BROOKFIELD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS July 10, 2013

  
FEATURED ARTICLE
Facade Improvement Grant Program available for Northeast Industrial District, north of Lisbon, west of 124th Street
 

The City of Brookfield has partnered with Waukesha County to introduce a Façade Improvement Grant Program for commercial and industrial buildings in the far northeast corner of the City. The program area is bounded by Lisbon Road on the south, 124th Street on the east, 128th Street (continued) on the west, and the Village of Butler on the north. The area is one of the oldest commercial and industrial districts in the City, and much of the construction pre-dates the City's incorporation in 1954. A number of smaller buildings and parcels, outdoor storage yards, and instances of deferred maintenance make the area eligible for these types of improvements.

 

Funding for the program comes from the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the form of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Waukesha County has allocated just over $55,000 for the program, and the City hopes to distribute 11 grants of $5,000 each, to be matched by $5,000 or more in private funds. Eligible improvements include painting, repair and replacement of building exterior, doors and windows, signs, landscaping, and fencing or other screening of parking and outdoor storage areas.

 

Most projects will be subject to Fair Labor Standards, and will require paying of prevailing wage rates to contractors. The City has received applications from three firms wishing to participate. We encourage businesses in this area to contact us in the near future, as funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Any business or commercial property owner in the area can contact: Tim Casey, Economic Development Coordinator at 262-796-6694 or casey@ci.brookfield.wi.us   

 

"Located in the heart of Southeastern Wisconsin, the City of Brookfield is a community of choice for families and businesses and a premier sustainable place to live, work, shop, and play."

 

City of Brookfield

2035 Vision  

Brookfield Village Farmers Market adds vendors in second month of operation 

 

The Brookfield Village Farmers Market is entering its second month of operation, building on a very successful first 30 days. The Farmers Market is held just east of Brookfield Road on Pleasant Street in The Brookfield Village, and is open every Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

The market has a group of quality vendors featuring five produce farms with a variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as cheeses, bakery, flowers, farm fresh eggs, meats and wellness products. Additional vendors serve pizza, hot dogs, Italian sausages, popcorn and lemonade. Musical entertainment each week features talented local musicians.

Village Image   

Dawn Farina Condon, organizer of the market, said, "Thank you to everyone who came to the market in our first month - we're overwhelmed by the support we have had and very happy with  the variety of high quality products at the market.   I'd like to thank the vendors selling at our market for their hard work and their wonderful products. Everyone who shops the market on Thursday, July 11th will receive our green Village Market bag, free!"

 

A number of produce vendors have signed on to participate in the Farmers' Market in the last week. The cool spring and heavy rains have pushed the growing seasson back for some types of produce.

 

Brookfield Village Ltd. is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting the Brookfield Village as a center of community activity in Brookfield, and a great place for specialty retail and service businesses. Brookfield Village Ltd. worked with local artist Gordon Gohr to create a distinctive logo for the Village. Future plans include an historic walking tour of the Village.

 

The Brookfield Village Ltd. group meets the first Wednesday of each month. All activities are based on volunteer time and efforts. Dawn Farina, a local resident and artist, has been chairing the meetings and can be contacted at 262-327-1020. The group also has a Facebook page, at Brookfield Village, Ltd. Information on current events and activities can be found at the Village Facebook page.

 

Brookfield home to many Best Places to Work 

 

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently released its annual Top Work Places results for 2013. Now in its fourth year, the list is based on extensive surveys of employees from firms that are nominated to participate. The survey responses determine the best places to work in Large (500 or more employees), Midsize (150 - 499 employees) and Small (149 or fewer employees) firms.

 

Of 22 Large firms in the region recognized as top places to work, 2 are based in Brookfield. Shorewest Realtors, with over 1,000 employees in the area, and the Elmbrook School District with over 900 employees.

 

Of the 44 Midsize companies recognized, 6 are from Brookfield:
Milliman, Inc., the consulting firm; Bader Rutter & Associates, Advertising and Marketing; First Weber Group Realtors; Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., a manufacturer of electrical and hand tools; North Shore Bank; and Connecture, Inc. the developer of sales software for the health insurance industry, which moved its headquarters to Brookfield last year.

 

70 Small firms were honored as Top Places to Work, with 11 of those based (headquarters or regional office) in Brookfield. Environmental Systems, Inc., a building automation systems integrator; Centare and Syslogic, both software development and consulting firms; New England Financial/The Wisconsin Group, financial advisers, QPS Employment Group, staffing services; Mortensen Construction ; Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp S.C., CPA's and consultants; Hunzinger Construction Co.; Kolb + Co., CPA's; R.A. Smith National, civil engineering; and National Insurance Services, life insurance and investments.

 

Congratulations to all the winners for the positive work culture they foster. The large number of Best Places to Work award winners clearly make Brookfield one of the best places to work in the region. 

Three Brookfield businesses named to MMAC's Future 50

 

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce and Council of Small Business Executives bestow Future 50 Awards annually. The Awards recognize privately-owned companies in the seven county Milwaukee region that have been in business for at least three years and have shown significant revenue and employment growth.

 

Patina Solutions, a provider of experienced personnel, consulting and advising services, was founded in 2008. Patina Solutions, based in the Bishop's Woods office park, was recognized for the third consecutive year.

 

Gross Automation, a distributor of electro-mechanical automation products and controls, was founded in 1990. Gross Automation is located in the City's 124th St. Commerce District, north and west of 124th and Burleigh. Gross was also recognized for the third consecutive year.

 

Exhibit Systems, Inc. is a designer, fabricator and distributor of custom trade show booths and exhibits. Exhibit Systems purchased and completely remodeled the building at 12600 W. Burleigh in the City's 124th St. Commerce District. Exhibit Systems was recognized as a Future 50 firm for the first time this year.

 

Congratulations to all three of these firms.

 

Rendering
Exhibit Systems new Headquarters at 12600 W. Burleigh in Brookfield's 124th St. Commerce District
 
 Your Questions, Comments & Requests are Welcome

 

If you need any information for your business or for someone considering a business opportunity in Brookfield, contact:

 
Tim Casey
 
Economic Development Coordinator
 
City of Brookfield
 
2000 N. Calhoun Road
 
Brookfield, WI 53005-5095
 
262-797-6694
 
casey@ci.brookfield.wi.us 

 
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Brookfield Economic Development

 

The City of Brookfield Economic Development Coordinator is Tim Casey. Economic Development Committee members include: Nate Cunniff, BMO Harris Bank; Bob Reddin, Alderman, City of Brookfield; Glen Allgaier, School District of Elmbrook; David Krutz, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP; Scott Oleson, Brookfield Square Shopping Center; Steve Miazga, R. A. Smith National and Brookfield Chamber of Commerce; Brian Shecterle, Culver's Restaurant & Shecterle Commercial Properties LLC.

 

The Economic Development Committee generally meets on the first Monday of every month (excluding July). For meeting agendas and minutes, please visit:

 

http://www.ci.brookfield.wi.us/archive.asp