Governor Tony Evers and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation secretary Missy Hughes made a stop in Fond du Lac Monday to highlight two businesses benefitting from the Main Street Bounceback grant program. The program is operated by the WEDC and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The governor and WEDC secretary visited the Twisted Thread quilting shop on North Main Street and the Cellar District restaurant on East Division Street. Evers says it’s a small investment that is making a heck of a lot of difference. “It is really important that communities come together and work hard together to make these main street businesses thrive,” Evers told WFDL news. “It’s important to the state of Wisconsin. Obviously it’s important to Fond du Lac to get people employed, to get them (residents) services that they need locally.” Twisted Threads owner Katie Anhalt says the Bounceback program was really important for her business. “…without having alot of our supplies coming in I need a way to bring customers in. If customers aren’t coming in I still need to pay my bills,” Anhalt told WFDL news. WEDC secretary Hughes says these “business owners are brave enough to start their businesses in the midst of the challenges we’re still facing.” Evers said the success of businesses in downtown Fond du Lac and throughout the state is tied to the health of the community and he says that’s why it’s important for people to get vaccinated.
