CLEVELAND, Wis. (NBC 26) — With Milwaukee now as the likely host for the 2024 Republican National Convention, that means a lot of tourism dollars pouring in to the Milwaukee area, and potentially a big boost for rural Northeast Wisconsin businesses.
"I'm really hoping that the GOP and the other guests coming to the RNC Convention are going to spread out into small town America," Highland Lodge & Pub owner Elle Kaderabek said.
Kaderabek's business is located in Cleveland, Wisconsin — a village of roughly 1,500 people — about 15 miles south of Manitowoc.
"I feel as though we are what makes up 90 percent of the country," Kaderabek said.
The RNC is expected to draw 45,000 visitors.
Kaderabek says her hotel can hold 27 people. It may seem small, but she says the lodge provides a good experience.
"I offer small-town hospitality, kindness more than anything," Kaderabek said.
Her business includes a restaurant.
"It's really great, and business has been great," Kaderabek said.
Milwaukee is about an hour away from the Highland Lodge & Pub, but Kaderabek says her business has benefitted from major events like the NBA Finals in Milwaukee and the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Sheboygan.
And she is hoping she gets similar potential business from the RNC.
"It's good to get out of the city, and get out of the hustle and bustle," Kaderabek said. "And you know, come see what it's really like."
In terms of how local tourism officials are trying to help, Discover Green Bay tells NBC 26 that there is nothing specific it is working on with Visit Milwaukee at this time. However, it is offering Visit Milwaukee its support.
