Wednesday, June 2, 2010
If I were to tell you that bringing more manufacturing jobs to Sheboygan will take far more than cheap warehouse space and an abundantly available workforce, you probably wouldn’t argue. Neither would thousands of other communities across America who have lost jobs to China, India and other highly competitive manufacturing economies.
Neither would renowned architect and visionary, Alan Washatko who is leading an effort to help grow Milwaukee’s creative class. Why? Because enough research has been done to prove that a purely manufacturing-based economy cannot and will not pull us out of this recession. We need a creative class to drive new innovation and make new promises...as much as we need world-class manufacturing and service to keep those promises. Everyday.
This is why the Jake’s Cafe Creative Community is on a mission to help grow “Sheboygan’s” creative class.... to compliment and “complete” our great manufacturing capabilities. Not only through the development of a stronger, more collaborative creative community, but by reaching out and looking for other area companies to partner in what I believe to be one of the most important things Sheboygan can do to attract, develop and retain great minds...and that is to promote our uniquely accessible and wonderful quality of life. It’s rocket fuel for creative people.
In a nutshell, Sheboygan’s quality of life is simply better and more accessible than that of any other Wisconsin community. Argue all you want....but take a look at just a few of the top line items below.
Whistling Straits, PGA Championship Golf
Kohler Andrae Park. The most beautiful beaches and camping in Wisconsin
Harbor Center. The Best Marina.
South Pier. The Best Charter Fishing
John MIchael Kohler. One of America’s Finest Arts Centers
Stefano’s. The Best Italian Food.
Cultural Diversity. Great international blend of talented people enriching our culture to compliment and complete a strong German Heritage.
The Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail. The best hiking.
The USSC- Sheboygan. One of Four US Sailing Centers. Now training Olympians.
The Kohler Design Center- America’s Finest Kitchen/Bath Showroom.
The American Club- A Five Diamond Resort
Road America-One of the finest racing tracks in America
Rockets For Schools. One of only five designated launch sites in the U.S.
These are just a few of the benefits that come to mind. Now add to that a safe community, awesome schools, great people and innovative employers that consistently hit the top of the charts as some of the best companies to work for in America.
So why is it, we have such a difficult time pulling all of this together into a single benefit and communicating it on a wider basis? I’m not sure...but I’m going to do my best to do something about it. It you want to help me or know someone who might be interested in joining me on this mission, e-mail me. Tryg@Jakescafe.net.
I’ll be checking my mail, to do whatever I can in my power to help this fabulous city of ours,
“Prevail”.
Now excuse me, while I enjoy the best bratwurst in the world on a City Bakery hardroll.
