of Main Street are looked at and ways to improve these areas, which are businesses, community, growth potential, and city communications. This is done through economic vitality indicators that focus on creating active and diverse storefronts, looking at ways to build new businesses, support and keep mom and pop stores in the downtown, and marketing indicators to keep small town charm alive in Lake Geneva. Design components are also looked at with the help of the Historic Preservation Society of Wisconsin to encapsulate the character and history of the city. Artistic design is another aspect focused on with the location and design of murals and other visually pleasing aspects. With all the opportunities that are now available due to the Main Street status, the entire community will benefit, and with Alex at the wheel, the Lake Geneva BID will take full advantage and prosper.