Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter September | Page 8

NEWS RELEASE August 7, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: John Hendricks, Executive Director Office: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Connect Communities Kick-Off in Sparta Public invited to participate in downtown revitalization effort. Sparta, WI –The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sparta Downtown Cooperative would like to invite all downtown business owners, property owners and residents throughout the community interested in the future of Downtown Sparta to a Connect Communities Kickoff Meeting on Wednesday, September 5 th beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the offices of Kaiyuh Services,112 N. Water Street in Sparta. The Connect Communities Programs, offered through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), is designed to provide training and networking for communities working on revitalization topics. Representatives from WEDC will be present to share information on the Connect Communities program and to discuss downtown revitalization projects and strategies. “This will be a great opportunity for individuals with a stake in the downtown to come together and work with the City and WEDC to promote revitalization in our downtown commercial district” said John Hendricks, Director of the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will consist of a short walking tour of downtown, a presentation and a brief strategic planning session. According to Reinhard Mueller, downtown business leader and chair of Sparta’s Downtown Cooperative, “The selection of Sparta for inclusion in the Connect Communities Program is confirmation of the progress that is being made in re-establishing our downtown as a destination for shopping, dining, and socializing.” Sparta was recently chosen by the WEDC to participate in the Connect Communities program. According to WEDC, the Connect Communities program helps local leaders leverage the unique assets of their downtowns and commercial districts, providing access to resources and networking opportunities to local leaders interested in starting a district revitalization effort. Please contact the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce (269-4123) if you have any questions. The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering community prosperity and improving the quality of life through cooperation, promotion, education and active leadership, as well as enhancing economic benefits and providing networking opportunities for members. Our Mission: “Welcoming Businesses, Unifying the Community, Creating Possibilities” For more information on the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce’s services, activities, and programs, please visit: http://www.bikesparta.com/ or call [phone]. ###