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Known as the Spirit on the Lake, Sheboygan, Wisconsin is famous for its enviable location along the banks of Lake Michigan. Residents and tourists alike flock to the city’s two miles of unspoiled public beaches to swim, kite surf, wind surf, paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, boat, and fish.

Written by Claire Suttles

ith waters ideal for sailing, Sheboygan has been Sheboygan. As well, the Stefanie Weill Center for the Perform- chosen as one of four U.S. Sailing Centers – and ing Arts has been longingly restored to its 1920s splendor and Wthe only one located on fresh water – making it a the John Michael Kohler Arts Center is nationally recognized for popular training destination for Olympic sailors. Stretches of its collections of folk and vernacular art. the city’s beaches are also great for surfing, drawing thousands of visitors eager to ride the waves. Located on a pristine white sand beach, the majestic Blue Harbor Resort, Spa, and Conference Center boasts a 54,000 Sheboygan’s waterways and beaches are a huge boon to the square foot indoor entertainment area and waterpark, 180 city’s economy. “Tourism drives economic development,” says hotel rooms, 64 villas, event space, restaurants, and eco-friend- Chad Pelishek, Sheboygan’s Director of Planning & Develop- ment. “Over the years the city has invested a lot of money into the Sheboygan River – which deposits into the lake right in our downtown – and into public infrastructure and corridors to try and promote the lakefront.” The city has also made it a priority to keep waterfronts accessible to all. “Most of the lakefront and riverfront is owned by the city, so we have control over it,” Mr. Pelishek explains. “We have really worked hard on trying to allow people to use the assets that Lake Michigan provides without restricting it with private development.”

In addition to being a mecca for water recreation, Sheboygan boasts children’s and history museums, a significant amount of green / open space, hiking trails and, as the Bratwurst Capital of the World, plenty of fried brats and related festivals. The city boasts three unique shopping areas: the South Pier Peninsula, the Riverfront Shanty Shops on the Boardwalk, and downtown

“Money Magazine named Sheboygan the ‘Most Livable’ city for six consecutive years.” 4

ly lakeshore trails. Golf is also a big tourist draw, and the She- nity with a lot of people working in manufacturing,” he says. boygan / Kohler area is recognized as Wisconsin’s premier golf “They are very dedicated and work hard toward making suc- destination, with two courses that are part of the five-diamond cesses in the community.” Stable, family owned companies American complex. Considered one of the best championship that want to continue investing in the community have also courses in the United States, the Straits at ® played a crucial role, and in fact, almost 40 percent of Sheboy- hosted the 2004 and 2010 PGA Championships and the 2007 gan’s jobs are in the manufacturing industry. U.S. Senior Open, and plans to host the 2015 PGA Champion- ship and 2020 Ryder Cup. Rockline Industries is one of Sheboygan’s largest employ- ers and one of the world’s leading developers, manufactur- Sheboygan residents enjoy ers, and distributors of wet affordable housing and a low “The city has undergone wipes and coffee filters. “Most cost of living – as of 2007, a of the wipes that are on the whopping 22 percent lower than significant development in the market today are being manu- the United States average. In past two decades, beginning in factured in Sheboygan,” Mr. addition, Morgan Quinto Press 1994 with the construction of Pelishek reports. Nemak, which ranked the Sheboygan metro- the Harbor Centre Marina.” produces high-tech aluminum politan statistical area as the sixth components for the automo- safest overall in the nation in tive industry, is another major 2007. Money Magazine named Sheboygan the “Most Livable” employer. After enduring a slump during the recession, city for six consecutive years and “Best Retirement Community” Nemak was acquired by a Mexican firm, causing concern that due to its recreational opportunities, cost of living, and safety. one of the city’s largest employers might relocate. The new owners saw the benefits of staying in Sheboygan, however. Sheboygan also enjoys a solid manufacturing base that has “They have made a huge investment in the community,” stood up to the pressures of offshoring. Mr. Pelishek credits the says Mr. Pelishek. The company has expanded its facilities local workforce and their “strong work ethic” for this achieve- twice since the recession and employment has rebounded to ment. “Sheboygan has historically been a blue collar commu- include more than 1,000 people. 5 6

The Kohler Company’s global headquarters are located within Sheboygan County, in Kohler, Wisconsin. An international leader in plumbing products, the manufacturer employs more than 5,000 locals. Leading cheese producer Sargento is also located nearby. Sheboygan’s American Orthodontics Corpora- tion is the largest privately held manufacturer of orthodontic appliances in the world. The area is also home to a number of plastics manufacturers as well as several specialty food and beverage producers.

ACUITY is headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and its presence is helping to drive professional employment in the city. “ACUITY is diversifying our workforce and bringing more professional positions to the community,” Mr. Pelishek reports. The property and casualty insurer manages over $3 billion in assets and employs over 1,000 people.

To be sure, Sheboygan’s businesses enjoy a strong, healthy rela- tionship with the local government. “We encourage business “Sheboygan enjoys a solid development and work through any obstacles that may be manufacturing base that has there from a permitting standpoint. We try and encourage the stood up to the pressures of expansion of existing companies and bring new companies into the area.” The city’s economic development team provides offshoring.” specific services and programs to these businesses, including 7

economic incentives in the form of loans and grants, redevel- opment assistance, and guidance through the development YOUR EMPLOYEES. process. Sheboygan also offers a low cost of doing business, including very low water and sewer rates.

Sheboygan’s strategic southeastern Wisconsin location also helps attract business. The city is conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 43 and Highway 23, about halfway between Green Bay and Milwaukee. Sheboygan is about an hour’s drive from both cities, two and half hours from Chicago, and five and a half hours from Minneapolis.

Adding to the draw, incoming business owners have a range of quality housing from which to choose, from contemporary designs to historic Victorians. “Overall, the housing quality stock is very good and very economical,” shares Mr. Pelishek. “You can buy a house right on Lake Michigan for a very reason- able amount of money.” Most neighborhoods house longtime YOU. residents who are committed to the community and work hard to keep it in good condition. “We’ve got safe neighborhoods, We are committed to clean neighborhoods, and quality neighborhoods.” economic development in our community. We understand what it takes—and support Sheboygan has undergone significant development in the past what matters to you. two decades, beginning in 1994 with the construction of the Harbor Centre Marina. Widely considered the premier destina- WisconsinBankandTrust.com

Formerly Community Bank & Trust in Sheboygan 8

tion marina on Lake Michigan, the full service marina boasts an upscale country club feel and is walking distance to downtown and the South Pier Peninsula.

Currently, the city is focused on downtown development. “One of the challenges that we have as a typical Midwestern com- munity is that we haven’t focused a lot on our downtown in the past,” Mr. Pelishek says. A downtown master plan has just been developed that centers around three key assets located within one block of each other: The Stefanie Weill Center for the Performing Arts, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and a new branch of the public library. The city has recently acquired a vacant, 100,000 square foot department store situated along this block. Plans are underway to demolish the building and create a town plaza that will anchor the arts and culture district, linking its primary assets together and providing a pedestrian walkway and greenspace. City officials predict that the new development will “energize the arts and culture activities hap- pening in this hub area.”

The city is also working to create more housing downtown to meet the demand of young professionals who want to live there. There is some subsidized, low income housing available, but very few market rate apartments and condominiums with the amenities that the city’s young professionals are seeking. 9

“The jobs are here for them, but not the housing; they are driving in from Milwaukee because the product is available in “Sheboygan’s businesses enjoy that area.” Fortunately, there are already some proposals on the a strong, healthy relationship with table, and Mr. Pelishek is optimistic that a new housing devel- the local government.” opment will break ground sometime this year.

Sheboygan’s young professionals are eager to live downtown Michigan beach, these residents want to be in the middle of it to take advantage of all the city has to offer. “They want all. Tourists are equally enthusiastic about the city’s downtown to be able to walk to everything,” Mr. Pelishek says. From and continue to enjoy Sheboygan’s many assets – which only unique shopping, arts, and entertainment, to a beautiful, Lake continue to grow. 828 Center Avenue, Suite 104 Sheboygan, WI 53081 E: [email protected]

www.ci.sheboygan.wi.us Project Project s Su pp orter www.nemak.com jobs.johnsonville.com www.communitybankandtrust.com

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