JANUARY 11, 2011

We are at the threshold of a New Year, 2011 and I will share with you tonight some of what makes HARTFORD a "GREAT CITY".  You will hear comments that come from my heart, some statistics and some facts.  I love this city.  It is my home and for many of you it is yours as well.

THIS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE!!

One can grow weary of those who would tell you time and time again how bad things are.  Hearing or grasping on to statements about how:  "there are no jobs" or in general that "things are so bad" is counter-productive.  This type of thinking takes a lot of energy.  Think about the "good" in Hartford and the opportunities we have.  Try it for a while; it beats the alternative hands down.

ABOUT JOBS AND BUSINESS GROWTH!

Consider this:

·        Approximately 80% of Manufacturing and Industrial businesses in Hartford have been in a "hiring mode" for the last (6) months.  This is good news for all of us.

·        One of our Manufacturers had (75) "new hires" since October of 2010.  Not call backs to work, not replacement workers but new employees.

·        Another hired (90) yes, that's "ninety" new employees in the first six months of 2010 and, they are still looking for help and they will train you!   No jobs in Hartford?  Non-sense!

·        Overall, in the 53027 zip code, (yes, that's us) as of December 2010 there were in excess of (125) job postings.  We are not talking about 125 jobs, it's bigger than that.  Within some of the postings there are "multiple" people needed.

THANK YOU!  To our business owners, "all of them"

 For believing in Hartford and its future

We have: 

Manufacturing and Industrial Jobs, Technology jobs, job opportunities in the Health Care, Retail jobs and jobs available through our Temp-help agencies.

Want work, HARTFORDS got it, come and get it!

In December of 2010, (three) "new" Manufacturing/Industrial businesses came to Hartford.

·        One business is in a 7,000 S.F. leased space and is considering buying the entire 22,000 S.F. and expanding their business

·        Another is currently in 20,000 S.F.

·        One of the three is operating in 15,000 S.F.

In addition to these new businesses we have an existing Manufacturer considering a (50,000) S.F. expansion and hiring more people.

Many of these businesses have and continue to make investments in building expansions, technology and equipment all of which add to the "value" of our city.

We are fortunate to have so many "sustained businesses" that have stayed in service in-spite of the economy and the naysayers.

THANK YOU!  All of you

Recently some of our Industrial business owners along with Patrice of HADC formed a task-force of Key Technological Professionals to research and insure that we have adequate Fiber-optic capabilities to handle Broad-band requirements for the future.

All of these examples, coupled with the fact that there are "new retail businesses" spell continued success for them and for all of us.

Look around, see the success in your community and "be part of it"!

IN GENERAL

·        The CITY of HARTFORD is on sound and solid ground financially and "our budget is in balance".

·        "City" portion of Residential Property Tax has "decreased" (7) of the last (8) years.

·        The pending water rate increase will be the first in (11) years.

·        We have not had an increase in electrical rates by Hartford Electric since 2005, (despite increases in the wholesale pass-thru cost of electricity)and our customers continue to pay approximately (15%) less than We-energies customers.

Look at where we are in comparison to many communities less fortunate than we are in Hartford.

The examples I am giving you and many more like them are what planning, smart growth and sound management have and will continue to mean to our city.

Because part of our Dodge Industrial Park is in Dodge County, I was invited and attended a meeting of the Dodge County Mayors Group recently.

When you meet and speak with other community leaders from Dodge or Washington County, it reminds me of why Hartford is the envy of many.  Not all communities are as successful as ours, particularly when they talk about lay-offs of city workers, budget shortfalls and deficits and the likely-hood of serious tax increases with little to show for it.

BE PROUD OF OUR CITY.  "WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE HERE"

In December, the WCEB (Washington County Executive Board) had their meeting in Hartford followed by a tour lead by Patrice Hoeschele HADC Director.  By bus, we visited downtown and our Industrial and Manufacturing areas followed by a guided tour of a plant in Dodge Industrial Park. 

When influential visitors come to our community and offer comments like:

·        What a wonderful city you have

·        There are a lot of "hidden jewels" in Hartford

·        Your community is laid out so well

·        This is a good place to be

This, coming from people outside of our community is very encouraging.  These are the things you want to hear and "share" with everyone and anyone you meet.

MOVING FORWARD

Some will allow any and every negative thought or comment to influence their future.

As a business person myself and as your Mayor, I believe the future is ours to make.

Stagnation, fear, negativity or any other similar terms have "no" place in my thought process or in the growth and continued success of HARTFORD.

Caution, creativity, planning and yes, "some" risk are terms I am willing to embrace.

This is a "GREAT CITY" and a fine community of people and businesses.

WE ARE GOING TO BE JUST FINE!

I sincerely thank the many forward thinking people and businesses for making this possible.  Have a Good New Year, "think positive" and remember!

"THERE IS A LOT TO LIKE ABOUT"

HARTFORD WISCONSIN

Joseph C. Dautermann

MAYOR- City of Hartford, Wisconsin