WDBA - What Is It?

The Woodstock Downtown Business Association hosted the first of three informational meetings at its Main Street office last evening. If you care about Woodstock and its future, care enough to show up at one or both of the next meetings. They will be September 10 and September 24 at 7:00PM. The office is located at 223 Main Street (you can find that; right?).

Derik Morefield, Woodstock's Deputy City Manager for Community and Economic Development, told the audience of the changes in Woodstock since 1969. His remarks, coupled with the presentation by Nancy Baker at a recent City Council meeting, prompted me to think that a wonderful project would be development of a DVD with the history of Woodstock. With digital video cameras and computers, this could be a knock-down project for a group of interested high school or college students in partnership with the WDBA and the City.

One member of the audience raised the question of recent security on the Square. Apparently, there is a new "beat" in the police department assignments - on the Square. The increased presence of police officers is welcome on the Square, and it has also raised questions in the minds of some about the reasons for their presence.

If you'd like more information, be sure to attend the September Coffee with the Chief. Details can be found on the City's website http://www.woodstockil.gov/ or by telephoning the Woodstock Police Department.

The Main Street program has required considerable time of the WDBA Interim Executive Director Lucia Matlock and members of the WDBA. For general information about the Main Street program, visit http://www.illinoismainstreet.org/ Illinois Main Street is a program of the Office of the Illinois Lieutenant Governor.

OK, for ten points, who is the Illinois Lieutenant Governor? (No fair using Google.)

Find out why Downtown is important in the community. Pick up a brochure from the WDBA. Community involvement and partnership is important and wanted. You (this means you) can join the WDBA for as little as $35.00/year (for a family membership).

Visit the online Visitor Center at http://www.awaketowoodstock.com/, go by the WDBA office with your $35.00 check for your family's membership, or telephone the WDBA at 815.353.5090

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT