State-of-the-Art Facility will be the Cornerstone of the Oakview Business Park and an Impactful Community Partner

Oak Creek, Wis – June 11, 2025 – The City of Oak Creek continues its growth trajectory, attracting another major employer to the City. Derse, an industry leader in the events and exhibition space, announced plans to combine its Milwaukee headquarters and its Waukegan, Illinois, facility into one state-of-the-art, full-service facility in Oak Creek’s Oakview Business Park.

The City previously acquired two separate parcels of land, ideal for a company to develop its headquarters. After a thorough and detailed site-selection process, Derse, with support from the Milwaukee 7 team, submitted an application to develop the 31-acre site in Oak Creek.

“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,” said Andrew Vickers, Oak Creek City Administrator.

The City subdivided and rezoned the property to prepare it as a development-ready site. Derse will follow specific site and architectural approvals throughout the summer and could potentially close on the real estate transaction in late 2025.

The proposed facility is the largest single investment in Derse’s nearly 80-year history. “We’re growing. The value placed on in-person events and experiences continues to rise. This facility is about building capacity for growth,” said Brett Haney, CEO of Derse.

Once approved by the City of Oak Creek, construction is expected to begin next year.

Derse is a privately held, family-owned company with nearly 600 employees serving over 500 clients and supporting more than 8,000 events annually. The Oak Creek facility will be designed to be a premier workplace and serve as the central hub for Derse’s operations.

“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 added.

The City of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, is a thriving community dedicated to fostering growth, innovation, and a high quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Conveniently located along I-94 in southeastern Wisconsin and just minutes from Lake Michigan, Oak Creek offers easy access to the greater Milwaukee area and beyond. Known for its vibrant neighborhoods, welcoming spirit, and commitment to sustainable development, Oak Creek continues to be a destination of choice for families, businesses, and travelers.

To learn more about the City of Oak Creek and its initiatives, visit oakcreekwi.gov.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Marcia Wayer
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
City of Oak Creek
mwayer@oakcreekwi.gov

414-766-7056

Mobile: 414-865-3294