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Harley Rally Brings Optimism

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OCONOMOWOC - It was back on Memorial Day at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson when the familiar roar rolled out.

And Saturday, it rolled back in.

"It's thanking all the veterans who are serving, have served, and have fallen," said Brian Glynn, co-owner of Wisconsin Harley-Davidson.

For the past 100 days, hundreds of Harley riders road through 48 states to pay tribute to our veterans.

"When you hear the thunder rolling in, it kind of gets the heart skipping a beat," said Glynn.

Glynn's heart was skipping a beat after hearing Harley-Davidson may be moving its manufacturing operations out of state unless its union made concessions, potentially bringing with it about 1400 jobs.

"We hope they stay here. That's obviously our life blood," he said.

The news he wanted to hear came Friday afternoon, with a tentative agreement between union leaders and Harley, which means the motorcycle maker most likely will stay in its birthplace of Milwaukee.

Union employees are expected to vote on the contract September 13th.

Like the hum of an engine, it was music to Keith Roeber's ears who has ridden a Harley for the last 25 years.

"It's a home grown product from Milwaukee, we don't have too many of them left," he said.

Neither side has disclosed the details of the contract, but Brad Weber, who also co-owns the Harley dealership in Oconomowoc, knows what it means if the union employees don't go along with it.

"It would be catastrophic to have the change," said Weber. "Many of our customers work at the factory."

That's why with this potential deal, he's hoping brighter skies are down the road.

"We're hoping for the best," he said.

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