Our View: Magazine recognition good for county

Talk about it

Money Market Magazine has listed St. Croix County as the 25th best place in the country based on job growth from 2000 to 2010. St. Croix County had a job growth rate of 26.7 percent, putting it in 25th place in the magazine’s list of “Where the Jobs are.”

St. Croix County Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Bill Rubin called the recognition “good news” — we echo that sentiment.

Some naysayers may suggest that the ranking is based more on job growth in the first seven or eight years of the decade. The county has seen some plant closings and layoffs near the end of the decade. The truth is the same could be said for most any geographic area — obviously job changes have been factored into the equation; the numbers stand on their own merit.

In addition to that, there is obviously some good growth on the horizon. As Money Magazine pointed out, “Uline, a packaging supplier is planning to build a warehouse in one of Hudson’s industrial and business parks. It’s expected to add a reported 150 jobs next year.”

Rubin said “We think we’re doing a good job of economic development and job creation.

“Our work, along with the work of the municipalities throughout the county, has been validated by Money Magazine.”

In writing about St. Croix County, the magazine said, “The county is trying to lure businesses across the border from Minneapolis/St. Paul.” It also noted the potential of the new Stillwater bridge which would give the county an economic boost.

The article went on to say, “Especially now, plentiful job opportunities are key to making a great place to live. These 25 counties have experienced the most job growth over the last 10 years.” The top 25 are:

1. Rockwall County, Texas

2. Loudoun County, Vir.

3. Williamson County, Texas

4. Douglas County, Colo.

5. Hamilton County, Ind.

6. Delaware County, Ohio

7. DeSoto County, Miss.

8. Utah County, Utah

9. Ascension Parish, La.

10. Campbell County, Wyo.

11. Livingston Parish, La.

12. Larimer County, Colo.

13. Prince William County, Vir.

14. Rutherford County, Tenn.

15. Wake County, N.C.

16. Williamson County, Tenn.

17. Sarpy County, Neb.

18. Shelby County, Ala.

19. Carver County, Minn.

20. Hendricks County, Ind.

21. Charleston County, S.C.

22. Cache County, Utah

23. Madison County, Miss.

24. Canadian County, Okla.

25. St. Croix County, Wis.

Money Market Magazine is also the publication that puts together lists such as the “top 100 places to live.” Rubin said both Hudson and New Richmond were evaluated in the most recent compilation. Although neither made the top 100, Rubin said both were “contenders.”

We often find ourselves complaining about one thing or another, but in the big picture, we’re living in a pretty good corner of the nation!

Tags: saint croix county, opinion, editorials, money