FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2025
Advancing Argyle Hosts Inaugural Meeting to Drive Community Growth
Argyle, WI – On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the Village of Argyle hosted its first Advancing Argyle Meeting at the Village Community Building. With over 50 attendees representing local businesses, organizations, and community members, the meeting served as a pivotal step toward unifying efforts to support business growth, enhance community amenities, and develop future initiatives to strengthen Argyle.
The evening began with networking and refreshments, catered by the Blanchardville Coop, which recently started offering sandwich, pinwheel wraps, cookie, and other platters that were enjoyed by the guests, setting the stage for meaningful discussions.. A Post-It Note exercise was conducted, allowing attendees to provide input on key community concerns and aspirations, focusing on four primary questions:
- How can we better support Argyle businesses?
- What is one thing Argyle needs most?
- What is your vision for Argyle in three years?
- How can we improve or add events to benefit the community?
Facilitators Joe Schutte (Director of Community Development for the Village of Argyle) and Kate Koziol (Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SWWRPC) and Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SW SBDC)) introduced the initiative, emphasizing collaboration and long-term vision. As attendees introduced themselves, helpers categorized responses into common themes, guiding the structured discussion that followed.
Key Takeaways & Action Items
Supporting Argyle Businesses
Attendees discussed the need for better parking solutions, including angled parking and leveraging the new lot near the future daycare. Advertising and marketing strategies were also a key focus, with suggestions including cooperative advertising, social media promotion, business maps, and improved signage at entry points to the village. Plans were made to develop a local business map to be distributed at key locations.
Addressing Community Needs
Parking and daycare access emerged as the most urgent needs. Attendees also emphasized the importance of updating playground equipment to be ADA-inclusive, enhancing local amenities, and updating the Smart Growth Plan to make the village eligible for key grants. The community highlighted a need for senior and affordable housing, a desire for a local car wash, and hopes for a grocery store or fresh produce year-round were also highlighted.
Vision for Argyle in Three Years
A shared goal emerged: a thriving, vibrant downtown with no vacant buildings and a growing business district. Janelle and Brian Ritschard announced plans to renovate the former grocery store into a multi-business space, offering new opportunities for entrepreneurs. Other ideas included positioning Argyle as a destination town with more inclusive events, stronger business collaborations, and an expanded village footprint.
Enhancing Community Events
Popular ideas included bringing back events like a Street Dance, Argyle Days, and Big Days, while also maximizing the impact of existing events like the Friday Fish Fry with added activities for families. A suggestion was made for businesses to host open houses and tours during high-traffic events to boost engagement. Additionally, a new Shelter House event was proposed, along with kickball tournaments, art shows, and holiday celebrations.
Moving Forward
A key outcome of the meeting was the creation of committees and volunteers to take charge of specific projects, including playground development, downtown enhancements, housing expansion, and event planning. A plan was also introduced to improve coordination among local organizations, with representatives from different groups meeting regularly to align efforts.
Next Steps
Explore setting up a formal 501(c)(3) needed for various fundraising and Advancing Argyle as an whole.
Setup committees for each of the areas identified to meet regulary and provide updates and facilitate discussions at quarterly meetings.
The group agreed to hold quarterly meetings, with the next session tentatively scheduled for May 2025. Future meetings may rotate locations to engage different areas of the community.
We sincerely thank everyone who attended and contributed their ideas, as well as those who will join us in future meetings. Your support and engagement are invaluable in shaping the future of Argyle. For more information or to get involved, please contact communitydevelopment@argylewi.org.
Advancng Argyle Inaugural Meeting Agenda February 19, 2025
Advancing Argyle Meeting Minutes – February 19, 2025 (as captured by Mallory McGuire)
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