With the  double crisis of the pandemic and economic downturn,  small family owned businesses in downtown Osceola are hit hardest.  They need Main Street services now more than ever.
And you can help with a click of a button.

Osceola -  a Main Street Community

​The 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 or some music and frequent businesses that are thriving.

Successful downtowns don’t just happen. They need to be planned and nurtured to create that vitality that many enjoy. 

Osceola Main Street is dedicated to promoting  a vibrant business community with marketing strategies,  promotions, volunteer programs, real estate development, downtown events, market analysis, business recruitment and street 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.
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Your donation and your time will help provide services to improve the Osceola Main Street Community. See buttons on the left.
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A FEW of Our Main Street Projects

Curbside & Picnics To- Go 2020
Coordinated  and promoted the two new programs to allow restaurants to set up and transition to order, take out and deliver in parking spaces downtown Osceola. The PIcnics to Go program promotes ordering take out and eating outdoors in Osceola.
Luminate Downtown Project 2019-20
Raised funds, designed and installed new lighting for the trees downtown Osceola. These twinkly lights create a magical experience for shoppers throughout the entire year.
​New Wayfinding Destination Signage - 2016-18
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 2018-19
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. 

Our History

​The 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.
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 true source of competitive advantage in a world where people can choose to live or work almost anywhere.
Downtowns play an amazing 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 Friend

For every $250 donated you can become a Friend of Main Street.
SEE YOUR NAME OR BUSINESS LISTED 
​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.