[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 8 (Tuesday, February 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO WHITNALL SUMMIT, 2004 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR, WEST ALLIS-WEST 
                     MILWAUKEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2005

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
commend the Whitnall Summit Company, being honored by the West Allis-
West Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce as 2004 Company of the Year.
  Whitnall Summit was established just ten years ago with a plan to 
acquire segments of the former Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing property in 
West Allis. Allis-Chalmers had been one of the main drivers of the 
local economy in West Allis, providing thousands of jobs along with a 
community identity. When a physical plant the size of Allis-Chalmers 
closes, the impact on the community is both monetary and psychological. 
Manufacturing job losses have cost our communities good-paying, family-
supporting jobs, along with a strong revenue base. The loss of Allis 
Chalmers hit hard.
  Great companies inspire a community's pride and empty buildings hurt 
the spirit of a city.
  Thanks to Whitnall Summit, West Allis is participating in a ``re-
urbanization'' as these large empty buildings have been rehabilitated. 
Further, those buildings are now occupied with retail and offices, 
community-based organizations and indoor parking. In 10 short years, 
Whitnall Summit with strong support from the city's TIF district, has 
converted factory buildings into 300,000 square feet of office space, 
all leased, with a large parking structure nearing completion.
  I congratulate Whitnall Summit for its success and it's collaboration 
with the city of West Allis in returning this site to an opportunity 
for growth.

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