The latest Foxconn headlines continue to tout the company’s plans to build a $3Billion manufacturing plant in Southeastern Wisconsin. The project is hailed as having the largest potential impact on commercial real estate and job creation in Southeastern Wisconsin history. Although a location has not been specifically announced for the site, the CARW board of directors and members have expressed excitement about their support of the project. CARW leaders were invited by the Governor, to testify before the committee on Jobs and the Economy, where the bill was first introduced. We joined a group with the MMAC (Metropolitan Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce) to speak about the specific commercial real estate benefits and advancing the project and the incentive package tied to it.
Adam Williquette (Anderson Commercial) submitted testimony and joined Tracy Johnson with CARW, Chris Layden (head of Manpower’s Experis Division), Tieg Whaley-Smith (Director of Administrative Services for 
Milwaukee County) and Erik Peterson (Milwaukee County lobbyist) speaking in support for the project, its jobs impact and benefit to the Milwaukee County Airport. In addition, the group expressed support for many factors within the incentive package including the streamlined permitting process, TID creation, and state support for local infrastructure spend, focus on I-94, and inclusion of a Fiserv incentive to keep its corporate headquarters in Wisconsin. At the testimony, The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA), submitted a formal position of support for the incentive package.
Over the past two weeks, the CARW President and CEO has spoken on AM620 WTMJ, about Foxconn’s economic and commercial real estate benefits, and offered data points on the Southeastern Wisconsin commercial real estate market. Members have also reached out individually to ask what they can do to support the effort. On Thursday, August 10, the vote on the proposed incentive package will take place to advance to the next phase for approval at the State. Stay tuned for updates.