By working together, Cornell can attract people and grow

By Ginna Young

Although there are 17 businesses on Cornell’s Main Street, not including the post office, city office and police station, many who visit the city, don’t even know there’s a downtown.

“There’s nothing to draw their attention to it,” said Sandy Schecklman, business owner/council member. “This town has a lot to offer.”

Because of that, Schecklman organized a meeting this summer, with community partners and business owners, to discuss installing signage and hiring someone for event promotion. Recently, some events in the community have had to be canceled or were in danger of being canceled, because of low participation, which Schecklman says is sad to see and affects everyone in the community, in some way.

Ray French, with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, likes to pair print with social media to promote towns, but it’s also about getting out there with networking and connections.

“It’s having groups like this come together…that’s really focused on promoting and getting that name out there,” said French. “How do we get everybody connected, is the question.”

Those present agreed a communications person is needed, as no one has the time to dedicate to such an intensive position.

Dan Sweeney, Candy Shop owner in Chippewa Falls, suggested raising taxes to fund a full-time position, but it was agreed the community doesn’t want to increase taxes.

Sweeney also mentioned that Main Street Dollars or something of a similar name, hand out the fake money dollars for winners of contests or prize drawings, which can be spent at any business.

“If you give them Cornell Dollars, they can spend it freely at any other business in Cornell,” said Sweeney.

That’s also where a communications person would come in and to approach multiple resources. The right person could also work on new advertising brochures, a community guide and create social posts.

French shared that there are grants for development of the downtown and tourism development, which is a oneto- one match. There is also a Regional Business Fund, which gives 1 percent interest loans on facade improvements, as well as a Revolving Loan Fund, at 4 percent interest.

“There are lower cost capital options that can be tapped,” said French.

Kris O’Leary, publisher of the Courier Sentinel, suggested working with communities around Cornell.

“Because, this is a huge tourist area,” she said, adding that events would still happen, but there would be assets available. “Each community keeps your individuality that way, but you have more people to help with things.”

Moonridge Brewery owner Andrew Clement asked how they can get people to Cornell, and keep them there.

“We need more jobs in this town,” said Clement. Jackie Russell, owner of Cornell Chiropractic, says people come to Cornell to live, because it’s cheaper, but that there are not a lot of jobs available from large employers.

“I just feel like the town’s never going to grow,” she said, “unless there’s business or something to keep people here – bring people here.”

Business owner/council member Bill Kvapil mentioned that he and Schecklman are trying to revitalize the empty buildings into businesses, but many don’t want to entertain that notion. French pointed out that it takes willing property owners, and that individuals can reach out to them to either sell the property or fix it up.

“As long as there are investments being made, it doesn’t have to be everything in a line, but it will eventually get there,” he said. “You just need one or two to start, and then people will feel that momentum. There’s a lot of potential here and I hope you all see it.”

Building from the input at the meeting, Schecklman received permission from the Cornell City Council, to advertise for a marketing manager, to work with city representatives and businesses, in promoting the city’s services and attractions. Paid for through the city’s budget, the position will be up to 600 hours, annually.

Interested parties can contact the city office for more details or to drop off a resume.

“If everybody’s on the same page with this, I think we can make it happen,” said Schecklman.

Community member Darrel Palmer says something like this not the first time it has taken place in Cornell, but that things have to continue to go forward. He feels in order to succeed, revitalization needs someone who breathes fire and puts in a lot of effort.

“This has been a problem here for years, in Cornell,” said Palmer. “This is a start.”