Mahan said she will remain on staff with the Partners, Viroqua’s chamber of commerce and downtown revitalization group, until Oct. 1. She said she has had a positive experience heading the Partners’ efforts and is leaving on an upbeat note.
“This was not planned — I had an opportunity presented to me, and I like the challenge,” Mahan said. “There’s no reason for me leaving other than that. I’ve worked with so many wonderful people and have had a full plate — working hard with many things to keep organized.”
The Viroqua Partners are involved in such activities as organizing the yearly downtown farmers market and the Miss Viroqua program. The executive director acts as a liaison between property and business owners in downtown Viroqua.
The Partners have taken on new initiatives with a tourism Web site and a partnership with Discover Wisconsin. The Viroqua Partners also administer the city’s membership with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce’s Main Street Program.
Viroqua Mayor Larry Fanta said Thursday morning he was “very sad” to hear about Mahan’s departure from the Partners.
“She’s been the driving force behind the Partners’ success, pushing and selling Viroqua,” Fanta said.
The Viroqua Partners plan to hire a new executive director, president Bette Schoenemann said.

