City develops ambassador programs
Milwaukee – In an effort to bring a new sense of pride and spirit back to the city, Mayor John Norquist and city business leaders unveiled a program called “Milwaukee Downtown.” The program’s purpose is to ensure a clean, safe and friendly work and shopping area for businesses, residents and visitors to enjoy.
Milwaukee Downtown consists of a 120 square-block Business Improvement District. The revitalization program has been financed by a surcharge on commercial properties in the area and by contributions from the city and the business community. During an event in July on Milwaukee’s Riverwalk, several programs designed to make Milwaukee a more competitive and attractive city were introduced to the public.
For example, under the Clean Sweep Ambassador Program, 16 full-time ambassadors sweep and vacuum the sidewalks and riverwalks daily, clean planters, remove graffiti, and plant and maintain flowers. Additionally, as part of the Public Service Ambassador Program, workers patrol downtown streets and riverwalks providing information to visitors about Milwaukee’s history and attractions, assisting the police department and aiding the homeless.
Improvement of holiday lighting, coordination of the downtown trolley loop and promotion of the city through a logo identification and image campaign are among the additional marketing initiatives undertaken by Milwaukee Downtown. “Milwaukee Downtown is an excellent example of the community pulling together to make downtown Milwaukee a clean, safe, friendly and first-class destination,” says Elizabeth Nicols, executive director for the district.
The Ambassador Program is an important part of the revitalization of downtown Milwaukee. To make sure the ambassadors are fully prepared, the program requires employees to have 10 days of training before starting work. The first class of ambassadors graduated July 31, and, by the next day, they were assisting the many visitors who attended the National Governor’s Conference and the city’s circus parade.
