Debra Usinger, a passionate supporter of Milwaukee’s downtown who dedicated her time and talents to numerous groups, was posthumously recognized by the Common Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee.
Mayor Tom Barrett participated in the presentation.
Usinger, the great-granddaughter of the founder of Usinger’s Famous Sausage, passed away on July 1 after a bout with cancer. She was 58.
Alderman Joe Davis, Sr., chair of the Community and Economic Development Committee, said, “Debra Usinger was a leader who worked hard to serve the community and to make our downtown a vibrant destination and an excellent place to do business. Her work for Milwaukee made a difference and it is fitting that we respect her memory by honoring her in a public manner.”
Usinger, a vice president at Usinger’s Famous Sausage, served a wide array of groups, including the Milwaukee County Historical Society, Kiwanis Club of Greater Milwaukee, Better Business Bureau, Westown Association, Milwaukee RiverWalk District, Old World Third Street Association, Private Industry Council of Milwaukee County, City of Milwaukee Holiday Tree Commission and the Pabst Mansion board.
