After a year like 2008, it is natural to look for the success stories in 2009, and we are lucky in Superior to find what we are looking for right in our own backyard.
Mayor Dave Ross gave our hometown glowing remarks last night in his State of the City address and he had good reason to be bullish on Superior.
For starters, while the state and federal governments have seen credit ratings slip and debts rise, the opposite is true in Superior. The city's credit rating has risen and red ink has been reduced. That is the kind of fiscal leadership we wish our state and federal governments would exhibit. For every one of us who tightened our belts during the recession and paid down our household debt, we commend our city leaders for doing the same.
The city also deserves credit for being good stewards of our environment. Everyday, Environmental Services Division staff treats 2.5 million gallons of water, and Lake Superior benefits from their efforts. The University of Wisconsin-Superior partners with the Great Ships Initiative in researching Great Lakes invasive species. The state-of-the-art facility of Montreal Pier is conducting outstanding work and the pier is being considered as a possible marine research facility.
Critical environmental areas in our city are also being protected. The city, along with Douglas County, permanently preserved 442 acres of high-quality wetlands adjacent to Allouez Bay, and in May, Gov. Jim Doyle nominated the St. Louis River Estuary to be designated as one of only 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the country.
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While the city had a commitment to environmental stewardship, leaders have also found a way to make Superior a great place to do business.
In two recent studies, business owners have given the area high marks in terms of economic development and satisfaction with conducting commerce in town. In the Business Improvement District study, nearly 23 percent of businesses owners plan to expand their space, product or services in the downtown area. In another survey of business leaders, 50 percent rated the communities of Douglas County as a good place to do business, up 28 percent in six years since the last survey.
And 60 percent of these same business executives described their local government as good or excellent.
Ross was happy to note several business success stories in his address, including a new manufacturing company, Exodus, building a $4.3 million facility and creating in 30 new jobs. He also reported on new construction of the Washington Apartments on Tower, which represents $4.5 million in downtown renovation.
Several Superior businesses were recognized as being leaders in their field, including Field Logic, the number one archery target and arrow hunting tips in the country and Twin Ports Testing, a leader in bio-fuel analysis. Rounding out the list of business bright spots were Genesis Equipment, Midwest Energy, Enbridge, Charter Films, Amsoil and UWS.
The mayor also shined the light on all the city employees who day in and day out provide the services we all rely on. He recognized them for working together to make Superior a great place to live and do business.
It is nice to find what you are looking for in your own backyard.
