WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman takes things (mostly) solo this week.
On this edition of The Upswing, Jeff dives into a little bit of everything Milwaukee. He starts with Nino’s Southern Sides, which just opened a second location in Fox Point. Then, a quick pivot to the pump – and how rising gas prices could change the way we get around. Thankfully, MCTS is making it easier with new tap-to-pay options right from your phone. Jeff’s request: let’s also make the Green Line actually green!
Sherman also found it curious about how his local Metro Market in Shorewood removed its bar on the first floor. So he called Emilie Williamson from Roundy’s who shared that the store is expanding its liquor section to evolve the customer experience. The bar trend isn’t going away, though — stores like the one in Stevens Point have recently added them. Each store, she explained, is customized to reflect the community it serves.
With the April Election Day in the rearview mirror, Jeff shared the experience of taking his 18-year-old son to vote in his very first election and talked about truly getting to know the candidates when deciding who to vote for. Find ways to “really look them in the eyes,” he explained. He also talked about the various ways you can actually meet candidates.
America is turning 250 this year, but it comes in a very politically divisive time. In a city full of passion, Jeff thinks Milwaukee’s 4th of July “block party celebration” during Summerfest can connect. He says we can’t keep the politics out of America’s birthday, but maybe we shouldn’t have to.
Sherman also talked about Rockwell’s new mega factory in New Berlin and how important it was that they were keeping it in Southeastern Wisconsin. The real challenge according to Jeff, is aligning the tech pipelines, transportation infrastructure and talent transfers to keep and support projects like this in the region.
He’s also compiling a list of great local sandwich places from Shorewood to Kenosha (and beyond) and enlisted the help of producer Jaslyn Snell to give some recommendations for the list.
Finally, he was joined by WTMJ’s Sandy Maxx. They explored what’s ahead for her show, “What’s on Tap” through spring and summer, and how fans can grab tickets for this week’s “A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream” and join in the full WTMJ “Maxx-perience.”
The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.
