Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/252322
44 | I nsIgh t • F e b r u a r y 2 0 14 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m i n s i g h t o n E c o n o m i c d E v E l o p m E n t B y M a r y B e t h M a t z e k B rown County is the world's entrance into the new north with its busy port and the state's only international airport besides Milwaukee. In 2013, the Port of green Bay saw its highest numbers since 2007 – an indication things are moving in the right direction, says Dean haen, director of the Brown County Port and Resource Recovery Department. "e port seems to be a leading indicator of the economy and how everyone is doing," he says. "When we have a strong year, it means businesses are buying more raw materials and they are busier." In 2013, more than 2.2 million metric tons of cargo came in – an increase of 16 percent over the previous year. Coal and limestone – two products used by manufacturers – were up 21 percent. salt – which is used by municipalities everywhere – was up 35 percent as reserves were depleted following last winter. "I think our final numbers for 2013 could have been even a bit higher, but we had to close in about two weeks earlier than normal because of ice," haen says. is summer, the port will reap the benefits of Cat Island Chain Restoration Project, which is designed to slowly rebuild three islands to protect the 1,400 acres of water around Duck Creek, which empties into the Bay of green Bay. During the annual dredging of the river, silt will be taken there rather than trucked elsewhere, haen says. he also hopes that 2014 brings the addition of another terminal operator to the port. Currently there are 14 operators with docks used to unload a variety of commodities from coal and limestone to petroleum products and machinery. e port Growth factor Port, airport open Brown County – and the region – to rest of the world The Port of Green Bay saw its highest numbers since 2007 last year. More than 2.2 million metric tons of cargo came in, an increase of 16 percent over 2012. Coal and limestone were up 21 percent and salt was up 35 percent. M i c h a e l l e s c h i s i n / i M a g e s t u d i o s