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IMPORTANT: As of July 1st, 2011, functions once performed by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce have been moved to other state agencies and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The former Commerce web site will continue to exist for the next several months as resources are moved to new web site locations. We will make every attempt possible to direct our users to the new locations as web resources are moved.
Good News
Wisconsin a Leader in High Impact Firms
According to a recent study by the US Small Business Administration, Wisconsin ranks 10th in distribution of "high impact" firms, with 2.42 percent of its firms in that category. National leader Alaska is at 2.76 percent. These firms grow rapidly in both employment and revenue.
Milwaukee business taxes low
Business taxes in Milwaukee are lower than in the average U.S. city and also score well when compared with areas of similar size, according to a study released last week by the accounting firm KPMG.
The study created an index from corporate income taxes, other corporate taxes and required labor costs, with 100 representing the national average. Milwaukee's index was 96. The city scored well on other taxes, placing fourth-best among the 59 cities surveyed. Only Wilmington, Del.; Manchester, N.H.; and Lexington, Ky., fared better in the category, which includes property taxes.
Milwaukee area family-friendly
The Milwaukee region has claimed TWO of the top 10 spots in the United States to raise a family according to a June 30th story from Forbes.
Forbes states that all of the counties on their Top 20 list earned "high marks for their low cost of living, reasonably priced homes and short commute times." The publication added, "They also offer terrific schools, one of the most important characteristics to consider when choosing a place to raise a family."
Forbes had this to say about Ozaukee County:
Originally settled as a stop on the old dirt trail between Green Bay and Milwaukee, Ozaukee… earns top marks for its low crime and high graduation rates. Port Washington, the county seat, is just 25 miles from Milwaukee. It's situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, and its Port Fish Day is reputed to be the world's largest one-day outdoor fish fry.
With respect to Waukesha County, Forbes stated:
Once called "Cow County USA," Waukesha is now home to some of Milwaukee's most prosperous western suburbs. Residents are treated to a short commute and great education. With a 96% high school graduation rate, the county has produced such luminaries as Les Paul, inventor of the electric guitar.
Madison attractive to empty-nesters
The city of Madison received another top honor on Wednesday. Kiplinger.com ranked the city the third best place for empty nesters to live. The rankings based on the three Ts -- the presence of high-tech workers and businesses, the talent level of the work force and the tolerance for all types of people. Madison is ranked behind San Francisco and Seattle.
-- Tony Hozeny
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