The City of Whitewater Community Development Department recently conducted a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visit with Fort HealthCare, focusing on its Whitewater Clinic located at 1461 W. Main Street. Economic Development Director Mason Becker and Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karin Silvius met with Jim Nelson, Chief Financial Officer, and Tiffany Pernat, LPN, for a discussion centered on local health services, workforce needs, community partnerships, and upcoming opportunities. The Fort HealthCare Whitewater Clinic, which provides basic clinical care, women’s health, rehabilitative care, and hosts the Rock River Community Clinic, emphasized its long-standing commitment to the Whitewater community. The Whitewater Clinic continues to play a vital role in providing accessible healthcare for local residents and university students.
The Fort HealthCare Whitewater Clinic operates in a leased 18,000-square-foot space, with Rock River Community Clinic occupying one-third of the building. During the visit, Fort HealthCare leadership praised previous communitywide health collaborations and expressed strong interest in renewing local partnerships aimed at improving long-term health outcomes. Nelson noted Fort HealthCare’s appreciation for the previous “W3 – Whitewater Working for Wellness” initiative and voiced support for similar cross-sector efforts involving the City of Whitewater, UW-Whitewater, and local employers. “We are always grateful for local businesses and institutions that want to be active partners in the health and well-being of the community,” said Mason Becker, the City of Whitewater’s Economic Development Director. “Fort HealthCare plays a critical role in our region, and our BRE visit reaffirmed their commitment to accessible, community-focused care.”
Like many healthcare providers across Wisconsin, Fort HealthCare continues to face workforce challenges—particularly in specialized areas such as obstetrics and pediatrics—and currently has approximately 50 full-time equivalent openings across its system. Despite these challenges, Fort HealthCare leadership reported improvement in contracted staffing and continues to draw employees from Jefferson, Walworth, and Rock Counties. The team also discussed broader healthcare system realities, including reimbursement rates and the number of patients without insurance—an important factor for regional healthcare providers. Fort HealthCare noted that about 60% of patients at its patients lack insurance, underscoring the need for continued statewide efforts supporting access to care.
“These visits allow us to hear directly from healthcare leaders about their needs and opportunities,” said Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce. “Strengthening relationships with providers like Fort HealthCare helps us plan for a healthier, more connected community.”
The City of Whitewater’s BRE program focuses on maintaining strong relationships with local employers, identifying opportunities for partnership, and supporting long-term economic and community vitality.
“We appreciate Fort HealthCare’s honest dialogue and their strong commitment to Whitewater,” Becker added. “Our department will continue working with local businesses to promote sustainable growth and ensure Whitewater remains a supportive environment for employers and residents alike.”
For more information on the City of Whitewater’s Business Retention & Expansion Program, interested businesses can contact Mason Becker at: mbecker@whitewater-wi.gov.
