Resch Lanes in Wittenberg receives Vision 2017 grant

Resch Lanes, 407 Howard St., Wittenberg, has received a facade grant totaling $2,122 through Shawano Country Vision 2017. The matching grant was awarded to help paint the front of the business and to purchase and install new signage.
Jason and Jenny Resch purchased the eight-lane bowling center in 2008. The business includes a restaurant and bar. The Resches’ menu features broasted chicken and pork chops, homemade pizza and a Friday fish fry. They offer bowling leagues for men, women and children. During the summer they also host volleyball and bean bag leagues.

The front of the building was remodeled over 15 years ago. Since that time the paint had faded, signs deteriorated and the place had lost some of its curb appeal. After hearing comments from new customers remarking how nice the business looked on the inside considering how the outside looked, the Resches decided it was time to update.

“It’s really important for all businesses to keep their places inviting, clean and updated,” Jason Resch said. “Since we have cleaned up the facade with a fresh look and new sign we have seen new people in here looking for food.”

According to Nancy Smith, executive director of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, effective signage is vital to the success of a business.

“Signage is front-line marketing for a business,” she said. “It is typically the first encounter and initial impression a potential customer has of a business. That is why it is so important for the signage to be visually appealing, attractive, and easy to read in order to get someone’s attention and add value to the business brand.”

Any employer or entrepreneur operating in Shawano or Menominee counties can apply for Shawano Country Vision 2017 grant programs.

Dennis Heling, chief economic development officer with Shawano County Economic Progress Inc., has assisted businesses throughout Shawano County with facade and interior improvement grants.

“Studies show that facade improvements result in an increase in first-time customers, rental revenues and community pride,” he said. “We applaud the Resches on their investment, and we encourage other businesses to apply for Vision 2017 improvement grants.

To date, grants have been awarded to small businesses in Tigerton, Eland, Gresham, Shawano, Bonduel and Wittenberg.

Shawano Country Vision 2017 is a five-year economic development plan designed to address various needs of area businesses and communities. One of the key goals is to bring at least 1,000 new jobs to the area by 2017.

The plan’s overall goal is to spur capital investment and grow the economy by implementing specific action steps in key areas, including business expansion, attraction and recruitment; tourism/retail development and community development.

The plan was initiated three years ago by the board of directors of Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. and the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce to proactively tackle economic challenges including several plant closures, job losses and lower than average per capita income. It is intended to provide a blueprint for future growth and prosperity and a stronger economic climate for Shawano and Menominee counties.