Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/338735
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m J u l y 2 0 14 • I nsIgh t | 27 impact on events and business development," Mirkes says. "Large festivals or series events – they are all just as important to us. It creates activity, and it does shine the light on nearby business activity." Willems says Mile of Music was always intended to be something big for downtown Appleton – an event that puts people into stores, restaurants and taverns – and adds to the other cool events that the community has each year. But it's also meant to lay a foundation on which a creative economy can flourish. "Are we looking for the creative vibe to take over the Fox Cities or take over Appleton? no," Willems says. "Are we looking for the creative vibe to become a special part of what we are? Absolutely. at's our evil, insidious plan." alongside you. And I think that's why festivals can be especially unique in that you have that energy that a group can provide." Cities like Appleton and others of a similar size that hold music festivals generate a solid economic impact, particularly when they draw visitors from out of town, says Lisa Marshall, communications director for the Wisconsin Department of tourism, which provided Mile of Music with a JEM (joint effort marketing) grant for $37,000. e grant will help Mile of Music pay for promotional advertising outside of the Fox Cities, mainly in Madison and Milwaukee. Willems says he expects between 3,000 and 5,000 of the concert-goers to come from those cities this year. In June, sturgeon Bay held its annual steel Bridge songfest, which included more than 175 performers. Chisel has played at that festival, which he calls an "awesome regional treasure." It's held in the hometown of Jeff Mirkes, executive director of Downtown green Bay, Inc. "In looking at the big-picture impact that special events can have on a region, it really helps shape the character of an area," Mirkes says. "It builds character for our community, but it also sends a positive message to people of all ages that things are happening, that people care, and there's a unique event." Both large events and smaller series-type events can change the face of a community, he says. "I have noticed over the past two years a very significant More photos Visit www.insightonbusiness.com for a gallery of photos from the Insight photo shoot and more from Mile 1. This year's Mile of Music will feature more than 600 performances at about 60 venues like CU Saloon. Last year, The Tyme Machines, Chicago rocked a full house at Mill Creek Blues Cafe (inset). M i l e o f M u s i c p h o t o g r a p h s b y g r a h a M W a s h at k a