• Speaker: Dave Ring (Kwik Trip). In light of the new Kwik Trip opening, Dave joins us as we talk about drawing more people to this key entrance to La Crosse 
• Other Business: Budget approval  

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Key Projects Update

Win a TV - NLBA Membership Drive Begins

Ask a nonmember to the February 5 or March 5 NLBA meetings or the Feb 24 Meet-Up at the Northside Fire Station and earn 1 point. If they join >> and earn another four points. Top point-getter wins a TV donated by Neuie's Vogue / Scott Neumeister and https://stacksfamilyfarms.com/Stacks Family Farm. See who's already a member here >> 

Caledonia Park Place Receives $79,000 in Funding

In November, the City of La Crosse approached the NLBA about helping them submit an application to create Vibrant Space in the Caledonia Street area as part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp (WEDC)'s matching grant program. Up to $25,000 to $50,000 could be available. Using the vision of Mark Jewellers owner Karla Doolittle, we submitted the conceptual project shown here - narrowing the parking lot by making it one-way to allow for greenspace. Last night (Thursday, January 9), the Council approved the matched funding and more -- $79,000 -- coming from a northside tax incremental district (TID)* funds. This includes signage to the street from major streets, historic street informational signage, in addition to the space creation of "Caledonia Street Park Place" to hold events, etc. The Farmers Market has expressed having events in the space as well as local businesses and organizations. The goal is to increase people coming to the street and Northside (a.k.a. foot-traffic). Regardless of whether WEDC issues the grant, this $79,000 is available for a project in this space. 

* TID funding is created when a large project, in this case the redevelopment of the old Trane Plant (now Fifth Ward apartments near Menards) increases in value -- there is an incremental increase in the property tax base.  Some of the increased taxes are collected and reserved to improve the surrounding area.

Highway 53 Funding Ending

With the creation of a Highway 53 plan several years ago, the City allocated funding to improve the corridor. A committee identified beautifying the medians at the entrance to the City as a priority. After pursuing several concepts, lack of water to grow plants and DOT and City safety restrictions limit what can occur. Still, banners, some median improvements, and cleanup of what is along the corridor are planned before the funding runs out the end of March 2025.

NLBA Receives City of La Crosse ARPA funding to Create Northside Gift Card Program

At the end of December, the NLBA received a check from the City of La Crosse to begin an electronic gift card program for the Northside. This is a first-of-its-kind program for our region where people can buy cards 24/7/365 and use them like a credit card at businesses that the NLBA would register. The benefit to businesses in accepting this card is that its ease and variety of use will appeal to those purchasing gift cards, such as employee-appreciation gifts where preferences are diverse -- one gift card can be used at 20 places. In addition, there will be NLBA marketing of the gift card program incentives offered using the funding (ex. buy $20, receive $25), and more.

How You Can Help

We are seeking volunteers to help guide this program and register businesses as it launches. Help bring business to fellow Northside businesses. Reach out to Vicki Markussen: info@northlacrosse.org or 608.386.7883