Here’s the Friday open comments post.
Today’s suggested topic concerns the most successful business project or venture in Whitewater. What do you think is an example of success?
The use of pseudonyms and anonymous postings is, of course, fine.
Although the comments template has a space for a name, email address, and website, those who want to leave a field blank can do so. Comments will be moderated, against profanity or trolls. Otherwise, have at it.
I’ll keep the post open through Sunday afternoon.
Have at it.
I’m glad you wrote about the aquatic center. It’s a hidden treasure in town and something other towns can’t match.
Wal-Mart is a success story because it can expand even in bad times with lots of unemployment. Wal-Mart is recession proof.
I like the pool too. We need an indoor pool for sports and fun all year long.
I know you are looking for success stories, but I would like to comment on a lack of success. The downtown of Whitewater is not measureably better than it was before Whitewater became a Main Street community. It is known that the lack of retail in Whitewater has been a long-standing concern. Empty or dumpy storefronts still exist. The City needs to lighten up on some of their requirements for new businesses. Let’s take some of those hidden treasures and do whatever it takes to put them downtown!
I think Rick’s Eastside Pub is a very successful local business. Have you seen the number of customers they have since the smoking ban was implemented? Excellent food, good, honest owners. Congratulations Rick’s!
The Phantom Stranger has enjoyed Toppers pizza and breadstix since his halcyon college days. Nice to see its origin and roots remain here, as its World HQ is on Center Street in the old A & P/Super Valu building. Kudos to the creators and owners of a successful idea and franchise. Observe their innovative website @ http://www.toppers.com
…Mmm…the Phantom Stranger just might conjure up a Potato Topper and Stix right now….yummo…
On a Main Street Community —
I think that downtown Whitewater has fared well in the face of a troubled economy. I belive that the area would have been in a far worse situation without a downtown organization and Main Street status. These are men and women facing a strong and unfavorable economic current, and holding their position, in spite of these hard times.
In days when many are pulled under, they have worked to keep themselves, individually and as a group, afloat. That’s commendable.
I know, well indeed, that a few in this town feel that I’m too critical. Nonetheless, I have been — and am — determined to write as conscience dictates.
Yet, whatever my criticism, sometimes the greatest medical efforts involve preserving life, itself, in the face of a terrible illness. Downtown Whitewater has done that (and more), these last several years, despite obstacles, regulations, and others’ many mistaken policies.
Without their efforts, our situation would have been far worse. This is no easy place for a small merchant, and I have supported their efforts to band together, and to raise money for their merchants’ group within the community.
Where there is life — and there is — so also is there hope for a growing downtown.
The Downtown Whitewater group, and the recognition it has received, makes that possible even in a dismal economy.
any small business that survives in this economy
Husco is a success – they’re expanding when most are struggling.
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2010/10/21/husco-plans-investment-in-wis.html