What Course of Action Will You Take?
Shopping at the mall is considered by many to be a "retail experience," and it is convenient to shop at the big box retailer to get those "tremendous savings." But what is the cost to our community? This attempt to save money by purchasing groceries, clothing, furniture, jewelry, or product for that home remodeling project costs Ripon much more than we realize. The fact is that those out of town purchases are eliminating employment opportunities at area businesses due to lower gross income, and every job lost creates a negative economic impact on other goods and services that could be purchased in Ripon. In a recent news article published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, community columnist Roger Frank Bass wrote about the positive attributes offered by a merchant in Spring Green, Wis. Roger talked about an occasion where he saved money by purchasing a retail product at a discount store in the big city. As it turned out, shortly after the purchase, his life was saved by a local retailer who was also a volunteer with the community ambulance service. The same can be said about Ripon's generous business owners. After reading the article, I started to think about who knows my family best, and who is going to be their in case of an emergency. My money is on the local pharmacist, insurance agent, or other small business owners. What happens when you purchase eyeglasses, prescriptions, building supplies, furniture, or other products out of town? The trickle down effect is that as gross income decreases, fewer dollars are available for local charities and community projects. When is the last time you heard of a chain store or franchise donating to one of our non-profit organizations? So before you get in the car for your shopping trip to the Fox River Mall, WalMart, Festival Foods, Menards, Shopko, Best Buy or some other chain store, think about who contributes to our public school and college athletic teams; donates to Ducks Unlimited, local scout troops, and United Way; sponsors community events like Dickens of a Christmas, Village Green Concerts and Cookie Daze; and volunteers at community service activities organized by the Kiwanis, Rotary or Lions. Ripon business owners are far more generous than most people realize, and we need their businesses to be prosperous in order for this to continue. Given the current economic situation that our country is experiencing, shopping locally is a perfect investment that will generate a positive return.
Sincerely,
America is Ripon's Newest Restaurant
America, the highly anticipated classic American restaurant, recently opened in historic downtown Ripon. The restaurant focuses on traditionally and impeccably prepared food and sparkling service. "The Ripon Restaurant Group is extremely happy to bring America to Ripon," said Bill Ledger, President and CEO of the Ripon Restaurant Group. "What better place to celebrate warm, comforting, classic cuisine than in America's Hometown." "America is the culmination of a focused vision by an excited and committed group of talented people," he said. "We want to give Ripon the best restaurant within 50 miles." The menu is the only one of its kind in the area, offering the best variety of daily soups from scratch, salads, gourmet sandwiches, steaks, handmade pastas, and fresh seafood. Some of the specialties include Signature Baked French Onion Soup, Baked Brie en Croute, Grilled Duck Breast with Door County Cherry Sauce, Lobster Ravioli, and homemade Manhattan Ricotta Gnocchi. A comfort food menu of Chicken Pot Pie, Lamb Stew, and Meatloaf will be highlighted during the holiday season. In addition, America also has many great vegetarian options, like the Veggie Burger, Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli, Vegetable Primavera, and a Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad. Some of the items on the menu are grown and raised locally by Manager Michael Zink at Prospera Farm in Green Lake County. "America showcases seasonal produce from Prospera Farm, which currently includes our red heart radishes, baby carrots, and local heritage breed pork," said Zink. America is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 9 pm. The restaurant is also open for dinner on Saturday from 5 to 10 pm. Lunch sandwiches and entrees range in price form $7 to $15, and dinner entrees range from $15 to $28. The bar is open for happy hour and snacks weekdays between lunch and dinner service. Please call 920-748-FLAG (3524) for more information or to make a reservation. Holiday gift certificates are available.
Shopping at the mall is considered by many to be a "retail experience," and it is convenient to shop at the big box retailer to get those "tremendous savings." But what is the cost to our community? This attempt to save money by purchasing groceries, clothing, furniture, jewelry, or product for that home remodeling project costs Ripon much more than we realize. The fact is that those out of town purchases are eliminating employment opportunities at area businesses due to lower gross income, and every job lost creates a negative economic impact on other goods and services that could be purchased in Ripon. In a recent news article published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, community columnist Roger Frank Bass wrote about the positive attributes offered by a merchant in Spring Green, Wis. Roger talked about an occasion where he saved money by purchasing a retail product at a discount store in the big city. As it turned out, shortly after the purchase, his life was saved by a local retailer who was also a volunteer with the community ambulance service. The same can be said about Ripon's generous business owners. After reading the article, I started to think about who knows my family best, and who is going to be their in case of an emergency. My money is on the local pharmacist, insurance agent, or other small business owners. What happens when you purchase eyeglasses, prescriptions, building supplies, furniture, or other products out of town? The trickle down effect is that as gross income decreases, fewer dollars are available for local charities and community projects. When is the last time you heard of a chain store or franchise donating to one of our non-profit organizations? So before you get in the car for your shopping trip to the Fox River Mall, WalMart, Festival Foods, Menards, Shopko, Best Buy or some other chain store, think about who contributes to our public school and college athletic teams; donates to Ducks Unlimited, local scout troops, and United Way; sponsors community events like Dickens of a Christmas, Village Green Concerts and Cookie Daze; and volunteers at community service activities organized by the Kiwanis, Rotary or Lions. Ripon business owners are far more generous than most people realize, and we need their businesses to be prosperous in order for this to continue. Given the current economic situation that our country is experiencing, shopping locally is a perfect investment that will generate a positive return.
Sincerely,
America is Ripon's Newest Restaurant
America, the highly anticipated classic American restaurant, recently opened in historic downtown Ripon. The restaurant focuses on traditionally and impeccably prepared food and sparkling service. "The Ripon Restaurant Group is extremely happy to bring America to Ripon," said Bill Ledger, President and CEO of the Ripon Restaurant Group. "What better place to celebrate warm, comforting, classic cuisine than in America's Hometown." "America is the culmination of a focused vision by an excited and committed group of talented people," he said. "We want to give Ripon the best restaurant within 50 miles." The menu is the only one of its kind in the area, offering the best variety of daily soups from scratch, salads, gourmet sandwiches, steaks, handmade pastas, and fresh seafood. Some of the specialties include Signature Baked French Onion Soup, Baked Brie en Croute, Grilled Duck Breast with Door County Cherry Sauce, Lobster Ravioli, and homemade Manhattan Ricotta Gnocchi. A comfort food menu of Chicken Pot Pie, Lamb Stew, and Meatloaf will be highlighted during the holiday season. In addition, America also has many great vegetarian options, like the Veggie Burger, Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli, Vegetable Primavera, and a Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad. Some of the items on the menu are grown and raised locally by Manager Michael Zink at Prospera Farm in Green Lake County. "America showcases seasonal produce from Prospera Farm, which currently includes our red heart radishes, baby carrots, and local heritage breed pork," said Zink. America is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 9 pm. The restaurant is also open for dinner on Saturday from 5 to 10 pm. Lunch sandwiches and entrees range in price form $7 to $15, and dinner entrees range from $15 to $28. The bar is open for happy hour and snacks weekdays between lunch and dinner service. Please call 920-748-FLAG (3524) for more information or to make a reservation. Holiday gift certificates are available.
Downtown Strategic Plan Progresses
The City of Ripon has established TIF No. 8 which encompasses most of the central business district. This will help us implement various projects identified in the Downtown Ripon Strategic Plan that was released earlier in 2008. The plan can be downloaded from the Ripon Main Street, Inc. web site (
The group believes an urban designer/landscape architect should be hired to assist with guiding the downtown beautification effort. Due to possible budget constraints, bike racks were not deemed an immediate priority and felt it was important to better utilize the existing racks. The group did however feel that a bike rack(s) should be added to the side of Ripon Drug in the short term because there are no racks on the south side of the downtown area. Over the long term, decorative bike racks should be designed into the urban environment so they are appropriate placed. The group currently meets on the first Thursday of the month.
New Development:
Numerous business and building improvements have developed recently.
Numerous business and building improvements have developed recently.
* Uncorked has opened at 211 Watson Street, sharing space with Tango. Owners Lisa Diedrich and Julie Bartz embarked on the business to fill a "fine wine" need in Ripon and surrounding communities. The specialty wine shop features more than 60 labels from California, Washington and Oregon in addition to other countries.
* Huberty & Associates has expanded and relocated to 201 E. Fond du Lac Street. They occupy the upper level of the building. The Phoenix Group has moved into the lower level, sharing space with Wurtz Law Office. Huberty's old building on E. Jackson is available for purchase.
* Paul Cummings and Heidi Krueger are planning to open Naturally Ripe Juice Bar at 109 W. Fond du Lac Street. The business will also feature art work from local artists. Later on, they plan to add a catering element to the business. Their goal is to open the business by the first of the year.
* Sherry Liptow opened Cutting Edge Hair Salon at 11 W. Fond du Lac Street this past summer.
* Boca Grande is nearing completion on the renovation of 303 and 305 Watson Street. The renovation includes new retail space on the first floor, along with three large upscale apartments on the second floor. The former Spot Restaurant and Ripon Variety Store buildings haven't look this nice in decades. Contact Frank Cumberbatch at (414) 736-4548 for additonal information.
* Boca Grande is nearing completion on the renovation of 303 and 305 Watson Street. The renovation includes new retail space on the first floor, along with three large upscale apartments on the second floor. The former Spot Restaurant and Ripon Variety Store buildings haven't look this nice in decades. Contact Frank Cumberbatch at (414) 736-4548 for additonal information.
* Holiday Food & Sport has added an archery range to their Eureka Street location. Six lanes are available at the range, and they plan to organize a winter archery league. Stop in for more information.
Ripon Main Street Update
Two openings are currently available on the Ripon Main Street, Inc. board of directors as well as positions on committees. All interested parties are encouraged to contact the Main Street office for information.
Two openings are currently available on the Ripon Main Street, Inc. board of directors as well as positions on committees. All interested parties are encouraged to contact the Main Street office for information.
Main Street Mission Statement: The purpose of the Main Street program is to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Ripon. Main Street works with the public and private sectors to restore the vitality once common in the central business district by enhancing our community identity and heritage, fostering a center of activity, and ensuring economic stability.
About the Ripon Review
The Ripon Review is a community newsletter published by Ripon Main Street, Inc. Ripon Main Street, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing historic downtown Ripon. Our success is directly related to the support we receive from our sponsors, partners and members. Please consider including an aspect of the downtown revitalization program, such as the Village Green Summer Concert Series, in your estate plans. Bequests, no matter how large or small, will play a critical role in our ability to transform the downtown into a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Contact the Main Street office at (920) 748-7466 for additional information.
The Ripon Review is a community newsletter published by Ripon Main Street, Inc. Ripon Main Street, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing historic downtown Ripon. Our success is directly related to the support we receive from our sponsors, partners and members. Please consider including an aspect of the downtown revitalization program, such as the Village Green Summer Concert Series, in your estate plans. Bequests, no matter how large or small, will play a critical role in our ability to transform the downtown into a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Contact the Main Street office at (920) 748-7466 for additional information.
