Downtown Faces Forward

11/22/2021

Know the faces, learn their stories. This Saturday, Nov. 27 is , so and !

This coming Saturday is , where we're all encouraged to shop at local, independent stores. This is a cause close to our hearts at O'Connor Connective.

During the height of the pandemic, we created Downtown Faces Forward with several area partners to raise awareness and support for downtown small businesses by featuring the people behind the storefronts in a social marketing campaign. Get to know some of the faces and stories behind downtown businesses before you head out this Saturday (and beyond) to shop! ❤️ 🛍️

By visiting the Downtown Faces Forward page, you can gather some inspiration or ideas on where to shop this holiday season to help support those faces and stories behind the local storefronts.

03/11/2021

Exciting news! O'Connor Connective has been awarded the 2021 Rivett Award of Excellence by AAF Fox River Ad Club for Downtown Faces Forward! To celebrate, here are a few more fabulous photos of participating businesses that continue to face forward.

Greene's Pour House / Photo by Image Studios
Northern Tide Tattoo / Photo by Alexis Arnold Photography
The Cozzy Corner / Photo by Image Studios
Broken Spoke Bikes / Photo by Mark Hawkins Photography

Read more about the community impact of this social responsibility campaign at aaffoxriver.org/2021-rivett-award-of-excellence/.

02/25/2021

Today we thank reporter Alexandria Bursiek Kloehn of the Green Bay Press-Gazette for shedding light on the continued tenacity of small businesses who have not received much, if any, federal stimulus. This piece highlights two of our Downtown Faces Forward featured businesses located in De Pere: Sweet Willow Wellness and Artless Bastard.

PPP reforms address the small businesses who have been unable to attain enough funding. The reform continues to leave some businesses out.

12/18/2020

Thank you, Mayor Boyd, for continuing to promote downtown business owners as they face forward this season!

12/10/2020

This Saturday, join Future Neenah to win a FREE holiday tumbler as Downtown Neenah continues to face forward during the holidays!

Spend just $20 Downtown Neenah between 10:00am-2:00pm on December 12 and bring your receipt(s) to the Future Neenah office to receive a FREE holiday tumbler! Must be present and one per person. Limited supply available.🎄

Many thanks to 4imprint! ❤

11/25/2020

Join Appleton Downtown's 9$20 challenge to support local and make a difference in your community. (Details below.)

11/19/2020

Our downtowns continue to face forward! Check out Definitely De Pere's inspiring challenge to choose local.

10/12/2020

Quality brands from the U.S. and Canada make J.Hawkinson Clothiers at 10 E. College Ave. inside City Center in downtown Appleton a unique shopping experience. The store continues to take pride in its customer service with new ways to stay “close”—engaging people with Facebook Live fashion shows, teaching scarf-tying techniques and demonstrating how to pack a small carry-on bag for a weeklong trip! “While the pandemic continues, we still want to help people feel good about what they wear and receive compliments because their clothing is unique and fits perfectly,” store manager Lisa McGinnis said. Learn more about this downtown business that is facing forward on Facebook at .

Photos by Kim Thiel from Crimson Creative Group

10/09/2020

Foxley's Art and Framing has been a fixture on the west end of Appleton’s College Avenue since 1984. The gallery, located at 623 W. College Ave., is a family business with a goal to provide the area with the best in art, framing and service. “Many people have made home improvements during the pandemic, and the team at Foxley’s can help,” owner Eric Miller said. “We specialize in curating art to help others make their spaces more comfortable and enjoyable.” Learn more about this downtown business that is facing forward at foxleysartandframing.com.

Photos by Kim Thiel from Crimson Creative Group

10/08/2020

Katsu-Ya of Japan, located at 338 W. College Ave. in downtown Appleton, is part of a family-owned business that started more than 30 years ago. “We like to share our Japanese culture that we love so much with Appleton by offering many dishes and styles of Japanese cuisine that my family and I truly enjoy,” manager Lisa Nakashima said. The entire staff is dedicated to keeping guests and employees as safe as possible. “We would like to thank everyone who has supported small businesses through this tough time. We appreciate everyone so much,” Lisa said. Learn more about this downtown business that is facing forward at nakashimas.com.

Photos by Kim Thiel from Crimson Creative Group

09/10/2020

After closing due to a building fire in March 2019, Author’s Kitchen + Bar moved and re-opened at 125 E. College Ave. in downtown Appleton during the pandemic. This entailed a small staff learning to offer curbside pickup while working to meet customer expectations with two delivery partners, Food Dudes Delivery and EatStreet. As the stay-at-home orders changed, the restaurant slowly increased dining and bar capacity inside and then outside. Chefs and co-owners Matias Whittingslow and Josh Sickler enjoy having guests dine in. “It has been so nice to see food on plates and not in boxes,” Whittingslow said. “Our guests seem really happy and appreciative to be out, and that feels great.” Learn more about this downtown business that is facing forward at authorskitchenandbar.com.

Photos by Kim Thiel from Crimson Creative Group
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09/01/2020

Family owned since 1939, Appleton Bicycle Shop a friendly neighborhood store originally opened by Clarence and Evie Hinzman. Since then, five generations of Hinzmans have led the operation, including son Paul, recognized around town as “the bike guy.” Along with her brother Paul, Gwen and her husband, Joe Sargeant, operate the store in downtown Appleton at 121 S. State St. with the help of their children. “When the lockdown first occurred, we were considered an essential business and remained open,” Gwen said. “We soon saw many new and returning customers requesting delivery and using car-side pickup.” New store hours accommodate for additional deliveries and cleaning procedures. Learn more about this downtown business that is facing forward at appletonbike.com.

Photos by Kim Thiel from Crimson Creative Group