Well, its official…Monroe was announced as a Wisconsin Main Street Community in July 2005. This has been an exciting year for anyone involved with Monroe Main Street.

Monroe’s lengthy Wisconsin Main Street Program Application was submitted in February; we presented to the Wisconsin Council on Main Street in April (and took a bus load of supporters with us - which contributed greatly to our success!); and on July 6, Governor Jim Doyle came to Monroe to give the community the great news.

From left to right: Dr. David Riese, Mayor William Ross, John Baumann, Kate Maresch, Kelly Finkenbinder, Judie Hintzman, Nancy Maliszewski, Governor Jim Doyle, Coordinator Susan Rolander, Representative Brett Davis, and Senator Jon Erpenbach (Photo courtesy of Mary Soddy, Creative Photography, Monroe)

Come and stroll around Monroe’s historic downtown square. There are a variety of specialty shops, eateries, and entertainment options both on and off the square – all within walking distance! Tour the Joseph Huber Brewery, one of Monroe’s cheese factories, or visit Monroe Arts Center Frehner Gallery.   Monroe , Wisconsin ~ A fun place to live, work and visit!

Mission Statement
Adopted October 24, 2005
The Monroe Main Street Program will improve the quality of life for all Monroe residents byensuring economic stability, maintaining historic integrity, and making Monroe's downtown thefocal point of the community.

Vision Statement
Adopted October 24, 2005
The Monroe Square of the future will reflect a vital and energetic quality of life that provides a place of energy and vitality for residents and visitors alike. The Square will be the city's heart,anchored by its historical centerpiece, the Green County Courthouse, and flanked by businesses and residences, cafes, shops and offices. It will serve as a four-seasons destination for its residents, visitors, and business people.

The Square will be both unique and memorable, offering modern amenities while preserving the rich heritage of the city's history. It will provide a safe haven for adults, teens and children as they gather for formal and informal socializing, shopping and transacting business in a welcoming atmosphere where people can stroll or relax as they take in the color, tradition and quaintness of a downtown area that features Victorian architecture.

Lit by the sun during the day and by charming street lamps at night, the Square¹s townspeople and visitors will revel in the quiet, friendly yet vibrant fresh air - a scent occasionally enhanced by blooming flowers, fresh popcorn, baked gingerbread and homemade chocolate. A walk by oneof the downtown¹s outdoor cafes or into one of its brewpubs, will tease the senses as well.

Businesses, both old and new, led by long-time residents or new-to-town entrepreneurs, will flourish around the Square¹s perimeter. Patrons will find an eclectic mix of shops, offering everything from clothing, unique gifts, basic office supplies and groceries, to one-of-a-kind artwork, rare antiques and valued collectibles.

Bankers, attorneys and other service professionals will house firms within Square as well. These business leaders will support the downtown with more than their individual presence. They will partner with local merchants to spur commerce, support community values and help recruit and retain downtown stakeholders.

Monroe¹s downtown will be the greatest source of the community's pride: It will include traditional Swiss festivals, open air markets, events such as a chili cook-off, cheese and wine tastings and concerts that will dot the calendar year-round; ensuring that everyone who comes to downtown Monroe will have things to do, places to go and an opportunity to experience modern life in a rural community where values and family are equally as important as progress and economic stability.

As the Square prospers, so will the entire community as residents return their attentions to the heart and center of Monroe, making it a primary part of their day to day lives while maintaining it as the core of commerce and activity.