Although the loss of GM certainly redefined the area, its employment base and wage structure, it did not turn the community into a crumbling, abandoned eyesore. On the contrary, Janesville has been remarkably successful in rebuilding its business community and maintaining a positive outlook going forward. Proof of the area’s optimism was confirmed by Forward Janesville’s recent Business Retention and Expansion Survey. In an effort to put a finger on the pulse of the business community, Forward Janesville queried local companies about the business climate, workforce, local government and community. The survey results contained positive data that would have been considered unthinkable in the recent past. A whopping 92% of respondents across all industries rated the local business environment positively. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters planned to hire new employees within a year, and 60% intended to expand within two years. To paraphrase David Byrne, how did we get here? HOW JANESVILLE FOUND ITS MOMENTUM Why has Janesville turned the corner? “I think there are many reasons,” says Jimsi Kuborn, Economic Development Director for the City of Janesville. “It’s a great location for logistical purposes. There’s a better tax structure here (than neighboring states).” “The turnaround has been remarkable,” says James Ottersetin, Rock County’s longtime Economic Development Manager. “It didn’t ‘just happen’ by chance or overnight, and those changes are ongoing.” Otterstein says that Rock County is stronger and more diversified than it was around the time of GM’s closure. And the local data backs that up. “Since 2010, there have been more than 200 private-sector developments throughout Rock County,” Otterstein said. “Combined, these non-residential/non-hospitality developments account for $3 billion-plus in new capital investments, represent more than 7,000 new jobs, and account for over 15 million square feet.” Otterstein says that this data “speaks to the resiliency of an area that refused to let the conditions – and in some cases, the experts – determine its future. (It) contradicts an inaccurate narrative of an eroded economic base, a perception of disinvestment, (and) an outdated storyline which seems to readily remember the pre-2007 economic disparities.” Another key, according to Otterstein, was recognizing that the area’s narrative mattered, and that we needed people who were willing to be champions and early adopters of proactive, forwardthinking initiatives. Otterstein said the survey responses by local businesses looking to grow and expand are a very positive sign. “If your current customers are not interested or cannot grow locally, how can you ever expect to attract any new investments into the community from non-local sources? Success creates success, and success leads to momentum, and momentum generates new and different opportunities.” And once here, employees want to stay here. “It’s a really nice place to live, (and) a safe place to live,” says Kuborn. “There’s a lot of assets that make Janesville the way it is, and why people choose to live here.” Indeed, the BRE survey bears out those assertions. For example, 92% of the respondents rated Janesville high on safety. “We’ve got some amazing businesses that are here and headquartered here,” says Kuborn. “You’ve got a lot of heart in this community. You’ve got a lot of people who have been highly involved in this community and continue to choose to invest in this community.” 8 | FORWARD JANESVILLE Janesville’s Expansion Moment Local employers signal growth ahead – and identify gaps we must solve to sustain it By Jim Lyke If you have lived in Janesville the past two decades, you certainly know that the local economy has experienced a roller coaster ride that rivals anything you would find at Six Flags. The shutdown of the area’s largest employer, General Motors, had an earth-shaking effect that sent seismic ripples throughout Rock County. Sixteen years after its demise, the 240-acre site still lurks like a specter, continuing to make headlines as the city steps up its efforts to redevelop the property. But those who thought Janesville could not recover from such a blow have been proven wrong. United Alloy has more than 1,000 employees spanning three different states.
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