9:30 September 10, 2006
Sunday New York Times features Racine recent growth

Racine's steady growth has caught the attention of the New York Times as the city was featured in the business section of the July 2, 2006 paper.

Gary Becker, Racine's Mayor, describes how the city has transformed itself from relying on factory jobs to a pro-development message aimed at attracting new residents and businesses.  Mayor Becker states that Racine's future is tied to stronger links to a regional economy and global markets.

In relation to the vast distances and differences of the United States, the story outlines how Racine can be seen as a barometer for the rest of the country.  According to the Times for better or worse, what is happening to the Racine area, and how the community is responding, offers a window to economic realities that resonate across the country.

The story points to Racine's middle of the road political base as possibly something the national political parties should pay attention to when seeking answers for the future of the country.  The article also highlights various individuals working in Racine and provides a glimpse of Racine's shift into the innovation economy.

P.S. Be sure to check out the photo slide show of Racine which can be found online.

Click here to read the New York Times story entitled “On Lake Michigan, a Global

Village.”