Project Oshkosh: A defining moment for Oshkosh

OSHKOSH, WIS. (November 3, 2017) – Today the City of Oshkosh’s proposal and offer to Oshkosh Corporation was made available to the public on the city’s website. As advocates for business and industry in our community, we support and applaud the City for presenting a competitive and aggressive offer to retain Oshkosh Corporation’s global headquarters in Oshkosh. The proposal and its terms are necessary to secure Oshkosh’s economic future and quality of life for years to come.

    This is a defining moment for Oshkosh. The City’s proposal is an affirmation and indication that as a city, we are ready and willing to do what it takes to compete and win.

    The terms offered by the City that are to be approved by the City Council next week, before being presented to Oshkosh Corporation, are strong and competitive to ensure Oshkosh Corporation remains a vital part of our economy and community. 
 

    The City’s proposal offers the best opportunity to retain Oshkosh Corporation’s world headquarters in Oshkosh. Furthermore, the revenue received by the City from the land sale will have a positive impact on the City’s finances and the infrastructure developments will create jobs, add to the tax base, expedite other development projects in the area, and enhance elements of the public land to increase accessibility for all Oshkosh residents. It is a win-win-win outcome for our city.

    We urge the City Council to vote unanimously to approve the City’s terms and proposal for Oshkosh Corporation at their upcoming council meeting on Wednesday, November 8. Approval of this offer is the next immediate step required to keep Oshkosh Corporation located here by offering the site and incentives for the company to build their new corporate world headquarters.

    This will be the second large success for the city within a year’s time following the construction of the Menominee Nation Arena and the Wisconsin Herd’s decision to make Oshkosh its home. The impact of these two decisions is significant—it shows that Oshkosh has what it takes and is ready to do whatever is necessary to not only compete, but also to succeed, as a great place to work and do business, live, learn and recreate, now, and well into the future.

    Over the next few days leading up to the council’s final vote on Wednesday, we encourage our members to support the City’s proposal to Oshkosh Corporation and help educate fellow residents of Oshkosh in conversation and online about the necessity and significance of this proposal for our city’s future and well-being. Please attend upcoming meetings on Monday, November 6 at 6 p.m. at the Convention Center for a joint meeting of the Parks & Recreation Committee and Plan Commission and also attend the City Council meeting on Wednesday, November 8 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to voice your support for the proposal and approving this important decision.

    This is a watershed moment for Oshkosh. It is a “generational” opportunity that requires all of us to champion and support this important vote to safeguard our city’s future, economic prosperity, and quality of life.

 

John Casper

President & CEO,

Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce

 

Jason White

President & CEO,

Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation