By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A civic leader who played a pivotal role in revitalizing Whitewater’s downtown commercial corridor was honored recently for her contributions as she winds down her eight-year career in the community.
At a Common Council meeting Nov. 17, City Manager Cameron Clapper read a proclamation honoring Tammy Brodnicki, executive director of Downtown Whitewater Inc., for her role in transitioning the downtown area into a destination spot that has relied heavily on the “shop local” mantra.
As an organization, Downtown Whitewater Inc. is a decade old, and Brodnicki has been at the helm of it for most of its existence. She came on board on Sept. 24, 2007.
While reading the proclamation, Clapper highlighted some of the specific ways Brodnicki has benefited the downtown Whitewater community. One of the most tangible ways, perhaps, is the organization’s façade grant program, which has dolled out $286,000 to property owners who spruced up 25 historic buildings in the district.
Brodnicki’s other contributions have included leadership of more than 60 clean-up activities and as a liaison to the business community through such efforts as building websites for some of the local shopkeepers.
For her part, Brodnicki said her role would not have been possible without strong collaboration from city staffers and the elected body that is the Common Council.
“Thank you for allowing me to be here this long and for supporting and helping me with Downtown Whitewater,” Brodnicki said.
The board of directors overseeing Downtown Whitewater Inc. are in the midst of searching for Brodnicki’s successor.
