I came across some old promotional literature from the Marinette Chamber of Commerce and uncovered a tagline we can use today: Few cities have better natural advantages than Marinette.
In 1923, the Chamber of Commerce effectively communicated their advantages to entrepreneurs: cheap water power, five railroad lines (including the Chicago & North Western), and car ferries of the Ann Arbor line. Their biggest attraction was they could provide the shortest and most cost effective freight route from many points west of Marinette to the east.
They also knew the significance of providing a third party testimonial to attract business to Marinette. Highlighted in print was a manufacturing company who investigated the shipping costs from their facility in St. Paul shipping to the east via Marinette.
“With practically the cheapest electric power in America, with unsurpassed rail and water transportation, a splendid class of labor and a city where labor troubles are practically unknown, it is natural that Marinette is growing very rapidly as a manufacturing as well as great retail trading center and farm marketing city.”
It’s 2013, and we still have these core natural advantages. Our customers tell us our workforce is the best in the Nation, and marvel at how easy it is to ship to and from our great city.
When chemical engineers and managers tour our facilities to consider doing business with us, or when they return to ramp up projects, they also want to stay a bit longer. They look forward to their visits to Marinette, working along side our people, who make them feel welcome and appreciated.
I marvel at the fact the Chamber of Commerce understood this ninety plus years ago. “We want you to come to this interesting part of Wisconsin to view the attractions of our scenery and enjoy the breeze off of the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, to fish the rainbow, brown and speckled trout, black bass, walleye and eventually you too may find that this is a good place to make your home permanently.”
For our employees and the great citizens of Marinette and our sister city Menominee, we know this to be true: few cities have better natural advantages. We live in a fine place to live, work and play. Now we just need to share our secret with the rest of the world. Come to Marinette and “Let’s Get Acquainted.”
David Mielke is President and CEO of ChemDesign, a custom toll chemical manufacturer based in Marinette, Wisconsin. He’s lived in Marinette since 1990 and is water sports enthusiast.