2008

	November 22, 2008: The 25th Annual Time Warner Cable Holiday Parade rambled eight city blocks in downtown Green Bay with hundreds lining the streets along the route. The 90 minute parade featured 80 entries ranging from floats, bands, horses, dogs and the Milwaukee Brewer's famous Racing Sausages. The mood of the holidays began before the parade with Frank Hermans and Amy Riemer-Kruk of Let Me Be Frank Productions signing carols to the crowd. Following the parade, Santa headed to the Daily Buzz in the Historic Bellin Building to hear what the children wanted for Christmas.

	November 21, 2008: Mayor Schmitt led a countdown to light the Holiday lights on Broadway Friday evening amid cheers from the children. Live music and a special visit from Santa were part of the activities.

	November 20, 2008: The Mayor's Beautification Committee held it's 39th Annual Beautification Awards luncheon awarding 10 certificates in various categories. Mayor Jim Schmitt had the honor of presenting the award to each recipient. Pictured is Blaze Brigman of Hotel Sierra and Mayor Schmitt. Hotel Sierra received the award in the Environmental Design cat a gory.

	November 19, 2008: The annual Peace Tree Lighting took place on the Courthouse lawn Wednesday evening. The event began in the Rotunda with younsters Jackson Joseph, 3rd grade, Lindsay Grunewald, 4th grade, both from Doty Elementary School and Bret LaPlante, 6th grade from Red Smith School reading their peace essays. The 4th & 5th graders from Tank Elementary School sang peace songs. The crowd then gathered on the lawn around the tree and at the count of ten, the tree was lit. The Tank students led the crowd singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth".

	November 19, 20008: Ground breaking for the new conference facilities at the Tundra Lodge took place in a festive atmosphere. The Tundra Lodge added a new conference facility to it's current hotel and water park. The new conference center is available for events and offers complete service for rooms, food, and conference areas. The hotel itself and the water park have also been updated and enhanced.

	November 12, 2008: A formal ribbon cutting ceremony marked the opening of a new housing development in downtown Green Bay, Flats on the Fox. The eight story structure at the north end of Washington Street replaced part of the former Younkers Department store. "Having a development like this in downtown Green Bay makes for a stronger downtown allowing workers here to live where they work" said Mayor Schmitt. The development is accepting applications for high end and low to moderate incomes. WHEDA provided significant funding towards the development.

	November 6, 2008: Mayor Jim Schmitt along with Richard McCreary, Vice President & General Manager of Marinette Marine Corp., Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard, Representative Steve Kagen, Giao Phan, USCG Deputy Director of Acquisition Programs, and Robert Herre, President Manitowoc Marine Group cut the ribbon for the new ACE Marine, producer of the Response Boat - Medium fleet. The boats made here will replace the aging fleet currently in use by the Coast Guard. Since these new boats are made of aluminium, they cannot be manufactured in the same facility along with the boats made of steel. The company selected Green Bay because of the close proximity to the waterway and the strong work ethic in Green Bay.

	October 24, 2008: Mayor Schmitt expressed with great pride at the ground-breaking ceremony for the CityDeck that this day has "finally arrived" after years of planning and searching for funding. Governor Jim Doyle and a host of elected officials attended the event and were recognized for their contributions toward the realization of this project. State funding towards the project was invaluable. The CityDeck should be available for public enjoyment by Labor Day, 2009. It will include the upland area from Walnut to Main and construction of Shopko Landing. See the CityDeck web site for features of this new city park.

	September 30, 2008: With the Oneida Nation banner as a backdrop, Mayor Schmitt announced that the Oneida Nation has stepped up with a major donation towards the USS Green Bay fund raising. the Packer Corporation is matching funds needed for school children to attend the commissioning in Long Beach, CA. and they will be judging an essay contest which will allow high school kids the opportunity of a lifetime. The Mayor also announced the people of Green Bay will be able to join in the celebration right here with a Gala planned for October 17th.

	September 26, 2008: Mayor Schmitt and the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce ambassadors welcomed a new addition to downtown Green Bay with a ribbon cutting ceremony. ItConnexx is located on South Washington Street.

	September 19, 2008: Governor Doyle held a news conference with the Fox River and Bay of Green Bay in the background to urge passage of the Great Lakes Pact before the US Congress. This pact protects the waters of the Great Lakes from being diverted to other states in need of water.

	September 15, 2008: Mayor Schmitt and the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce ambassadors welcomed Chili's Grill & Bar to it's new location on Green Bay's west side. "This grand opening is one more example of the tremendous success that Green Bay has seen in revitalizing our established commercial districts with new businesses that will provide jobs and tax base for years to come," said Mayor Schmitt.

	September 11, 2008: A memorial ceremony took place at the WTC memorial on the shore of the Fox River. Representatives from the Fire and Police Departments were on hand along with a color guard. The event was attended by the Mayor, County Executive, other elected officials and the general public.

	August 27, 2008: Newly appointed Fire Chief Jeff Roemer was sworn into office at a brief ceremony held in the City Council Chambers. Roemer was appointed interim chief by the Green Bay Police & Fire Commission earlier this year. After an extensive search and screen process, the commission recommended Roemer for the permanent position with unanimous approval by the City Council.

	August 19, 2008: Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt welcomed entrepreneurs Yadira Delgado and Luis Bahena to the On Broadway District saying "I'm pleased to welcome you to our downtown and I am sure through your hard work and determination you will surely succeed in this niche business." La Vina is located at 108 S. Broadway.

	August 12, 2008: The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary found itself in the care of two baby Otters earlier in the year. The staff decided to hold a contest to name these pups. Two area school girls were the winners and received stuffed toy otters from the Sanctuary and a small gift from the Mayor.

	August 11, 2008: With the tall ship Maryland's Pride as a backdrop, PMI and Bay Lake Bank announced the Bay Lake Bank Tall Ships Festival 2010. Mayor Schmitt stated the $4 million economic impact of the last festival gave Green Bay the notice it deserved and said with part of the new CityDeck completed by 2010, some of the ships will be able to dock in that area along with the docks at Leicht Park. Sixteen ships will be in Green Bay in July 2010 for the three day festival. Officials expect 60,000 people to attend the event.

	August 7, 2008: The Mayor announced a $250,000 contribution and corporate sponsorship for the CityDeck. The city plans to use the gift towards the lighting on the Upland area, scheduled for construction this fall. Corporate sponsorships are still being sought.

	August 4, 2008: The Copps Store on Main Street built a new store like no other grocery store in the city. The grand opening featured food samples, wine samples and a band. A ribbon cutting was held featuring area dignitaries.

	July 30, 2008: Mayor Schmitt, along with Lombardi Middle School principal Nancy Croy and USS Green Bay Spirit of Green Bay Committee Chair Doug LaViolette announced two community-wide celebrations for the USS Green Bay. A Military/Black Tie Gala will be held in Green Bay on Friday, October 17, 2008 with a second event taking place in Long Beach, California on January 24th for the commissioning of the ship.

	July 30, 2008: Mayor Schmitt and the Broadway District welcomed Yikes Salon to their new location on Broadway. The salon moved from its North Broadway location to this site on South Broadway.

	July 29, 2008: Mayor Schmitt and the Broadway District welcomed Monzu bistro with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. The shop is located at 154 N. Broadway.

	July 22, 2008: Phase I of the Master Plan for Larsen Green (formerly Agrilink Property) begins with reinstating the street grid on the property and adding parking for future businesses. Phase I has begun with installing a section of Pearl Street, the alley of the 300 north block of Broadway, parking, and storm water management. Phase I is expected to be completed in time to coincide with the grand opening of Shopko Express.

	July 22, 2008: At the invitation of Mayor Jim Schmitt and County Executive Tom Hinz, co-chairs of the Brown County Task Force to End Chronic Hopelessness, Philip Mangano, Executive Director of the United State Interagency Council on Hopelessness was in Green Bay to offer guidance and suggestions on homeless issues.

	June 27, 2008: Mayor Jim Schmitt unveiled the latest project of the Sustainable Greater Green Bay initiative, the Green Bike Program. Twenty bikes will be dispersed at six bike rack location throughout the downtown. The bikes, repaired and repainted a bright green, were either donated or were unclaimed bike picked up by Green Bay Police. this free service in intended to offer exercise, reduce pollution and fuel consumption and reduce traffic congestion. Users are encouraged to return the bike to one of the designated rakes at the end of the day.

	June 14, 2008: Mayor Schmitt was honored with the duty of christening the new ship Foxy Lady II. The new ship is larger than the old one and will enable the owners to provide guests with more amenities.

	July 8, 2008: The Mayor announced the first floor of the Cherry Street Parking Facility will be acquired by Sara Investments and turned into six suites ready for occupancy later this year. This will bring small businesses into the downtown filling in some gaps.

	May 12, 2008: Mayor Schmitt declared the day as Wear Yellow Day to show support in the fight against cancer. The event was held outside the Lambeau Field Atrium. High schoolers attended the event wearing yellow shirts like the ones they have sold throughout the area.

	April 24, 2008: Mayor Schmitt participated in Earth Week activities by leaving his car at home on Earth Day. The Mayor biked to the bus stop near his home, loaded his bike on the Green Bay Metro bike rack which are installed on every city bus, disembarked at Monroe and Walnut and continued to work riding his bike. "if everyone would do this one day a week, it would make a significant change in the environment, not to mention the health benefits to the individual" he said.

	April 24, 2008: Mayor Schmitt issues a challenge to area residents to observe Earth Day by "leaving your car at home" this Thursday, April 24th. The Mayor also announced that Green Bay Metro will be providing free transportation to resident as part of Leave Your Car at Home Day. Residents are encouraged to walk, run, bike ride the bus, or carpool as a way to support energy efficiency.

	April 23, 2008: Mayor Schmitt welcomed A Better Footprint, formerly Woldgood Fair Trade, to Olde main Street at their grand opening on Earth Day. A Better Footprint is a retailer of fairly traded gifts and collectibles from around the world. the ribbon cutting ceremony, Green Bay's first eco-friendly, concluded the formal ceremony.

	April 15, 2008: Mayor Schmitt announced the Spring Medication Collection Initiative sponsored by the City of Green Bay, the Sustainable Greater Green Bay Task Force, Brown County, the Environmental Protection Agency and Streu's Pharmacy. Brown County residents are invited to clean out their medicine cabinets for Earth Day. Expired and unused medications will be collected at Streu's Pharmacy. Medication which are tossed in the trash or flushed down the toilet have the potential to be released into our rivers and lakes.

	April 8, 2008: Project Vote held a news conference to alert voters of the need to Get Out The Vote.

	April 7, 2008: Mayor Schmitt delivers his State of the City summarizing the accomplishments of the past year and outlining his goals for this year. The occasion was held at the historic Meyer Theatre in downtown Green Bay before a audience of approximately 300.

	April 2, 2008: The City Council said goodbye and thank you to Aldermen Chad Fradette and Gary Krieser at the Common Council meeting. The Mayor gave each a plaque commemorating their service to the City and the Council.

	April 1, 2008: Governor Doyle announced the State Office of Energy Independence will partner with individual communities to increase their share of renewable fuels and capitalize on their unique resources to become more energy independent. Communities are taking the first step towards this partnership by adopting the Governor's "25x25" Goal", generating 25 percent of Wisconsin's electricity and transportation fuels from renewable sources by 2025. Mayor Schmitt spoke of the City's commitment to sustainability and energy conservation. He also discussed recruiting new "Green" businesses to the City.

	February 14, 2008: Ground breaking ceremonies were held for the new Shopko Express Building in the On Broadway district. Construction on the new building will begin immediately with the opening expected late this year.

	January 19, 2008: At the urging of two Appleton Disk Jockeys, the New York Avenue sign along the city's east side was changed to McCarthy's Way before the big game between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants. It is thought that by not honoring New York in the street name would bring good luck to the Packers.

	January 18, 2008: Mayor Jim Schmitt shared his winnings from the Seattle mayor bet with packer fans at a street rally on Walnut. City and County personnel gathered on break time on the street to cheer on the Packers for their next game.

	January 14, 2008: Mayor Schmitt along with Shopko Stores Chairman and CEO Michael MacDonald, SMET Construction, Chamber of Commerce President Paul Jadin and On Broadway announced the first major step in the $90 million redevelopment of the former Larsen Canning site. Shopko will build a new 3-story building on the corner of Broadway and Dousman bring an added experience for people living and working in Green Bay's west side. The new store is expected to open in the fall of 2008. The third floor will be the new home for the Chamber of Commerce