Talk up Milwaukee

The Marcus Corp., a leader in the lodging and movie industries, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and is proud to call Milwaukee home. Greg Marcus, president and CEO of the company, challenges each and every Milwaukeean to become an ambassador for the city.

“Milwaukee is a great town. We have it all – Midwestern hospitality, robust arts and culture, excellent restaurants, professional sports, clean streets and diverse neighborhoods – in a very special setting on a beautiful lake. We are often described as a ‘surprise’ or a ‘hidden gem.’ But to be honest, I would prefer to be a ‘highly visible gem.’
“Visit Milwaukee research shows that visitors arrive in Milwaukee with low or no expectations, and leave as ambassadors for the city. As proud Milwaukeeans, we need to fight our Midwestern tendency to be modest and become our own ambassadors. Our economy depends on it.
“Any product must be marketed. It’s the only way to make a sale, and without sales we all know what happens. Milwaukee is our product, and we need to help sell it to potential tourists as well as potential employers.
“Unfortunately, the groups charged with the responsibility to market Milwaukee (such as Visit Milwaukee) are woefully underfunded compared with our peer cities. But you can help to make up some of that difference. Wherever your travels may take you – a trade show, customer visit, industry meeting, wedding or family vacation, your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to talk up Milwaukee. Share a Milwaukee story on Facebook or tweet about something exciting going on. There are many creative ways to help out.
“The Marcus Corp. has been headquartered in Milwaukee for nearly 60 years, and we look forward to calling our city home for many more years to come. When we talk up Milwaukee everyone wins – our city and businesses thrive and prosper, we create more jobs and we open the doors to long-term vitality and growth.
“So go out and make that sale!”