17th Street Bridge Replacement
9/27/22
The 17th Street Bridge closed on Sept. 27 and will be closed until August 2013 as the city replaces its oldest bridge. It is also the last of the city's bridges to be replaced - another example of the city's continued efforts to maintain its infrastructure. The city's other three bridges have already been replaced within the last 20 years. The 17 Street Bridge will be replaced with a new lift bridge to ensure boating access upstream on the East Twin River. The $14 million project is funded 80% by state and federal grants the city secured over the last few years to replace the only bridge not on a state or county highway. Still, it is an important bridge, carrying about 4,500 vehicles a day along with many bicycles and pedestrians.

Hi-Tech in Wisconsin and Two Rivers
Rural America Onshore Outsourcing of Two Rivers one of the state's companies feeding hi-tech development in Wisconsin. Read the story of Rural America and the non-profit TechShore of Two Rivers towards the end of this story under the subhead "A haven for high-tech transplants."

Target Teams with Two Rivers Museum for Fall Clothing Line
Target's fall Vintage Varsity back-to-school clothing line features graphics created at the Hamilton Wood Type Museum in Two Rivers. The company partnered with the TR museum to create a vintage and historic clothing line.
Article in The Atlantic
YouTube Video

Formrite Announces 60 New Jobs
Long-term contract with Caterpillar will add 60 jobs in Two Rivers along with the potential for a new manufacturing facility for the company.
Read More

Welcome enViva Foods
5/23/11
We welcome enViva Foods to the Two Rivers business community. enViva Foods develops and markets Omega-3 enriched food and beverage products from their lab at 3120 Memorial Drive.

Cedar Lodge - TR's new Blues and Jazz Club
4/8/11
The Cedar Lodge has re-opened as a blues and jazz club. It's located near Aurora Hospital, at 102 Eleonor Street. They have Thursday night jam sessions and acoustic jams Sunday afternoon. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Mr. B's Restaurant Opening Soon
4/7/11
Watch for the opening of Mr. B's Restaurant at 3015 Tannery Road, the former location of Joy's Family Restaurant.

Welcome Back in Motion Chiropractic
4/7/11
The newest member of our business community is Back in Motion Chiropractic, which replaces Apple Chiropractic at 1817 Washington Street. 

Wisconsin's Schooner Coast Awarded Grant
3/29/11
Two Rivers is one lakeshore community that will benefit from a $39,550 joint marketing grant to Wisconsin's Schooner Coast Partners. The joint effort of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc and the Door County Maritime Museum will market the 60 miles of Lake Michigan coast, including the authentic waterfront cities like Two Rivers and their tourism-related businesses.

Two Rivers - A City of Festivals
3/26/11
From the long-standing Ethnic Fest and Cool City Car Classic to the new Carp Fest - Two Rivers and its business community are known for throwing a good party! Read the Story

WhirldView Books Opens
3/11/11
WhirldView Books is now open at 1612 Washington Street. The store features not only new books, but rare and unique ones as well, including the entire Mark Twain collection of 7 volumes and more than 7,300 pages.

City Continues Focus on Maintaining Infrastructure
2/15/11
City's capital spending plan "modest," but includes finishing work on the new 17th Street bridge to ensure that all of our bridges are up-to-date. Total debt will go down while the city maintains its infrastructure. READ MORE

USA Today on Our Local Economy
2/15/11
USA Today features our twin city Manitowoc in story of the mixed economic recovery of the nation. READ MORE

Midwest Making a Comeback!
2/8/11
People are starting to appreciate the Midwest again. Forbes says "Such a newfound appreciation for the Midwest represents a critical element in expanding the region’s turnaround" and "the Midwest boasts some of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, luring back its native sons and daughters while attracting new residents from all over the country." READ THE STORY

TRPD Crime Clearance Rate Highest Ever
2/7/11
The national average Crime Clearance Rate is 20-23%. TRPD's 2010 goal was a rate of 55%. TRPD's actual Crime Clearance Rate was 55.42% - more that twice the national average - and the highest since 2007's 53.7%.

Award Winning Wastewater Plant Upgrades Featured in Wastewater Magazine
1/31/11
Upgrades saving $20,000 a year in electricity and natural gas, another $30,000 in chemical use. READ THE STORY

Downtown Loan Program
1/26/11
Businesses in the Main Street BID are eligible for loans up to $500,000 at 3% for 8 years for purchase of property or financing of machinery, equipment or working capital. Considering locating your business here or expanding your existing business? LEARN MORE

Phone Listings
1/6/11
The new phone book from Frontier Communications does not include listings for most city departments in either the residential or business sections. Here is a listing for departments in the city - feel free to print this out and place with your phone books!

Welcome to CTB, Inc. - New Owner of Ironwood Plastics
1/3/11
Ironwood Plastics of Two Rivers and Ironwood, Michigan has been purchased by CTB, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company. Ironwood Plastics expanded to Two Rivers in 1987 and has been a stable, high quality employer for 23 years. Mark Stephens will continue to be in charge of Ironwood's operations under the new ownership. The new parent company says it will offer Ironwood better access to the agricultural market as a "leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of systems and solutions for the poultry, pig, egg production, and grain industries.” We welcome CTB to Two Rivers!

Energy Conservation Projects Underway
11/30/29
Work has started on several energy efficiency projects in city buildings, funded in large part by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Variable speed drives on blowers in the City Hall HVAC system should save more than the $12,400 cost in just over two years. Solar water heating will be installed at the Senior Center and fire station. New energy-efficiency light fixtures will be installed at City Hall, the Lester Public Library, Public Works garage and the cemetery maintenance building. The total cost is $101,160 with 70% funded by ARRA money. Half the local match is coming from Wisconsin Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service - the city will expend only $14,000.

County Named Second Best City to Raise Family
10/28/10
Forbes has named Manitowoc, including the entire county area, as the second best city in the nation to raise a family. The ranking is based on such things as commute time, education, household income, home ownership and housing costs. READ THE STORY

Two Rivers Selected for Annual Harley Owners Group Rally
9/27/10
The Harley Owners Group (HOG) on Sunday selected Two Rivers over two other communities to host the 2011 HOG Rally on June 24 and 25. Two Rivers City officials worked with staff of the Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau, the Manitowoc County HOG Chapter, Two Rivers Main Street and Stock’s Harley-Davidson of Manitowoc in assembling a proposal for consideration by the statewide group. When the rally was held in Manitowoc in 2005, more than 6,000 people attended with a direct economic impact of more than $2 million. The 2011 rally will be headquartered at Walsh Field and Neshota Park and Beach. READ MORE

Two Rivers to Get $1.2 Million for Two Bike Trails to High School
9/10/10
$1.2 million in federal funds will cover 80% of the cost of two new bike/pedestrian trails to the Two River High School campus. One will run along Highway 42. The other starts on the north side near the Tannery Road bridge and runs 1.6 miles, and will include a boardwalk along wetlands in that area.
City Manager's Report

Capital Improvement Plan for 2011-2015
7/28/10
City Manager explains the updated Capital Improvement Plan. It calls for about $9 million in local funding for important infrastructure improvements such as a new 17th Street bridge. READ MORE
City Manager's Report  List of Strategies  Updated Comprehensive Plan

Police Department Annual Report
7/22/10
The average crime clearance rate in the United States is around 22%. In Two Rivers, the rate in 2009 was above 50% for the fourth year in a row. The goal this year is 55%, compared to 52.12% in 2009. The hour of the day with the most calls for service is 4 p.m. and 15.6% of calls are on Friday. The second shift (2-10pm) is the busiest time for calls, and the most common ordinance violation involves animals. What is the job of a police lieutenant? Read about some of the more interesting cases in TR in 2009, including the recovery of all the property stolen in one of those Nigerian re-shipping scans and breaking up an opium smuggling ring. What are the laws dealing with bikes and skateboards? READ THE REPORT

City Council Identifies Priorities
7/16/10
The City Council has identified the top priorities from the updated comprehensive plan. The implementation strategies will guide Council decisions in the areas of commercial & retail development, tourism, manufacturing, and housing over the next few years.
City Manager's Report  List of Strategies  Updated Comprehensive Plan

3.99 Acres Overlooking Lake Michigan Available Now!
6/30/10
The land at 2209 Roosevelt Avenue has been cleared of the old warehouse buildings and is now available. It overlooks Lake Michigan just off State Highway 42 (Memorial Drive). Great location for a mixed use development or a corporate office location. See More or check out our Featured Properties

City Acquires Riverfront Property in Exchange for Land to Allow Rogers Street
Fishing Village Expansion
6/15/10
The city has acquired 1.4 acres of riverfront land at County Highway VV and Riverview Drive. That allows the city to convey a lot to Rogers Street Fishing Village for its new education and exhibition building to go along with the new Visitors Center expansion. Rogers Street will reimburse the city for the cost of the land. Watch for construction soon at Rogers Street. In the future, we will be doing improvements to the Riverview Drive land for public use along the 350 feet of river frontage.

The Remedy Opens for Business
4/7/10
The Remedy Pub and Eatery opened its doors on April 7 at 1513 Washington Street. Our downtown's newest business will be serving lunch and dinner. Open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. AND NOW OPEN MONDAYS!

J&K Ultimate Sports is Open
3/22/10
J&K Ultimate Sports is open at 2811 18th Street. Now open 2 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Open house April 25 from 10 to 5. Summer hours start June 1, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Basketball court, two batting cages (softball and baseball), golf cage, space for cheer and tumbling, pool table, darts, arcade games, concession stand, lounge with a big screen TV. Adult supervision at all times.

Kurt'z Honored
3/8/10
Congratulations to Jim Christensen, owner of Kurtz's Pub & Deli, who was honored as the 2010 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's Eastern Shore Chapter!

11th Lot Sold at Sandy Bay Highlands
1/29/10
The sale of the 11th of the 21 lots at Sandy Bay Highlands closed today. The city-owned residential development is located on the Rawley Point recreation trail, just a short walk from Neshotah Beach and Walsh Field, right next to Picnic Hill Park, and an easy stroll from Point Beach State Forest. SEE A VIRTUAL TOUR

HMFI Acquires Formrite - Moving Operations to Two Rivers
3/30/10
HMF Innovations of Manitowoc announced on 3/29 that is has acquired Formrite Companies of Two Rivers. HMFI will move its engineering and manufacturing operations to Two Rivers. Dave Wage, Formrite's president and chairman of the board, is also owner of HMFI and Heavy Metal Fabricators. Together, the company says in a news release, the three companies "plan to work with their key customer base to find new and creative ways to fabricate steel components." Wage expressed optimism that Formrite will continue to see a recovery in its business, allowing the recall of some or all of the 50-plus employees currently on layoff. READ THE NEWS RELEASE

Another New Business Coming Downtown
2/25/10
The BIDC has approved a loan for the The Remedy Pub & Eatery, opening soon at 1513 Washington Street. Thanks to Chris and Tracy Rusch, owners of Rusch Machine & Design, for yet another investment in Two Rivers. They will focus on the lunch crowd and offer delivery service, and will be open for dinner. The Rusch's have had four loans through the city's revolving loan fund since Rusch Machine & Design opened in the city's Business Incubator in 1999 and have paid them back in full. 42 new commercial businesses have opened, and are still operating, in Two Rivers since 2003.

State Combines 5 Tax Credit Programs
1/25/10
The Economic Development Tax Credit replaces five former Wisconsin tax credit programs - the Airport Development Zone, Agricultural Development Zone, Community Development Zone, Enterprise Development Zone and Technology Zone programs.  The new tax credit program eliminates all former zone boundaries, as well as creating new ways in which existing Wisconsin businesses or businesses relocating to Wisconsin can earn tax credits. It offers nonrefundable and nontransferable tax credits for job creation, capital investment, employee training, and corporate headquarters. LEARN MORE about local incentives.

New Local IT Firm Continues to Expand
1/12/10
"We're booming," says Christopher Hytry Derrington, CEO of Rural America OnShore Outsourcing in Two Rivers. The company has just moved into larger quarters in the Neshotah Pines Professional Building and has hired four employees who work out of the office and four more who work out of their homes - less than a year after expanding to Two Rivers.

Local Business Leaders Honored
1/11/10
Carrie Penovich and Neal Jacquart of Two Rivers were honored by Sail: Young Professionals of Manitowoc County at its annual banquet. Carrie (director of clinical and support services at Aurora Medical Center, Two Rivers) received the "Young Professional of the Year Award" and Neal (owner of Cousins Subs in Two Rivers) received the "Rising Entrepreneur of the Year Award." Several other young business people from Two Rivers were also honored.

Indoor Sports Complex Opening in Two Rivers
1/6/10
J&K Ultimate Sports Complex will be opening soon at 2811 18th Street. The indoor recreational facility will offer a variety of athletic opportunities for youth; cheer and gymnastics, dance, strength conditioning, batting cages, indoor golf driving range, basketball, and practice areas for sports such as tennis, soccer and hockey. There also will be a game room with sports arcade games, ping-pong, air hockey, pool table and board games. Open gym hours and birthday party hosting will be available.

Two Rivers & Unions Cooperate to Meet Budget Needs
12/2/09
Voluntary agreements and contract changes with unions and non-represented employees will save the city $180,000 in 2010. Leaders of the city and the unions worked together for two months exploring ways to contain costs with the least impact on services with no employee layoffs. READ MORE

Eggers is Fox City Medium Manufacturer of the Year
12/2/09
The Eggers Industry of Two Rivers' Neenah operation has been named the Fox City Medium Manufacturer of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

E-Seed Entrepreneurs Course Graduates 11
11/18/09
Congrats to the 11 entrepreneurs with 8 business ideas who are graduating from E-Seed Entrepreneurs’ Course! Since 2006, four other courses have been taught where 36 ideas have been vetted. From that 36, 17 businesses are running and 3 are starting up. READ MORE about E-Seed. 

Economic Assistance - Is It Worth It?
11/11/09
Wisconsin Technology News looks at the Mercury Marine case. What is the public benefit of using public funds for business incentives?

Crabby Bill's Burgers and Fries open
10/12/09
Welcome to our newest downtown area business! Try one of Crabby Bill's gourmet burgers at 2023 Jefferson Street or enjoy grilled chicken sandwich, Vienna hot dogs, nachos, fries and small hot dogs and hamburgers called sliders. Crabby Bill's serves beer and wine along with your favorite soda.

10th Lot Sold at Sandy Bay Highlands
9/4/09
A 10th lot has been sold at the city-owned Sandy Bay Highlands residential subdivision. Right next to Picnic Hill Park, just down the road from Point Beach State Forest, amidst woods and wetland, a short walk from Neshotah Park and Lake Michigan, and right on the Rawley Point bike trail. You'll find City Living....Country Charm at Sandy Bay Highlands.

Governor in Town to Present Clean Water Fund Grant
7/31/09
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle will be in Two Rivers on August 3 at noon to present Clean Water Fund grant monies for four storm water retention ponds. It will help the city meet the state mandate to improve water quality. The Governor presented the city with a check for nearly $2.8 million dollars to cover about two-thirds of the cost of the retention ponds to protect the West Twin River.

SBA Launches 100% Guaranteed Loan Program
7/17/09
The SBA is now offering a 100% guaranteed ARC loan program to help struggling businesses. The America's Recovery Capital loans are deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000 available to established, viable, for-profit small businesses that need short-term help to make their principal and interest payments on existing qualifying debt.  ARC loans are interest-free to the borrower, 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA, and have no SBA fees associated with them. Repayment does not begin until 12 months after the final disbursement.  Borrowers don't have to pay interest on ARC loans.  After the 12-month deferral period, borrowers will pay back the loan principal over a period of five years. For information, contact your commercial lender or contact EDCMC Executive Director Kenneth Stubbe at 920-482-0540.

Premier of Two Rivers/Manitowoc PBS TV Program
June 30, 2009
Local screenings of Wisconsin Public TV’s “Wisconsin Hometown Stories” segment on Two Rivers and Manitowoc will be held on Wednesday, July 1. There’s a 2 p.m. screening in Two Rivers at the J.E. Hamilton Community House, preceded by a FREE sundae social in the lobby, starting at 1:30 PM. The Manitowoc screening is at 7 p.m., at the Capitol Civic Center. The program will air on Public TV's Hometown Stories will air at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 6.

Washington House Project Gains International Attention
6/25/09
The Hampton Inns Landmarks project brought more than 20 volunteers from across Wisconsin to the historic Washington House today to clean, paint, and repair our visitor center that commemorates our official status as the Birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae. Hampton also presented a check for $10,000 to fund such repairs as a new hardwood floor for the Ed Berners Ice Cream Parlor. Besides local and regional media, Hampton arranged satellite interviews with more than 20 news outlets around the country, and an interview with an international travel show that is currently based on a ship off the coast of Russia! The Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch, the largest on-line financial site, was in town to record a report.

Midwest Weekends - Two Trails from Two Rivers
6/8/09
Midwest Weekends featured a lengthy article about the Rawley Point and Mariner's bike trails. READ IT

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Story on Carp Tourney
6/6/09
READ MORE

Two More Businesses for Downtown
5/27/09
B&D Embroidery and Screen Printing of Two Rivers will soon relocate to the downtown storefront at 1609 Washington Street. Congratulations to David and Bridget Van Ginkel on the growth and success of their business—and thanks for bringing it to downtown Two Rivers.

US Cellular plans to open a new Two Rivers Store by mid-summer in the building currently occupied by the Port Cities Insurance Agency at 1613 Washington Street. Port Cities Insurance will remain downtown, in a new location. Bob Stumpner, owner for over 30 years of The Camera Case in Hartford, has in recent years expanded into the cellular telephone business in a big way, with stores in eight Wisconsin cities, including two in Green Bay. Two Rivers will be the ninth location for this family-run US Cellular retailer. The City’s Economic Development loan fund will provide a $40,000 loan to assist with Mr. Stumpner’s planned $80,000 investment in downtown TR.

2009 Wisconsin Carp Championship Coming May 30 & 31
5/11/09
The 2009 Wisconsin Carp Championship had moved to Two Rivers. Spectators Welcome!!
World-class anglers, trivia games, prizes for kids and adults, vendors. This is catch & release carp tournament. Fishing from 9:00am to 7:00pm on Saturday. Fishing from 7:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday. You will be able to see all the action at Vet's Park (18th. St.), Washington Park (Adams St.), and the Old Eggers Factory Land (corner of 19th. and East River St.). LEARN MORE

No Housing Bubble Bursting in Two Rivers
4/13/09
Unlike many parts of the country, home values continue to hold steady in Two Rivers. With a median house value of around $110,000, Two Rivers is still a real bargain - you can get a lot of home right here in Two Rivers. In 2008, There were 131 home sales in Two Rivers. That was down a bit from 2007 (179 sales) but the average sale price went up. The average sale prices in 2008 was $93,570, up from $91, 018 in 2007. If you're looking to build a new home, don't forget about Sandy Bay Highlands, the city-owned residential subdivision next to Picnic Hill Park, next to Walsh Field, and just up the street from Neshotah Beach.

Federal Appropriations Bill Includes Two Rivers dredging
3/11/09
The 2009 Federal Omnibus Appropriations bill includes $754,000 for the full dredging of the federal channel in the Two Rivers harbor and both the East and West Twin rivers. The dredging will deepen the harbor to 14 feet from the pier heads upstream to Seagull Marina on the West Twin and the 17th Street bridge on the East Twin. It will also deepen the East Twin River to at least 10 feet between the 17th and 22nd Street bridges. It’s important to our recreational boaters and fishermen, to our commercial fishermen, to our Coast Guard station, and for commercial and recreational redevelopment of our downtown waterfront.

Two More Downtown Businesses
2/18/09
Welcome to the Cove Family Restaurant and Johny Chimpos bar. Both have opened in the last two weeks. The Cove is located is located in the lower level of Club Atlantis. Johny Chimpos is in the old Arvy's Restaurant building. Since 2003, nearly 40 businesses have opened in Two Rivers and are still in operation!

THE WINNER! Washington House to get renovation funds
12/8/08
Hampton Hotels has selected the Washington House in Two Rivers as an "All-American Landmark" that will get renovation planning assistance and funding in 2009. Nearly 45,000 votes were cast in the company's on-line poll. The Washington House competed with other landmarks in Wisconsin. Details of the assistance will be announced after a renovation plan is completed.

Washington House in Running for Renovation Funds
11/13/08
The “Birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae” in Two Rivers is one of three historical sights competing for renovation funds in the Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark® program. The Washington House is the headquarters for the local historical society, commemorates Two Rivers as the birthplace of the ice cream sundae, and serves as the city’s visitors’ center. The winner of an Internet voting contest will get both planning assistance and funding from Hampton Hotels, which has provided thousands of hours and $3.5 million to refurbish 41 landmarks across the country since the program began in 2000.
WLUK-TV News Video

Business Expansion Announced
10/14/08
Patsy's Highway 42 Mobil Mart is expanding. They will be adding an automated car wash. Look for construction soon - right next to the construction project for the new Union State Bank next door.

Another New Business Coming
9/9/08
The former Arvy's building at 1616 Washington Street has been sold. The new owners from Sheboygan are planning to upgrade the building for a new food and beverage establishment. More details will be announced later by the new owners.

Students and Businesses Form Partnership
9/5/08
The Future Business Leaders of America and Two Rivers Business Association have teamed up to help the city's business community while giving high school students real-life experience. READ MORE

TIF Districts Show Solid Performance
9/4/08
The value of TIF districts in Two Rivers is about 10% higher than estimated when the districts were formed. Three TIF districts turned non-taxable property into taxable property that now has a total value of $11 million. LEARN MORE ABOUT TIF

IT Company Chooses Two Rivers
9/3/08
An out-of-state entrepreneur has selected a location in Two Rivers to house his new information technology company. The EDC first started working with him to find a suitable location in the region. After meeting with City officials and seeing the vibrant downtown, he liked what he saw and found the unique location he was seeking. With about a half-dozen employees at start-up, he expects to have about 20 employees in the next two or three years.

More Lots Sold in Sandy Bay Highlands
8/27/08
Another sale at Sandy Bay Highlands on August 22 brings the number of lots sold in August to three. So far, nine of the 21 lots in the modern, natural residential subdivision have been sold. Sitting right next to Picnic Hill Park and Walsh Field, Sandy Bay Highlands features large lots, wetlands, the Rawley Point bike trail and is just a short walk to Neshotah Park and Lake Michigan.

...and the Hits Just Keep Coming
8/13/08
A new bank building, new chiropractor, new nail salon - just a few of the latest developments in downtown Two Rivers. Union State Bank is building a new building on the A&W property. Apple Chiropractic Clinic has just opened a new office at 1815 Washington Street - the fourth new business in that block in the past 12 months. Top Asian Nails recently opened at 1612 Washington. Holy Family Memorial Hospital has expanded its operation in Two Rivers by taking over operation of the Two Rivers LIFE Fitness Center. and Lakeside Apparel and Signs is sporting a new building facade.

County Among Top 25 Dreamtowns
7/28/08
BizJournal ranks Manitowoc County as #24 among 140 micropolitan areas as a dreamtown attractive to people looking for a small-town atmosphere without the hassles of big-city life - "a sense of community" and "friendlier people."

Madison Street Bridge Ribbon Cutting
7/23/08

The ribbon was cut on the new Madison Street bridge on July 23. Hundreds of people took the opportunity to be the "first" to walk across the new bridge - another example of the city's commitment to investing in the future. Of the city's four bridges, three have been replaced in the last decade or so - and the final one will be replaced soon.

Electric Rate Remain Low
7/17/08
A typical home in Two Rivers will pay $6 to $10 less than customers of neighboring utilities. READ MORE

Rusch Featured in Newspaper
6/19/08
From a modest start in the city's incubator, Rusch Machine & Design now has customers around the world, including Monster Garage and West Coast Choppers. READ MORE

Business Growth in Two Rivers
6/12/08
Since 2003, there have been more than 20 successful businesses startups in Two Rivers - most of them in the downtown area. You can see many of the on our Pictures of Progress page - or check the list right here.

Two Rivers Among Wonders of Wisconsin
5/16/08
Two Rivers came in second in voting for the best place in Wisconsin for a biking getaway, thanks to the two new bike trails. The online poll was conducted by Wonders of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc was named the third best museum.

Illinios Business to Move Into Incubator
5/1/08
Flavor Hut International has signed a lease for the city's 5,000 square foot incubator. Owner Terry Esser recently moved to Two Rivers from St. Charles, IL and is now moving his business here. The company currently has 5 employees. Flavor Hut makes flavorings for various lines of livestock and pet foods.


Two Rivers - Wireless Community - Wired Community
4/9/08
The Cool City Hot Spot WiFi system is now operating in the downtown area. It's free and it's new! And if you need some high speed data access, don't forget about the city's fiber optic system.

First Time Home Buyer Program
2/18/08
Get 10% of your down payment covered with assistance of the City of Two Rivers Housing Program. The city loans are funded through a Community Development Block Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. The loans are zero-interest, and require no repayment for so long as the borrower owns and lives in the house. Income and other restrictions apply.
READ MORE   More Assistance Available From Lakeshore CAP

Discover Wisconsin to Feature Ice Cream Sundae
6/25/08
After a mention on the History Channel on June 23, the ice cream sundae gets more attention on the Discover Wisconsin TV show on June 28 and 29.  The program will include the story of how Two Rivers became the birthplace of this delectable treat. Check your local listings.

Home Buyer Program
4/15/08
Counseling and education for buying your first home. The Lakeshore CAP Home Buyer Program is designed to assist income-eligible households with the purchase of a home. Call 1-800-924-0510.

The Return of Waves
4/6/08
The Economic Development Office has closed a $14,000 loan to help Waves salon to re-open downtown. Welcome back. The city's Revolving Loan Fund has money available to assist with your start-up or expansion.

Little Joe's Now City Central Bar and Grill
2/6/08 (updated 4/4/08)

The classic, art-deco Little Joe's Bar and Grill has changed hands. Joe and Delores Sobiech have retired. Kari Pries and Judy DeBauche have purchased the downtown landmark and have exciting plans to add to the growing downtown night life.

Resolution: Make Downtown Even Better
1/20/08
Eight new downtown businesses in 2007! And more coming. READ MORE

UFO Named National Retailer of the Year
1/11/08
The Kite Trade Association International (KTIA) named Unique Flying Objects as Kite Retailer of the Year at its annual conference.

North Pier Rehab Included in Federal Budget
1/3/08
In our continued efforts to invest in our infrastructure, the city has secured $1.83 million for rehabilitation of the north pier of the Two Rivers harbor. The funding was sought by the city with help of local businesses, the Two Rivers Business Association and other local groups.

Senior Center Renovation to Begin
1/2/08
The Friends of the Two Rivers Senior Center have raised the needed funds for the renovation project, which is expected to begin in June. The $260,000 project is funded by $50,000 from city funds and the rest from donations and grants.

Another Sale at Sandy Bay Highlands
1/2/08
Six of the 21 lots in phase one of Sandy Bay Highlands have been sold. The latest sale in the city-owned subdivision closed on January 2.

Two Rivers Continues Aggressive Capital Investment
11/14/07
New city buildings, three new bridges, recreation trails, new city parks, work on our beach, new water filtration plant, upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant -- and more to come while maintaining affordable taxes. Looking for a progressive attitude? It's right here in the new Two Rivers.
READ MORE

Local Industries in Wisconsin's Top 75
11/1/07
Lakeside Foods and Eggers Industries have made the "Wisconsin 75" list, an annual ranking of the largest closely held companies headquartered in Wisconsin. Lakeside Foods in Manitowoc was ranked 26th and is a producer of canned and frozen vegetables, canned meats and other food products. Eggers Industries in Two Rivers was ranked 71st and creates architectural doors, decorative plywood and custom furniture components.
READ MORE FROM THE EDC OF MANITOWOC COUNTY

Wisconsin Remains Below Average in Cost of Doing Business
10/18/07
With 100 being average, Wisconsin scored a 96.4 in the Milken Institute rankings of the cost of doing business. The index measures wage costs, taxes, electricity costs and real estate costs for industrial and office space.

Welcome to Three New Businesses
10/3/07
Anytime Fitness will be opening in mid-October at 1506 20th Street.    The national chain of 24-hour fitness and tanning facilities is owned locally by Mike Langley, who also has the Anytime Fitness franchise in Manitowoc. Papa Murphy’s Pizza will open soon in the Family Video building at Washington and 18th Streets. And the much-awaited opening of Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, 1033 22nd Street, will occur within the next two weeks, owners Antonio and Christina Mannino report.

Revolving Loan Fund an Important Development Tool
10/2/07
Since its inception, the Two Rivers’ revolving loan fund has issued over $6.6 million in business loans. READ MORE
REVOLVING LOAN FUND PAGE

Most City TIF Districts Exceeding Expectations
9/4/07
Certified 2007 valuations for these districts were just recently released by the State. Those numbers show that a total of over $27 million in new tax base has been created in these districts since 1992—actually, about $22 million of that total has been created since 2000. Further, the 2007 total valuation of these districts is nearly 12 percent higher than was projected in the original TID plans.
SEE THE REPORT
LEARN MORE ABOUT TIF

Wisconsin on Economic Development Honor Roll
7/31/07
The annual Development Report Card for States has named Wisconsin to its honor roll for the second year in a row. It is one of only 7 states so named. About Wisconsin, the report says, "Wisconsin has distinguished itself as a great place to live, consistently earning high marks for Performance... (T)he state has shown significant improvement in Business Vitality and Development Capacity... Wisconsin can now proudly say that it is a great place to both live and work, with bright prospects for its future economic performance and standard of living."

Ice Cream Sundae Garners More National Attention
7/23/07
First, CBS Evening News re-ran last year's Assignment America piece about the ice cream sundae as part of its coverage of the U.S. Senior Open at Whistling Straits. A few days later, American Profile magazine ran a story in a publication that is distributed in hundreds of newspapers around the country. On July 21, the Madison Capital Times "discovered" the Two Rivers link to this most favorite of ice cream treats.

Kayakers Featured on Fox 11 TV
7/20/07
The July 20 edition of Fox 11's morning news program, Good Day Wisconsin, featured segments on kayaking at Neshotah Beach.

New Business Loans Approved
7/2/07
The Business and Industrial Development Committee has approved three loans to new and expanding business in Two Rivers. Luigi's Italian Restaurant will be expanding from its Manitowoc location into the former Cafe Alkayme building. Shipwreck Adventures will use the loan to diversify its product line into canoe and kayak sales and rentals. GT Machine in the city's business incubator will be purchasing additional machinery and equipment. Since moving to the incubator in March 2006, GT Machine employment has grown from 14 to 32.

Utility Honored
5/13/07
Two Rivers Water & Light has been honored by the American Public Power Association for its highly reliable and safe electric service. Two Rivers Water and Light has achieved Platinum status as a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) for proficiency in reliability, safety, training, and system improvements. It was also recognized by APPA with its Electric Utility Safety Award for 2006 and 2007 for its worker safety record.

Free Business Assistance
4/2/07
The Wisconsin Business AnswerLine can help entrepreneurs with FREE answers to your questions about getting closer to your dreams and goals. Last year, 4,600 people called with questions. Call 800-940-7232 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or send an e-mail.

Home Sales Show Healthy Upward Trend
3/1/07
Homes sales figures show some positive trends for Two Rivers. The Manitowoc County Board of Realtors reports an increase of 11% in the number of homes sales in 2006 over the previous year - 161 sales compared to 145. More significantly, the total dollar volume for sales was up a significant 30%. The average home sale price increased from $79,750 in 2005 to $93,681 in 2006. SEE THE CHART

GT Machine Receives Tax Credits
10/27/06
GT Machine LLC, 2614 Williams St., has received $60,000 in Community Development Zone tax credits for its expansion project. It recently expanded into a new 19,200-square-foot location and is purchasing new equipment. The project will create 12 jobs and represent $365,000 in new investment. Contact us for more information about state tax credits and other incentive programs available to you.

New Construction Drives 4.2% Increase in Equalized Property Value
8/30/06
The equalized value of property in Two Rivers grew $22.5 million in 2005, bolstered by new commercial construction. READ MORE

CBS Evening News Covers Our Sundae Story
8/22/06
The CBS Evening News will cover our ice cream sundae feud Friday 8/25 at 5:30 p.m. READ THE SUNDAE HISTORY   SEE THE CBS VIDEO

CBS News May Cover Sundae War - Your Vote Needed
8/10/06
The CBS News "Assignment America" segment this week will include our Sundae war with Ithaca, New York. People are asked to vote for one of three possible story ideas. CBS crews then develop a story about the winning entry. Place your vote Friday through Monday at the Assignment America website.

Sundae War with Ithaca Draws National Coverage
7/13/06
The Sundae War has been covered by the New York Times, USA Today, National Public Radio, Chicago Tribune, upstate NY TV, and the Associated Press and hundreds of its print and broadcast outlets including New York Newsday and Arizona Republic. US News and World Report is working on a story. Hits on this Internet site have more than doubled since the war began. We have also placed a coupon in the Ithaca newspaper for a free Two Rivers ice cream sundae.

We Resolve!
6/19/06
Two Rivers declares - "We are the Birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae."
Read the resolution
Syracuse, New York ABC-TV Coverage

The REAL Story of the Ice Cream Sundae
Invented in Two Rivers 125 Years Ago
6/16/06
Ignore any other claims. Two Rivers is the REAL birthplace of the
Ice Cream Sundae

Tuition Reimbursement for Training Employees
5/26/06
The Business Employees’ Skills Training (BEST) Program helps industries facing severe labor shortages upgrade the skills of their workforce. It provides tuition reimbursement grants to help cover a portion of the costs associated with training employees. Call 1-800-HELP-BUS.

Five New Downtown Businesses Opening
5/11/06
Five new businesses are opening in downtown Two Rivers. Welcome to
La Bella Cafe at 1701 East Street in the former Joanne's Floral building,
Connie's Treasures in the old Coenen Shoe Repair building by Kurtz's,
Shipwreck Adventures at 1611 Washington Street, and two new businesses in the totally remodeled 1513 Washington Street - Elements American Bistro and The Fitness Store, which is returning to downtown. The Fitness Store is now open.

Tourism Spending Worth $11.81 Billion
3/16/06
Traveler spending in Wisconsin rose slightly last year to $11.81 billion, according to a study released by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Overall, traveler spending grew roughly $30 million.

Smaller Manufacturers - Huge Impact
3/15/06
Small and medium manufacturers employ 60% of the manufacturing workforce and account for 40% of the value of US production. This March 2006 report (pdf) from the Manufacturing Institute includes a list of policy recommendations as well as fifteen “best practices” that characterize world-class manufacturers.

Another Success for Business Incubator
2/23/06
The city's two business incubators are designed to help start-up businesses grow and expand. Another tenant, and its 22 employees, has moved out and set up shop in a larger building in the Columbus Street Industrial Park. READ MORE

Wisconsin Makes National Economic Honor Roll
2/17/06
Wisconsin was one of 7 states to make the economic honor roll in the annual report by the Corporation for Enterprise Development. Wisconsin earned an A for economic performance, a B in business vitality, and a B in development capacity.
February newsletter of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce