MBU hosts Rob Marchant, Chairman of the Watertown RDA
On February 14, 2018, MBU hosted an economic business breakfast featuring Rob Marchant, President of Michael Best Strategies LLC and Chairman of the Watertown RDA.
Partnership Bank, a community bank in Watertown, WI, sponsored the breakfast. Nate Salas, President of Partnership Bank and a member of the RDA, proudly introduced Rob Marchant. Nearly 200 attended the event in the Maranatha Dinning Room.
Marchant began with an explanation of his involvement and commitment to the Watertown community. Watertown represents his home, the place where he and his wife are proud to raise their family.
He went on to explain his position and role as the chairperson of the RDA of the city of Watertown. Marchant’s role focuses primarily on the real estate redevelopment in Watertown. The law opens up the door for the RDA to exist. “The RDA is not the city,” Marchant states, the RDA coordinates with them and accepts help, but it’s somewhat independent from the city government.”
Marchant explained that his role is critical in eliminating economic blight—which is defined as the visible and physical decline of a property, neighborhood or city due to a combination of economic downturns, residents and businesses leaving the area, and the cost of maintaining the quality of older structures.
The RDA’s mission in Watertown is to see through economic growth opportunities and produce results. Marchant stated, “If we’re not going to do something, I’m not your guy…we’re going to turn over every stone to make it happen.” To further understand the RDA and their mission for Watertown, he encouraged everyone to attend their meetings at city hall.
Marchant went on to discuss the progress that has been made on their grandest of project proposals—a transformation of the 100 block of West Main Street into a hotel and town square. He explained how the RDA has taken considerable measures to assure the project moves forward amicably. They have hired consultants, such as a relocation experts, to aid them in their responsibility to the business owners located on site of the 100 block. To date, there are four remaining businesses that require relocation in order for the project to move forward.
He went on to explain the economic impacts of revitalizing downtown Watertown. Marchant described his vision for the future of Watertown, addressing how people, businesses, students, friends, family, and businessmen could enjoy the amenities of the 100 block plan.
“It’s not just about the money. It’s really about our social fabric in the community,” Marchant stated. “It’s about the public spaces that we make available for one another, to gather with our family and friends. It’s about creating vitality, building a vibrant place where people, local and out-of-towners, make a point to go visit.”
Marchant closed his address with an open-discussion SWOT analysis of the RDA’s plan to transform the 100 block of West Main Street. A video of the breakfast may be viewed HERE.