Blain's CEO, Jane Blain Gilbertson says Woodman’s Center Would Be a Welcomed Community Asset

Gilbertson has been recognized as one of Wisconsin's Most Influential Business Leaders

As a large employer, representing over 600 families in the Janesville area alone, it is with great enthusiasm that I write in support of the proposed Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center. It was not long ago that the General Motors plant was closed for good, and our community’s future was counted out. As you know, that is not our community’s story. We would not let others define our future in that way. Instead, our community members rallied together to find new ways to transform ourselves by amplifying this as a desirable place to build careers and businesses, and to create wonderful assets for our families and associates. Those who would have counted us out underestimated this community’s tremendous resilience and pride.

The creative repurposing of a portion of the Janesville Mall into the proposed Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center will provide the next level for the City of Janesville’s growth serving as a multi-purpose facility that can accommodate local sports, recreation, and entertainment along with meeting and conference center capabilities.

The Woodman’s Center would quickly become a staple in our community that I, among other business owners, would highlight as a major asset to attract associates to our state as well as retain the talented team represented here at our headquarters and distribution center for Blain’s Farm and Fleet and our hometown store. As a family-owned business, I always wish to ensure we can provide an environment for the proper work/life balance our associates desire for themselves and their families. The Woodman’s Center would be a welcomed asset to our offering here.

Additionally, the Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center will provide a consistent flow of visitors to our broader community through hosting tournaments and conferences, and I believe it will have a tremendous impact not only on our retail business, but on all businesses who can support these visitors to our hometown.

I believe this project will considerably benefit the greater Janesville community and continue to assist us in amplifying our great future. I thank you in advance for your full support of this proposal. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions upon review.

Sincerely,

Jane Blain Gilbertson CEO/President/Owner

Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc.