Committees reveal ideas at meeting of newly-named "Waukon Works" group

by Bob Beach

Formerly known as the “Downtown Forum,” the newly-named Waukon Works group reconvened Tuesday evening, April 3 in the third of a series of meetings to gather community input on how to bolster economic development in Waukon. Committees formed at the meeting last month gave reports on their progress, including the Branding and Identity Committee, which introduced the new name for the group, as well as a logo (pictured above) designed by Kris Rausch which incorporates the organization's new name with the promotional statement "Gearing up for a stronger Community."
The Events and Natural Attractions Committee suggesting turning the annual Corn Days celebration into a week-long “signature event” akin to Lansing’s Fish Days. The Committee also suggested steering the focus of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Waukon away from the “alcohol” culture and more towards a celebration of Irish Heritage by adding more family-friendly events to "appeal to all walks of life."
The Vision Study Implementation Committee suggested adding more flowers to the downtown area and cleaning up the “plaza area” at the corner of Spring Avenue and Main Street.
The Signage and Business Promotion Committee reported that a “Business District” sign has been approved and will be in place soon. The Committee also suggested making better use of the “Driftless Byway” signs to market Waukon and to use signs to direct more visitors to Waukon’s 43-acre park and its playground, campground, hiking areas and swimming pool.
The Business Expansion, Recruitment and Incentives Committee suggested finding investors to take control of vacant downtown buildings and make them “rent ready” as a first step to recruiting new businesses to the downtown area.
The Shop Waukon Campaign Committee suggested airing public service announcements to encourage people to shop locally. The Committee also suggested moving the farmers market downtown and coordinating Music on Main events to coincide with the market.
The group was also reminded of a confidential mentoring service being coordinated by Waukon and Allamakee Economic Development. Members were asked to volunteer as mentors as planned advertisements are expected to attract aspiring entrepreneurs who would like to take advantage of the service.
In conclusion, the group agreed to form a five-member “steering committee” to focus on the big picture and set priorities for the Funding Committee. The steering committee will be expected to function in much the same way that the “Pride Committee” did in its successful campaign to fund the construction of the Waukon Wellness Center. Members were asked to give some thought as to whether they would like to participate in the steering committee.
The committees will continue to work on their respective tasks and the full group will reconvene in about a month’s time.