Business View Civil Municipal - Sept 2023

78 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 9 to the lively pulse of musical events at downtown Stone Horse Green. Middleton’s allure extends beyond its bustling downtown. Mayor Kuhn eagerly detailed initiatives to expand tourist attractions, placing a keen emphasis on the town’s lakefront. “One of the things we’re doing is making sure our boat launch is kayak, paddle-friendly,” she described. This initiative encourages tourists to explore the area, combining the charm of downtown with the serene beauty of the lakefront. “We’re also trying to create energy between the park systems and the conservancy to be able to walk all downtown,” Mayor Kuhn added. This holistic vision ensures that visitors immerse themselves in a diverse array of experiences, from waterside activities to shopping and dining at local businesses. Art and culture also emerge as key focus areas, as illustrated by the Mayor’s reminiscence of the recent ‘art hop’ event. “We’re doing some more music arts and we’re trying to highlight that it is not just a downtown,” Mayor Kuhn pointed out, emphasizing the town’s broader cultural canvas. Economic Resilience Through Innovative Collaboration In recalling the trials of the pandemic, Kevin Mahaney, President of Middleton Area Development Corporation, mused on the intricate relationship between the city and its businesses. “It was a very unique situation,” he recalled, “with the city hearing the concerns of the local business people and us being in a position to try to help or respond.” At a time when traditional avenues seemed exhausted, and the political appetite for further funding waned in Washington, Middleton embarked on a journey of innovative financial support. What emerged was the Middleton Economic Relief loan program—a collaborative brainchild that saw an initial seed fund of $100,000 from the city matched by the Middleton Area Development Corporation (MADC). With an inviting array of activities to offer, the town aims to entice visitors to a myriad of events. Mayor Kuhn stated, “Events, conferences, or a day trip to enjoy our historic Pheasant Branch Conservancy, neighbors, guests, and visitors alike should stay local and enjoy all we have to offer.” Indeed, Middleton’s calendar is brimming with festivities: from the quirky charm of the National Mustard Museum celebrations