FirstPathway Weblog

Friday January 20,2012 – United States Senator Ron Johnson visited FirstPathway Partners today to express his appreciation for the significant economic and job creation impact FirstPathway Partners has had on Southeast Wisconsin under the Federal EB5 Regional Center Program. FirstPathway Partners was honored to host the senator and hear his insights. 

Senator Johnson is a United States Senator of the 112th Congress representing the state of Wisconsin, and a member of the Republican Party.  Prior to his election to the Senate, he was chief executive officer of PACUR, LLC, a Wisconsin polyester and plastics manufacturer.

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Monday, November  28,  2011 – FirstPathway Partners was on site to celebrate the construction kick-off of its most recent project, a world class 201-room, 4-star, full-service, Marriott Hotel.  Armed with sledgehammers, Mayor Tom Barrett and FirstPathway Partners Chairman and CEO Bob Kraft were in attendance alongside representatives from Jackson Street Management, Marriott and White Lodging to bring down the first wall on the site that will later be transformed into the new Marriott.

This catalytic project funded in part by the FirstPathway EB5 program will create jobs, enhance the neighborhood and help many deserving family’s make their American dream come true.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2013. It will be the first full-service hotel built downtown in more than 20 years. The project will be located in the heart of the downtown central business district of Milwaukee, WI, USA on the southwest corner of East Wisconsin Avenue and North Milwaukee Street, surrounding the Johnson Bank building.

The iconic $54 Million dollar, 10-story, 197,000 square foot hotel will feature a luxurious high-end restaurant, lobby bar, Starbucks, a jeweler, 15,000 square feet of meeting/banquet space, and 60 underground parking stalls.  Hotel amenities will include a fully equipped fitness center, a swimming pool, business center, concierge service, and gift shop.

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Last month, FirstPathwayPartners COO, Daniel Wycklendt traveled to China on a mufti city tour to educate investors though our latest EB5 seminar series.  This trip marked the 8^th visit by a top ranking company executive this year.  Wycklendt would like to wish a warm thank you to all the gracious investors and agents who hosted him throughout his trip.

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On Wednesday September 28th 2011, Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of USCIS addressed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on the importance of immigrants in American competitiveness, growth and prosperity. Throughout his address, Director Mayorkas commented on upcoming policy changes to the EB5 program aimed at streamline the process and delivering meaningful case information on a real time basis.

“We have made significant changes in the way we adjudicate cases in the immigrant investor or EB-5 program, a program that is designed to create American jobs.  We have retained business analysts to support our adjudicators, and received more than 75 applications for additional economists.  We will be hiring corporate expertise, issuing new policy guidance in the next few weeks. And currently we have outstanding a targeted request for proposal to re-engineer our business process from beginning to end. “-Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of USCIS

The policy changes advocated by Director Mayorkas seek to advance those already seeking to access to benefits for which they are eligible, keep pace with the dynamism of modern business and simplify job creation for American citizens.

In one of the strongest indications of the day, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce signaled their willingness to advance the EB5 program, publicizing the movement.

Bob Kraft, Chairman and CEO of  FirstPathway Partners traveled to Seoul, South Korea to meet with FPP attorneys and agents. Kraft promoted current projects and updated agents on the current status of past projects.  Agents continue to be confident in FPP’s results and future prospects.

During the trip Kraft also made a brief stop in China to meet with top FPP executives.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011- Bob Kraft Chairman and CEO of FirstPathway Partners was chosen to moderate two sessions at the 47^th annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference.

During the sessions, Kraft commended the efforts of Milwaukee Mayor, Tom Barrett in expanding international trade, particularly with China. In his speech, the mayor encouraged efforts to further increase international trade and investment in our community, citing his support for EB5. The mayor expressed excitement for such projects as the Marriott which is seeking EB5 financing through FirstPathway Partners.  Mayor Barrett has also dubbed the summer of 2011 “The Summer of China,” featuring the US Table Tennis Open and The Milwaukee Art Museum’s, The Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City.  Several Chinese delegations are scheduled to visit Milwaukee throughout the summer.

In conjunction with the Wisconsin International Trade Conference,  FirstPathway Partners also attended the Wisconsin Export Awards luncheon where Wisconsin Governor, Scott Walker addressed International business leaders. The Governor’s key message to investors and entrepreneurs was that Wisconsin is open for business. Wisconsin has added 24,000 jobs in the past 3 months, leading the country in new job creation. FirstPathway Partners is committed to driving job creation in Target Employment Areas across Wisconsin.

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Last month, FirstPathway Partners was proud to sponsor the 2011 China National Exit & Entry Services Association Alliance Conference.  During the conference members discussed cooperation rules and best practices for US and Canadian investment immigration programs.  The organization’s Chairmen, in addition to the largest 40 Chinese migration agencies were in attendance.

FPP was honored to contribute to this high profile event.

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FirstPathway Partners (FPP) is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Invest in America 2011 Guangzhou Summit, Saturday March 19 – Sunday March 20, 2011. During the summit, industry experts including featured keynote speaker Bob Kraft, FPP Chairman and CEO, will share insight into the dynamic EB5 program. In addition summit participant will be eligible to attend an exclusive seminar hosted by the Chairman himself. Join thousands of business executives, investors and migration agents in attending the Invest in America 2011 Guangzhou Summit, this spring.

The summit will be this year’s largest American investment exhibition in China. The two-day exhibition will take place at the five-star Guangzhou Grand Hyatt Hotel’s first-class exhibition hall. In addition to visiting individual booths, attendees will have an opportunity to attend seminars, workshops, and private meetings with FirstPathway Partners.

For more information about the Summit, log on http://investAmerica2011.org.

Bob Kraft, Chairman and CEO of FirstPathway Partners (FPP), has returned from another successful trip to China where he greeted agents and promoted new projects.

Kraft also ventured to Hong Kong to meet with FPP’s escrow agents at J.P. Morgan Chase. During meetings, Kraft praised the current EB5 escrow account model, which facilitates the flow of investor funds, citing high investor confidence and security.

Bob Kraft would like to take this opportunity wish all of his friends, clients and associates a Happy Lunar New Year.

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In a recent article, The Business Journal highlighted the importance of the continual push to make EB-5 permanent. Since 1993, the EB-5 pilot program has been renewed by Congress allowing Regional Centers to continue to bring much needed jobs and capital investment into our communities. The author also commends the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) Regional Center, “which paved the way for EB-5 to be used on projects in southeast Wisconsin.”

This article serves as a reminder to future investors and the community at large that business leaders, Senators, and organizations like IIUSA, are continuing their efforts to make the “beloved” EB-5 program permanent.

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