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Communities in Illinois & Iowa Should Strive to Be Like Potosi, WI

https://www.facebook.com/PotosiBrewingCo/
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Potosi Brewing Company

"Never giving up" and collaboration are two critical keys to job creation and growth. Those themes and others were presented Friday during the fourth annual economic summit hosted by East Moline Congresswoman, Cheri Bustos.

Potosi, Wisconsin Village President Frank Fiorenza was the keynote speaker. He told more than 100 people that his small town revitalized its economy by creating a popular tourist attraction, the National Brewery Museum. Fiorenza says it attracts 65,000 to 75,000 people per year, "And that's a pretty big deal for a village of 700."

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
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WVIK News
IL U.S. Representative, Cheri Bustos, after her 4th annual economic summit at Augustana College, Rock Island, IL

The museum is located in the old Potosi Brewing Company building. It was in business from 1852 to 1972.

Busto says the economic summit also included a session about the role of education in workforce readiness. Those who attended also discussed how to coordinate efforts to improve roads, bridges, water lines, and sewers.

Government
Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.