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About PDRI

The heart and soul of our community defines the true character of Prairie du Chien’s Main Street Program. This historic river town’s future is solidly based on preserving its rich architectural heritage, enhancing the diversity of its businesses, honoring its cultures, and recognizing its significance in history as the second oldest city in Wisconsin.

 
Executive Director: Pam Ritchie

Pam Ritchie serves as the Executive Director of the community’s local Main Street Program. Pam comes from an 11 year career in non-profit management, including work at the national office for Girl Scouts of the USA.  She worked as a Volunteer Development and Diversity Consultant, working with Girl Scout Council Boards of Directors, staff and volunteers in developing their volunteer systems and processes. Pam also worked as a non-profit management consultant focusing on organizational development in the areas of; Systems & processes; Human resources; Stewardship of assets and Membership development.

 
PDRI Board of Directors
 
Michael Douglass - President
Michael has been a resident of Prairie du Chien since 1983 when he became Villa Louis Site Director for the Wisconsin Historical Society.  He has worked on many historic project at the Villa Louis including the two million dollar restoration of the Villa Louis mansion and office building.

 

Luanne Neumann - Vice President
Luanne has been living in downtown Prairie du Chien since 1987 when she began the Neumann House Bed & Breakfast. She has served on boards of directors for many local organizations and has served on the Prairie du Chien City Council and the Crawford County Board of Supervisors.
 

Marlene Dyer - Secretary
Marlene,a lifelong resident of Prairie du Chien, is a downtown business and property owner.  She has over thirty years experience in business management, accounting, retailing, and advertising/marketing. Marlene, with husband, Roger, own Dyer Communication Systems Radio Shack.

 

Tom Farrell - Treasurer
Tom is the President of Peoples State Bank.  In addition to serving as the Treasurer for PDRI, he also fills that role for the Prairie du Chien Historical Society, St. Feriole Island Park Inc, and the Mississippi River Sculpture Park.
 
Kathleen Hein
Kathleen is the chair of the Design Committee.  She has lived in Prairie du Chien for over seven years and serves on the City Council.  Hein has a chemical engineering degree which did not adequately prepare her for her jobs as a full time mom and part-time yoga instructor.
 

Todd Yeomans
Todd's family has been in business in downtown Prairie du Chien since the 1920's.  At age 19, he started a residential rental business.  Now, along with his siblings, he is an owner of Sports World and Dyesport Clothing Co.  Yeomans also created the Prairie Dog Blues Festival.

 

Christine Seeley
Christine serves as the chair of the Promotions Committee.  She, her husband, Mark, and their three children have lived in Prairie du Chien over eight years.  Seeley is interested in developing our downtown into a lively, prosperous and vital part of our community.

 

Judy Wall
Judy is the chair of the Economic Restructuring Committee. As a local business owner for over 26 years she has worked on many committees to further economic development in Prairie du Chien. In 2001, she co-founded the Downtown Business Association which eventually became PDRI.

 

Mayor Cheryl Mader - Ex-Officio
Cheryl has been an active participant in the Prairie du Chien community for the past thirty years and is an ardent supporter of downtown revitalization. Mayor Mader was a member of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee that envisioned the downtown's rebirth.

 
More Information About PDRI

2007 PDRI Annual Report

2007 Annual Report
File Size: 1.85 MB
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The Knowlton House, a building that truly exemplifies the history of downtown Prairie du Chien, serves as the central office for PDRI.
 

PDRI helps provide financial incentive programs to assist current and potential business and property owners in the downtown district.
 

A happy winner of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Raffle. PDRI sold over 4,000 raffle tickets during part ofthe summer of 2007.
 

The Colgate Country Showdown, part of a nationwide singing and performance competition, draws large crowds of supporters and fans to downtown Prairie du Chien in June.