Forward Janesville - TheReport - First Quarter 2018

72. We are fortunate to have very little violent crime. The violent crime rate in Janesville is just 44.8, as compared to the Twin Cities, with a rate of 82.4. 73. Janesville is home to so many unique manufacturers with a storied history . For example, the Wisconsin Wagon Company, which produces reproductions of some of the most iconic toys of the last 100 years, including the Janesville Coaster Wagon. 74. For the period of October 2016 through October 2017, the Janesville-Beloit Metropolitan Statistical Area’s employment base increased by 3.2% . This growth rate resulted in an overall weighted rank of #8 among 100 peer small metropolitan locations. This Top 10 ranking was the highest recorded by any Wisconsin metro area, irrespective of population size. 75. Living large on less is easy here. Janesville’s overall cost of living is 1.9 percent below national average . 76. Perhaps it’s stating the obvious, but Rock County residents enjoy the beauty of all four seasons . Sure, Florida weather is nice, but who doesn’t love fall colors? 77. Live music fans don’t have go far to hear their favorites—from local Janesville bars and coffee shops to the Janesville Performing Arts Center, opportunities abound to listen to great up-and-coming artists just about every night of the week . 78. This winter, grab your cross country skis and head to the groomed trails at Rockport or Riverside Park. 79. Come spring time, visit the 160-acre Janesville Schools Outdoor Laboratory (JSOL) to try and spot one of more than 280 species that call this area home . 80. Once summer is in full swing, consider going berry picking at one of four local farms. 81. Get your fall fix at one of nine-plus fall orchards and pumpkin patches in the area. 82. No matter what your belief, with 52 places of worship available there is sure to be something to inspire you should you wish to seek out a spiritual community. 83. The Janesville Innovation Center (JIC) is a start-up incubator that provides business mentoring and support to new businesses in Rock County. JIC offers tenants 22,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space, conference rooms, and common spaces including a kitchen. 84. JIC has successfully mentored many regional start-ups , including N1 Critical Technologies, a power supply systems design, purchasing, installation and maintenance service provider, that announced that is now relocating and expanding into downtown Janesville. 85. The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin has been saving the lives of animals in need for more than 107 years . With plans to build a new shelter to better accommodate all pets and expanded programming, it’s never been a better time for area pet lovers to consider adoption. 86. For wine aficionados, the approval and implementation o f downtown wine walks marked a very happy occasion indeed . Be sure to get tickets early for this year’s walks, scheduled for May 19, 2018, and September 22, 2018. 87. The Tour of America’s Dairyland Bike Race Series , the largest competitive cycling event in the U.S., will welcome Janesville as its newest venue in 2018. 88. Janesville is home to the award winning Rotary Botanical Gardens, with over 25 different garden areas and 4,000 plant varieties spread across 20-acres. 89. Janesville is an excellent example of how collaboration works . Since its inception, The Rock County Development Alliance has a solid track record of facilitating development projects, minimizing costs, streamlining local and state regulations and packaging value-added assistance to attract employers to the region and enhance economic stability. 90. This year ARISE will complete the highly anticipated Town Square improvements on the west side of the Rock River, converting River Street into a Festival Street for future downtown events in the process. 91. The Janesville School District’s diverse international program features 20-plus sister school relationships , the most extensive Chinese language and culture program in Wisconsin and more. 92. Janesville’s Peace Park and playground erected the world’s tallest peace pole (52-feet) in 1992. 93. Elevate your next road trip on one of our many rustic roads. Drop the top and cruise down Rock County’s Serns or Riley Roads. 94. Ice skating is fun in all seasons . Get your fix during family nights at the Janesville Ice Arena. 95. Janesville may well benefit from a Wisconsin ad campaign that just launched. Over the next six months, the State’s main economic development group plans to use social media and other advertising platforms to sell Wisconsin as a vibrant state that offers more affordable living , more leisure time, and loads less commuting time than life in Chicago. 96. The downtown Janesville retail and entertainment district just keeps growing . Grab a coffee, pick up a cupcake, and purchase some cool new threads on your next afternoon outing. 97. Recent booms for United Alloy and other local companies have kept Janesville among the top 40 best-performing small cities in the U.S . for three straight years, according to a report released in January 2018 by California economic analyst Milkin Institute. 98. Redevelopment of the former General Motors plant is at hand, at last . Commercial Development Company, Inc., purchased the site and plans to invest significant resources to reposition the large industrial property for new utilization. 99. Proper zoning, compatible land uses, right-sized utilities, onsite storm water management, rail service, tax increment financing, and Interstate visibility/access are just a few of the attributes that are common offerings among Rock County’s available sites inventory: all for about a $1/SF. 100 Our region is great for business . In addition to local incentives, Chief Executive Magazine named Wisconsin one of the Top Ten States for Business in 2017. FIRST QUARTER 2018 • 11