The La Crosse Progressive Association, a community service organization like a chamber of commerce, was composed of La Crosse businessmen who paid an annual $1.00 premium. A copy of their policy lists such goals as promoting and advancing the interests of La Crosse, aiding all worthy projects that accomplish this goal, and advertising advantages of La Crosse as a center for business, manufacturing and residence. This group, whose president was John C. Burns, promoted such activities as La Crosse Interstate Fair, a brass band, and a new hotel for La Crosse.
