Wisconsin Main Street success stories recognized at 35th awards ceremony

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2025 at the 35th Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held at the Grand Theater in Wausau.

The awards honor successful projects and initiatives executed by Main Street and Connect Communities programs around the state. Winning 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 John W. Miller, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “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 37 Main Street communities to help them revitalize their business districts based on guidelines developed by Main Street America.

Since the program’s inception in 1987, Wisconsin Main Street community efforts have resulted in the creation of over 3,600 new businesses and more than 17,500 net new jobs, and over $3 billion in public and private investment has occurred in these districts. During fiscal year 2025 alone, Wisconsin Main Street communities added 135 net new businesses and 247 net new jobs. None of this activity would be possible without the nearly 16,000 annual volunteer hours 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 program’s tenure, 166 participating communities have added more than 1,100 net new businesses and attracted nearly $6 billion in public and private investment.

Among the winners:

Best Special Event
Wausau Night Market, Wausau

Held on the third Thursday each month during the summer, this event transforms downtown Wausau into a vibrant evening destination featuring local makers, food trucks, live music, and small businesses. In 2025, attendance more than doubled to more than 2,000 guests per event, featuring 65 vendors, expanded food options, and a full live music stage.