On behalf of the staff and board of the Westown Association, BID #5, thank you for your ongoing support.  As we look toward a new year filled with challenging economic circumstances, you can be confidant that we are still preparing for an exciting year of programming that will promote our great neighborhood, west of the Milwaukee River.  Westown has made it a priority to maintain programs and services for our members as we too face the same challenges in sustaining the revenue to support them.

As a member of the Westown Association, you recognize that downtown Milwaukee is undergoing a phenomenal revitalization. In order for this renaissance to continue, leadership by area property, business owners and residents is essential. The Westown Association provides the vehicle for this leadership, coordinating marketing efforts, special events, transportation and parking planning, and community and economic development initiatives that emphasize the Wisconsin Avenue retail corridor.

Our special events continue to gain momentum and are attracting thousands of visitors to Downtown. The new-year will get off to a great start when the 44^th Annual Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns on March 13, 2010. Then, it’s time to get ready for an action-packed summer with River Rhythms and the Westown Farmer’s Market both beginning in June and continuing each Wednesday throughout the summer and into the fall.  Don’t forget the outdoor movies in Pere Marquette Park when we present River Flicks on the first four Fridays in August.  Rounding out 2010 and continuing into 2011 will be the return of the Westown Indoor Market, which brought everyone’s favorite Farmer’s Market vendors inside to the Shops of Grand Avenue for the second time this winter.

We want to continue to work with you on all of our exciting programs planned for 2010. Please be a part of the more than 130 stakeholders who are also passionate about the Westown renaissance.  Your investment in Westown will make a difference. Our members are a vital part of our success!

Sincerely,

Stacie Callies

Executive Director