It’s that time again! We are looking for individuals who are willing to donate just a couple hours to help support their downtown! International Fall Festival is Saturday, September 18, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We are looking for people to help with set-up, block captians, the Kid’s Zone, soda booths, information booths, and tear-down. No special talents required! Please see the attached sheet for our volunteer needs, and time slots available!

2010 IFF Volunteers Slots Needed
2010 IFF Volunteer Position Descriptions

Finally! Our Grand Prize Winner of the 50/50 Raffel is ticket # 0760661 ! Congratulations! The winner of this ticket has until Monday to e-mail downtown@eauclairewi.gov to claim their prize or we draw another ticket! Good luck!

During its most recent annual conference, the International Downtown Association recognized Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI) with a Downtown Merit Award for its work and initiatives related to the 2010 Urban Living Tour.

Specifically, DECI’s 2010 Urban Living Tour was among seventy-three qualified entries in the category of Events and Programming. Submitted projects and initiatives in this category come from those organizations working to further their city centers.

The Washington, D.C. based International Downtown Association (IDA) is a champion for vital and livable urban centers and strives to inform, influence, and inspire downtown leaders and advocates. With 600 members and thousands of friends, IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well-being of towns, cities, and regions.

Winning a pair of Trubilt Auto Body etched glasses is ticket #8720426!

Here are just a few to start the winnings!

The following ticket numbers will each win five games of free bowling from Wagner’s Lanes:
8720353
8720368
8720747
8720415
8720374

There’s just too much fun to contain it to one website!  Summerfest now has an official website.  Check out all the fun at SummerfestEauClaire.com.

The official Summerfest buttons are now available for presale!  This button comes with a fun assortment of deals, tickets, specials, discounts and more.  Get yours and join the Summerfest fun! 

Button packages are $5 each and can be purchased at the following locations: Read the rest of this entry »

Loans and Financing Options for Small Business

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the Heart of Eau Claire Part 5: Loans and Financing Options for Small Business.  Great information was shared by our three speakers:

Mike Schatz, City of Eau Claire Economic Development Administrator (mike.schatz@eauclairewi.gov)
Char Gurney, Regional Business Fund (rbf@rbfinc.org)
Jerry Kuehl, Senior Vice President of Commerical Lending, Northwestern Bank (jerryk@northwesternbank.com)

Visit our Business Resources page for more information on the City of Eau Claire’s available programs. 
View information on the Regional Business Fund or visit the Regional Business Fund website
Visit Northwestern Bank’s website

Not sure which program to start with?  Please contact the City’s Economic Development office and staff can assist you in which programs may be the best fit for your needs.

Thank you again to Houligan’s, Eau Claire Regional Arts Center, and Northwestern Bank for you support!

Over 800 people attended DECI’s first annual Urban Living Tour on June 12 and saw some of downtown’s most exclusive private spaces.

Whether you were able to attend or not, please take a minute to complete our brief survey to help us plan for next year’s event!

Learn more about the 2010 Urban Living Tour

Break out the crayons, markers, ink, or chalk and show support for your downtown by submitting a design in the 2010 Summerfest Button Design Contest!

The winning design will be used for all 2010 button sales and promotion. View all rules and regulations.

Mark your calendars for Summerfest 2010: August 13-14!

Shovel? Check. Old Clothes? Check. Signed up?  Better do it soon!  Only 10 days until Our City 2010!  Register Here!