Service-providing industries make up a growing part of the Wisconsin economy. In 1999, those sectors accounted for around 58% of real GDP from the state, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last year, that figure reached nearly 65%. At the same time, goods-producing sectors have slipped from nearly 29% of the state’s economy 20 years ago to around 25% last year.
But even as the economy changes, making things remains an important part of how Wisconsin companies do business. The state ranks 11th in the country for the proportion of GDP coming from goods-producing sectors. The U.S. as a whole is at almost 19% while the Great Lakes region is at 23%.
If companies are making things, those products have to get to customers somehow. That’s where logistics enters the picture (learn here about logistics and its processes). In this issue, BizTimes Media takes a closer look at some of the projects in southeastern Wisconsin shaping how goods make it to market. Reporter Alex Zank explored the timelines for the planned expansion of interstates 94 and 43, associate editor Arthur Thomas got a better understanding of a new agricultural export facility at Port Milwaukee, and reporter Brandon Anderegg examines the growing presence of e-commerce giant Amazon in the region.
Business community leaders say future freeway projects will be a boon to commerce
Port Milwaukee making progress despite challenging year
Amazon expands its presence in southeastern Wisconsin
