News

Tourism in Walworth and Jefferson Counties generated $887 million and $195 million respectively in total economic impact in 2022 helping Wisconsin break an economic impact record. 

Whitewater, WI (June 6, 2023) – The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2022 economic impact data, showing the tourism industry generated a record-breaking $23.7 billion in total economic impact. The highest-ever overnight visitation helped fuel the growth, with communities like Whitewater playing a pivotal role.

The 2022 total economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $22.2 billion set in 2019. Walworth County also surpassed the previous record $790 million set in 2021. Jefferson County surpassed its previous record of $185 million set in 2019. Additionally, last year, Walworth County tourism supported just over 7,000 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $70.9 million in local tax revenue, a 7.5% increase. Statewide, tourism generated $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $620 to maintain the current level of government services.

Whitewater contributes to the state’s overall tourism success by providing travelers with  quintessential Wisconsin outdoor adventures,” says Kellie Carper, executive director for Discover Whitewater. “As an Ice Age Trail community in the Kettle Moraine State Forest located conveniently on the “Mad-Waukee” corridor, Whitewater is a great place for a fun day trip or an adventurous family vacation.”

In 2022, there were 111.1 million visits in Wisconsin, which was up 8.8 million visits, or 8.7%, over the previous year. This includes a record 45.4 million overnight visits, or a 13.8% increase from 2021. Overnight visitors, on average, spent nearly three times as much as day trip visitors.

Whitewater also saw a sharp increase in overnight stays and room tax revenues in 2022 seeing a 42% increase over 2021 and more than doubling revenues collected in 2019. Part of this increase is due to the newest hotel in Whitewater. The Fairfield Inn & Suites, a Marriot Silver Circle hotel, saw a 10% increase in room nights over 2021 with a total of 16,952 room nights in 2022. According to Karin Silvius, General Manager at the Fairfield, Silver Circle award winners are ranked in the top 20% of recommended properties in the US & Canada, a reflection of their excellent level of service and amenities.

“Tourism is both big fun and big business. I’m so grateful for the innovation and dedication of the folks who make up Wisconsin’s tourism industry. Each one of them played a role in setting this record,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “Aided by strategic marketing, Wisconsin convinced more visitors to stay longer so they could add more activities to their itinerary, delivering a deeper economic impact. I congratulate the entire industry on an incredible record-breaking year.” 

To learn more about Wisconsin tourism’s record-breaking year, view the 2022 economic impact data, including a county-by-county breakdown, at industry.travelwisconsin.com/research. To learn more about Whitewater and the wonderful opportunities for adventure awaiting you visit our website at http://Discoverwhitewater.org

###

About the Discover Whitewater Tourism Council:

The mission of the Whitewater Tourism Council is to market the Whitewater area as a regional tourism destination promoting new and existing attractions and events to travelers. We believe that, whether travelers are visiting our trails, waterways, or the university, Whitewater is the perfect place to experience outdoor adventures, cultural events, and rich local history. By marketing our community across multiple channels and establishing collaborative partnerships we play a significant role in generating economic impact for the community and the areas surrounding Whitewater.

About the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
The mission of theWisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. Because we believe in the power of exploration and travel, we work to market the state as a premier travel destination. By executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism. Learn more at industry.travelwisconsin.com.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. School’s out and its officially summer! That means that Whitewater’s largest city park with soon be bustling with activity; kids on the playground and ball games at Treyton’s Field of Dreams complex. This view of Starin Park is a post card produced in the 1950s or 1960s. Enjoy the summer!

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(5534PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Are you curious about the plant-based eating trend? Certified plant-based health coach and physical therapist Michele Stamn will share the whys and hows behind her own transition to a plant-based diet. Through both personal experience and education, Michele has learned lots of tips and tricks for making this healthy way of eating fun, easy, and delicious – and she will share them at a free workshop, Getting Started with a Plant-based Diet, held at the at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s Community Room on Tuesday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m. Michele will also share her favorite plant-based resources to help participants get started. 

Stamn has been a physical therapist for over 30 years and she states that, “I’ve worked with so many people who did not have to be in the health situations they’re in. With just some simple changes to their lifestyles a few years earlier, they could have avoided the amputation that came from diabetes, the stroke that came from high blood pressure, the heart attack that came from high cholesterol. In fact, that’s exactly why I decided to become a plant-based health coach. Instead of waiting to help people after they’re seriously ill and in need of long-term care, it’s my hope to connect with them BEFORE their health deteriorates — to help them improve and restore their health through the power of a plant-based diet.” You can learn more about Stamn on her website, www.wellness-empowered.org.  

The workshop is for adults and teens. There is no cost or registration to attend. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782. 

Residents of the Mulberry Glen Senior Living Community welcome Special Olympics participants with handmade signs to cheer them on in reaching their goals while participating in events at Whitewater, WI. Chad Murphy, District Director of Operations is pictured with Shantel Boss, Assistant Executive Director and Winston the resident Mascot.

A large group gathered at the Downtown Armory after the Memorial Day parade for a meaningful ceremony. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2022-2023 academic year.

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction.

To view an online listing, visit registrar.wisc.edu/deanslist. Use the data display dashboard to find students from your area who have received this honor. For questions or concerns about eligibility, please contact deanslist-registrar@em.wisc.edu

NAME, COLLEGE, AWARD
Whitewater, WI

 Jonathan Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Shawn Chan, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Arno Crowley, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Colin Dugan, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Carson Ellenwood, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Lizbeth Gallegos, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List
 Reid Gunnink, School of Business, Dean’s List
 Jaden Henneman, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List
 Shivam Kalra, School of Education, Dean’s List
 CC Liang, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Andrew Marquardt, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Mohamed Mohamed, School of Pharmacy, Honor Roll
 Anna Riemer, School of Pharmacy, High Honor Roll
 Haley Street, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List
 Kaden Tourdot, School of Business, Dean’s List

Rummage sale Friday 6/9/23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 6/10/23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Something for everyone!  Lots of toys: wagons, sandboxes, Little Tikes cars, battery pink jeep,  sleds, kids picnic tables.  Girls clothes 18 months-4t. Tools, wicker chairs, kitchen appliances, China, furniture, and more. W6915 Bluff Rd, Whitewater

Whitewater FFA-Culver’s Scoop of Thanks Night

On May 4th, Whitewater Culver’s held its Scoop of Thanks Night for the Whitewater FFA. FFA members helped serve food, cleaned and wiped tables, and talked with our amazing community. With all the amazing people and support Culver’s was able to donate over $1,700 to the Whitewater FFA. This could not have been possible without the contributions from the community and the generosity of Culver’s staff. The Whitewater FFA would like to give Culver’s a sincere thank you for supporting not only our chapter but hundreds around the state.

Whitewater FFA Reporter,
Katie Gillette

By Tom Ganser

Although Memorial Day marks the start of summer for many, it’s a false start for the greater Whitewater community.

This year’s summer really begins with exploring the big blue world in the Whitewater Unified School District Summer School Playhouse production of Disney’s “Finding Nemo JR,” a lively 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie.

“Finding Nemo, JR” tells the story of Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, who lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo. Nemo longs to explore the world beyond their home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean.

With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

The cast and technical crew for this production includes more than 60 students ranging from incoming 6^th graders to WHS Class of 2023 graduates.

“Finding Nemo, JR” is perfect for kids of all ages, including adults who just might need a little help from the youngsters to follow the plot.

Cast and crew at their first rehearsal/work session. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.