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commercial components include two larger retail anchors — one is expected to be a grocery store — as well as service businesses and office space. Both multi-unit and single-family housing are under development in Centennial Centre development, providing the frame that will give the next phase its downtown feel. In all, Centennial Centre will encompass 616 acres. As important as the developments will be to the future vitality of Hobart, city leaders also tout the way they have been able to support this latest growth. Village President Rich Heidel says all the projects launched since 2009 have been accomplished without state or federal incentives. e development was launched to bring long-term economic sustainability to Hobart, an area still dominated by high-income residential housing and multi-generational farms. He credits the approach of both the elected and executive leadership of the village, as well as the responsiveness of citizen boards that oversee development. "If we need a special meeting to make something happen, then that is what we do. We don't wait for the next regularly scheduled meeting," Heidel says. "We launched this project in 2009 in the middle of the worst recession in 80 years. We've seen $100 million in commercial investment since 2011 and 200 net new jobs." And it's been a largely local approach. Of the work done so far, 100 percent of the suppliers and subcontractors have facilities or are based in Wisconsin. Nearly 90 percent of them are from surrounding Brown, Outagamie and Oconto counties. Hobart's proximity to Green Bay has certainly helped with Hobart's growth. As the largest city in Northeast Wisconsin, Green Bay is one of the economic engines driving greater Brown County and the region. e city has seen a renaissance of its own, and was recently named one of the best cities in America for the creative class. Hobart's latest development is along the Wisconsin Highway 29/32 corridor, essentially serving as the western gateway of the Greater Green Bay Area. It's an attractive location for those who want to be close to the city's amenities without living in the city. Indeed, the village is home to several members of the Green Bay Packers. e new development is expected ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT "People today long for a sense of place. We've lost the old downtown, but that's what people are longing for." – S teve At ki n s, At ki n s B u i l d i n g G ro u p 38 | I NSIGH T • F e b r u a r y 2 0 15 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m (920) 498-9300 | baylandbuildings.com | ■ COMMERCIAL ■ INDUSTRIAL ■ AGRICULTURAL