Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21
Organization address: 600 East Wells Street, Milwaukee
Website: www.milwaukeedowntown.com
Industry: Downtown Business Improvement District
Number of employees: Four full-time, 50+ contracted
Family: Married to Joe Weirick; combined family of five adult children (Shawna, Justin, Lindsay, David and Mary Ann), one granddaughter (Margaret Rose) and a grandson on the way.
Why does the city need an organization like Milwaukee Downtown?
“To lead and inspire BELIEVERS in Milwaukee to engage in efforts that build downtown as the thriving, sustainable, innovative and vibrant heart of the community.”
What’s new at your organization?
“We are bringing two new members onto our team – one to focus on marketing and special events and another to implement economic development initiatives. We are also getting ready to launch our next phase of the CEO call program, which will help us better understand the priorities and needs of our business community. In addition, we just refreshed our five-year strategic plan with a major emphasis on economic development.”
What has been Milwaukee Downtown’s top accomplishment so far this year?
“There are many small initiatives that have worked toward leveraging our resources to make downtown Milwaukee a premier destination of choice where people want to live, learn, work and play. We are continually working toward building an environment that attracts density due to excellent quality of life experiences. Investing in services like our Public Service, Clean Sweep, Graffiti Removal and Landscaping Ambassadors make downtown Milwaukee a community to grow your business and your family.”
What will be Milwaukee Downtown’s main challenges throughout the remainder of the year?
“Remain involved and assist in prioritizing our community’s goals. Helping our citizens understand that in order to be a competitive world-class city and region, we need to invest in our community so that we can attract business and a solid workforce. Examples include investing in the connector, West Wisconsin Avenue initiatives, building a new arena and keeping the Milwaukee Bucks here, an expanded convention facility and the development of the Park East Corridor.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“I have several: ‘Under promise, over deliver’; ‘Patience is a virtue’; ‘For every problem, there IS a solution.’”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“Paul Levy, who is the CEO of the Philadelphia Business Improvement District, for his love of cities, all he has taught me in this industry and his innovative approaches; Susan Haise, CEO of Neroli, for her commitment to building an organization that truly provides a great experience for her customers, a nurturing environment for her team, professional excellence and giving back to the community; Mary Lynn, owner of River’s Edge Catering, for her strong work ethic, collaborative spirit, servant leadership and her always positive attitude; Donna Rongholt-Migan, executive director of The Cathedral Center for her no-nonsense business approach in being a change agent, her tenacity, her love of learning and her work/life balance; and my husband, Joe Weirick, who is president of RAIT Commercial Services, for his strong business savvy and financial acumen.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“A team is only as strong as its weakest link.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“After being Beth Nicols for over 25 years, I became Beth Weirick when I got married in 2012. It was funny how many people had difficulty overcoming my name change. I have a lot of content on this particular subject, but one situation sticks out. The funniest encounter occurred during a conversation after I had just made a presentation when an individual introduced himself to me and told me I should meet his really good friend, Beth Nicols. Imagine his embarrassment when I explained that I knew her very well, in fact that WAS me. It’s a good lesson for anyone who is a namedropper.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I love international travel with my best friend and husband, exploring other great cities in North America, spending time with my family, cooking with seasonal foods, dining out at all of our great local restaurants, putzing in my tiny urban garden, playing with my dog Bob, hanging out at the lakefront, walking on our bike path, people watching on our front porch, shopping local, being a good Nana, and laughing with my awesome friends and family.”
What’s your favorite attraction in downtown Milwaukee?
“Because we truly live, work and play right here in this fabulous downtown community, that’s just simply not a fair question. 🙂 The farmers’ markets, the festivals, the parks, boating on our rivers, our museums, the concert venues, Broadway productions, the local stores, Bublr Bikes, the list goes on and on. So much to do….so little time.”
