If you’re reading this, you’re likely asking the same question we are: What’s next for Janesville — and what does it mean for my business? That question has guided every conversation we’ve had this year and drives the strategies we put into action on your behalf. At Forward Janesville, we listen, gather data and act to clear a path for your growth. Under the leadership of our Board — Mick Gilbertson (Chair), George Cullen (Vice Chair), Sean Kennedy (Secretary/ Treasurer), and Past President Derek Greene — we met with employers across the community to ask a straightforward question: What do you need next? Our Business Retention and Expansion survey offers important insight into that answer. You can view the full results at www.forwardjanesville.com/bre and read more in this edition of the FJI Report. But data only matters if we understand its impact on your business. Over the last five years, Janesville gained more than 2,000 residents over age 60 and lost 1,400 residents under 20 — a shift that affects your talent pipeline, your future customers and your long-term workforce strategy. That’s why investments like the Children’s Museum of Rock County, the new Boys & Girls Club, and the Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center aren’t “nice extras.” They are core business infrastructure. They attract young families — tomorrow’s employees, innovators and community leaders. Housing is also a business issue. If you needed to hire 50 people tomorrow, where would they live? Forward Janesville is stepping in: commissioning a full housing study through the Forward Foundation, launching a Government Relations Committee task force, and supporting the City’s zoning rewrite to expand infill housing and modernize density options. We’re also hosting CivicCon: A Community Civic Conversation on Jan. 8 at the Janesville Performing Arts Center, featuring internationally known planners Joseph Kohl and Victor Dover. Thanks to sponsorship from Quint and Rishy Studer, this will help our community envision what innovative urban design can mean for your workforce and business environment. None of this matters without talent. That’s why we built the Education Council, supported successful referendums in Janesville and Milton, and continue championing our region’s strong education network. We helped secure a $100,000 Studer Education partnership grant for the School District of Janesville and added Greg Philipps, our new Workforce Development Director, to strengthen connections between education and employer needs. Everything we are doing — in housing, education, zoning, workforce and business retention — comes down to one outcome: your ability to grow in Janesville. A vibrant, opportunity-rich community isn’t just good for Janesville. It’s good for your business. And together, we’re building what’s next. What’s Next, Janesville? A Message From Forward Janesville President & CEO, Shar Hermanson 4 | FORWARD JANESVILLE Land Surveying ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys Civil Engineering Site Development + Planning Residential + Commercial Site Permitting Construction Management Surface Mapping + Drone Services BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES SINCE 1917 BELOIT • JANESVILLE • ELKHORN www.rhbatterman.com 608.365.4464
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