Milwaukee 7 Recognizes RCEDC with Excellence Award

January 31, 2020

MILWAUKEE, WI – The Milwaukee 7 Economic Development Partnership has recognized the Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) with its inaugural Excellence in Economic Development Award, M7 officials announced on Wednesday.

The award, which recognizes outstanding economic development projects and partnerships that have contributed to the economic vitality of the Milwaukee Region, was presented during M7’s annual meeting at Northwestern Mutual’s headquarters in downtown Milwaukee. RCEDC President Greg Barron, Executive Director Jenny Trick and members of the RCEDC staff were present to accept the award.

"Racine County has been a valued and trusted M7 partner over the years, with a mission of connecting communities, facilitating jobs and growing businesses," M7 co-chair Gale Klappa said. "We thank the team in Racine for all of its hard work and the exceptional contributions it is making to our region’s economic growth and prosperity."

Gale Klappa

Milwaukee 7 Co-Chair

"The Racine County Economic Development Corporation is honored to receive the Excellence in Economic Development Award," Barron said. "We are very proud of our work in Racine County, and we are pleased to stand in partnership with Milwaukee 7, and our state partners at WEDC and the Governor’s office."

Greg Barron

RCEDC President

The I-94 corridor south of Milwaukee has been one of the M7 region’s most active areas for economic development over the past several years. A wide variety of businesses are moving into the area, including a recent spike in businesses moving across the state line from Illinois. While many public and private entities have contributed to this surge in development, M7 leaders recognized RCEDC for its unique contributions. RCEDC recently completed its three-year (2017-2019) strategic plan cycle, including:

These projects include new construction and expansion of InSinkErator, Seda USA, Fischer USA, Crescent Electric and Poclain Hydraulics.

In 2017, M7 and RCEDC worked together as part of the team that landed the Foxconn project. Today, Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park is taking shape thanks to strong public/private partnerships that include leaders at the state, Racine County, Mount Pleasant, Foxconn and the wide range of contractors from across the region and state that are working on the project. To date, the total value for contracts awarded at the park is approximately $372 million, with more to come.

RCEDC also has tracked and supported industrial spec development by Ashley Capital and Hillwood, medical development by Advocate Aurora and Ascension and office spec development by St. Johns Properties. Several single and multi-family developments are under construction from firms such as Wangard Properties, Sawall Development and Pre/3 Development.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to Greg, Jenny, the RCEDC board of directors and staff," M7 Executive Director Pat O’Brien said. "We’re proud to collaborate with this team and look forward to continued success that produces economic ripple effects felt throughout the region. Thank you to the Racine team for all your hard work and the exceptional contributions you are making to our region’s economic growth and prosperity."

Pat O'Brien

Milwaukee 7 Executive Director

About the Milwaukee 7 Economic Development Partnership

The Milwaukee 7 is the regional economic development partnership of the seven Southeastern Wisconsin counties of Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha, dedicated to growing, expanding and attracting business and talent.

About the Racine County Economic Development Corporation

RCEDC and our partners provide Racine County, Wisconsin, businesses with almost every service needed to complete an expansion, relocation, financing, or workforce development project. Our dedicated staff is committed to meeting the needs of Racine County businesses and companies interested in expanding or locating in the Chicago-Milwaukee Corridor.

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