Design-build firm IPG teams up with US Green Building Council

"We did it more for the access to the resources to make sure our organization is properly prepared in keeping up with this changing and growing marketplace, so we'll be participating in national discussion groups and Webinars," said Mark Sawchuk, IPG president.

"We'll be dealing with companies, our peers, from all across the U.S., and it'll give us a national perspective, where if we were only involved in a local level, we might only have a local marketplace perspective."

Sawchuk says while being a member does require monetary commitments, being able to use the council's logo on projects, marketing pieces and the company Web site is a huge perk. Seminars, discounted rates and access to the council's services are also important, he said.

It also legitimizes the design-build construction management firm's work on a national level, he said, and helps acknowledge that they can meet the needs of a diverse customer base.

Ever-changing Cudahy plan morphs into Wal-Mart

But some Cudahy business owners say it's time to give up on the grand ideas.

"It's Cudahy; c'mon," Roger Stack, owner of the Fishin' Hole, said of the ice hockey and soccer proposals.

Stack, who for nearly 30 years has sold boats and fishing tackle just around the corner from the proposed Wal-Mart site, is eager to see the Supercenter built.

"I don't know what they're waiting for," he said. "It's a no-brainer for me."

The failure of the Iceport proposal still resonates in Cudahy.

After the developer, Sportsites LLC, failed to meet various commitments, the city launched foreclosure proceedings and was promptly hit by legal claims filed by Sportsites, which are pending.

Rather than complete the foreclosure proceedings, the city made an agreement under which Sportsites would sell the 26-acre property to Continental.