Those ‘big corporations’ referred to have been in Madison for years.
I graduated from High School in May of 1957. In August, after working the summer at a N Wisconsin lodge. I did NOT go to the Univ of Wis because my Mother & I could NOT agree on my major. I bailed out of the registration. I went to work at KROGER Divisional warehouse-—I think on Sherman Way. Worked as a comptometer operator, rechecking hand written invoices of items delivered directly to the stores, such as bread. -—LONG before computers.
I also worked at Oscar Mayer—in the accounting room at the Kill Deck- where farmers brought in their own livestock in smaller groups.
RAY O Vac was there them, I don’t know if it still is.
Gisholt Machine was there-—a very large physical presence. They got pushed out, but there were many machinist jobs there.
Sub-Zero was also in Madison. Don’t know where they are now.
The idea from all these idiots that you can have a vibrant economy & jobs with real $$$—(Madison is a VERY EXPENSIVE place to live) and that can be one with ONLY Mom & Pop stores is beyond stupid.
I left Wisconsin in 1964, but Madison then still was pretty Conservative. Now-—I couldn’t go back under any circumstances.
Oscar Meyer is closed down.
Rayovac has it’s corporate HQ here. No production in Madistan.
Sub-Zero/Wolf is still operating, and advertising for job seekers.
Gisholt Machine(?). IDK
But you are correct, Madistan and Dane county are generally expensive. I pay more property tax every year and services decrease. fees for everything.
I avoid the city as much as possible, and am actively looking to leave this area for more conservative part of the state.