GB businesses excited about Associated Banc-Corp move to downtown

GREEN BAY - Businesses in the heart of Titletown are looking forward to the move of several hundred jobs to the area.

We first reported Tuesday night Associated Banc-Corp is relocating its corporate headquarters from Ashwaubenon to Green Bay's downtown, most likely to a mostly vacant office building.  

The company has not said specifically where it will move, but multiple sources tell FOX 11 it is pointing toward the six-story Regency Center at 333 Main.     

While many area businesses are pleased with the move, it means change for some that are using the Regency Center.

"As far as you know they are moving into the Regency Building?" FOX 11 asked Camera Corner owner Rick Chernick. "Yeah, that's the rumor I get, yeah they're moving in," said Chernick.

Camera Corner is just a stone's throw away from the Regency Center. Chernick says it means changes not only for the community, but also for his business.

"We actually have a piece of that building that we have our engineering staff in," said Chernick.

Chernick says he'll likely have to move those workers elsewhere. As he understands it, Associated Banc-Corp will need all of the space in the building.

"I think their whole building is what I heard, the entire building," said Chernick. "Little disappointed that we have to move, but we can get over it. We'll find a place."

Still, Chernick said he is excited about the company's move to downtown Green Bay. He added it will mean more customers for not only Camera Corner, but other area businesses as well.

"We're just noticing all of the wonderful things happening down here with the Children's Museum coming, and then Schreiber coming, down here," said Jill Watzka at Furs & Clothing of Distinction.

Watzka said the addition of Associated Banc-Corp's headquarters helps create the downtown she and others have been wanting for so long.

"It's just beyond my wildest dreams what it could possibly be. We're definitely thinking we're going to have to hire some more people to help us during those busier times," Watzka said.

Area restaurants owners like Virginia Wilson at Koko are also expecting to be busier. Wilson is counting on larger lunch crowds.

"It will increase sales, by how much I don't know. But it will, it will increase sales tremendously, the more the merrier!" said Wilson.

Associated Banc-Corp said it would have more information about its plans Monday. The company indicated that news conference would be at the Regency Center.