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Osceola - a Main Street CommunityThe value of a healthy Main Street offers art, culture, music, unique businesses, and the pleasure of walking along lively streets rich in history and character. A sense of community is created by a place where area locals feel they belong, line the street to watch parades, meet for dinner or drinks, and enjoy an outdoor concert or movie in the park.
Osceola received the prestigious National Main Street Community award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1997. Osceola is dedicated to promoting a vibrant business community with marketing strategies, real estate development, market analysis, business recruitment and public improvements. While the larger Chamber family includes a variety of businesses from the surrounding area, the Main Street Program focuses on downtown Osceola where the heart and soul of community is created and nurtured. We welcome your donation and your time to continue to improve our Main Street Community. See buttons on the left. |
A FEW of Our Main Street Projects
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New Wayfinding Destination Signage - 2016-2018
Designed and developed new wayfinding destination signage for Osceola that promotes our area attractions and makes it easier to get around town. 
New Map Signage of Historic Downtown 2018-2019
Designed and developed new maps for downtown district that promote the concept of Osceola as a base camp - experience a wide variety of attractions in the area, return to a walk-able Osceola to shop, dine, stay and play some more. 3 more signs planned for 2019 installation. 
Our HistoryThe Osceola Chamber began in 1956 as the Osceola Civic and Community Organization. It later changed its name to the Osceola Business Association, Inc. In 1998 the group became known as the Osceola Chamber of Commerce. The Main Street Program was created in 1977 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and established in WI in 1987. In 1997, Osceola applied and received the prestigious Main Street Community award. The two groups combined and became known as the Osceola Chamber and Main Street Program. Osceola is one of only 36 cities in the state of WI with the Main Street Community Designation. The purpose of the WI Main Street Program is to encourage and support the revitalization of downtowns in Wisconsin. We believe that the Main Street movement has proven that downtowns are the heart of our communities. A steady, consistent, long term commitment helps our downtown retain its identity and stay the course while promoting the values we believe are at the core of a thriving community. The Osceola Main Street Program is a 501c3 charitable non profit.
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New Flower Program Planters & Artwork 2018
Purchased and planted 31 new planters into the downtown area - Includes 3 seasons of decor - summer, spring, & winter. Coordinated with the Osceola High School Tech Dept. in the design and making of metal artwork. 
Since 2015, Osceola has welcomed 15 new businesses into downtown, improved storefront occupancy from 60- 90% and added 45 new jobs.
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The POWER OF 'PLACE'
The Main Street Approach is also about creating better 'places'. This is important because the link between quality of 'place' and the ability to attract and retain residents and talent in that 'place' is becoming increasingly clear. In fact, the unique characteristics of 'place' may be the only truly defensible source of competitive advantage in a world where people can choose to live or work almost anywhere.
The Lincoln Institute recognized, just as Main Street managers do, that downtowns play an outsized role in revitalizing America’s communities because they are the first place people will evaluate when judging the health of a community.
The Lincoln Institute recognized, just as Main Street managers do, that downtowns play an outsized role in revitalizing America’s communities because they are the first place people will evaluate when judging the health of a community.
THE POWER OF SMALL
Approach The Main Street Approach is a time-tested framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization. Main Street empowers communities to set their own destinies. While revitalization is challenging work, the Main Street program offers a road-map for locally-owned, locally-driven prosperity. Across the country, thousands of communities have used the Main Street Approach to transform their economies, leverage local leadership and improve overall quality of life.
Become A FriendFor every $100 donated you can become a Friend of Main Street.
SEE YOUR NAME OR BUSINESS LISTED
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Main Street was developed with the understanding that small steps, small businesses, small deals and small developments can add up to big impact. Building small can be more difficult, more time consuming and less flashy than building the one big thing, but it is also more realistic, more cost effective and more durable than putting all your eggs into one or two baskets. Ironically, Main Street’s ability to understand and leverage the power of small is one of its greatest strengths, but also why it receives relatively little public funding or acknowledgment from state policy makers and traditional economic development professionals.
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