May 24, 2010

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends,

As we prepare for the upcoming holiday, please take a few minutes to remember the reason for Memorial Day and to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve our country.

Again this year I’ll take part in the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Milwaukee. It’s an honor to be asked to participate and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay respect to those who served our nation in such a meaningful way. Thank you in advance for doing your part to support local veterans and letting them know you appreciate their service.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to highlight a major investment that will preserve jobs and set the stage for future expansion. I was at Rexnord Industries’ Falk facility, along with Rexnord President and CEO Todd Adams.

Mayor Barrett, joined by Todd Adams, president and CEO of Rexnord,
and Kevin Schafer of MMSD, announces flood relief funds.

The City of Milwaukee worked to secure $2.3 million in flood relief funds from the Federal Government that will be used to get their site out of the Menomonee River flood plain. While there is a flood wall surrounding the Falk site, it is not quite high enough. When flooding occurs, it forces a shutdown and a costly stoppage of work and clean-up of the plant. With additional flood protection in place, Falk can expand its buildings, increase its operations and, most importantly, hire new employees.

I’m pleased the City can partner with a company like Rexnord to make sure its operations can continue smoothly, without interruption and position the business for expansion. The Falk facility has a long history in the Menomonee Valley and our community, and we look forward to the possibility of increased employment there in the future.

This is just one example of strategic public investment that promotes private sector job creation. Job-creation success stories can be found all throughout Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley. Companies located in the Valley have created thousands of jobs, reinventing that part of the City as a thriving industrial area. The City has partnered with Valley development efforts by planning, constructing infrastructure and identifying resources that encourage growth.

In the next month, I’ll be back in the Valley for a groundbreaking as Ingeteam, the wind energy equipment company, breaks ground for its facility. Hundreds more will soon be working there.

Other exciting events taking place in the comings months include the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative 2010 annual meeting and conference in June, the City’s July 4th celebrations, other economic development announcements, the start of my summer youth jobs program, the completion of the Milwaukee Job Corps center, water-related announcements, and more.

The Barrett Report is going on hiatus until the end of the election season. If between now and then you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I look forward to seeing you around the City this summer.

Sincerely,

Mayor, City of Milwaukee

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor