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36 | I NSIGH T • A u g u s t 2 0 15 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Broadway District was largely bars Bongle describes as "beer and shot" taverns, along with lots of empty storefronts. Bongle remembers 1995 as the year he and his partner Steve Scully got out of the squad car and began talking to, and working with, local residents and business owners on the problems facing the district. Instead of accepting the status quo, he says they forged a cooperative vision of what the district could become. While the neighbors and police lobbied the city to crack down on the alcohol and other crime-related problems, others formed a Main Street organization to support business growth. at would eventually become the On Broadway organization that promotes the area and organizes the events that draw thousands to the district. "Where there was once no development, now you have the market and shops," Bongle says. "It's a great example of how community policing can really work." ere's certainly plenty to do and see in the Broadway District now. e Farmers' Market on Broadway is the second largest in the state of Wisconsin. Now in its 12th year, the market brings more than 200 vendors to Broadway on Wednesday nights during the summer, attracting thousands looking for fresh produce, entertainment or just to hang out and sample the scene. On Broadway also organizes the annual Taste on Broadway, a one-night event that attracts nearly 20,000 people. is year's event is Aug. 13. Other events include the annual Holidays on Broadway and Lighting Ceremony on Broadway, as well as attractions such as Food Truck Friday. It's about creating a sense of place that will bring people to the area. "On Broadway's goal has always been to create an environment that encourages walking in and to our district, enjoying the downtown amenities including the waterfront and providing an atmosphere that gives the community another reason to be down here," says Tara Gokey, the organization's executive director. at traffic is what has helped to fuel the recent developments in the district, including the new condo project that New Town Development C O U R T E S Y O F O N B R O A D W AY Meet our lenders. Ridgestone Bank is one of the top 10 SBA lenders in the country, and are USDA specialists. Our experienced lenders work with business owners in Northeast Wisconsin to design custom financial solutions to help them succeed. Contact Joan or Dylan and put them to work for you! Joan Kinate — Green Bay 920-370-8313 jkinate@ridgestone.com Dylan Esterling — Appleton 920-221-6775 desterling@ridgestone.com Learn more at ridgestone.com "Ruben and his Action Painting crew have been some of the most organized, conscientious, and responsive contractors I have had the opportunity to work with. We will certainly use Action Painting again in the future and will gladly recommend them to others who are looking for top quality at fair prices." – Sondra Norder, NHA, JD President & CEO, St. Paul Elder Services, Inc. 920-739-3682 actionpaintingservices.com We treat every project with attention to detail and high level of expertise. Taste on Broadway draws thousands to the district.