NEW ULM — The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce is announcing an upcoming program: 2019 Downtown Assessment: RETHOS Final Report.

The Minnesota Main Street Assessment that was conducted this past year is ready to be released. Be part of the first group to learn about the findings.

The Rural Programs Coordinator, Emily Kurash Casey, will be presenting the findings, and will deep dive into desired results of the downtown, how we get there, who’s input was captured and what the next steps will be. The program will be offered twice on Thursday, January 9: at 12 noon and at 5:30 p.m.

The noon presentation will be in the format of a Hot Topics Lunch, and will take place at the County Club from 12-1 p.m.. The cost of the event is $10 and includes lunch and is payable at the door. The 5:30 p.m. presentation will take from at the District 88 Conference Room, 414 S Payne St., from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend this second presentation.

The assessment, which started in July 2019, questioned local citizens, business and civic leaders on what they most desired in New Ulm’s downtown. This qualitative study includes topics such as: store variety, addresses vacancies, parking and much more. The final assessment overview gives general guidance on cultural assets, community priorities and future recommendations.

Registration for either program is requested. RSVP to the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce at (507) 233-4300 or email: chamber@newulm.com. Please RSVP by noon on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020.