Forward Janesville - TheReport - First Quarter 2018

20 • W W W . F O R W A R D J A N E S V I L L E . C O M It seems appropriate to be writing this as we enter a new year, as this is often a time for reflection; a time to think about the past with an eye towards the future. Those of you who have been with me for the last decade know that I often write a “predictions” column at the beginning of each new year... and that my predictions are usually spectacularly wrong. Here’s a good one from last year: “The first 100 days of the Trump presidency will be reminiscent of Newt Gingrich’s 1994 “Contract with America,” when Republicans passed a number of sweeping reforms after taking control of Congress after 40 years of Democratic rule.” Well, it took Congress 11.5 months to claim the first big legislative victory of the Trump Administration, but quality not quantity, right? (I don’t mean to diminish the significance of the tax reform legislation, a tremendous accomplishment which will likely benefit many of you. Drop me a line for additional analysis.) By Dan Cunningham - Vice President Government Relations & Education SEEING FUTURE As I often say in my public remarks, I've never been more optimistic about this community. It just feels like the right time to be here. I predict that Janesville’s positive momentum will continue in 2018, with several significant expansion/job creation announcements by prominent local businesses. So with that grain of salt, here are my thoughts on what could happen in 2018 : • My primary responsibility at Forward Janesville is to manage our government affairs operations. From a federal standpoint, 2018 will be all about November's midterm election. In many ways, the midterm cycle really began in late 2017 with the Virginia gubernatorial and Alabama Senate elections. There was a lot to digest in those election results and not a ton a great news for Republicans. But those who are predicting a democratic wave in 2018 are probably premature—a lot can (and probably will) happen between now and November. While Democrats hold a significant lead in generic congressional polls, a few Republican legislative victories (for example, a large transportation infrastructure bill) could easily turn things back in their direction. While I see a lot of parallels between 2018 and 2010 (Barack Obama's first midterm election, when Democrats suffered heavy congressional losses), it is simply too early to tell what will happen. But since this is a predictions column, I'll go on record and predict that the Democrats will narrowly gain control of the House of Representatives in 2018. In the U.S. Senate, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, a popular Republican target, will narrowly win reelection against Republican State Senator Leah Vukmir. • At the state level, the legislature will do... well, not much in 2018. The legislature is scheduled to meet for a total of 28 days at this point, so don't expect too much in the way of accomplishments. Again, this year is all about the election, as Scott Walker will go for his third term in office against a still-forming field of Democratic challengers. Prediction: despite Wisconsin's increasingly 'purple' political nature, Walker will coast to victory over State School Superintendent Tony Evers, who will advance in the Democratic primary. • As we begin our centennial celebration, I believe our city is on the cusp of greatness. Our downtown renaissance is underway: the ARISE downtown revitalization plan is in full swing, and the newly created Business Improvement District (BID) has formed and is already starting to have a positive impact. Area businesses are growing and expanding; the Janesville/Beloit market added the 25th most jobs of any city in the nation in 2017! As I often say in my public remarks, I've never been more optimistic about this community. It just feels like the right time to be here. I predict that Janesville’s positive momentum will continue in 2018, with several significant expansion/job creation announcements by prominent local businesses. Further, I predict that Janesville will celebrate the arrival of a couple of long-coveted restaurant chains in the new year. As I reflect on the past, I've been thinking about how I can be part of Janesville's renaissance while honoring our organization's centennial. When I started working at Forward Janesville in 2006, I met with 100 members in my first 100 days on the job. It was an amazing immersion experience and a terrific way to get to know the community. I had a brilliant idea over the holiday break: what better way to honor our anniversary than to do '100 in 100' again? Therefore, my final prediction is that I will be calling on many of you in the new year. I want to learn more about your businesses, what keeps you awake at night, and what Forward Janesville can do to help you succeed. To get on my ‘centennial list,’ just drop me a line at danc@forwardjanesville.com . Best wishes to all for a happy and prosperous 2018! THE