As the new year approaches, the Waukesha County business community is taking stock of what it has and making note of what it needs.
Small Business Times recently asked several Waukesha County business leaders about what would be on their wish list for doing business in the county in 2004. The following responses were compiled by Small Business Times reporter Katherine Michalets.
"Waukesha County would become more business-friendly if it was part of an effective, economical mass transit system (such as light rail) that would reduce growing traffic congestion and move employees throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
"It also needs a coordinated land use and development policy that will restrain the kind of unbridled growth that diminishes the environmental wellbeing and quality of life, which attract employees and businesses. Absent these measures, congestion will escalate, aesthetic appeal will diminish and businesses will look elsewhere."
Philip Chard
President
NEAS Inc.
Employee Assistance Programs
N17 W24100 Riverwood Drive
Waukesha
"As agricultural activity continues to disappear in Waukesha County and a more rural environment remains, cities, towns and villages must consider consolidating services and eliminating service disparities that exist between incorporated and unincorporated municipalities and provide services at a cost-effective basis.
"Initiate sensible boundaries between existing cities, villages and towns and incorporation of all towns as cities or villages. New leadership must be identified from the ranks of business and civic organizations. The county must brand itself, creating a cohesive identity that offers a quality of life and amenities in both the rural and urban environment."
Dick Richards
Owner
Country Inn Hotel & Conference Center
2810 Golf Road
Waukesha
"Our firm, Arandall Corp., a producer and distributor of high-quality direct-mail catalogs, has been located in Menomonee Falls since 1981. We’ve found Waukesha County to be a very good place to do business.
My business wish is twofold.
"First is increased visibility for Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC). With its broad array of educational programs, WCTC is an outstanding training resource for area employers. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always get noticed.
Second is greater recognition of Waukesha County employers. It seems like Milwaukee County is top-of-mind when one thinks of southeastern Wisconsin business, but Waukesha County is home to an amazing variety of vibrant businesses that are creating jobs."
James Treis
Executive vice president sales/marketing
Arandell Corp.
N82 W13188 Leon Road
Menomonee Falls
"With a history that includes more than 20 years in Menomonee Falls, we think that Waukesha County is an excellent place to operate a business. To maintain an atmosphere that is attractive to new business and encourages existing operations to grow, we need to promote the many benefits that the area has to offer.
"And because we are inextricably linked to other counties in southeastern Wisconsin, going forward it will be crucial to work together to grow and improve our region."
Kathy Wall
President
Brady Marketing Group
N80 W12878 Fond du Lac Ave.
Menomonee Falls
"Waukesha County has done a great job attracting upscale residential developments. To balance the school tax burden created by the increased population, Waukesha County needs to continue to be vigilant about attracting business.
"Business increases the tax base without increasing the number of school children. With school taxes accounting for more than 50% of the total property tax, no amount of fiscal responsibility at the municipal level can offset the enormous tax of our growing public schools.
"Office and business parks with strict exterior design and landscaping guidelines can be the answer for locating business near the aforementioned residential developments. New Berlin has set a terrific example of a successful business park that is lovely to look at. I can only hope that Muskego can find a way to follow suit!"
Heather Schuster
Goes by the title of "Empress"
Terra-Firma Landscape Inc.
Weed Man
Christmas Décor
S66 W14427 Janesville Rd.
Muskego
Dec. 26, 2003 Small Business Times, Milwaukee
