Oak Creek is set to become the new strategic base for Derse, a leading player in the events sector. The company confirmed they are bringing together their Milwaukee headquarters and Waukegan, Illinois, location into a single, cutting-edge facility in the Oakview Business Park. According to a release from the City of Oak Creek, two parcels of land have been primed to host the new headquarters after an extensive search. The move marks a notable leap toward fulfilling the city's ambition for an anchor employer in the business park that could dynamically contribute to Oak Creek's future.
Andrew Vickers, the City of Oak Creek Administrator, shared, "We were searching for a company, an employer, that could not only anchor Oakview (business park) but be a partner in helping our community reach its full potential. We had a ton of interest in this site, but our Mayor and Common Council made clear the development needed to be impactful." The city took proactive steps, rezoning and preparing the 31-acre site as ready-to-develop land. Derse is poised to complete the real estate transaction later in 2025, anticipating specific site and architectural approvals over the coming summer.
This move represents Derse's most significant investment since its inception nearly 80 years ago. Brett Haney, CEO of Derse, sees this as a testament to the industry's robustness. "We’re growing. The value placed on in-person events and experiences continues to rise. This facility is about building capacity for growth," Haney told the City of Oak Creek. With construction expected to commence next year, the new facility will not only consolidate Derse's operations but also offer a state-of-the-art workplace hub for nearly 600 employees.
City of Oak Creek, which prides itself on being a forward-thinking community, appears to have found a corporate match in Derse. "Derse shares Oak Creek’s strong vision for progress, continuous improvement, and customer service. Derse is that impactful community and corporate partner we envisioned for this site, and we are thrilled to welcome them," Vickers remarked. The City, known for its commitment to sustainable development and high quality of life, benefits from proximity to the greater Milwaukee area and Lake Michigan, promising access for both business and leisure pursuits.
