The Viroqua Partners are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

How did it come to be that Viroqua was chosen as a Wisconsin Main Street Community in 1989?

“A year before we were accepted, we were asked to do an application,” Ingrid Mahan, executive director from April 1994 to October 2008, said. “Many volunteers worked on it. We had to do an inventory on (downtown) buildings — when they were built, if fires took down buildings... We also had to have a commitment from businesses and volunteers for monetary (donations).”

Mahan said Fred Nelson, chair of the Main Street Program committee, filled out the application and she and other employees of Nelson Agri-Center, also helped, along with other volunteers.

Once the application was submitted, Wayne Gates, Nancy Rhodes, Steve Felix and Duffy Hoffland gave an oral presentation to the Department of Development (now Wisconsin Department of Commerce) in Madison. “Many communities apply, but they only pick three per year,” Mahan said.

The Aug. 31, 1989 issue of the Broadcaster-Censor, reported Viroqua had been chosen as one of five Main Street Cities.

A short time later, Gov. Tommy Thompson came to Viroqua for the official announcement that the city was accepted into the Main Street Program. Main Street was blocked off for the event, and a stage was set up in front of the Temple Theatre.

The first Main Street manager was Theresa Washburn, who served from October 1989 to September 1992. Following Washburn, was Janet Loeffler, who held the position for 13 months.

“Linda Wiltsie was the assistant in the office,” Mahan said. “After Janet left, Linda kept things running.”

Mahan came on board in April 1994.

During Mahan’s time in the position, she was assisted by Carol Peterson, and then by Sara Wagemester.

“Those gals were a big part of the Main Street Program,” Mahan said.

When Wagemester left her position as assistant to raise her children, Mahan said, members of the Partners board would lend a helping hand in the office.

“The board of directors were really active and helpful in the office,” she said.

Rebecca Eby now holds the position of executive director, and her assistant is Emily Rozeske.

Mahan said some people have the misconception that when a city becomes part of the Main Street Program the whole program is funded by the state.

“There is no funding; it’s a grassroots effort,” Mahan said. “You get valuable technical support that is available a phone call away... business specialists, design specialists.

“You may not get the dollars, but you get a gazillion dollars of technical support,” she continued. “It’s so valuable when you have experts to help keep the Main Street status.”

What is the Main Street Program?

According to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce website, “The Wisconsin Main Street Program is a comprehensive revitalization program designed to promote the historic and economic redevelopment of traditional business districts in Wisconsin.

“The Main Street Program was established in 1987 to encourage and support the revitalization of downtowns in Wisconsin communities. Each year, the Department of Commerce selects communities to join the program. These communities receive technical support and training needed to restore their Main Streets to centers of community activity and commerce...

“In 1980, the National Trust for Historic Preservation established the National Main Street Center to assist nationwide downtown revitalization efforts.

“The Wisconsin Main Street Program is based on the Trust’s philosophy, which advocates restoration of the historic character of downtown while pursuing traditional development strategies such as marketing, business recruitment and retention, real estate development, market analysis and public improvements...”

The Viroqua Partners continue to make inroads to help the business community and the community at large. Not only does the Partners help organize the Saturday Farmers Market in downtown Viroqua, but also this year a midweek market has been added in the parking lot at Village Market on Wednesdays.

It’s just one small instance that shows the Viroqua Partners are still growing.