WORK
The Oconomowoc area’s high quality of life is sustained by a lively local economy comprising a diversity of businesses. Abundant natural resources support a variety of manufacturers, and form the foundation of a thriving tourism industry. And while the area retains a small-town ambiance, residents and visitors have access to the goods and services found in larger urban communities.
Service businesses currently provide approximately one third of the jobs within a five-mile radius of downtown Oconomowoc. The health care providers based in the Oconomowoc area are among the major service businesses, and include Lutheran Homes of Oconomowoc, Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, Rogers Memorial Hospital, Wilkinson Medical Clinics, and soon will include Aurora Medical Center of Oconomowoc.
Manufacturers are the Oconomowoc area’s second largest employer, accounting for about 22 percent of the jobs. Major employers range from International Bioflavors, the world leader in the development and manufacturer of natural dairy flavors, to Bruno Independent Living Aids, a maker of state-of-the-art stair lifts, power chairs and other personal mobility products. Unique manufacturers include Foot-So-Port, a shoemaker whose line includes professional clown shoes.
Many businesses have located in one of the four industrial/business parks in the Oconomowoc area. Encompassing a total 293 acres, the parks feature complete infrastructure and ready access to transportation. Oconomowoc’s geographic location allows for easy transportation access. Taking advantage of this are Trek Bicycles, which has a national distribution center in Oconomowoc, and Target, which has a regional distribution center. The Oconomowoc area offers companies some of the state’s lowest tax rates, a low crime rate and reliable, locally-run utilities.
Retail and wholesale trade is the area’s third largest employer, providing about 19 percent of its jobs. In addition to the shops in Oconomowoc’s historic downtown, there are enclosed shopping centers and convenient shopping plazas located throughout the area.
Rounding out the employment base are agriculture (8.9%); construction (8.4%); finance / insurance / real estate (4.4%); transportation / communications / utilities (3.2%); public administration (1.4%); and mining (0.1%).
Oconomowoc is home to several banks and financial institutions anxious to provide capital to new and expanding businesses. The community also has ample office space available.
An exciting new development taking shape at the intersection of I-94 and Highway 67 promises to greatly expand the local economy. Pabst Farms, located on both sides of the freeway, is a master planned community set on 1,500 acres in Oconomowoc and the Town of Summit. Set on the former rural retreat of the legendary brewer, the $1-2 billion project will one day include homes, shops, offices, lodging, entertainment venues, parks, civic facilities and a technology/research park. A partnership between Pabst heirs and developer Peter Bell, the project will take 15 to 25 years to complete.
From its historic downtown currently undergoing an exciting and extensive revitalization, to Wisconsin’s largest master-planned development rising along the busy I-94 corridor, the Oconomowoc area offers unique opportunities for new and expanding businesses of all sizes and types.
Business Resources
City of Oconomowoc
Bureau of Economic Development: City of Oconomowoc
Pabst Farms
Partnership for a Prosperous Downtown
Planning and Zoning: City of Oconomowoc
Oconomowoc Rotary Club
Waukesha County
Wisconsin Business Resource Network
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce
U.S. Census Data: City of Oconomowoc
U.S. Census Data: Waukesha County
Employment Resources
American's Job Bank Service Center
Wisconsin Job Centers
Wisconsin Jobs Online
Workforce Development Centers
Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce Directory Listings: Employment Resources |
