What our members have to say
"The WDBA has provided an opportunity for business owners to create enthusiastic events to bring people downtown and we've had great fun doing it... Farmers' Market, Friday Night Live, Scarecrows, Carriage Rides, Trick or Treat, Live Reindeer and more! Most of these events allowed me to contribute my own creative talents and have a fun time doing it!"
Dan & Susie Taylor
People's Park
"Being involved with the WDBA has exposed us to the many other business owners in downtown and offers us many opportunities to get involved with summer activities and during the holiday events."
Pam Dennis
Chef Pam's Kitchen
"What I truly value about being part of the WDBA is the spirit of collaboration that exists among its members. There’s a real sense of teamwork—whether it’s coordinating events, cross-promoting each other’s businesses, or simply offering advice and support. This cooperation strengthens not just my business but the entire downtown district. Together, we’re creating a vibrant, thriving community where businesses can flourish, and visitors can enjoy a unique and welcoming experience."
Sarah Risser
Distinktive Merch Co.
"As a business owner in downtown Waukesha, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the Waukesha Downtown Business Association. Being a member has given me a real sense of community and support, something that’s invaluable to any small business owner. It’s not just about business – it’s about making downtown Waukesha a vibrant, welcoming place that people want to visit and keep coming back to."
Josh Penning
JP Beauty
WDBA Membership
The Waukesha Downtown Business Association (WDBA) consists of local business owners who are dedicated to the development of the downtown, which stimulates the growth of their own businesses and creates great experiences and wonderful memories for our guests. The WDBA plans, markets/advertises, and implements events that attract customers to our Historic Downtown Waukesha. Here is a listing of some of the past and present WDBA events and programs:
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Friday Night Live (FNL) - 12 weeks of entertainment from June through August bringing thousands of shoppers downtown.
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Waukesha Farmer's Market - Runs May through October bringing thousands of shoppers downtown every Saturday morning from 8am-Noon.
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Waukesha Jolly Days - Holiday season activities which include horse-drawn carriage rides, live reindeer, pictures with Santa, Letters to Santa, the Waukesha Tree Lighting, Lantern Stroll, and much more!
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Halloween Trick or Treat and scarecrow festival
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Easter Bunny Hop
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Partnership with the Waukesha Park & Rec and Forestry (Janboree Ice Sculpting)
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Partnership with the City of Waukesha Run with the Cops
What’s missing from the list may be an awesome idea that you have!!??
PURPOSE:
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To promote a vibrant business community located in the streets of Downtown Waukesha.
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To encourage involvement and build leadership in downtown Waukesha to create a sustainable organization that plans and delivers the visionary objectives of its membership.
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To drive the positive message that Waukesha is a new and changing environment, which encourages people within and outside of the community, to experience the downtown.
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To discover current business excitement and utilize our collective imaginations to create and implement a full calendar of events.
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To utilize our community resources of culture, history, citizens, aesthetics, and the riverwalk in our downtown activities.
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To develop a sense of enjoyment in the community through the merchants, services, associates, patrons, and institutions.
Membership runs from January 1 to December 31. Annual dues have been set at $100.00.
Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at the Waukesha State Bank Community Room, 151 E. St. Paul Ave., at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, so please come. We hope you will see the benefits that membership will bring you and your business!
Please direct questions to any one of the Board Members:
Chris Janet - President
Chris Janet State Farm Agency
707 N. Grand Ave., Ste. 101, Waukesha, WI 53186
262-544-1500
Shelley Gallamore - Vice President
Southeast Real Estate Group of WI
431 W. Main St., Waukesha, WI 53186
262-899-5462
Rosie Strauss - Treasurer
Berg Management / The Clarke Hotel
235 W. Broadway, Waukesha, WI 53186
262-521-9935
Tami Evanoff - Secretary
Sarah Risser - Digital Communications Director
How to Apply for Membership
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Online Application: Complete your membership application quickly and easily online.
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Paper Form Option: Prefer a paper form? Download and complete the application, then submit it along with a check for your dues, made payable to WDBA.
Submission Options:
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Deliver to Rosie Strauss, WDBA Treasurer, at a monthly meeting.
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Drop off at Berg Management, 235 W. Broadway.
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Choose the method that works best for you and become part of our vibrant community!