NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL ANNUAL MEETING DRAWS 10,000
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL ANNUAL MEETING DRAWS 10,000
TO MILWAUKEE VENUES
Annual event for Milwaukee-based financial security company to pump about $8 million into local economy
MILWAUKEE - July 26, 2010 - Northwestern Mutual's 130th Annual Meeting of the Association of Network Representatives is taking place in Milwaukee, July 24-28, 2010. The event will draw more than 10,000 people from across the country, comprising members of Northwestern Mutual and their families. The company's Annual Meeting will have an estimated economic impact of approximately $8 million* for the local economy and occupy about 12,675 hotel room nights.
"This meeting supports the local $2.3 billion tourism economy and the 57,000 local jobs that work in the industry," said Paul Upchurch, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. "While Wisconsin earlier this year unveiled a ‘meetings mean business' initiative, Northwestern Mutual has set the example for 130 years by keeping their meeting in Milwaukee."
According to a U.S. Travel Association study, for every dollar spent on business travel, companies realize $12.50 in incremental value and $3.80 in profits, Upchurch added.
For Northwestern Mutual, the value of the five-day meeting is to further strengthen its acclaimed field force. Financial representatives network, mentor their peers, learn new information, discuss best practices, engage in continuing education opportunities and share ideas.
"I'm always impressed by our financial representatives who travel to Milwaukee year after year to further enhance their professional capabilities," said Northwestern Mutual Chief Executive Officer John E. Schlifske. "We've built a reputation for having the most knowledgeable financial professionals in the industry, and now more than ever, families are turning to them for their long-term financial security planning."
As a result, Northwestern Mutual leads its industry in customer satisfaction, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index's (ACSI) fourth quarter 2009 report. The company's field force is an industry leader in credentials, with more than half of all career financial representatives holding at least one professional designation. And for the second consecutive year, Northwestern Mutual is being honored for offering one of the best training programs in America, according to Training magazine's 2010 "Training Top 125" list. This accolade recognizes the financial security company's excellence in training and leadership development.
Northwestern Mutual will be conducting events and seminars for its financial representatives at the Frontier Airlines Center, the Bradley Center and at metro hotels including the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, the InterContinental Hotel & Resort and the Pfister Hotel. In addition, the company is sponsoring activities for the financial representatives' families at such venues as the Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World, the Milwaukee Public Museum and Humphrey IMAX Dome Theatre, the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, the Paradise Landing Indoor Water Park in the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, the Milwaukee County Zoo, and the Betty Brinn Children's Museum.
About Northwestern Mutual
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company - Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 150 years. As a mutual company with over $1.2 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual seeks to share its gains with policyowners and deliver consistent and dependable value to clients over time.
Northwestern Mutual is an industry leader in total individual life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care insurance dividends paid to participating policyowners. Though dividends are not guaranteed, are reviewed annually and are subject to change, the company has paid life insurance dividends every year since 1872.
Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments. Further information can be found at http://www.northwesternmutual.com
About VISIT Milwaukee
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 600 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.3 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2009 and supported more than 57,000 local jobs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit http://www.visitmilwaukee.org
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• Economic impact estimates based on the group's projections and past history of the group.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
20,000 Bratwurst, 100 Weiner Dogs and a Life-Sized Cuckoo Clock Celebrate Germany
220,000 Bratwurst, 100 Weiner Dogs and a Life-Sized Cuckoo Clock Celebrate Germany
30th Annual Germanfest Features New and Old Favorites
MILWAUKEE - July 15, 2010 - Only in Milwaukee is there a festival that serves up 20,000 bratwurst in three days - that's eight Empire State Buildings worth of brats. One of America's largest festivals celebrating the German culture,Milwaukee's Germanfest also dishes out 10,000 pounds of potato salad, 9,000 dumplings and 15,000 pieces of strudel. As if that's not enough, Germanfest's 30th Anniversary Festival offers traditional music, art, drinks, dogs and fireworks every night.
"Milwaukee celebrates its heritage with major ethnic festivals almost every weekend in summer," said VISIT Milwaukee President and CEO, Paul Upchurch. "It's an easy weekend trip to sample the cultures of the world with traditional food, music, dances, art and celebrations."
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Germanfest is once again featuring its popular glockenspiel. The life-sized cuckoo clock is a fest favorite and is celebrating its own 25th anniversary this year. The glockenspiel is set to go off 11 times throughout the festival.
Local Doxies will train and primp for the fourth annual Dachshund Races and Costume Contest on Sunday. After a "Blessing of the Doxies," competition will be fierce in the Weiner Dog Races, held in five age groups. Then, the tiny dogs will be looking for audience applause and approval from a guest celebrity judge when they look their best in the costume contest.
Seven musical acts directly from Germany are performing throughout the festival grounds all weekend in the German Showcase. For the younger crowd that wants to play music instead of listen to it, children can take harmonica lessons from Hohner, Inc. for free all weekend. Pre-registration is required on the Germanfest website.
As always, Germanfest will feature beer gardens, polkas and a German marketplace. The festival runs Thursday, July 22nd through Sunday, July 25th at Henry W. Maier Festival Park. For details regarding admission, hours and attractions, visit the Germanfest website at http://www.germanfest.com
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of theGreat Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 750 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.3 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2009 and supported about 58,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Frontier Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit http://www.visitmilwaukee.org
Thursday, July 08, 2010
GET A TASTE OF ITALY AT FESTA ITALIANA
GET A TASTE OF ITALY AT FESTA ITALIANA
Food, fun, and fireworks are a great way to celebrate
MILWAUKEE – June 28, 2010 – Festa Italiana, the nation’s largest Italian-American festival, allows visitors to experience Italy without ever leaving the country. Expect to see and enjoy Festa Regional and Renaissance dancers, gypsies, and delicious specialties from cannoli to lasagna. Festa Italiana offers an authentic four-day Italian experience, which runs from July 15-18, 2010 at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront.
“Milwaukee celebrates its heritage with major ethnic festivals almost every weekend in summer,” said VISIT Milwaukee President and CEO, Paul Upchurch. “In a short drive or train ride North Chicagoans can plan a weekend trip to sample the cultures of the world with traditional food, music, dances, art and celebrations.”
Six live stages of talent and an explosive fireworks display over Lake Michigan make every night a celebration, guests can also visit the children’s stage, special travel exhibits, a performing opera tent, and celebrity chefs such as Nick Stellino from the Food Network will be there to share his recipes. Don’t forget to see jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, a top-selling American instrumental jazz artist perform at the Marcus Amphitheater on Friday, July 16 and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons perform on Sunday, July 18.
Visitors at Festa will also have a chance to be a part of the colorful religious procession following Sunday mass, catch the Bocce ball tournament, which will be played during all four days of Festa, and see the largest sand sculpture on display. A week before the festival, a team of five international champion sand sculptors will start turning 200 tons of sand into an 18-foot Pinocchio perched high atop the Roman Coliseum, surrounded by eight of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions.
Discounts and group ticket packages are available. For details regarding admission, hours, entertainment, and vendors, visit the Festa Italiana website at www.festaitaliana.org.
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 750 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.3 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2009 and supported about 58,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Frontier Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
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Tuesday, July 06, 2010
PARDON OUR FRENCH
PARDON OUR FRENCH
Experience North America’s Largest French Festival
MILWAUKEE – July 1, 2010 – This July, Bastille Days celebrates its 29th anniversary as North America's largest, outdoor, French-themed festival. The celebration of the French Independence Day takes place in Downtown Milwaukee in Cathedral Square Park July 8-11, 2010.
“Milwaukee celebrates its heritage with major ethnic festivals almost every weekend in summer,” said VISIT Milwaukee President and CEO, Paul Upchurch. “In a short drive or train ride North Chicagoans can plan a weekend trip to sample the cultures of the world with traditional food, music, dances, art and celebrations.”
Known for impromptu street performers, roaming minstrels, a variety of interactive and musical entertainment, Bastille Days serves up fun for any Francophile.
The 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica, the Waiter/Waitress race, and the Storming of the Bastille, otherwise known as the “5K fun run” are all must sees for every visitor. Bastille Days activities include participating in mini-French lessons or taking part in an authentic French mass.
Enjoy a glass of champagne and learn more about wine and cheese pairings at daily demonstration stations. Bastille Days is also known for a diverse musical mix. You’ll find classic French ballads, zydeco, Cajun-creole, rock, blues and more on the festival’s four entertainment stages.
Discounts and group ticket packages are available. For details regarding admission, hours, entertainment, and vendors, visit the Bastille Days website at www.easttown.com.
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 600 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.3 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2009 and supported about 58,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Frontier Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
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