Just a few days ago, Milwaukee's new found partnership with the Toward Group, an investment company out of China, made CNN.com national news.
Late last year, Toward Group purchased the now defunct Northridge Mall space with the intention of "installing" a Chinese mall packed with Chinese retailers, investors and products.
In early January, OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer Jeff Sherman reported on the probable opening of AmAsia Mall in August 2010.
Wu Li, president of Toward Group, is quoted as saying "The people [in Milwaukee] are friendly, the environment is peaceful and the pace of living is slow. It is a good place for Chinese enterprises to go abroad."
The article notes that Chinese investors have historically purchased land and space in coastal cities like New York and Los Angeles; pointing out that Toward Group's Milwaukee purchase is the first move into the "Rust Belt."
The article debates the pros and cons of Chinese investment, calling into question how successful Chinese products would fare in the Milwaukee market.
More importantly, Bob Kraft, a Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce board member, is quoted as saying, there are "a lot more Chinese investors in the pipeline who are coming."
We'll just have to wait and see.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
