Milwaukee business supplies materials for RNC

MILWAUKEE — For more than a century, Bliffert Lumber has served southeastern Wisconsin.

Organizers for the Republican National Convention (RNC) reached out to Bliffert to supply materials for the event in July. Crews have already begun building the stage inside of Fiserv Forum. 

“We’ve shipped out a lot of lumber already,” said Ken Converse, the general manager. “They started the build out June 3rd. They’re going to continue getting supplies form from us until the event starts.”

Converse said the RNC is using several semi-loads of lumber and different tools. 

“We supply them with a lot of Milwaukee power tools on top of lumber, fasteners and other building materials,” said Converse.

He said he is thankful organizers are utilizing local businesses for a national event that’s taking place right here in Milwaukee. Bliffert Lumber is one of the only independent lumber yards left in Milwaukee. Converse said the yard has been around since the 1900s. 

Visit Milwaukee estimated the economic impact of the RNC will bring in $200 million to the area. 

“It’s good for the community to have events like this. It helps the economy buying locally and building up the city,” Converse said. 

Converse said he is hoping more conventions choose the Cream City to continue building a better community for the people who call it home.