In light of recent events in Milwaukee surrounding the RNC, it’s important to understand what is happening from a business perspective. While there are concerns about protesters and disruption during the convention itself, it’s also essential to consider how local businesses are faring in the lead-up to the event.
Gary Witt, president and CEO of the Pabst Theater Group, expressed frustration with the RNC’s planning for Milwaukee earlier this month, telling a local journalist that he didn’t see enough bookings leading up to the convention. However, it turns out that Mr. Witt is not an RNC supporter – in fact, he has been quite vocal about his opposition to both Donald Trump and the Republican Party on social media.
Despite this, Mr. Witt seems to have a point when it comes to event bookings. According to a report from Dan Shafer at Urban Milwaukee, some local venue owners are feeling underwhelmed by the number of events they’ve been able to book in advance of the RNC.
Pere Marquette Park, located in downtown Milwaukee, will be designated as a protest forum during the convention, and business owners have expressed concerns about its safety. The park is inside the security perimeter for the convention, but it’s still not clear if firearms will be allowed outside of that zone under Wisconsin law.
Chef Gino Fazzari has also spoken out against the city’s decision to designate Pere Marquette Park as a protest forum, saying he doesn’t feel it’s safe for his employees or businesses.
The economic impact of more than 100 organizations and individuals registered with the City of Milwaukee to demonstrate against the RNC has not been explored – but it’s clear that there is concern among some local business owners about the potential disruption caused by protesters.
In a statement released earlier this month, RNC officials said they are “working closely with our hosts in Wisconsin to ensure their success during the convention.” It seems unlikely that any major changes will be made to the convention’s schedule or security measures based on these concerns, but it’s clear that there is still some uncertainty around how Milwaukee businesses will fare during the event.
Overall, while there are certainly challenges ahead for Milwaukee businesses in preparation for the RNC, it remains to be seen what kind of impact the convention itself will have on the city’s economy and reputation.
