There's a new spirit of optimism in Two Rivers ~~ and it shows.

It shows in the new, improved, and growing Two Rivers Business Association, proclaiming It's Right Here ~~ the New Two Rivers.

It shows in the cooperation between the business community and city government, working together to regain beach grooming rights at Neshotah Park, to develop a less expensive, business-friendly local sign code, to develop exciting new events like last summer's first-ever Kites Over Lake Michigan.

It shows in long-time businesses and residents celebrating their history while investing in the future. It shows in the growing number of people from outside our area who are moving or investing here; who like what they see and want to be part of this community's future.

It shows in a community reinvesting in its public facilities ~~ new high school, new and renovated public buildings, modern streets, new bridges, new and improved parks, and expanding recreational trails ~~ displaying a commitment to the future.

It shows in a community that stepped up with more than $250,000 in donations in the final three weeks of 2006 to take the Community House Fund Drive over the top. We should all still be bursting with pride over that.

It shows in our recent cooperative ventures with neighboring communities: Promoting economic development at a county-wide level through the publicly and privately funded EDC of Manitowoc County, promoting tourism with our neighbors in Manitowoc through the joint Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau and our shared Port Cities identity, and our agreement to treat wastewater for Mishicot, our neighbor to the north.

Yes ~ Two Rivers has plenty of progress to be proud of.

Downtown ~~ Heart of the Community, Beating Stronger

We have proclaimed downtown T'Rivers as looking t'rrific ever since re-opening Washington Street after a $4.5 million reconstruction in the fall of 2005. But downtown is more than just a pretty space ~ it's a place where exciting things are happening. 2006 saw private investment that has strengthened downtown as an area dining, drinking, and entertainment district.

Kevin Voysey brought hip, urban design to 1513 Washington Street, including his own Abotzo!, a fine wine and gourmet shop.

Up the street at 1606 Washington Street, Stumpjack Coffee Company opened its doors in a beautifully renovated space serving up great coffees, beer, wine, and light, healthy lunches along with live entertainment to compliment the live entertainment at Element and just up the street at the 1892-era Waverly Inn.

The community invested $3 million in the beautiful and historic J.E. Hamilton Community House, assuring the future of that old and ornate building as a focal point for special events and activities in the heart of the community. Since celebrating its 75th anniversary with the grand opening of the renovation, the Community House has again become a buzz of activity.

2007 ~~ Even Better

The Two Rivers Main Street program brought in retail consultant Ed Wendland to work with existing businesses on ideas for improved marketing, merchandising and a unique cross-promotion idea that is already proving itself with local businesses referring customers to each other with in-store displays, specials and word of mouth.

A collaborative effort by the City, Main Street, Lakefield Communications, and Two Rivers Water & Light is bringing Cool City Hot Spots to town. The free Wi Fi system provides wireless access - at no charge - all along the Washington Street corridor in downtown Two Rivers.

The City's downtown revolving loan program actively encourages such investment, offering 3% fixed rate loans that can finance up to 50% of project costs. Businesses who have recently used the financing program include Dalebroux Jewelry, Element, GJ's Salon, the Medicine Shoppe, Schroeder's Department Store, the Copper Kettle restaurant, and Two Rivers Life Fitness Center, which used the funding to convert the beautiful St. Luke's Catholic Church into a modern fitness center.

2007 also marked the first year of our area tourism collaboration with the City of Manitowoc through the Manitowoc Area Visitor and Convention Bureau. We expect great things from that partnership, bringing even more visitors to the special events at Two Rivers businesses, the downtown, and our beaches and parks.

Business Incubators ~~ Helping Hatch Successful Companies

That entrepreneurial spirit extends to manufacturing, too. The City owns two incubator buildings of 5,000 and 20,000 square feet on Wentker Court. They have been home to several growing companies.

Rusch Machine occupied the smaller incubator from 2000 to 2004. Chris Rusch started in the building with three employees. Rusch Machine graduated to a larger space in the Columbus Street Industrial Park in 2004. The company continues to grow, selling its line of custom tube-bending machinery throughout North America and now in Europe. City loans have helped finance some of Rusch's growth. Today, this successful young company has 18 employees.

Woodland Face Veneer got its start in the large incubator in 2002. Just 5 years later, it was nominated as the state's Manufacturer of the Year. Company President Rick Philipps has guided the company through phenomenal growth, with an emphasis on customer satisfaction and employee involvement. WFV grew out of the incubator into larger space in the Columbus Street Industrial Park in 2005. Today, the company employs 40 people and keeps on growing.

Manitowoc Relay and Protector began operation in the small incubator building in September 2005 - expanding the manufacturing sector of the Italian-based Electrica into the U.S. market. In just 18 months, employment grew from four people to 14. In 2007, the company relocated to its own 10,000 square foot building in the Woodland Drive Industrial Park.

GT Machine continues to grow its custom machining business in the 20,000 square foot incubator. Partners Tom Jachimstahl and Gary Messman had 14 employees when they took occupancy in 2006. Just over a year later, they employ 30 and continue to grow the business.

There's plenty of reason for optimism here in Two Rivers. Watch for more positive economic news in 2007. And check out our Pictures of Progress to see more about why we say