In Wisconsin, we have much for which to give thanks. Wisconsin has been blessed with unprecedented job growth and a thriving economy. We are fortunate to live in a state with an unemployment rate that has been below the national average for nearly 13 years. Our businesses have made significant investments in creating jobs for more and more people. We can be thankful for a healthy business climate that produces the kind of prosperity that leads to a stronger future for our families and communities.
Businesses are the engine that drives Wisconsin's economy.
We can be thankful that Wisconsin businesses contribute heavily to a community, not only with jobs, but to charities, the arts, recreation, public safety, good schools, and other community projects. And Wisconsin businesses are making extraordinary commitments to their employees through higher pay, training, flexible work schedules, incentive pay, bonus programs and benefit plans. Wisconsin created 107,000 jobs in 1999. Wisconsin created 65,200 manufacturing jobs between 1988-1998. That rate of growth averages 1.6 percent per year, and was the second largest increase in manufacturing jobs nationwide.