Success Stories
Demolition of the Washington Commons Mall
Plans to demolish the Washington Commons Mall are moving ahead. The city’s Redevelopment Authority approved to proceed with Request for Proposals to salvage and recycle all demolition materials both inside and out of the building. Demolition of the interior is expected to begin in the fall and the outer walls in 2011.
The emphasis of recycling the materials is a primary concern. It will keep the materials out of the landfill, and lower project costs. Materials expected to be recycled are glass, metal, railings, light fixtures, pipes, bricks, asphalt and concrete.
Tearing down the former Port Plaza mall is part of the revitalization plan for the downtown. Its removal will allow for the extension of Adams Street to Main Street, which will allow a more direct access to the downtown area. Cost for the project is estimated at $1 million. The city is currently in the process of securing federal funds to assist with the project.
Over the past few years, city leaders discussed ways to redevelop the mall. Some of the proposals considered included a downtown college campus, an office complex, medical facility and others. All were rendered not feasible, given the size, condition and layout of the facility. Demolishing the structure will improve the development potential and open the parcel up for new economic opportunities.
Mayor's Morning Business Connection
Throughout the summer, Mayor Jim Schmitt is hosting a series of meetings with business owners and managers throughout the city. The Mayor is discussing local economic development activities and local, state and federal programs aimed at assisting businesses in the city. A question and answer period follows each presentation. These meetings are specifically designed to address the activities and issues within a distinct commercial corridor. The Mayor’s Morning Business Connection is designed after the Mayor’s “Walk and Talk” series with city neighborhoods, but with an emphasis on local economic development activities. Business owners, managers, finance officers and other company decision makers have been invited to attend.
See the Complete Presentation >>
Economic Development Presentation for the University Ave Area>>
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NPS Corporation Helps with the Gulf Oil Spill
NPS Corporation is helping with the cleanup of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. The company manufactures Spilfyter, a line of products that include special absorbent boom which surrounds and soaks up oil that is spilled in water.
The city recently gave NPS a loan from the Revolving Loan Fund Program for new equipment to enhance the manufacturing process of the Spilfyter line. The high demand for their product has increased production to a 24/7 operation NPS CEO and President Andrew Hetzel describes the quantity of products shipped to the Gulf as “sizeable”. In addition to the absorbent booms, NPS is also supplying oil absorbent pads and other products to assist in the massive spill.
Mayor Jim Schmitt is impressed with the contribution NPS is making to eradicate the affects of the environmental disaster. “NPS is a business that makes the people of Green Bay proud to have in their community” Mayor Schmitt said. “It’s great that this company is involved with cleaning up and protecting our natural resources.”
NPS has more than 200 employees who manufacture other spill-control products as well as tissues and towels on Bond Street in Green Bay and in Ashwaubenon.
Final Closing on Eastside Developments Pave Way for Northland Hotel Restoration
April, 2010: The final financing agreement was completed today for two customized residential housing buildings on Green Bay’s eastside. The first site located on University Avenue blends 80 units into a wooded lot while the second location on Morrow Street has 70 units adjoining a beautifully landscaped pond with direct access to the Baird Creek Trail.
These two new buildings will create over a hundred construction jobs and add approximately $20 million to city tax base. It will also provide tenants with an improved living situation with on-site services. A groundbreaking is expected to take place in the next two weeks. “This is a great day for the City of Green Bay,” said Mayor Jim Schmitt. “We have been working on this for five years. The construction of these two projects now presents the opportunity to begin the planning process for the complete restoration of the Northland to a high end hotel with first class accommodations.”
Manufacturing Improvement Assistance Grants Success
July 30, 2009: Since the program was announced in 2007, 37 Green Bay businesses received a total of $136,000 in grant funds, leveraging an additional $540,000 in process improvements.
“This grant program is a great resource for Green Bay manufacturers seeking to leverage workforce investment into more efficient operations,” said Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt. “I am pleased that this partnership has achieved real gains in manufacturing productivity.”
Richard Dewey of Structural Components Corporation received an award this spring. “This program provided the impetus for our company to upgrade its antiquated communication system,” he said. “The change has been dramatic and extremely positive for our company.”
The Manufacturing Improvement Assistance Grants were available to small to medium sized manufacturers (less than 500 employees) located within the city of Green Bay. Grant projects included improving processes, application of new technologies, identifying new products or markets, reducing manufacturing cycle time, improving quality or reduction of costs, with the expectation of increased competitiveness for each company.
WMEP secured the grant funding from the Federal Economic Development Administration to assist Wisconsin manufacturers to remain competitive nationally and globally. Since 1996, WMEP has helped over 3,000 Wisconsin manufacturers improve their profitability and productivity.
Tourism Industry Continues to Grow
June, 2009: Visitors spent $557.7 million in Greater Green Bay in 2008. That’s up 5.2% over 2007 spending. Most travelers came to the area during the summer months (June-August) and spent $165 million followed by Fall with $147 million.
Dollars were spent on food (27%), shopping (30%), lodging (13%), transportation (8%), and recreational events (22%). Business related visits was the main reason for coming to Green Bay (40%) followed by pleasure (36%) and meeting & conventions (24%). Greater Green Bay welcomed 603 meetings, conventions and sporting events with delegates and participants spent an estimated $80.6 million.
Local employment was also greatly affected by the increase in visitors, with 8,927 jobs impacted, a 2% increase over 2007, while $12.21 million were generated in local taxes. The Green Bay area continues to be a destination for groups and families. People who have visited here stated they enjoyed their stay and would return in the future. Hospitality venues are excited about the future and are ready to make their guest welcome and happy.
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