A look at Fond du Lac's economy

Economic optimism in Fond du Lac, even though economic uncertainty lingers. Thursday a group of business leaders from different generations shared their views of how it's been and how they think it will be.

The Young Professionals of Fond du Lac invited four local, established businessmen to a panel discussion Thursday night. The topic?  How their businesses and the local economy are faring.

"We hear a lot about what's going on nationally, but it's really good to get some of the local business leaders to talk about what's really happening here," explained Brad Nielsen, president of the Young Professionals.

Mercury Marine CFO Steve Cramer told FOX 11 his company had a mixed year, but the end result was 4% growth thanks, in part to sales of its outboard motors.

"Some parts were very good, some parts were very bad," said Cramer.

Holiday Automotive president Mike Shannon told us his car dealerships actually had a record year.

"We've got some pent-up demand out there. That's been good for most of the manufacturers and it's been good for the dealers as well," explained Shannon.

The business leaders say 2012 saw an uptick for Fond du Lac's economy and 2013 should continue the pattern.

"Unemployment is coming down, opportunities are going up. We've hired hundreds of people across 2012 and will probably do so in 2013," said Cramer.

"Very good work ethic. The employment base is excellent," said Shannon

For the young professionals and the more young at heart professionals, this conversation serves as a meeting of the minds. A way to make their community's economy more successful.

"Empowers us to be better leaders in the Fond du Lac area in the future," said Nielsen.

"But I think it goes the other way too. I kind of look at it like reverse mentoring. It's a chance for them to mentor me about what's going through their minds," said Cramer.

The Young Professionals group is like those in other area communities of men and women 21 to 40 years old. The club's main goal is to build what it calls a "diverse, social network."