WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Several leaders in Wausau and Marathon County participated in a Zoom meeting on Monday regarding the next steps forward for the local economy once the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us.
The discussion, an “Appreciative Inquiry” program designed to help the local economy get back on track, was the first of its kind in Wisconsin and was facilitated by outside consultants.
Much of the discussion focused on sharing what has been learned in the last year, both good and bad. Wausau City Council Alder Lisa Rasmussen touted the city’s successful dining on the street program, which helped restaurants expand their capacity.
“We found that we’ve created a couple of events that people have come to love,” said Rasmussen. “One of them was called dining on the street. That started on Wednesday nights and expanded into Thursdays on Third.”
She said those events, or something similar to them, are likely to continue post-pandemic. “They brought more people into one of our key commerce centers. So the idea is as people resume some normalcy, the last thing we want to do is pull the rug out from under things that brought people to them.
Both Rasmussen and Marathon County Supervisor William Harris also pointed out the need for clear communication with the public as the pandemic ends. Rasmussen focused on making sure consumers know when businesses resume normal procedures. Harris emphasized the importance of making sure low-income residents knew what was available to them, especially during the onset of the pandemic.
“Not just having resources, but making sure people are aware of those resources. I think that’s something that went well and that we have to continue to do moving forward,” he said.
Outgoing NTC President Dr. Lori Wyers said the situation forced her and her colleagues to collaborate with those they don’t normally work with. That was especially true when it came to organizing the county’s community COVID-19 vaccine site which will open at the school on April 6th.
Others who participated included Wausau Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Hilts, Marathon County Supervisor and former Wausau Mayor John Robinson, and current Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg.
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