He said this community is not unlike others with the politics. Jack thinks that with the change in Chancellor and the new opportunities from the recovery that we can take advantage of the ongoing Revitalization Study and move in a positive direction. He believes Platteville is at a tipping point. UW-P is the fastest growing campus in the UW System and the links to Main Street are there. He wants to solidify those ties.

He said that the Main Street Board has a meeting with Chancellor Shields on August 2. He wants to work with PACCE and the University to establish a student run store on Main Street. It will give the students more experience in retail and add to the richness of Main Street.

Jack looks forward to a new cafe starting up in August and the possibility of a ladies clothing store. He believes in working closely with the Chamber and the rest of the Community because Main Street is the heart of the community, but we need all the pieces working together to improve the quality of life in Platteville.

One of the questions he got was – what is the most difficult challenge in promoting Main Street? He replied there are a number of challenges. One is financing – it is hard to get loans. Another is the historic nature of the buildings versus the space needs of modern retail. He hopes to bring a mix of businesses to Main Street.

Thanks for the wonderful speech!

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Charlie Clark was selected. He cut the King of Diamonds and won $2. The pot before this week’s collection was $231. Good Luck to next week’s winner.

The next Board Meeting will be on Thursday, August 12th at 7 AM at Badger Brothers.

Jerry Schewe reported on the OI Convention in Denver. Some changes in By Laws were tabled – including a motion to change the way clubs who fall behind in dues to OI are billed and another motion to create a separate category for reduced dues for Active Duty military. The latter was tabled due to issues regarding National Guard status, etc. He noted that next year’s Convention is July 4 – 6, 2011 in Baltimore and the Convention in July 2012 is in Milwaukee.

We received a Thank You from the Thalmann family and from Lisa Finnegan at the Middle School for our support of the Freiker program. We received a Thank You and a drawing from a camper at Badger Camp!

Diane Van Natta is absent from the meeting because she is tending to her Dad who is very ill. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.

A former member, Rev. Tom Miller, now in Juda, WI is recovering from bladder cancer surgery. Good news for him is that his daughter is getting married!

Charlie gave a "teaser" that he was working on a Fifth Friday social for July 30. He was hoping to coordinate a meal/movie outing and possibly dessert at the Clark's later. Call or e-mail Charlie with your input and ideas.

It is that time again! Sign up for Grant Co Fair August 18 – 22 and Dairy Days September 10 – 12. Sign up on the web.

There is a new item on the request list. John & Gary have requested that someone sign up to be a "coordinator" for the day. That person is the "go to" person for the shift leader in case of questions, needing batter, etc.

There is a request to do Potosi Brewfest on Aug 28. The club will allow Fennimore to do this. Gary Engelke will assist.

Gary Engelke volunteered to help Rhonda Viney so she can pass along to others. The event will be Thursday July 29. Sign up on the web.