Ripon had a great visit from the Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld who was here to highlight Mental Health Access and Economic Development in Ripon! After a tour of the new mental health unit at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital the Secretary met with grant recipients, city officials, and stakeholders in Ripon, focusing on the ongoing local development efforts.

The Main Street Bounceback and CDI grants have been instrumental in revitalizing small businesses, stimulating the local economy and ensuring vibrancy in communities across Wisconsin.

“The City of Ripon is grateful for the continued support our community has received. The dollars that are being infused into our local small businesses have made a tremendous impact on the livelihood of our community and have contributed to the success of countless small businesses,” stated Adam Sonntag, the City Administrator.

Local business owner, Shelbey Roeder stated that, “The Main Street Bounceback Grant has given Blend the opportunity to create a space that highlights the historic features of our building, all while elevating the salon with modern amenities….We are beyond thankful & extremely excited to continue to grow in historic Downtown Ripon.”

Lauren McConnell, owner of Alexandria Games, expressed her gratitude by stating, “The Main Street Bounceback Grant helped to expand our inventory selection into key areas…It also helped us improve our game play area to offer a more enjoyable tournament and community space."

“The Bounceback Grant Program certainly helped us recruit numerous new businesses and led to several expansion projects. As a result, the downtown is now experiencing its lowest vacancy rate in the history of the revitalization program, a rate which is less than one percent and far below the national average,” stated Craig Tebon, Executive Director for Ripon Main Street.

Ripon is certainly an exciting destination for businesses and residents alike and a great place to live, work and visit!