2009

	December 2, 2009: Mayor Schmitt and Congressman Kagen announced the location for the new Milo C. Huempfner Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic in Green Bay at 2800 University Avenue. “We have been working with property owners and Veterans Administration officials on this project since July,” said Mayor Schmitt. “It has been a long five months and an unbelievably competitive project. This is an important facility for all the veterans who depend on the services provided by the Veterans Administration as well as for the greater Green Bay community. This will create several hundred permanent full-time positions and nearly 500 construction jobs. We couldn't be happier that they chose to locate this facility in the City of Green Bay.” The new facility will serve approximately 20,000 veterans, staffed by at least 250 and parking for approximately 1,200 cars. Milo C. Huempfner is Brown County’s highest decorated soldier in World War II. Huempfner earned the reputation of ‘One Man Army’ for his attacks against an armored Nazi column during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944.

	November 24. 2009: Mayor Schmitt announced the return of the Most Wonderful Lights Tour in Green Bay. You can nominate your favorite Most Wonderful House, Block, Business, Packer themed and Energy Efficient displays. Nominations will be taken beginning November 30 through December 14. Following the close of nominations, judging will take place and winners announced on December 22, 2009.

	November 23, 2009: Washington Middle School Wins $300. The eighth grade class at Washington Middle School was the top winner in the 12 Reason 4 Living in Green Bay contest. Mayor Schmitt and Green Bay Area School Superintendent Greg Maass presented the check to the class and read off their winning 12 reasons. Edison Middle School and St. Thomas More were runners up with a check awarded them of $100.

	November 21, 2009: The grand opening of the CityDeck was held after the Holiday Parade on November 21st. After a brief speech by Mayor Schmitt, the University of Wisconsin band burst through a banner to officially open the new city park. Mayor Schmitt and the band led the crowd to the Shopko Landing at the north end of the CityDeck. The Wisconsin band played for spectators and were joined for a few numbers by members of area high school bands.

	November 21, 2009: Holiday Parade in Downtown Green Bay attended by thousands. The two-hour long parade wound through the city streets under warm, sunny skies.

	November 19, 2009: Music, Santa, Hayrides introduced the annual lighting on Broadway. Mayor Schmitt led the children in a countdown to light the lights on Broadway. Stores stayed open late for holiday shoppers in this kick-off event for the On Broadway area.

	November 18, 2009: After a brief ceremony inside the historic Brown County Court House featuring a welcome by Mayor Schmitt, Brown County Executive Tom Hinz and People to People Chair Fran Czarnecki, peace essays by area youth Trevor Joseph, Lily Schumacher, Lindsay Mirkes and songs by Fort Howard Elementary School Choir, the mayor led children in a countdown to light the Peace Tree. 10, 9, 8...1 and the tree lit up beginning the holiday season and celebrations in Green Bay.

	October 31, 2009: As part of the good natured events leading up to the Packer-Viking Game, a Pre-Tailgate party was held at Titletown Brewing Company. A new brew was introduced in honor of the game and named "Brett's Waff ALE". Also introduced was the renaming of Titletown's root beer to "Aaron Rodger's Neighborhood Root Beer". Mayor Schmitt and Green Bay School District Superintendent Greg Maass, along with the Co-Chair of Better By The Bay Julie McNut announced the winner of the "Top 12 reason 4 living in Green Bay" The winner was the 8th grade class of Washington Middle School in Green Bay. They will receive a check for $300.00 courtesy of the Better Bay the Bay Committee.

	October 30, 2009: As part of Green Bay's preparations for Sunday's Packers-Vikings match up, Mayor Jim Schmitt is encouraging the community to wear flip flops on Friday as an ‘homage’ of sorts for former-Packers-turned-Vikings quarterback Brett Favre. The Mayor and his staff wore their flip flops at City Hall on Friday as shown in this photo.

	October 29, 2009: Mayor Schmitt climbed the ladder to replace the Minnesota Avenue street sign with Aaron Rodgers Drive. This was one of the over 1700 suggestions sent to the Mayor's office during the last seven days. The new sign will remain in place until Monday after the Packers-Vikings game.

	October 28, 2009: Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, along with Green Bay Area School Superintendent Greg Maass, met with Franklin Middle School 8th grade students to announce the weeks events leading up to the Packer-Viking game. The weeks events begin with a competition among area 8th grade classes to come up with the "Top 12 reason 4 living in Green Bay". The winning class will receive a check for $300. On Thursday, October 29th, the City will "unofficially" change the street sign for Minnesota Avenue to Aaron Rodgers Drive. Then on Friday, the Mayor encourages City residents to wear flip flops for the day, decorating them in Green and Gold and in the Vikings Purple. On Saturday, October 30, there will be a pre-tailgate party at Titletown Brewery where a new brew will be named and "Waffle Fries" will be served. The winner of the "12 reasons" will also be announced.

	October 22, 2009: WHEDA announced the State of Wisconsin has received $100 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for 36 Low Income Housing Tax Credit developments across the state. Executive Director Antonio Riley awarded $5.46 million in tax credits to Millennium Housing Foundation Inc. to remodel their existing facility located at 400 N. Monroe in downtown Green Bay. Millennium Housing Foundation plans to renovate the entire building, remodeling existing units, replacing windows and doors, upgrading equipment, and making the units on the first four floors ADA accessible. The entire renovation will last four to six months.

	October 22, 2009: Schwabe North America, the leading marketer, developer & manufacturer of premium natural medicines, has announced an over $10 million expansion and consolidation of several of its operations into its Green Bay facility. The State of Wisconsin has provided an incentive package that includes a $500,000 forgivable loan and $400,000 in tax credits. The company will retain its 280+ Wisconsin jobs and will create over 100 new operational, professional and administrative jobs. This expansion involves Enzymatic Therapy, Nature's Way and Integrative Therapeutics Brands. Governor Doyle, WI Secretary of Commerce Dick Leinenkugel, and Mayor Jim Schmitt joined to congratulate Randy Rose, President & CEO Schwabe North America and Dr. Dirk Reischig, Chairman of the Board, Schwabe

	October 16, 2009: World Food Day is a global event designed to increase awareness, understanding and year-round action to alleviate hunger. Mayor Jim Schmitt read a proclamation at Paul's Pantry marking the day as "World Food Day in Green Bay" and urged Green Bay citizens to continue their generosity towards Paul's Pantry and the Salvation Army. Since opening its doors in 1984, Paul's Pantry has distributed more than 73 million pounds of food and has served more than 846,000 free grocery visits.

	October 12, 2009: Mayor Schmitt and Alderperson Jeffreys toured the CityDeck this week to get a firsthand look at the progress. "A lot has changed since we toured it last," said the Mayor. "This is going to be a fabulous place for Green Bay Residents and Visitors to enjoy," he added. Sod has been put in place and other finishing touches are being made.

	October 8, 2009: Tall Ship Festival Returns in 2010. Great Lakes United and the America Sail Training Assoc. announced they will partner in bringing a fleet of tall ships to the Great Lakes. The official tall ship of Wisconsin, the S/V Denis Sullivan was at Leicht Park for the announcement. Baylake Bank will be the main sponsor along with PMI Entertainment Group and Great Lakes United. The festival will run August 13-15, 2010 at Leicht Park. The Tall Ships will race from Toronto, ON to Cleveland, OH; Bay City, MI; Duluth, MN; Green Bay, WI and end at Chicago, IL.

	October 7, 2009: Yahoo! representatives including fantasy sports expert Andy Behrens presented a check for $15,000 to Mayor Schmitt and the Children's Museum. Competing against mayors from ten other professional sports cities from around the country, Mayor Schmitt won the fantasy football fan online poll sponsored by Yahoo! Sports. Green Bay received 50% more votes than its closest competitor, Tampa Bay (44%-29%)

	October 1, 2009: The Green Bay Fire Department announced the winners of the annual fire prevention poster contest. Second grader from Chappell School winner was Nathan Stoltenberg. Two winners came from Trinity School. First grader Anna Speckhard and second grader Jessica Prindle were recognized for their efforts. Each child will be receive a ride to school in a fire truck. In addition, Jessica's artwork will be reproduced on a billboard placed on University Avenue on the city's east side. Mayor Schmitt and Fire Chief Jeff Roemer announced each of the winners and congratulated them on their creations.

	October 1, 2009: Hat Cetera owner Sam Abrago was joined by Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, members of On Broadway staff, district businesses and friends in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the unique store at 109 N. Broadway. Hat Cetera specializes in men's & women's hats, as well as accessories, canes, theatrical hats and special orders.
	September 30, 2009: Brown County Executive, Tom Hinz; Green Bay Mayor, Jim Schmitt and Green Bay Chamber of Commerce President, Paul Jadin proclaimed October as Wisconsin Disability Employment Awareness Month in a short ceremony at the Options for Independent Living offices. Each man urged businesses to consider hiring persons with disabilities. Approximately 400,000 Wisconsin residents reported having disabilities and 42% of those are employed.

	September 24, 2009: Mayor Schmitt, Police Chief Jim Arts, and neighborhood association presidents joined to announce the third community policing center in Green Bay. This center is located at 807 N. Irwin Avenue in the Olde North Neighborhood. It is expected to be ready for operations in May of 2010. The Mayor also announced a 3.65% drop in violent crimes from August to August and during that same time frame a drop in property crime of 7.26%. The Mayor sited the importance of neighborhoods in keeping the city safe.

	September 14, 2009: Yahoo! Sports Fantasy announced Mayor Schmitt and the citizens of Green Bay are the winners of the inaugural Yahoo! Sports Mayoral Face off civic pride poll, rewarding $15,000 to The Children's Museum of Green Bay, Mayor Schmitt’s chosen charity.

	September 11, 2009: Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt joined other public officials for the memorial service honoring those who died at the hands of terrorists on September 11, 2001. Fire and law enforcement officials joined in a 30 minute service led by David Gauthier. Wreaths were laid at the fire, veteran, and police memorials.

	August 26, 2009: Green Bay Mayor and area neighbors cut the ribbon for the new East River Trail at East Mason and Hartung streets. This new extension will eventually connect to the downtown Fox River Trail and will also extend out to the Baird Creek Trail to Interstate 43. The area at the intersection includes an open space dominated with a quaint gazebo and a trail sign decorated with planting.

	August 25, 2009: Green Bay Mayor and Hobart Village President Richard Heidel signed the Water Service Agreement between the two municipalities on August 25 at the village offices. The agreement runs through 2030 with provisions of extension. The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently ranked Green Bay's water in the top 10 of 93 cities who entered the completion. Green Bay currently serves Ashwaubenon and Scott with water.

	August 20, 2009: Mayor Jim Schmitt competes against mayors from ten other cities from around the country in a fantasy football competition sponsored by Yahoo! Sports this season. Seven of the participating mayors’ cities are home to NFL franchises, the remaining three have NBA teams. Mayor Schmitt will be personally participating in the draft, converting his office conference room into a War Room full of player lists and fantasy advisors. The winning mayor takes home $15,000 for the local non-profit youth charity of his or her choice. Mayor Schmitt will compete on behalf of the Green Bay Children's Museum.

	July 23, 2009: Mayor Jim Schmitt joined Blaine Walesh on the first part of Walesh's cancer walk to Two Rivers. The group left Lambeau Field and planned to end the 45 mile walk in time for the 2009 American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Manitowoc County. Walesh lost his leg to cancer in 1983 and never considers himself handicapped.

	July 20-24, 2009: Mayor Mario Turrent Anton and his delegation of 15 government officials and community leaders from our sister city of Irapuato, Mexico are spending the week in Green Bay. The delegation will visit various cultural, educational, medical, and civic points of interest within the greater Green Bay area. See the Green Bay Sister Cities site for more information

	July 2, 2009: Mayor Schmitt announced a new sustainable initiative which will offer Green Bay residents free water at this years Festival Foods Fire Over the Fox on the 4th of July. The water tent highlights the City's selection as having one of the top 10 best tasting water supplies in the country by the US Conference of Mayors.

	June 23, 2009: Mayor Jim Schmitt has proclaimed June 23rd, as Olympic Day, in support of Chicago’s efforts to host the 2016 Olympic Games. Several City playgrounds will host special programming geared toward celebrating Olympic Day and encouraging physical activity among area youth. This Thursday, June 25th, the Mayor’s Kids’ Day Celebration will include additional Olympic-themed activities, including an appearance and autograph signing at Lambeau Field by veteran Olympic curler and coach Ann Swisshelm during the annual Mayor’s Kids’ Day Lunch. Swisshelm was a gold medalist at the 2003 Women’s World Curling Championship and was part of the 4th place Women’s Curling team at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

	June 15, 2009: Green Bay’s one-of-a-kind Kids’ Day celebration will be recognized as a day to celebrate childhood and introduce youth to city services in hundreds of cities across the United States, the result of a resolution passed at the annual summer meeting of the US Conference of Mayors(USCM). The resolution, cosponsored by ten mayors representing every region of the United States, is now part of the official policy of the USCM, and calls for each City to designate June 25th as an annual “Mayor’s Kids’ Day” in their community, complete with a variety of free activities for local youth. Green Bay's own Kid's Day will be celebrated on Thursday, June 25th.

	June 9, 2009: Mayor Schmitt joined On Broadway staff, business owner Scott Doepke and friends to cut the "ribbon" at the opening of the new Tackle Box Grill. This new eatery is located at 130 S. Broadway and features food made from scratch and includes fresh fish, soups, homemade wraps and more. Patrons are encouraged to relax at the outside Tiki bar in a relaxed atmosphere. Plans call for music nights and will feature special food entrees.

	June 3, 2009: Mayor Schmitt announced the 2009 Green Bike program at a press conference held in front of the Daily Buzz, one of the eight locations for the Green Bikes. The City has expanded the bike locations to the On Broadway area at the Urban Frog and Shopko Express. The east side locations are Adm. Flatley Park, Daily Buzz, City Hall, Central Library, and Green Bay Metro. The Wal-Mart Foundation stepped up with a generous donation to implement this and other "green" initiatives.

	May 30, 2009: The new Admiral Flatley Park and the statue honoring him was dedicated today in the annual VFW Memorial Day ceremony celebrated each May 30th. VFW members, military personnel, heirs of the Admiral, Mayor Schmitt and County Executive Tom Hinz were among the 100 or so spectators during the event. Mayor Schmitt noted "This new park is the perfect fit for an All-American Man from an All-American City".

	May 15, 2009: Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt joined members of the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, On Broadway Staff and friends & family of new owners Michael Heath and John Gossen at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Broadway Lounge & Supper Club. The newest business to the On Broadway District opened its doors recently at 313 North Broadway. This new restaurant offers a full array of eatery ranging from appetizers to soups and salads, pasta, and delicious dinner entrees. Mayor Schmitt commented that this site was a favorite spot and successful business as the Kings X several years ago and noted that with the new owners experience this endeavor should be a hit.

	May 12, 2009: Mayor Schmitt and Brown County Executive Tom Hinz proclaimed May 13th as Wear Yellow Day in Green Bay and Brown County. The two officials made the announcement at Preble High School along with the school's Sting Cancer organization and the Breast Cancer Family Foundation. Preble High School ordered 3,000 shirts to sell to students and faculty. They organized several community-wide events aimed at raising cancer awareness, celebrating survival, healthy living, and support when cancer does strike. The group received recognition from the WPS Northeastern Wisconsin Volunteer Center Awards last year.

	April 23, 2009: Mayor Schmitt announced $2,566,895 in tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. This will provide significant development opportunities in the City. The residents of Port Plaza Towers will benefit from these tax credits. Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp., which owns Port Plaza Towers, will build two affordable housing developments serving seniors and disabled persons. It is expected the new housing will be available next year. "These tax credits will create hundreds of local construction jobs and add an additional tax base to our community", said Mayor Schmitt.

	April 22, 2009: Governor Jim Doyle and Mayor Schmitt announced transit projects for Federal Recovery and Reinvestment Funds. 14 small urban areas and 32 non-urbanized areas around Wisconsin will benefit from these funds. Green Bay Transit projects, worth $2.9 million, include four clean diesel buses that will operate more efficiently and reduce emissions, a new smart-card system which will make bus fares easier and more convenient, a security system that will put passenger safety first, and improvement in maintenance, radio and support equipment.

	April 22, 2009: As part of Earth Week, Mayor Jim Schmitt was joined by four East High School Environmental Club members to plant a tree, an Accolade Elm, along the Fox Walkway, behind the former Chamber of Commerce building on South Washington Street. The Mayor issued a challenge to Green Bay to "Leave Your Car at Home" on Thursday, April 23. The Mayor himself will participate in this event by walking to work at 6:15 AM on Thursday. Mayor Schmitt announced that Green Bay Metro will be providing free bus transportation to area residents all day on "Leave Your Car at Home" day."Walk, run, bike, ride the bus, or carpool as a way to support energy efficiency" said the Mayor.

	April 15, 2009: Mayor Jim Schmitt delivered his State of the City to a crowd estimated at 350 people. The historic Meyer Theatre hosted the event again this year. The mayor spoke of the past years accomplishments and visions for the coming year including an improved recycling program, additions to our park system, future plans for police protection, and use of Federal Stimulus dollars.

	April 14, 2009: Nearly one year after announcing the formation of the Brown County Task Force to End Chronic Homelessness, County Executive Tom Hinz, Mayor Jim Schmitt, Michael Troyer and task force members announced the progress of the task force and the introduction of "Housing First" pilot program. This program will find housing for six individuals this year. Once housing is secured the staff can begin to build rapport with the participant and then address those issues that caused the participant's homelessness.

	April 14, 2009: The Town of New Denmark took home the Project VOTE Voter Challenge trophy after winning the voter turnout competition by a substantial margin in the April 7 spring election. With a turnout of nearly 54% of its registered voters, New Denmark claimed its first victory. They will keep the trophy until the next election.

	April 9, 2009: Governor Doyle presented the City of Green Bay with a check for $443,939 in Recovery Act funding for public safety. $30 million worth of investment funds have been received by the state. $11.2 million is being distributed to Wisconsin cities to assist in direct law enforcement. The Green Bay Police Department will us funding for a system that allows officers patrolling the community to remotely access the department's computer network to view and transfer suspect photos and videos.

	April 7, 2009: Mayor Schmitt welcomed Vita Rawstaurant to the On Broadway District along with On Broadway staff, District board members, businesses and friends in a ribbon cutting at the new restaurants location at 131 North Broadway.

	March 10, 2009: Paul Jadin, president of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Jim Schmitt, and Brown County Executive Tom Hinz announced the area's list of priority items for available stimulus funds. The three will reference this list in lobbying efforts with the state. Hinz spoke of library renovations, solar applications for the Brown County Jail and numerous road projects. Schmitt listed some of the City's projects as the former mall demolition and infrastructure, relocation of the coal piles, reconstruction of Military Avenue and infrastructure for the new University Heights Commerce Center.

	March 9, 2009: The Oneida Nation and the City of Green Bay signed a service agreement on Tuesday. The 15-year agreement is worth about $250,000 a year to the City of Green Bay. The agreement compensates the City for services it provides the tribe's property within the city limits. In addition, the Oneida Nation will pay $40,000 a year towards maintenance on the Wildlife Sanctuary and $60,000 for storm water management. The two governments will meet yearly to address any concerns.