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HTR Media

Mainly Manitowoc seeks feedback

MANITOWOC – The board of Mainly Manitowoc is seeking community input to establish a sustainable model enabling continuing downtown revitalization efforts. Feedback is needed to identify priorities for downtown and develop an organizational structure for effectively accomplishing these goals.

A news release indicated since 2008, Mainly Manitowoc has been a leading force in downtown economic development during which there were 208 building rehabilitations, 33 buildings sold, 41 new businesses, 160 new jobs, and 6 expanded businesses leading to an additional 73 jobs. Private investment in the district has amounted to $13.6 million.

However, in August its board moved the organization to hiatus status while remaining part of the Wisconsin Main Street Program. Both staff and office operations were suspended while the organization repositions itself for long-term financial sustainability and future growth.

Mainly Manitowoc has relied on charitable contributions and fundraising events principal income sources. In addition, the city provided a 1:3 match on contributions. This has shown to be unsustainable for long-term, ongoing operations.

Mainly Manitowoc is a grassroots organization promoting the overall economy and quality of life of the city by engaging the community in an effort to preserve and revitalize the downtown through the Main Street Program's Four Point Approach. The Main Street Program is a comprehensive downtown economic revitalization program that uses business development, promotion, organization and historic preservation as tools for district vitality and growth.

Surveys are available at the Manitowoc Public Library or can be completed online at http://survey.clicktools.com/go?iv=1qikhv1a9k3oc. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will be available until November 7. For more information, visit mainlymanitowoc.com.

Minimum wage luncheon focus

MANITOWOC – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce's Scott Manley will discuss the economic impacts associated with any increase in the minimum wage at the next Chamber-sponsored Business Connects with Government luncheon program set for noon to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 at the Holiday Inn.

For more information, or to RSVP, call The Chamber of Manitowoc County, (920) 684-5575. The fee is $10 for Chamber and Sail members, $25 for non-members.

Bank First net income rises

MANITOWOC – Bank First National Corporation reported net income for the third quarter of $3.2 million, or 51 cents per share, up 31 percent from the same period last year. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, Bank First earned $9.5 million, up 12 percent from the same period in 2013.

Bank First will pay a quarterly common stock cash dividend of 12 cents per share on Jan. 16 to shareholders of record as of Jan. 9.

"We have been able to increase earnings in the face of a challenging interest rate environment," stated Mike Molepske, president and CEO. "This has been accomplished through loan and core deposit growth that results from our relationship-based customer model. We also continue to exhibit very strong asset quality trends, reducing distractions and costs that result from nonperforming assets."

Bank First, with customers primarily in Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Winnebago and Brown counties, reported total loan growth of $75 million, or 9 percent, from September 2013 to September 2014.

Schenck hosting tax workshop

MANITOWOC – Schenck will host a free "2014 Year End Tax Planning" workshop from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Nov. 13 at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Among topics to be presented are depreciation laws, repair regulations, changes to state tax law, an estate tax update and impact of health care reform,

The seminar is geared toward the tax issues of both large and small businesses and their owners seeking to reduce taxes.

To register, visit http://www.schencksc.com/2014taxplanning or call Marie, (920) 686-2223.