Relocation Guide 2019-2020

Harnischfeger , Briggs & Stratton , Harley-Davidson , A.O. Smith , Allen-Bradley and Bucyrus-Erie had made the city famous. The local economy’s dependence on manufacturing jobs left it vulnerable to the manufacturing recession of the late 1970s and early 1980s, when tens of thousands of people lost their jobs as factories closed or moved their operations out of the state. Since then, Milwaukee has rebuilt its economy, this time with a diversified base and an increased emphasis on exports. It has also become a leader in the development of e-commerce and green technologies. This shift to service- based industries has offered some protection against severe swings in manufacturing cycles. The area’s annual unemployment rate has typically outperformed the national average for 20 years. For more information about our next- generation economy, please see Career Opportunities, which starts on page 30, or contact the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (www.mmac.org ) and request a copy of the latest Navigate Business MKE . If you’re looking for more detailed information about the region’s colorful history, visit themakingofmilwaukee.com , which features video history segments assembled by noted historian John Gurda. OUR FUTURE With the new Foxconn development and billions more dollars being invested in the region’s entertainment, housing, retail, office space and transportation infrastructure, the region is poised for its greatest growth in more than a generation. New condos, apartments and office buildings are reshaping the skyline. Milwaukee’s “can-do” mentality, ideal location, educated workforce and forward- facing economy have positioned the region for growth. CITY OF FESTIVALS Summerfest Every summer, Milwaukee proudly hosts “The World’s Largest Music Festival” on the shores of Lake Michigan. Over its 11-day run at the 75- acre Henry W. Maier Festival Park, Summerfest enthralls nearly 900,000 music lovers. It offers a veritable buffet of the music industry’s hottest stars, classic icons, emerging talent and local favorites. Among the artists featured this year are: Thomas Rhett , Jason Aldean , Bon Iver , Zac Brown Band , and Ozzy Osbourne with Megadeth , with more acts to be announced in spring. The live music is accompanied by great food and beverages, as well as shopping at four marketplaces. General and weekday admissions, 11-day Power Passes and 3-day passes are available. summerfest.com Ethnic Festivals Milwaukee holds more festivals than any other city in the United States. There isn’t an idle weekend in Milwaukee from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Every week, the metro area hosts at least one major celebration, including: Festa Italiana Polish Fest Irish Fest German Fest Mexican Fiesta Indian Summer Major festivals are held at the lakeshore Henry W. Maier Festival Park with one notable exception: Bastille Days , the largest American celebration of the French Revolution, is held in Downtown Milwaukee. M I L W A U K E E L I V I N G 18 YOUR RELOCATION RESOURCE Continued from Page 17