The Business Investment District for downtown Rhinelander was dissolved earlier this year. Without that funding, the Downtown Rhinelander Inc. (DRI) board of directors made the decision to cut the Executive Director position for 2016. That position is currently held by Maggie Steffen. DRI will continue to operate as a 501 C3 with a board of directors.

The board members heard the executive committee’s recommendation that DRI scale down in order to continue into the future. While refocusing on the next phase of the organization, board members reviewed means of communication, projects, and events, and determined these items will have changes as well.  DRI will continue to operate its building at 30 west Davenport and provide financial support for the parking lots as they explore other options for meeting their mission of advocacy and support for downtown businesses.

“The next phase will include working closely with a new group called Forward Rhinelander,” according to President Dan Kuzlik. “This group was developed following the community forum held at the city in 2014.”

Forward Rhinelander is looking at developing a number of things including a community investment program that will directly impact blighted buildings downtown.  Kuzlik says members of the DRI Board have been a part of this work since the inception and feel the direction is a positive step at this time in the downtown.

The DRI operation will continue to support the Business Incubator, the parking lots and Downtown Works (a low interest revolving loan program developed by DRI).  In addition, the downtown events may continue as local business owners step up to continue the operational aspect. The fundraisers will be handed over to other community group such as the Oneida County Fair and Tri-County Council.  These transitions are in the discussion stages.  The board will also continue to advocate and support the city in the development of the streetscape within the scope of its ability.

In the past two years, 26 new businesses have opened downtown. The DRI annual meeting is Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the DRI office.

Without funding, DRI cuts director position for 2016

The Business Investment District for downtown Rhinelander was dissolved earlier this year. Without that funding, the Downtown Rhinelander Inc. (DRI) board of directors made the decision to cut the Executive Director position for 2016. That position is currently held by Maggie Steffen. DRI will continue to operate as a 501 C3 with a board of directors.

The board members heard the executive committee’s recommendation that DRI scale down in order to continue into the future. While refocusing on the next phase of the organization, board members reviewed means of communication, projects, and events, and determined these items will have changes as well.  DRI will continue to operate its building at 30 west Davenport and provide financial support for the parking lots as they explore other options for meeting their mission of advocacy and support for downtown businesses.

“The next phase will include working closely with a new group called Forward Rhinelander,” according to President Dan Kuzlik. “This group was developed following the community forum held at the city in 2014.”

Forward Rhinelander is looking at developing a number of things including a community investment program that will directly impact blighted buildings downtown.  Kuzlik says members of the DRI Board have been a part of this work since the inception and feel the direction is a positive step at this time in the downtown.

The DRI operation will continue to support the Business Incubator, the parking lots and Downtown Works (a low interest revolving loan program developed by DRI).  In addition, the downtown events may continue as local business owners step up to continue the operational aspect. The fundraisers will be handed over to other community group such as the Oneida County Fair and Tri-County Council.  These transitions are in the discussion stages.  The board will also continue to advocate and support the city in the development of the streetscape within the scope of its ability.

In the past two years, 26 new businesses have opened downtown. The DRI annual meeting is Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the DRI office.