East Side BID Announces Appointment of New Executive Director

The East Side Business Improvement District (ESBID), the creative crossroads of the east side of Milwaukee, announced the appointment of Ryan Laessig as Executive Director, effective Monday, September 30. Responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, Laessig will manage the staff, vendors and partners, produce events and administer board and committee meetings.

With more than a decade of experience in the arts, event coordination and small business management, Laessig is dedicated to supporting local small businesses. He was named a Best of Milwaukee Local Entrepreneur in 2023 and is the creator of the popular Milwaukee Makers Market, which aims to bring the Milwaukee community together and showcase local makers.

“I’ve known Ryan for years through the Milwaukee craft and makers community,” said Joey Wisniewski, President of ESBID. “The experience and knowledge he’s built through his work with the Milwaukee Makers Market and countless vendor-based events will be invaluable to the neighborhood and its businesses.”

To uphold the east side of Milwaukee as the city’s most vibrant neighborhood, Laessig and the ESBID team will work to create value for members through a myriad of new projects, including customer-based initiatives to bring people to the area during the North Avenue street improvement construction project and the highly-anticipated 2025 Summer Soulstice Music Festival. More information about upcoming initiatives and events is available online.

“I’m excited to be welcomed into this role and the East Side neighborhood,” said Ryan Laessig, Executive Director of the ESBID. “I look forward to being a part of this proud community and will do my best to continue its legacy of being a fun and safe place for family and friends to live, eat, drink, catch a movie, go bowling, and enjoy all the excellent activities the area has to offer.”

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Ryan as he kicks off his new role!