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 MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC), today announced that 19 organizations
have received nearly $3.2 million in Small Business Development Grants
(SBDG) to uplift small business development in local communities across
the state. The SBDG Program provides grants to local communities and
organizations to directly invest in small businesses and small business
creation, including bolstering Main Streets, supporting youth
entrepreneurship, improving infrastructure, providing technical
assistance, and more.
“Wisconsin’s small businesses are the hearts of our communities and
are important and powerful drivers of our state’s economy,” said Gov.
Evers. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we do all we can to
support the success of our state’s small businesses across our state.
These investments we’re announcing today send a message that, here in
Wisconsin, if you have a great business idea and the willingness to work
hard to make it happen, our administration is here to support you and
your good work. It’s that simple.”
“Small businesses play a vital role in creating the communities we
live, work, and play in,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “But
sometimes they need a little boost. With the help of our community
partners, small businesses will be able to continue to thrive and
contribute to our communities.”...
...Full Story Here
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 As many small business owners will tell you, there’s the part you’re passionate about—and then there’s all the other stuff that comes with owning a business. You know, all the financial, legal, marketing, logistical, and technological work it takes to run a business. The Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy offers practical advice from business owners who have successfully made it through the initial stages of starting and growing their companies. It also features workshops that cover topics like: - Financing options
- Legal concerns
- Regulatory issues
- Information technology
- Small business certifications
- Identifying markets and sales opportunities
FREE2025 Small Business Academy
Virtual Event: May 6-8, 2025
In-Person Event: May 9, 2025 (11 Sites) ...Full Story Here
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 Small businesses are the heart and soul of Wisconsin’s economy and every thriving community. It takes people with vision and, frankly, guts to build those businesses. People just like you. WEDC is here to champion your dream, with the resources and tools to support your business growth at every stage. Whether you need a business plan, want to expand locations, or are creating jobs, we can help. We’ve assisted small businesses across the state with grants, strategy development, access to expertise, and export assistance. Seeing them succeed is the best reward. We’d love to help you bring your vision to life, too.
Small Business Resources At The Link ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Some NEW Tools at he link...
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 STEVENS POINT — Downtown business owners and entrepreneurs in Stevens
Point will have a new tool to navigate the local business landscape,
thanks to a soon-to-be-launched Downtown Resource Guide.
The guide, spearheaded by Chloe Kreuser, executive director of the
Downtown Stevens Point Business Improvement District (BID), compiles
critical information for business owners, including district boundaries,
development resources, funding opportunities, and promotional tools.
Kreuser said the initiative was driven by repeated questions from local businesses on where to seek support... ...The BID is working with the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) and Main Street America, a national network dedicated
to supporting downtown districts. Kreuser said Stevens Point businesses
can leverage geofencing data, which provides heat maps and traffic
patterns to help identify areas needing activation and investment..
...Full Story Here
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 Newly launched Main Street Bounceback Technical Assistance Program offers expert consulting and specialized training.
MADISON, WI. JAN. 16, 2025
– Small businesses throughout Wisconsin can now receive free advice and
training thanks to a new partnership between the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Universities of Wisconsin’s
Office for Business and Entrepreneurship.
The Main Street Bounceback Technical
Assistance and Training Program will provide small businesses – with
less than 500 employees — training ranging from formal business classes
to one-on-one consultations with experts in fields such as marketing,
financial planning, and human resources.
“Strong communities are the key to a
strong economy in Wisconsin, and small businesses are at the center of
strong communities,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the
state’s leading economic development organization. “The resources
available through the Universities of Wisconsin’s Office for Business
& Entrepreneurship, such as the Small Business Development Center
(SBDC) Network of Wisconsin, are critical to the long-term success,
viability, and resilience of our state’s small businesses.”
The U.S. Small Business Administration
estimates there are more than 480,000 small businesses in Wisconsin,
accounting for more than 99 percent of all state businesses and
employing nearly half of the state’s workforce...
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 Foxconn is eligible for more than $8.7 million in state tax credits
for the 2023 fiscal year, according to the latest annual review from
WEDC.
The Taiwanese tech company, through multiple subsidiaries operating
in Wisconsin, earned the annual tax credits by creating 1,114 jobs and
making more than $24 million in capital investments. Those subsidiaries
include: FEWI Development Corporation; AFE Inc.; SIO International
Wisconsin, Inc.; and FII USA, Inc.
Under the company’s tax credit agreement with the state, which runs
through the end of 2025, the company can earn up to $80 million in total
tax credits if it creates 1,454 jobs and invests just over $672 million
during that period...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Remember they would love to walk away and they are still on the hook for a lot of infrastructure payback. They are doing business here and have created over 1,000 jobs.
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 Northwood Technical College and St. Croix Central High
School have opened the St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center to provide
advanced manufacturing training and workforce solutions for the region. HAMMOND, WI -- Northwood Technical College and St. Croix Central High School are thrilled to announce the opening of the St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center, a new facility dedicated to providing advanced manufacturing training and workforce solutions for the local community. The center was developed as part of the RESTORE (Restoring Employment through Support, Training, Outreach, Recruitment, and Education) project and is funded as part of a $10 million Workforce Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). As a subrecipient of the grant, Northwood Tech and St. Croix Central School District collaborated with Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), the grant`s lead institution, to create this innovative center, which aims to meet regional workforce needs and support economic growth by equipping students and workers with essential skills for the manufacturing industry....
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – One of the world’s leading sauerkraut
producers is moving its headquarters to Wisconsin, with plans to expand
operations and add 60 high-paying jobs.
Fermented Food Holdings, Inc. will invest $13 million in its Bear
Creek production facility and relocate its corporate headquarters to
Madison, with support from the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC), which has awarded the company $500,000 in
performance-based tax credits. Known for popular brands like Silver Floss sauerkraut and Bubbies
pickles, Fermented Food Holdings will enhance its Bear Creek facility by
adding a new fermentation room, cooler, and production line, increasing
its annual capacity by 20 million pounds of cabbage.
The expansion, which includes 41 new roles in Bear Creek and 19 at
the new headquarters, aims to bolster ties with Wisconsin’s agricultural
sector... See Also: ...Full Story Here
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 (The Center Square) – Wisconsin is looking at another artificial intelligence project. The state’s economic development arm, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., announced it is putting together a concept paper for a new manufacturing AI effort. WEDC boss Missy Hughes said if Wisconsin is chosen, it could unlock a new wave of investment into the state. “The potential is, between federal funding and private sector matching, to be a 10s of millions of dollar-investment in this opportunity,” Hughes said. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is driving the project. NIST said there is $70 million available for five-year projects....
...Full Story Here
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 (The Center Square) – An audit of businesses that received grants and
tax credits from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. resulted in
9% of businesses not providing the agency with documentation to prove
they deserved the award. An additional 19% of businesses didn’t
keep the required paperwork and now understand what they need to keep in
the future. Now, the WEDC must decide what to do about the businesses
that did not provide the required proof. The state collected 664
performance reports across the state from awardees and audited 80 of
those included 40 tax credit workbooks... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: The WEDC did go above and beyond by partnering with local organizations to get millions of federal dollars into the hands of businesses that would have otherwise failed. The issue was not the WEDC or the local groups, it was the individuals who thought they could take advantage of a difficult situation and cold call ever LLC and registered business in the state.
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 WEDC is assembling a “concept paper” later this month for the
National Institute of Standards and Technology in hopes of landing a
proposed manufacturing AI project in Wisconsin.
Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp., yesterday highlighted this plan during a meeting of the agency’s
board. She said NIST is proposing the creation of a Manufacturing USA
institute focused on artificial intelligence, adding to more than a
dozen other such institutes scattered around the country.
“The potential is, between federal funding and private sector
matching, to be a tens of millions of dollar-investment in this
opportunity,” she said...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I am hoping to create a Newsletter / Website (AIWisconsin.com) to promote AI, Resources, sound business policy, development, and best practices in Wisconsin. I am looking for sponsors and partners in the project. Send a note to ken {at} wisconsindevelopment.com if interested or call me at 608.334.2174 anytime.
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 SLINGER — The Slinger Village Board met on Monday evening and
approved a resolution for the village to apply for a grant to support
renovations on a former downtown church that is being transformed into a
microbrewery and taproom. The board approved a resolution
authorizing Village Administrator Margaret Wilber to apply to the
Community Development Investment Grant Program to support restoration
and development of the 7,700 square foot, historic building at 116
Kettle Moraine Drive South in downtown Slinger where a microbrewery and
taproom are planned. Travis Euler and Jerome Alton are the owners of 50
Day Brewing Company, LLC and the developers on the project. The
village will work with the developers to apply for a Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) Community Development Investment Program
Grant. The developers had previously asked for assistance with $250,000
in extraordinary project costs associated with restoring the historic
building and establishing a business that will stimulate economic
activity and create new jobs in the village. If awarded, the grant will
be used for this purpose. ...Full Story Here
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 MOSINEE, Wis. - Mosinee has invested $50,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The latest addition to the downtown are decorative and public parking wayfinding banners. Other
investments include new string lighting and a mural in Square Park, as
well as new light poles and additions to an
garage-stall-turned-event-space. The money came from the WEDC`s Vibrant Spaces grant... ...Full Story Here
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 In a move to strengthen ties with
Wisconsin’s Native American communities, Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) has named David “Waabigekek” Fleming Sr. as its new
Tribal Liaison. Fleming will
be the first point of contact for WEDC in its relationships with
administrators, grant writers and other leaders within the state’s
tribes. Fleming, a
member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, joined
WEDC’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) in January 2022 as a program
specialist with the Revitalizing Economic Vibrancy After a Major
Pandemic (REVAMP) program. When that appointment ended, he became one of
ORP’s two rural development specialists for Thrive Rural Wisconsin,
focusing on economic development in five northern Wisconsin communities,
including the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa...
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 Building relationships with Wisconsin’s Tribes
In a move to strengthen ties with Wisconsin’s Native American
communities, WEDC has named David “Waabigekek” Fleming Sr. as its new
Tribal liaison. Fleming will be the first point of contact for WEDC in its
relationships with administrators, grant writers, and other leaders
within the state’s Tribes.
Fleming, a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior
Ojibwe, joined WEDC’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) in January 2022
as a program specialist with the Revitalizing Economic Vibrancy After a
Major Pandemic (REVAMP) program. When that appointment ended, he became
one of ORP’s two rural development specialists for Thrive Rural
Wisconsin, focusing on economic development in five northern Wisconsin
communities, including the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Fleming, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the
University of Wisconsin-Superior and a master’s in business
administration from UW-Eau Claire, has also served as business manager
for the Lac Courte Oreilles and business instructor at the Lac Courte
Oreilles Ojibwe College in Hayward, and he has been an entrepreneur,
owning and managing several businesses... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will be offering grants to those who support Wisconsin entrepreneurs. These organizations that support entrepreneurs can apply for Entrepreneurship Partner Grants (EPG). The window to apply is open and will remain open until September 6th. The amount of these grants will vary but will likely be in the range of $50,000 to $200,000. The factors taken into account when selecting recipients will include the number of entrepreneurs served, cost-effectiveness, and the impact the partners have on improving the business climate in the state. The overall budget for the EPG for the upcoming fiscal year is $2.25 million...
...Full Story Here
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 This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: the Podcast” is with Jessica
Martin Eckerly, CEO and co-founder of Forward BIOLABS in Madison.
She discusses a new state-backed initiative called Forward
Memberships that aims to help more entrepreneurs in the biohealth sector
advance research and develop their companies. Thanks to $190,000 in
funding from WEDC, the lab is providing year-long memberships to
startups with different options for companies with varying needs.
“It’s nice to be able to provide a variety of the memberships that we
offer, and to be able to cover the cost of those with the grant,” she
said. “What this does is enable startups to stretch those invested
dollars … because they don’t have to kind of factor in the cost of our
membership for the year.” ...
...Full Story Here
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 RACINE, WI – The Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC) has been honored as a Gold Tier Main Street organization by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for the fiscal year 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights DRC’s exceptional performance in revitalizing Racine’s downtown area, making it one of only 14 programs in Wisconsin to earn this distinction. About the Wisconsin Main Street ProgramThe WEDC’s Main Street Program supports communities across Wisconsin in their efforts to revitalize downtown areas. Of the 34 designated Main Street programs statewide, DRC has distinguished itself through outstanding organizational effectiveness and community engagement, exceeding program requirements...
...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin’s economic development team and Sen. Tammy Baldwin got a first-hand look Tuesday on where the rubber meets the road — or perhaps where the chips meet the electrons — for a $49 million federal investment in building the state’s health care technology sector. On a tour of Accuray, a Madison company that makes sophisticated machinery for treating cancer patients, Baldwin said the work at the business is emblematic of what Wisconsin’s new biohealth tech hub aims to focus on in the coming years. Federal investments in technology hubs are part of the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, aimed at bolstering U.S.-based technology-related businesses...
...Full Story Here
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Applications for latest round of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants open Aug. 12.MADISON, WI. AUG. 7, 2024 – Organizations that support Wisconsin entrepreneurs will be able to apply for the latest round of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) beginning Aug.12. The deadline for applications is Sept. 6. Grant amounts will vary but will likely range from $50,000 to $200,000. The grants are awarded to programs based on factors such as the number of entrepreneurs served, the cost effectiveness, and the impact on improving the entrepreneurial journey in Wisconsin. Programs focusing on traditionally underserved populations— such as people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and rural residents —are encouraged to apply. Organizations who have been previously awarded an EPG and are currently managing an EPG program are eligible to apply. WEDC will announce grant award winners later this year...
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wisconsin Battery Company (WinBat), a leading innovator in sustainable energy storage solutions, is proud to announce that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded a 25% transferable state Qualified New Business Venture (QNBV) income tax credit for investors in the company. This significant endorsement underscores WinBat’s potential to drive economic growth and technological advancement within the state... “The 25% state income tax credit for our investors will enhance our ability to attract the necessary capital to bring our innovative solutions to market.”
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 MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers recently, together with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, announced Wisconsin saw record planned capital investments last year as businesses located and expanded throughout the state. Businesses partnering with the Evers Administration through WEDC committed to more than $2.4 billion in capital investments in fiscal year (FY) 2024, the highest level since WEDC was created in 2011 and well above the previous high of nearly $1.8 billion set in FY19. “Whether it’s the expansion of businesses like Kikkoman Foods and Nestle Purina in Jefferson or Rosewood Dairy’s new state-of-the-art cheese plant in Clay Banks, now is an incredibly exciting time for business growth in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “We’ve been making smart, strategic investments in our infrastructure, our schools, our communities, and our workforce, and those efforts are paying off. Businesses want to expand or move to Wisconsin because they know we’ve got the hardworking people, innovative spirit, and strong institutions to ensure they succeed here.”...
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Tony Evers together with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced record planned capital investments throughout the state. Last year, businesses partnering with the Evers administration through WEDC committed to more than $2.4 billion in capital investments in fiscal year, (FY) 2024, the highest since WEDC was created in 2011. "Whether it`s the expansion of businesses like Kikkoman Foods and Nestle Purina in Jefferson or Rosewood Dairy`s new state-of-the-art cheese plant in Clay Banks, now is an incredibly exciting time for business growth in Wisconsin," said Gov. Evers. Last week, Evers together with DWD announced Wisconsin achieved record highs for employment and total nonfarm jobs during June, 2024. "I`ve been saying that Wisconsin is having a moment--as the world focuses on the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, the Wisconsin season of Top Chef and other exciting events we`re attracting to our state," said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. ... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, WI. JULY 18, 2024 – Wisconsin holds a major lead in electrification – the powering of everything from postal trucks to lawn mowers with electricity instead of fossil fuels – but its long-term success depends on improving collaboration between the state’s manufacturing and research and development sectors, according to a report released today by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). With nearly 25,000 workers making electric motors and generators, relays and industrial controls, and other engine-related parts, Wisconsin has nearly six times the concentration of jobs and industry in the field of power electronics as the entire U.S., the report states... A copy of the new electrification report can be found here.
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WEDC assistance to generate more than $2.4 billion worth of investments across the state MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today, together with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, announced Wisconsin saw record planned capital investments last year as businesses located and expanded throughout the state. Businesses partnering with the Evers Administration through WEDC committed to more than $2.4 billion in capital investments in fiscal year (FY) 2024, the highest level since WEDC was created in 2011 and well above the previous high of nearly $1.8 billion set in FY19. “Whether it’s the expansion of businesses like Kikkoman Foods and Nestle Purina in Jefferson or Rosewood Dairy’s new state-of-the-art cheese plant in Clay Banks, now is an incredibly exciting time for business growth in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “We’ve been making smart, strategic investments in our infrastructure, our schools, our communities, and our workforce, and those efforts are paying off. Businesses want to expand or move to Wisconsin because they know we’ve got the hardworking people, innovative spirit, and strong institutions to ensure they succeed here.” ...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has given businesses throughout the state thousands in grant dollars. The WEDC has awarded $850,000 in the latest round of their Entrepreneurship Partner Grants to seven Wisconsin organizations, including one in Eastern Wisocnsin. New North, a Green Bay tech company, received $60,000 to drive entrepreneurship across the state and will focus on diverse startup founders. Also receiving a grant was The Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation in Keshena, which will use $200,000 to assist 32 businesses with technical and financial support. ...Full Story Here
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 The historic former New Century School building, which has
stood vacant for the past three years, is another step closer to
welcoming its newest tenant: the nonprofit organization Art House 360. On
Tuesday, July 2, Art House 360 announced that, in partnership with the
City of Verona, it will receive a $250,000 state grant to help fund the
restoration and renovation of the West Verona Avenue building.
According to an Art House 360 press release, the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) selected the nonprofit as a
recipient of its Community Development Investment Grant. This money will
support the reinvention of the former school site into Art House 360, a
community hub for artistic expression and cultural exchange. The
City of Verona has also committed $750,000 in TIF funding for basic
improvements at the 1917 building, a landmark that appeared to be
deteriorating. ..
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: A very cool project, but with Verona`s tax base and almost no affordable family housing available I would like to see some priorities guiding these investments. Just a thought...
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 When one door closes, Microsoft swoops in.I think it’s important for us to keep in mind that it wasn’t conflict and confusion, it was a changing marketplace, and the market changed for Foxconn,” says Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes of the pitfalls of the $10 billion, 13,000-job display panel manufacturing facility Foxconn had planned to establish in Mount Pleasant...
...Fortunately, the prime location of the park, the over $2 billion invested by Foxconn and the state into the site’s infrastructure, access to water, power and transportation, and the talent pool in Southeast Wisconsin worked to draw in another tech giant.
“Once Foxconn determined that they weren’t going to use the site as anticipated, we had the opportunity then to step in and say ‘Okay, how can we bring in a company that will use the site and build the economy around there?’ and Microsoft opened that opportunity,” says Hughes...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: It could have been so much worse. We invested real cash in Kestrel Aircraft Company and got no return and lost everything. We "promised" Foxconn support based on jobs and buildings. We did not "pay" the large amounts promised because they did not hit the targets. The community did develop the site and Foxconn continues to support this investment, but clearly Microsoft will help here.
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 MADISON, Wis. (WSAW) - Gov. Tony Evers
and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation have submitted a
request to the Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee requesting
the release of $7.5 million to BioForward Inc. to establish the state’s
U.S. Regional Tech Hub. The money was approved as part of 2023 Wisconsin Act 96 which was signed by Gov. Evers in February. Now, he and WEDC are requesting the release of the $7.5 million to BioForward Inc., which leads the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub Consortium, to establish the state’s Tech Hub and grow its personalized medicine and biohealth technology sector. That
growth includes expanding lab space, increasing coordination and
collaboration across the industry, boosting the supply chain, and
developing apprenticeship programs to bolster the industry’s workforce.. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I have to agree with the Governor here. As a fiscal conservative I believe tax spending should have some ROI. In this case we are leveraging 7.5 million against 49 million, federal recognition, thousands of jobs, and 9 billion in economic development. We need to put partisanship aside for a minute and do what is right for the state. And Governor, you should find some Republicans that will support this effort and bring them to the table with you. Also why is WMC putting politics ahead of their role as business advocates in Wisconsin???
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 MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Gov. Evers and The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced Thursday that Nestlé Purina will be expanding its longtime facility in the city of Jefferson. The $195 million expansion will add 100 jobs to the production facility. “Nestlé Purina has a more than 100-year history in our state, and we are excited to celebrate this world-class brand’s commitment to seeing many more years of continued success and local economic development in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. They plan to boost production of certain pet food by nearly 50%...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: They should talk to Kikkoman, Umami flavored dog food may be the next big thing!!!
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded the Village of Elkhart Lake a $200,000 Idle Site Redevelopment (ISR) grant. The grant will help the village prepare a site for two housing developments, one with 50 rental units, affordable housing for seasonal workers as well as veterans and people with disabilities; and the other with 70 townhomes, with no income restrictions. The ISR grant will help the village cover demolition and infrastructure costs. “We’re a resort community with a lot of hospitality industries, so we’re hoping this will help a lot of those employees struggling to find places to live,” said Jessica Reilly, village administrator and clerk. “We don’t have a lot of apartments in the village. With these two apartment developments, we’re hoping to expand who can come here to live and work.”...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We need a comprehensive Wisconsin strategy / policy (legislation?) to support communities acquiring property for Workforce Housing and then controlling the development to a given set of standards. We do this now with TIF and our industrial parks. Also, we currently are slowing inflation with higher interest rates and with housing costs now approaching and average close to 400K I get it -- my question is why could we not create an opportunity to buy sub 200K homes at far more affordable rates. We shift the market demand, create equity for a segment of our economy that needs it, and encourage the growth we know we need most???
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 WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The City of Wausau development director has announced she will step down from her role. Liz
Brodek will be leaving her position as of Friday, July 5. Wausau Mayor
Doug Diny said in a statement on Wednesday that Brodek will be taking a
state-level position with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC). “We’re immensely grateful for
all the contributions Liz has made during her time here, and we hope
you’ll take the time to farewell her when you see her,” Mayor Diny
stated. “We’ll miss her creativity and passion, but we’re excited for
her next steps.” ...Full Story Here
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 This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: the Podcast” is with Aaron
Zitzelsberger, senior director of global trade and investment for WEDC.
Zitzelsberger discusses the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s international trade missions program, which recently announced
its slate of destinations planned for this year and the next. The
agency is coordinating trips in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia,
and the Middle East for Wisconsin businesses looking to reach new
markets.
“Whether you are a company in Wisconsin that is looking for customers
or distributors to help you expand your global reach — or maybe you’re
looking for both — WEDC’s targeted trade missions are going to help you
build those relationships necessary to increase your international
sales.” ....
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) submitted a formal s. 13.10 request to the Republican-controlled Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) to release $15 million aimed at supporting child care providers and working families across Wisconsin. Gov. Evers enacted the 2023-25 biennial budget creating a $15 million child care fund appropriation at WEDC for child care providers. Under the submitted request, the $15 million would be directed to support the successful Child Care Counts Program in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). To date, Child Care Counts has helped over 4,700 child care providers keep their doors open, ensuring the employment of over 52,000 child care professionals and allowing providers to continue to provide high-quality care to nearly 290,000 kids...
...Full Story Here
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 Governor Evers is doing a statewide tour that’s highlighting the National Travel and Tourism Week and Wisconsin’s tourism jobs and economy. The governor and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today put in a request for the release of $10 million in approved funding. Wisconsin tourism had a record-breaking year in 2022, and the tourism industry generated $23.7 billion in economic impact. “Wisconsin’s tourism industry is a huge part of our state’s success – creating over $20 billion in economic impact and supporting over 100,000 jobs statewide each year,” said Evers... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON —? Gov. Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, today announced a
major step forward in supporting Wisconsin entrepreneurs with the launch
of the Wisconsin Investment Fund,
a public-private venture capital initiative that will initially invest
$100 million in startup businesses throughout the state. At an event at
Forward BIOLABS in Madison, a nonprofit that has helped launch scores of
successful startups, Gov. Evers and Secretary Hughes were joined by
officials from five venture capital management firms who will be
administering the first round of fund investments. A sixth capital
management firm will be announced shortly... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: A repeat of my opening story, but from the WEDC perspective. That and great news bears repeating....
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Funds to equip new high-tech lab, create great space for students to learnDEERFIELD — The Deerfield School
District, on May 3, received a $25,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation to equip a fab lab in a new middle-high School
addition that should be ready for tech ed students in the fall. The
grant, which is Deerfield’s first fab lab award, was one of 18 grants
totaling more than $493,000 that Gov. Tony Evers and WEDC Secretary and
CEO Missy Hughes announced on Tuesday. Deputy Secretary Sam Rikkers
visited Deerfield on May 3 to congratulate the district on receiving the
grant...
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 MADISON, WI. MAY 10, 2024 – Wisconsin businesses looking to extend
their reach by entering global markets will be able to participate in
international trade missions led by the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) to the United Kingdom, Australia, the United Arab
Emirates, Mexico, China, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland in 2024 and
2025.
Wisconsin businesses can attend one or more of these programs, which
involve an introduction to each market specifically tailored for state
companies, as well as a customized meeting schedule for each
participating firm.
“At WEDC, we’re excited to provide a diverse selection of trade
missions to Wisconsin’s key export destinations,” said Aaron
Zitzelsberger, WEDC’s senior director of global trade and investment.
“With our extensive range of opportunities, there’s bound to be
something perfect for any Wisconsin company seeking to boost
international sales. Our trade missions are crafted to nurture
connections, offering personalized one-on-one experiences that pave the
way for lasting success.”.... ...Full Story Here
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 The Certified In Wisconsin Program—which
designates commercial development sites as being shovel-ready, making
them attractive to developers and valuable to communities—will accept
new applications through May 31, 2024.
“The program provides assurance for site selectors, expanding
companies, and other attraction prospects that these properties and
their communities are ready for new development,” says WEDC Business
Attraction Manager Sarah Bownds. “It provides the key reviews,
documents, and assessments that offer certainty to developers.”
WEDC’s program, offered in partnership with the Site Selection Group
(SSG), partially subsidizes the cost to communities of obtaining site
certification. The program’s goals including gauging the potential for
corporate investment at the site, making recommendations for the
community to consider, and gathering detailed site information to
effectively market the property.... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. staff review for Kikkoman’s
expansion project offers new details on the company’s plans in the
state. Osamu Mogi, representative director, senior executive corporate
office with Kikkoman Corp., told BizTimes earlier this week that the
company considered 64 Midwest locations before picking Jefferson. The
WEDC staff review details just how close... ...Full Story Here
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 Thanks to a nearly $25,000 state grant, the
Muskego-Norway School District will be able to furnish its new science,
technology, engineering, art and math addition at Muskego High School. In a joint news release April 30, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and school district announced that Muskego-Norway is among 18 Wisconsin school districts that are being awarded over $493,000 in Fab Lab grants this year. For Muskego-Norway, the STEAM addition was one of several projects included in a $44.6 million referendum voters approved in 2022. The WEDC`s Fab Labs Grant Program
website said students need hands-on experience and training to practice
what they have learned in science, technology, engineering, art and
math courses to be prepared for 21st-century jobs. To provide that
hands-on learning, equipment is needed, such as 3D printers, laser
engravers, computer numerical control (CNC) routers and plasma cutters.
The Fab Labs Grant Program helps districts purchase such equipment...
...Full Story Here
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 GREEN BAY — The Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation celebrated the best downtown revitalization projects of 2023
at the 33rd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held at Gather on
Broadway in Green Bay. Three of the winners were based in Port Washington: - Best Business Visual Merchandising Display (Storefront): Pear & Simple – Port Washington - Best Special Event: Port Festival of the Arts – Port Washington -
2022 Community Champions: Judy Cotter – Port Washington “As Main Street
goes, so goes Wisconsin’s economy, its wellbeing, our way of life in
the Badger State,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO. “And these
awards prove once again Wisconsin communities are thriving.
Congratulations to the winners. We salute and celebrate you, our
partners in creating an economy and improving the quality of life for
the betterment and benefit of all.”
On
behalf of Secretary Hughes, Sam Rikkers, WEDC Deputy Secretary and
Chief Operating Officer, recognized the winners at the awards ceremony... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Gov. Evers and The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced Thursday that Nestlé Purina will be expanding its longtime facility in the city of Jefferson. The $195 million expansion will add 100 jobs to the production facility. “Nestlé Purina has a more than 100-year history in our state, and we are excited to celebrate this world-class brand’s commitment to seeing many more years of continued success and local economic development in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. They plan to boost production of certain pet food by nearly 50%... ...Full Story Here
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 Some City of Two Rivers revitalization projects are being recognized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The group is celebrating the best downtown revitalization projects of 2023 for the 33rd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony at Gather in Broadway in Green Bay. Two Rivers won awards in two categories including Best Public-Private Partnership in Revitalization for redoing Central Park West and Best Interior Project over $50,000 for the Cool City Brewing Company. Other projects around Eastern Wisconsin come from Green Bay, Fond du Lac, and De Pere. The Wisconsin Main Street is a community development program administered by the WEDC that targets the state’s historic commercial districts and helps communities revitalize their business districts based on guidelines developed by the National Main Street Center...
...Full Story Here
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 The incentives would assist Kikkoman’s $800 million investment in expanding to Walworth and Jefferson communities. MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) approved Tuesday to award up to $15.5 million in incentives to Kikkoman Foods Inc. for its expanding operations in Wisconsin.
The incentives would assist Kikkoman’s $800 million investment that plans to expand its brewing plant in Walworth and create a new facility in Jefferson. Officials on behalf of Kikkoman say the Jefferson plant will be the third production facility for its soy sauce product.
According to officials, this expansion plans to bring about 83 new high-paying jobs over the next 12 years.
Kikkoman Foods Inc. opened in Walworth, WI back in 1973. Officials say the opening of the plant made history as one of the first production facilities built in the U.S. by a Japanese company. Another production facility opened in Folsom, CA back in 1998...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I have toured Kikkoman`s and it is one of Wisconsin truly hidden jems and suggesting the "Masters" take the product seriously is a huge understatement. We could learn a great deal from the pride they take in their product...
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 When the Wisconsin season of Bravo’s Top Chef premiered last week, viewers around the country saw Travel Wisconsin’s first-ever national advertisement. Travel Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) split a 30-second ad spot, which will air nationally on Bravo in each of the 14 episodes filmed in Milwaukee and Madison. The video includes a few frames of The Ridges Sanctuary and Cave Point County Park in Door County. A high-resolution version of the commercial can be viewed at tinyurl.com/yrekn5mp. ...Full Story Here
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 (The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s
Department of Economic Development has awarded $3 million in tax credits
to investors in 14 startups in the state so far in 2024. The
tax credits are part of the state’s Qualified New Business Venture
program, which began in 2005. It gives 25% transferrable tax credits for
investors in qualified new businesses capped at $3 million for a $12
million cash equity investment. Businesses can apply for the credits
for investors if they are developing innovative products, processes or
services and are headquartered in Wisconsin, have fewer than 100
employees with 51% based in Wisconsin and have been in operation for 10
consecutive years or less. The investor cannot control or be closely related to someone who controls more than 20% of the company...
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 Get the Small Business Academy advantageThe Small Business Academy features workshops on what’s important to you and your small businesses, including financing options, legal concerns, regulatory issues, information technology, small business certifications, and identifying markets and sales opportunities, as well as practical advice from business owners who have successfully made it through the initial stages of starting and growing their companies. If you are an existing small business, an individual thinking of starting a business, or an entrepreneur looking for funding and resources, take advantage of this free virtual and in-person event...
In-Person Event: April 30, 2024 | Virtual Event: May 1– May 3, 2024
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, WI. FEB. 28, 2024 – Like many smaller
Wisconsin communities, Ladysmith has struggled with finding and
attracting workers due to a lack of affordable housing. But this small
city in the Northwoods has found a solution a that was in plain sight
for years — a now vacant elementary school.
Later this year, the former Ladysmith Elementary School will begin a new life, providing 40 rental units for workforce housing.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp (WEDC) has awarded the city a
$200,000 Idle Site Redevelopment (ISR) grant, providing the final piece
of a $13 million public-private sector partnership...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I work at Canoecopia Friday so no WWHNews.com, so I will putin in a few housing articles today...
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WEDC`s Thrive Rural program offers grants, technical assistance to 10 rural communitiesA new state program will give 10 rural communities across Wisconsin access funding and resources to help meet their economic development goals.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. this week announced that the communities participating in the Thrive Rural program will have access to up to $25,000 in grants, as well as two years of technical assistance in planning and grant writing.
Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, said the program aims to help level the playing field for rural communities seeking state and federal grants. She said small communities often face disadvantages competing for grants due to lack of staffing at the local government level...
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, WI. FEB. 6, 2024 –Ten rural communities
from around the state will get help meeting their biggest economic
development needs and planning for their long-term goals.
Under the Thrive Rural program administered by the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), each participant will
have access to up to $25,000 in grants, two years of technical
assistance in planning and grant-writing, and other services typically
employed by larger communities.
“Building an economy for all means investing in our
entire state, especially our rural communities,” said Missy Hughes,
secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development
organization. ”Many of our smaller communities have big goals and big
ideas, but they don’t have the staff or the experience to connect to the
resources that can make those plans a reality. The aim of the Thrive
Rural program is to help them build their economic development muscles
so their communities will thrive.”
WEDC’s Office of Rural Prosperity will partner with
local economic development organizations to work with specific
communities on projects related to community development, small business
development, housing, and sustainable energy... ...Full Story Here
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 Workforce Innovation Grant funds community and student training PRAIRIE DU SAC, WI. FEB. 6, 2024 – The Sauk Prairie School District today celebrated the opening of its new advanced manufacturing lab, a project funded in part by a $2.44 million Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) from the Wisconsin Economic Development Organization (WEDC) in partnership with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD).
“WEDC is committed to building an economy for all where everyone has the chance to succeed,” said Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “This partnership not only supports students by preparing them for their careers, but it also helps community members get the training they need now to fill high-paying jobs with local businesses.”
...Full Story Here
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 Grants to fund training, marketing and other support
MADISON, WI. JAN. 11, 2024 – Nine organizations
working to support entrepreneurs have been awarded more than $1 million
in the latest rounds of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants from the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
“Wisconsin’s economy is strong and growing thanks in part to the
efforts of entrepreneurs and businesses,” said Missy Hughes, secretary
and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development agency.
“Innovators need support as they bring new ideas and businesses to life.
These grants allow WEDC partners to provide the training, technical
assistance and other support to entrepreneurs and business owners.”..
...Full Story Here
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 A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. has been approved for up to $5.85 million in state tax credits, which it can earn through a planned expansion in Grant County. That’s according to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., which yesterday announced the WEDC Board of Directors had approved the performance-based tax credits. The Iowa-based company can earn them by hitting certain job creation and investment targets, WEDC notes. The 167-year-old manufacturing business is building a new brass foundry in Dickeyville and expanding an existing facility in Kieler, according to the release. Those plans involve investing at least $340 million and creating 173 jobs over a five-year period. Construction on the project has begun, and it’s expected to be operational in 2026...
...Full Story Here
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 Over the past four years, Wisconsin’s Office of Rural Prosperity has
served as a place where rural residents and community leaders can go to
ensure that their voices and needs are heard in the state government.
The office has been tasked with
improving the state’s forestry sector, investing in renewable energy
projects, boosting outdoor recreation, supporting child care
professional development, expanding broadband access, and more.
Gov. Tony Evers announced the
creation of the office during his State of the State address in 2020,
noting that it would be a specialized office within the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
Beth Haskovec, director of the Office of Rural Prosperity, joined UpNorthNews Radio’s Pat Kreitlow last week to discuss what the office is aiming to accomplish...
...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. JAN. 11, 2024 – Nine organizations
working to support entrepreneurs have been awarded more than $1 million
in the latest rounds of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants from the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
“Wisconsin’s economy is strong and growing thanks in part to the
efforts of entrepreneurs and businesses,” said Missy Hughes, secretary
and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development agency.
“Innovators need support as they bring new ideas and businesses to life.
These grants allow WEDC partners to provide the training, technical
assistance and other support to entrepreneurs and business owners.”.... - Food Finance Institute, Madison $180,000
- Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce, Madison $75,000
- Green County Economic Development Corporation, Monroe $50,000
- BizStarts, Milwaukee $191,000
- Hmong American Center, Wausau $60,000
- Doyenne, Madison $90,000
- Wisconsin Native Loan Fund, Lac Du Flambeau $100,000
- Langlade County Economic Development Corporation, Antigo $62,000
- FOR-M, Milwaukee $200,000
...Full Story Here
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 STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - Downtown
Stevens Point’s Business Improvement District will be hosting staff from
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Main Street
program from Feb. 5-7, to thoroughly review the downtown area for
improvement opportunities. To prepare
for the visit, the Downtown Business Improvement District is requesting
input from people in Stevens Point, including business owners and
property owners in downtown, by completing this survey by Jan. 29. Downtown Stevens Point became a Main Street Community
in the middle of 2023, giving the district access to resources
including historic architectural design assistance, targeted business
consultation programs, and district-wide economic development
strategies. In the first year of the program, downtown Stevens Point
business and property owners accessed $22,550 worth of direct services
and training opportunities, while the average Wisconsin community
accessed only $13,725...
...Full Story Here
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 Convenience store chain Kwik Trip plans to expand operations in Wisconsin. The more than $151 million project is expected to create 500 jobs by 2027. The investment will include the expansion of its dairy, commissary, and bakery facilities in La Crosse, the purchase and renovation of a commercial office building in Onalaska, and the construction of a new satellite distribution center. “Growth is good, not only for Kwik Trip, but most importantly for our coworkers and the communities we serve,” said Scott Zietlow, the CEO and President of Kwik Trip. “As a Top Workplace, we are able to provide strong, vibrant jobs throughout Wisconsin. We appreciate the support from the WEDC to make this happen.” ...Full Story Here
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 At the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp., CEO Missy Hughes looks back on 2023 as a significant year for
the state’s business community — at home and on the world stage.
In a late December interview, Hughes
rattled off some big hits for the state. One is the federal government
greenlighting the next phase for an ambitious proposal to establish a
biohealth tech hub in Wisconsin. Another is a new and promising future
for the highly touted, perennially doubted Foxconn site in Southeastern
Wisconsin...
...Full Story Here
Ken Note: WEDC has turned the corner and has put Wisconsin back on the map. Just imagine what bipartisan support and direction could do for the organization. Go Missy...
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 MADISON, WI. DEC. 18, 2023—Kwik Trip will invest more than $151 million to expand its operations at multiple locations throughout Wisconsin, creating more than 500 jobs by 2027 and qualifying the La Crosse-based retailer to earn an additional $15 million in performance-based Enterprise Zone tax incentives from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “Kwik Trip is one of Wisconsin’s most instantly recognizable success stories,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “While most of us are familiar with Kwik Trip for its retail operations, the company continues to grow its manufacturing and supply chain base in our state, which is creating hundreds of jobs and new investments even faster than anyone could have anticipated.” The newly proposed capital investment would encompass further expansion of its dairy, commissary, and bakery facilities in La Crosse, the purchase and renovation of a commercial office building in Onalaska, and the construction of a new satellite distribution center...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: As a new La Crosse area Planner, let me note that Kwik Trip is an amazing company an a logistics juggernaut.
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 The 2023 winners include MacDonald & Owen Lumber Co., the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, S3 AeroDefense, and the Badger Technology Group. Three Wisconsin companies and one industry organization have received 2023 Governor’s Export Achievement Awards recognizing their outstanding efforts to expand their competence and influence in international markets. This year’s awards, presented following the Wisconsin Economic Summit in Appleton in late October, went to the MacDonald & Owen Lumber Company, the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, S3 AeroDefense, and the Badger Technology Group. “For our businesses willing to take on the adventure of exporting, it is incredibly important,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO. “While it’s excellent for your businesses, it’s also excellent for the Wisconsin economy.”.... ...Full Story Here
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 In an effort to promote support for local merchants during the
holiday shopping season, the Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation will visit Sheboygan on Monday. Sam
Rikkers is touring businesses in communities across Wisconsin,
emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses, especially
since this season is a “make-or-break” proposition for some. Rikkers
will be making two stops on Monday, beginning at the Sheboygan Chamber
of Commerce headquarters on South 8th Street at 1 p.m. Rikkers will
visit with locally-owned businesses during his stop... ...Full Story Here
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Designation confirms Wisconsin’s lead in field of biohealth
technology, clears the way for state to compete for up to $75 million in
federal investments
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) celebrated President Joe Biden today recognizing Wisconsin’s leadership in the field of personalized medicine and biohealth technology by designating the state as a Regional Technology Hub (RTH).
The Regional Technology Hub (RTH) designation from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) clears the way for Wisconsin to compete for up to $75 million in funding under the federal CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. EDA announced it is also awarding Wisconsin a $350,000 strategic development grant as part of the designation...
...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin was designated as a Regional Tech Hub for its
innovation in the biohealth sector. Advocates say it will bring jobs to
the state.The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration
(EDA) designated Wisconsin as a Regional Tech Hub in late October, a
move expected to spur innovation in the state’s biotech industry.
The Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, known as the Tech
Hub Program, designated 31 regions for greater technological investment
based on their probability for “rapid technology-led economic growth.”
The application process
The Biden-Harris Administration selected 31 Regional Tech Hub
Designations from at least 370 applicants, providing the possibility of
funding toward technological advancement. Five to 10 of the chosen
regions will receive up to $75 million in federal grants in the second
round of the Tech Hub Program, which will be announced in 2024.
Adopted from the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which provides
approximately $280 billion to promote domestic semiconductor research,
the program is designed to expand technological innovation beyond
already booming regions.
To earn the bid, Wisconsin formed a consortium
of 15 institutions, including the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC), the University of Wisconsin System Administration,
UW-Madison, GE HealthCare, BioForward Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Area
Technical College...
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 The global aircraft wiring harness market is growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2022 to 2030Pune, India, Oct. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wire harnesses have a finite operational life, and they often need to be replaced during MRO activities. MRO services are often necessary to ensure that aircraft remain compliant with the latest regulations. This can involve the inspection and replacement of wire harnesses to meet updated standards. Therefore, with the growing demand for MRO services, the need for Aircraft Wiring Harness es is increasing globally, thereby driving the market expansion...
...For instance, Singapore dominates the market in Asia Pacific due to its established MRO hubs, and major industry players such as GE Aviation, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce have substantial footprints in the country. According to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Singapore houses 120 aerospace companies. As many aircraft in service are aging due to accumulated flight hours, there is a significant need for maintenance and upgrades, including replacing outdated wire harnesses.....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Wisconsin does have a share of this market...
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/FJ2CGG6QYJPIRGGOVYTNYQTKZE.jpg) WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Three downtown
businesses from around the state have been named as finalists in the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s annual Main Street Makeover
Contest. One grand prize winner will
receive funding and assistance to upgrade their business. Finalists were
selected based on their business track record, the vision for their
business, and the potential for the makeover to have a positive impact
on their downtown district. The three finalists are: - Café 529, Wausau
- YB Urban?, Ellsworth
- Link’s Martial Arts, Mayville..
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the appointment of 30 members to the Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and set the first public task force meeting for Mon., Oct. 30, 2023. Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the task force is bringing together private and public sector leaders to identify policies and investments that will continue to advance Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through this technological transformation. “AI is changing how we work and the needs of employers and workers, and we must continue to adapt in order to ensure our workforce, our economy, and our state are prepared for the 21st century,” said Gov. Evers. “These task force members represent a range of fields that are a critical part of the important work we have to do to better understand and prepare for AI, and I am confident that with their insights and expertise we can work to identify the impacts of AI on various sectors and explore best practices that will help us plan for the future.”...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Just ask Chat GPT or Microsoft Bing how to control AI and save all the time and effort. For the record the answers will blow you away...
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 APPLETON, WI. OCT. 25, 2023– Governor Tony Evers announced Badger Technology Group of Port Washington, MacDonald & Owen Lumber Company of West Salem, S3 AeroDefense of Glendale, and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Madison, as the winners of the 2023 Governor’s Export Achievement Awards Tuesday in recognition of their success in growing the exports of Wisconsin goods and services. The awards were presented by Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), at the Wisconsin Economic Summit in Appleton. The awards honor businesses and organizations that have achieved significant growth or implemented innovative strategies in exporting. Nominees were evaluated on measurable export growth, innovation to enter or grow international markets, contributions to the state’s overall economy, and trade development...
...Full Story Here
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 WEDC event celebrates innovative workforce solutionsAPPLETON, WI. OCT. 23, 2023 – More than 400 community and business leaders, government officials and educators are gathering for the Wisconsin Economic Summit in Appleton Monday and Tuesday to celebrate the successful public-private partnerships and innovative workforce solutions that are driving our state’s economy forward.
The second annual summit, hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), focuses on partnerships between the state, local governments, businesses and nonprofits that are addressing worker training, transportation, housing, child care and clean energy investments to build an economy for all...
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) celebrated President Joe Biden today recognizing Wisconsin’s leadership in the field of personalized medicine and biohealth technology by designating the state as a Regional Technology Hub (RTH). The Regional Technology Hub (RTH) designation from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) clears the way for Wisconsin to compete for up to $75 million in funding under the federal CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. EDA announced it is also awarding Wisconsin a $350,000 strategic development grant as part of the designation...
See Also:
...Full Story Here
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 New York, Oct. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Aquaponics Market is expected to witness significant growth at a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period of 2023-2031. Factors such as the increasing demand for high-quality, locally produced food drive the market growth. Moreover, innovative technology introduced in the field of aquaponics system are also acting as a driver for the market...
...Market players focus on developing innovative products to stay relevant in the market. Companies are engaging in research and development activities and acquiring patents for their products. For instance, in 2021, Nelson and Pade received the Wisconsin Innovation Awards (WIA) in the manufacturing category. In 2021, Nelson and Pade were also announced as the winners of the ‘We’re All Innovating’ contest by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)....
...Full Story Here
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 Emerging technologies and industries are driving the national investment landscape, according to WEDC Senior Venture Investment Director Greg Williamson. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. earlier this year announced Williamson would be leading the Wisconsin Investment Fund, a $50 million state effort funded by the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative. Speaking this week at a Wisconsin Technology Council event in Madison, Williamson shared insights on the most promising areas for investment, based on his perspective as board member for several venture studios and advisor to “numerous” venture funds around the country...
...Full Story Here
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 A recent report from the Legislative
Audit Bureau (LAB) found that the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) failed to comply with several of its policies and has
not implemented recommendations made in previous years.
WEDC, which is a public-private
agency designed to help with business development and innovation through
loans, grants, tax credits and technical assistance programs, was
started in 2011 under Gov. Scott Walker. The agency has faced issues with transparency and performance since its creation. However, the last audit of the agency found that WEDC’s performance was improving... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: While I am sure that this will be fuel for the fire, I still can not name one organization or one person that did more to move Wisconsin Forward during and after the pandemic than WEDC and Missy. Let`s fix what needs to be fixed but lets not allow this to be a political football. Or better yet lets allow an audit on all legislative initiatives -- like not funding the UW System when we had the chance...
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 The University of Wisconsin–Madison has joined a statewide consortium
of 15 public and private partners, mobilizing its experience and
expertise as a collaborative powerhouse in bioscience and technology to
help bolster Wisconsin’s leadership in personalized medicine and
biohealth technology.
Announced by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
on Aug. 16, the consortium will bring together educational
institutions, biohealth companies, precision manufacturers, and
investors to develop and facilitate shared initiatives and to pursue
designation by the federal Economic Development Administration as a
Regional Tech Hub. The designation would give Wisconsin access to $50-75
million in federal funds under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022... ...Full Story Here
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 Madison College has announced its ‘Invitation to Manufacturing’ training program, a free eight-week training program created and designed to help people gain the skills needed to begin a career in manufacturing. Funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the program was developed in collaboration with the Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW), community-based organizations and multiple manufacturing companies in the region. The goal is to provide an opportunity to explore career pathways in manufacturing through hands-on related skills, while connecting members of the community with local manufacturers, that offer both family-sustaining wage and long-term potential career growth...
...Full Story Here
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When Wisconsin manufacturers look to expand, the state’s Industrial
Revenue Bond (IRB) Program provides a low-cost option to generate
funding for qualifying projects. This incentive is offered in every
state and is regulated at the federal level; WEDC administers the
program in Wisconsin. What follows are some common questions and answers
regarding the IRB Program.
What are IRBs?
IRBs are tax-exempt bonds issued by a city, town,
county, village, or a regional or community development authority to
help finance certain types of economic development projects.
What is the purpose of the IRB Program?... See Also: ...Full Story Here
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 A section of an underutilized side street in the heart of downtown West Allis could be permanently transformed into a pedestrian plaza through a private investment from a city business owner and funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The city of West Allis received a $27,931 Vibrant Spaces grant from WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization, to create a plaza on South 72nd Street on the block immediately north of West Greenfield Avenue. As a part of a broader effort to revitalize downtown West Allis, the WEDC’s Vibrant Spaces Grant and an investment from Walter Holtz, owner of The Deco, 7140 W. Greenfield Ave., a new event space in downtown West Allis, are funding the plaza project...
...Full Story Here
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MOSINEE, WI. AUG. 10, 2023 – Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes visited
Mosinee for the grand opening of the city’s new Cobblestone Hotel &
Suites – a project that WEDC supported with a $250,000 Community
Development Investment grant.
“This hotel right on Main Street in the heart of
downtown will allow visitors to explore Mosinee and discover the area’s
amazing businesses and quality of life,” Hughes said. “A downtown hotel
can act as a catalyst to improve the economic well-being for everyone in
a community.”
The new Cobblestone Hotel & Suites is located
at 216 Main St. and has 54 guest rooms, meeting space, a swimming pool
and fitness center and other amenities... ...Full Story Here
Notes:
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 The City of West Allis has received a $27,931 Vibrant Spaces grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to assist in transforming a side street into a pedestrian plaza in the heart of the downtown. The Vibrant Spaces Grant program is designed to help cities and towns revitalize underused spaces to build community and attract future residents. Through this grant program, communities across the state of Wisconsin will be investing in their workforce attraction and small business development by creating inviting, walkable spaces in their downtowns, arterial districts, and economic centers.... ...Full Story Here
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WEDC’s Business and Community Development Division is announcing
important updates to its program offerings. These updates took effect
with the new fiscal year that began on July 1, 2023.
Guidelines for the Brownfield Site Assessment Grant Program
(which provides grants to local governments seeking to redevelop sites
impacted by environmental contamination) have been amended to allow
asbestos-only projects—a type of project that had not previously been
allowed—in communities with a population less than 2,500.
Guidelines for the Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant Program
(which supports redevelopment efforts by providing financial incentives
for shovel-ready projects, emphasizing downtown community-driven
efforts) have been updated with several changes:
...Full Story Here
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WAUSAU, WI. AUG. 10, 2023 – Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes got a sneak peek at work underway on the Children’s Imaginarium during a Thursday visit to Wausau. “Children’s museums and playspaces are a necessary part of a community’s economic well-being,” Hughes said. “Places like the Children’s Imaginarium draw families, visitors and others to nearby businesses and help those businesses attract the workers needed to grow. Not to mention that these playspaces are wonderful early learning experiences and just fun for all ages.” Last year, WEDC awarded the city of Wausau a $250,000 Community Development Investment (CDI) grant to transform part of what was the Wausau Center Mall into the Children’s Imaginarium, a STEM-focused children’s museum...
...Full Story Here
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/3XAKS4DZJRBOVPYXOWU6VMUDDI.PNG) STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - The Stevens Point Business Improvement District is now accepted into the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, or WEDC, Main Street program. It’s only one of three communities that were selected for reviving their commercial business districts. “By having those resources there, we can exponentially grow our capacity by using the advice of the state,” says Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza. The program’s purpose is to rebuild historic neighborhoods. Wiza he’s excited to be a part of it. “It’s really important that we were able to get into the Main Street program because we can access so much more through the WEDC than we could on our own,” said Wiza...
...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has awarded nearly $1 million this year to twelve organizations in the state. Founded in 2021, the Entrepreneurship Partner Grants are annual donations made to local organizations that support entrepreneurs. This year, the Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College of Green Bay has received a grant of $6,200 which they plan to use to assist 20 individuals from rural counties with their current business needs and planning...
...Full Story Here
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 Ubicept, a Boston tech company based on research done at UW-Madison and
MIT, recently closed on a $8 million investment round that included
WARF...
...A dozen organizations that work with Wisconsin entrepreneurs are getting nearly $1 million in grant funding from WEDC. .
...Full Story Here
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Applications now open for next round of fundingMADISON, WI. JULY 31, 2023 – Twelve organizations working to support entrepreneurs have been awarded nearly $1 million in the latest rounds of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “Wisconsin stands behind its innovators and business owners,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development agency. “These grants help organizations across the state provide advice, funding, education and other support to entrepreneurs of all backgrounds.” ...Full Story Here
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HILLSBORO, WI. JULY 21, 2023 – Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes visited Hillsboro Friday to see the expanded Hillsboro Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center. The city received a $250,000 grant from WEDC to help develop a community health and wellness center. “This project not only improves the health and wellness of Hillsboro residents but play a key role in bringing new visitors and businesses to downtown Hillsboro,” Hughes said. “WEDC is committed to working with local communities to foster economic well-being, quality of life, and a sense of community.”... ...Full Story Here
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 BROOKFIELD, WI. JULY 24, 2023 – After years of planning and restoration work, Brookfield’s historic 1860s train depot reopened to the public Monday in a new location and featuring a new coffeehouse café, Coffeeville. “The depot is quite literally going to be a community hub for Brookfield,” said Sam Rikkers, deputy secretary and COO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s leading economic development agency. “Serving as a trailhead for a Waukesha County bike trail, the depot is also an iconic entrance to the city’s historic village area. Meanwhile, Coffeeville is building its business by offering not only quality coffee and food but also a place for residents to gather and support local musicians, crafters and others.”... ...Full Story Here
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 Parks are an important part of cities and towns. It provides people a
place to sit and relax without having to worry about anything.
“It’s very important to continuously enhance our city by adding new
elements that make our city a great place to live and visit,” said Jeff
Gates the Mosinee City Administrator.
Last month the city of Mosinee was awarded a $50,000 Vibrant Spaces
Match Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to help
revitalize the downtown area... See Also:
...Full Story Here
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 Stay up to date by reading our MadREP Report,a bi-monthly newsletter that features regional economic development news, events and opportunities.
...Full Story Here
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 Greg Williamson will oversee the WEDC’s newWisconsin Investment Fund.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has hired Greg Williamson to the newly created position of senior investment director, effective June 5.
Williamson is tasked with administering the Wisconsin Investment Fund, which the WEDC created earlier this year. The fund aims to provide $50 million to support innovative, young businesses.
“I am excited to help lead the WEDC’s efforts in new business formation within Wisconsin, particularly through equity funding of new businesses formed by traditionally underserved individuals or in underserved markets,” Williamson wrote in a LinkedIn post.
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 The City of Sturgeon Bay is receiving a $50,000 Vibrant Spaces Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to fund the revitalization of the Door County Granary on Sturgeon Bay’s West Waterfront. The grant program is designed to help cities and towns revitalize underused spaces to build community and attract future residents. The Door County Granary project seeks to transform the original Teweles and Brandeis grain elevator – a registered historic landmark – into a living museum and social hub that will be free and open to the public. Additions to the site include accessible, public restrooms; two public water-filling stations; and a catering kitchen for public events...
...Full Story Here
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$50,000 WEDC grant helps bring vibrant space to downtownTWO RIVERS, WI. JULY 10, 2023 – The City of Two Rivers is receiving a $50,000 Vibrant Spaces grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to fund upgrades to Central Park, a community hub and event space in the heart of downtown Two Rivers.
The Vibrant Spaces Grant Program is designed to help cities and towns revitalize underused spaces to build community and attract future residents. Through this grant program, communities across the state of Wisconsin will be investing in their workforce attraction and small business development by creating inviting, walkable spaces in their downtowns, arterial districts, and economic centers...
...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is seeking nominations for the 2023 MARKETPLACE Governor’s Awards, which will be recognized in-person Dec. 6-7 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. The awards honor outstanding Wisconsin businesses owned by minorities, women and service-disabled veterans. The nomination deadline is July 31. The online nomination form and more details can be found at: https://www.marketplacewisconsin.com/about/awards/. “MARKETPLACE brings diverse businesses together with corporate and government buyers to create new opportunities and form partnerships,” said Missy Hughes, ssecretary and CEO of WEDC. “These awards are meant to showcase Wisconsin’s most promising diverse businesses.” ... ...Full Story Here
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 The city of Ripon is receiving a $50,000 Vibrant Spaces grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to fund the beautification and revitalization of the Village Green, a public community space in downtown Ripon owned and operated by Ripon Main Street, Inc. The Vibrant Spaces Grant program is designed to help cities and towns revitalize underused spaces to build community and attract future residents... ...Full Story Here
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 People in Portage will be able to pleasantly park themselves for pleasure at a new pocket park. The
city of Portage recently received a $50,000 Vibrant Spaces grant from
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to fund the
construction of a pocket park and further the revitalization of downtown
Portage. The park, located
alongside the National Ice Age Trail, will be at the intersection of
Edgewater Street and Wisconsin Avenue. It will include outdoor seating,
public art installations, a dog station, shade trees, and an event
space.
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 A pavilion will allow developing Whelen Park to host events, draw visitors to downtown Medford
The City of Medford is receiving a $50,000 Vibrant
Spaces grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
to fund the construction of a pavilion in the city’s Whelen Park.
The Vibrant Spaces grant program is designed to help
cities and towns revitalize underused spaces to build community and
attract future residents. Through this grant program, communities across
the state of Wisconsin will be investing in their workforce attraction
and small business development by creating inviting, walkable spaces in
their downtowns, gateway districts, and economic centers... ...Full Story Here
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MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today appointed Willie Smith to the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Board of Directors.
This appointment fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Joe
Kirgues from the board.
“Willie’s combined years of professional experience and demonstrated
commitment to and success in promoting community economic development
efforts will make him an asset to the WEDC Board of Directors,” said
Gov. Evers. “Willie’s input and insight will help drive the mission of
this board in its work to support WEDC’s efforts to bolster Wisconsin
businesses, invest in local ingenuity and entrepreneurship, and continue
the state’s positive economic outlook and prosperity for years to
come.”... ...Full Story Here
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WHAT: Art on the Town in downtown Beaver Dam is one of three winners of the state’s Main Street Makeover contest, resulting in a reality television style 24-hour makeover of the interior of the business. Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization, will be visiting the business to celebrates its reopening. WHEN: 5:00 p.m. Monday, June 5 WHERE: Sidewalk in front of Art on the Town, 127 Front Street, Beaver Dam, WI DETAILS: In fall of 2022, Art on the Town was announced as one of three winners in WEDC’s eighth annual Main Street Makeover Contest. For winning, owner Kris Schumacher-Rasmussen received personalized design advice and assistance as well as $5,000 toward interior merchandising changes and façade improvements. WEDC’s Main Street Makeover contest is a part of the organization’s broader Wisconsin Main Street program, which is dedicated to revitalizing downtowns and commercial districts in communities across the state. This year, three businesses were awarded a total of $15,000 in state grants as a part of the Main Street Makeover contest. Over the past eight years, the contest has supported more than 15 small businesses and awarded over $100,000. ...Full Story Here
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 Spanish manufacturer Ingeteam will expand capacity at its Milwaukee plant, creating 100 jobs producing electric vehicle charging stations as the U.S. advances ambitious plans to build out a national charging network. The development points to Wisconsin’s growing promise as a critical manufacturing hub in the nation’s quickly expanding energy future, which was detailed in a recent WEDC report. “This significant investment, in addition to the more than $20 million already invested in our cutting-edge manufacturing plant since 2010, will add up to 100 new well-paying jobs to the region, and to our production facility in Milwaukee over the next five years,” said Jesus Rodriguez, executive vice president of Ingeteam EV Chargers USA. Ingeteam will increase production of DC Fast Chargers and L2EV chargers for the U.S. market at its existing plant. The fast chargers will be Buy America-compliant and will meet the requirements of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I like this, a Spanish Company employing Wisconsin workers on next gen jobs. I hope we can build more plants like this...
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 Wisconsin businesses will have a chance establish or expand their
export sales in a series of eight trade ventures spanning the globe
through April 2024.
“These are boots-on-the-ground opportunities to
develop markets and build valuable relationships,” says Katy Sinnott,
WEDC’s vice president of global trade and investment. “WEDC’s slate of
Global Trade Ventures provides a great opportunity to make contacts,
demonstrate products and services, and build valuable business
relationships internationally.”
WEDC’s Global Trade Venture Program has scheduled in-person trips to markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Destinations for 2023-24 include:
- Belgium and the Netherlands, Sept. 9-16, with stops in Amsterdam and Brussels
- Poland, Nov. 11-18, centered in Warsaw
- India, Dec. 2-9, with stops in Mumbai and Delhi
- Mexico, Jan. 28-Feb. 2, with stops in Monterrey and Mexico City
- United Arab Emirates, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, centered in Dubai
- China, March 9-16, with stops in Shanghai and Beijing
- Canada, April 7-12, with stops in Toronto and Winnipeg
- Germany, April 6-13, centered in Munich
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I think they need a reporter/Blogger along with them...
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 WAUPACA (WLUK) -- A Waupaca County program was highlighted for giving workers more than just a lift to work. On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation held a celebration for the "Catch a Ride" program at Waupaca Foundry. The program reached a milestone, offering more than 1,000 rides to and from work.
It is supported by the Workforce Innovation Grant from WEDC and the Department of Workforce Development.
"The goals of this is to meet people where they are and understand that everybody wants the opportunity to fully participate in the economy sometimes there are barriers that keep them from being able to do that," said CEO of WEDC, Missy Hughes...
...Full Story Here
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 WEDC: Small businesses are key to thriving communitiesWisconsin had the second-best 10-year small business survival rate in the nation over the last decade. Only Iowa had a better ranking.
That’s according to a recent analysis from The Southern Bank Company, a financial institution based in Alabama that looked at data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to compare the state-by-state business survival rates from March 2012 through that month of 2022...
...Full Story Here
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Hughes outlines economic development agenda that includes ‘our underlying investments’Economic development is about much more than attracting big businesses to Wisconsin communities, the state’s chief economic development official said Tuesday during a public Q & A session in Madison.
In the three and a half years since she was appointed, said Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., her work has broadened beyond “increasing the square footage in a community” occupied by industry or “attracting businesses and things like that.”..
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Missy Hughes has brought much to WEDC, the focus has taken us through Covid, rebuilt many of our downtown`s, and helped business grow in Wisconsin. I wonder if she could weigh in on restructuring TIF laws to allow communities to work with WEDC on a specific project. We do this now but it involves bending the rules. I remember working with EPIC when they came to Verona - Pay as you go - Great development agreement - Get funds to the schools in a timely manor - Build community wide infrastructure - And little or no risk - All great ideas and none of them are specifically in the actual TIF laws...
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 GREEN BAY – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized area Main Street programs for 2022 downtown revitalization projects during the 32nd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held April 21 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse. On Broadway, Inc. earned top honors for Best Volunteer Engagement and Best Creative Fundraising Effort for its High Five fundraiser held in September. “Volunteers are a huge part of how On Broadway, Inc. operates and achieves its goals. More than 2300 volunteer hours were tracked in 2022 helping with events, district cleanup, community art projects and large-scale development projects like the Shipyard and Green Bay Public Market,” a release from On Broadway stated...
...Full Story Here
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 Northwood Tech’s new mobile welding lab held its
official ribbon cutting ceremony on the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of
Wisconsin ReservationNorthwood Tech’s new mobile welding lab held its official ribbon cutting ceremony on the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Reservation. Speakers at the event included Dr. John Will, president of Northwood Tech, Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Amy Pecachek, secretary-designee for the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Bruce Songetay, cultural coordinator and first speaker/language advisor – St. Croix Tribe, Janine McNulty, higher education and community development research/recruiter – St. Croix Tribe, and Keith Burns, welding instructor...
...Full Story Here
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 Charter Next Generation, a producer of sustainable, innovative material
science solutions and world-class manufacturing capabilities, will
expand its operations in Milton, Wisconsin. The $270 million project is expected to create 340 jobs over the next eight years.
The company will establish a second facility at the Crossroads Business Park, near its current location at 1264 E. High Street.
“Charter Next Generation is constantly seeking innovative opportunities
that align with our unwavering sustainability-first mindset and our
mission to deliver best-in-class material science solutions.” said Kathy
Bolhous, CEO of Charter Next Generation. “The partnership with WEDC
allows us to expand our product offering in Milton. It also ignites an
exciting opportunity to boost our employee base and benefit the Rock
County infrastructure, and eventually all of Wisconsin.” ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2022 at the 32nd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held Friday at the La Crosse Center in downtown La Crosse. “Powered by dedicated business people, volunteers and government officials, Wisconsin’s Main Street and Connect Communities are working hard to make our downtowns more vibrant and prosperous places,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “These thriving communities with exciting places to work, beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities and safe, affordable housing are some of our state’s best talent attraction tools.” Projects honored Friday include business and community development initiatives, historic preservation, community celebration and revitalization success stories from communities across Wisconsin. “The Main Street Awards offer a chance to celebrate some of our communities’ most creative downtown efforts and hopefully inspire a few new ideas,” Hughes said.
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: See ALL the winners at the link. Local media should do a story on all their winners, I included a few of them above. Congrats to all...
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 LAC COURTE OREILLES RESERVATION — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, today announced that Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School and 24 other schools around the state will receive more than $560,000 in fab lab grants to train students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) skills and prepare them for careers using advanced technologies. “If we want our kids to be successful, we need to make sure they have the skills and tools they need to join the 21st-century workforce,” said Gov. Evers. “Fab labs are important tools to help students gain the skills, expertise, and equipment necessary to become the industry leaders of tomorrow, and we’re proud to be awarding funds to 25 school districts today so they can establish or expand their fab lab programs, which will continue to provide benefits to for students, community members, and businesses across our state.”... ...Full Story Here
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 270 million investment will create more than 340 new jobs statewide
MADISON, WI. APRIL 25, 2023– The
Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) today approved awarding up to $5.6 million in performance-based
tax credits to assist Charter Next Generation with $270 million in
investments that will create more than 340 jobs statewide over the next
eight years... ...Full Story Here
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 A new report for the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation found Wisconsin’s auto manufacturing past could fuel a rise
in electric vehicle production.Wisconsin’s status as a powerhouse state in the automotive industry
could make the state a global hotspot for electric vehicle (EV)
production, according to a report for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
Prepared by nonprofit research institute SRI International, the
report states Wisconsin is “home to a large and diverse automotive
sector comprising firms that supply raw materials for the automotive
industry, manufacturers that produce automobile parts and original
equipment manufacturers that assemble these parts into complete
vehicles.” ...
Ken Notes: I hope so, but every state in the nation is producing the same report.
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 Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The chance to seize that opportunity relies heavily on public and private investments being made over the next several years.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for Wisconsin to develop a globally competitive cluster centered on the manufacturing of EVs and EV-related equipment, which in turn can help revitalize Wisconsin’s automotive manufacturing industry and drive statewide economic development,” reads the report, which was funded through a $1 million U.S Economic Development Administration grant.
It states there are several challenges in reaching this goal, including addressing “below-average” productivity in the state’s manufacturing sector and a shortage of qualified workers. The state would also need to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship around electrically powered technologies and have the infrastructure in place for widespread EV adoption.
The WEDC report brings forth six strategies that, if adopted, could help Wisconsin become an epicenter for EV manufacturing. The first strategy is to enhance productivity through automation and upskilling. Some methods for reaching this goal could include launching an accelerator program for small/rural manufacturers (with an estimated cost of in between $100,000 and $500,000) and refocusing incentive programs to encourage capital investments made by manufacturers that increase productivity, which is estimated to cost over $500,000.
Scaling up the middle-skill workforce pipeline is the WEDC report’s second strategy, followed by improving manufacturers’ access to regional, national and global markets.
This could be done through the creation of an automotive industry liaison to strengthen supply chain relationships with nearby EV original equipment manufacturer plants. The creation of this liaison would cost in between $100,000 and $500,000.
Remaining strategies include building connections between innovators and industry, aligning EV policymaking with economic development interests, and preparing for the future of mobility and sustainability.
The report concludes that for Wisconsin to stay competitive as the world transitions from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles and electrically powered technologies, the sector must keep pace and reinvent itself to become part of the growing EV supply chain.
“(This report) calls for Wisconsin to do what it does best – bring together the longstanding relationships between state government, private businesses, and educational institutions – to assess and meet the demands of this growing market,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary. “As our businesses explore these new markets, we need to have the tools to help them invest and mitigate the risk associated with leaping into transitioning markets.”
Several manufacturers in Wisconsin have already started leaning more heavily into EV work. ...
Ken Notes: I nay have written about this during the recession in 2008 when I wrote about Warren Buffet (Berkshire Hathaway) investing in emerging technologies in China. While we were all loosing our proverbial shirts he kept his company in the black by investing in companies focused on next generation technologies especially electric vehicles and mass transit. By the way, for the record, mass transit is still a market to be reveled.
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 Wisconsin is allocating more than $50 million to support small startups
throughout the state. The head of Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation tells us how the money should be used and gives insight into
the state`s small business landscape. ...Full Story Here
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 A new partnership aims to expand opportunities between Wisconsin and one of the state’s biggest foreign trade partners. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., or WEDC, and the Wisconsin Alumni Association in Korea signed an agreement last month to promote the state both as a good place to do business and as a welcoming destination for Korean students. The partnership will also encourage Korean investment in Wisconsin and provide connections for the state’s businesses with partners and customers abroad...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This could be good, even better if Hyundai, Kia and Genesis looked to Wisconsin for partnerships, parts, and assembly options.
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 Wisconsin is seeking venture capital fund managers in the state to implement a new $50 million fund designed to help finance local startups. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) is overseeing the new Wisconsin Investment Fund, which will partner with venture capital funds investing private capital in Wisconsin-based startups... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Can banks do this. They could match, half the interest rate, and do the due diligence the State can not accomplish. No additional overhead and they are already in the business...
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 A Community Development Investment Grant from WEDC helped turn a former Wells Fargo bank building into the home of Cool City Brewing in Two Rivers. Brewing—a historic mainstay of Wisconsin’s economy—was enjoying a rebirth around the state when the pandemic bellied up to the bar. Like other hospitality businesses, craft brewers struggled as people avoided gathering at their usual watering holes and restaurants. But Main Street Bounceback Grants helped many of Wisconsin’s small brewers keep their footing, emerge from the crisis, and tap into success. In all, 37 breweries around the state—from Three Lakes to Janesville and New Richmond to Milwaukee—were awarded a total of $370,000 through the pandemic response grant program, which was designed to help business owners open or expand in vacant storefronts...
...Full Story Here
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 WEDC is using $50M in federal dollars to create a new Wisconsin Investment Fund to support startups, small businessesHundreds of new companies have been founded in Wisconsin since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the state is getting nearly $80 million to support those startups and small businesses.
Gov. Tony Evers is allocating $50 million of those funds to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, or WEDC, which plans to create a new Wisconsin Investment Fund. The money comes from the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative through the American Rescue Plan Act...
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/53FXSYBH7JMWLF5UFG2LJ4B3BQ.jpg) MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Earlier this week the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced the launch of a new intelligence tool to help small businesses. SizeUpWI is a new data intelligence tool that is designed to help small and midsize businesses thrive and grow by making sound strategic business decisions. WEDC said small and midsize businesses make up about 99% of Wisconsin’s economy. “Small businesses are the heart of Wisconsin’s economy,” WEDC secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said. “SizeUpWI provides access to the same data large corporations use to help smaller businesses maintain their competitive edge.”...
...Full Story Here
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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA. FEB. 22, 2023 – University of Wisconsin alumni living in South Korea will promote Wisconsin as a good place to do business and encourage Korean investment in the state under a new agreement to be signed Thursday with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “Our great university system attracts students from around the world,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization. “Graduates bring the Badger spirit back to their home countries, building successful careers and communities. They are some of our state’s best ambassadors and can help create new economic and cultural opportunities in Wisconsin and South Korea.” Hughes traveled to Seoul this week to sign the memorandum of understanding with the Wisconsin Alumni Association in Korea (WAAK). She will also be meeting with the South Korean leaders of Wisconsin companies and working with the alumni association on future possible investment opportunities in Wisconsin...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes:Ms. Hughes is doing nice work for Wisconsin and partnering with UW here is brilliant!
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 February 15, 2023
Research & Development (R&D)
Exact Sciences — Wisconsin Economic Development CorporationExact Sciences, a leading global cancer screening and diagnostics company, is expanding its presence in Wisconsin by investing an additional $350 million in its Madison, WI campuses, an investment expected to create more than 1,300 jobs. The company will add to its west-side Madison campus in three areas, the most significant of which is the Research and Development (R&D) Center of Excellence to enhance research capabilities as the company combats the world’s deadliest cancers; laboratory space with new technology and automation; and warehouse. Exact Sciences relocated to Wisconsin in 2009 and has consistently continued to expand in the state. Predicted direct economic impact for this most recent expansion project is $145.8 million, and predicted wages impact is nearly $140 million. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Board of Directors has authorized increasing the company’s Enterprise Zone tax credits from $9 million to $27.5 million, if the company creates at least 1,300 new jobs and invests at least $350 million in capital expenditures by 2025.
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Very nice... National attention for Exact Science and WEDC working together! Look at the article for other ideas that worked elsewhere. We could do any number of these projects in Wisconsin...
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 Fiserv Inc. could receive up to $7 million in tax credits from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to help the company move its corporate offices to downtown Milwaukee. The tax credits are performance-based meaning Fiserv must meet some capital investment and hiring requirements including creating more than 250 new full-time positions during the next five years while retaining its current Wisconsin workforce of 980 employees. Frank Bisignano, Fiserv chairman, president and CEO, said the company is looking forward to growing in downtown Milwaukee....
See Also:
...Full Story Here
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Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Good morning, Chairman Gundrum and members of the Committee. I want to thank you for inviting me to speak with you today about WEDC’s work and the outlook for Wisconsin’s economy. At the Chairman’s request, I’m going first to walk you through some of WEDC’s history and an overview of our major programs before turning to what I’m hearing in my daily conversations with business leaders throughout Wisconsin and the prospects for our state’s future. When WEDC was created in 2011, it replaced the former Department of Commerce which, in turn, had replaced the previous Department of Development....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I remain a fan.
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 WEDC grant supports creation of an event space in the former Union BankThe City of Ashland is receiving a $125,000 state grant to help open a wedding and event space. The money will be used to prepare the Union Bank building for an entirely different use, while making Ashland a destination for weddings and extending the city’s downtown commercial area. The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support renovations to the building at 100 Main St. W. in Ashland. Once renovated, the second floor will become home to The Union, a wedding and event venue upstairs from the existing Union Boutique...
...Full Story Here
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 A grant from the Wisconsin Economic
Development (WEDC) could help transform Waunakee’s Reeve Park into a
more usable public space right downtown. The
Waunakee Village Board Tuesday approved staffs’ request to apply for
the $25,000 matching Vibrant Spaces Grant, funds aimed at assisting
communities in creating pedestrian space for residents and visitors.
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TRADE VENTURESACHIEVING YOUR INTERNATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Personal contact creates business opportunities. But that’s not always easy when your target market is thousands of miles away. That’s where WEDC comes in. Whether you’re looking for customers or distributors to help you expand your global reach (or both), WEDC’s targeted trade ventures will help you build the relationships necessary for increased international sales.... Consider joining us for these upcoming trade ventures: - Canada (Toronto and Montreal),
March 19-24, 2023
- Vietnam and Thailand (Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok),
March 31-April 8, 2023
- The Netherlands and Belgium (Amsterdam and Brussels),
June 3-10, 2023
...Full Story Here
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 WEDC grant supports creation of an event space in the former Union BankThe City of Ashland is receiving a $125,000 state grant to help open a
wedding and event space. The money will be used to prepare the Union
Bank building for an entirely different use, while making Ashland a
destination for weddings and extending the city’s downtown
commercial area. The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation
(WEDC) will support renovations to the building at 100 Main St. W. in
Ashland. Once renovated, the second floor will become home to The Union,
a wedding and event venue upstairs from the existing Union Boutique...
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 MILWAUKEE — Have you ever dreamed of opening your own small business
or expanding one that you already have? If so, the Wisconsin Tomorrow
Main Street Bounceback Grant offers the perfect opportunity for you to
reach for your goals.
The program was recently extended until Dec. 31, 2022, allowing
applicants to reach out to a regional partner to apply just in time for
the new year. These grants are for people hoping to move into a
commercial facility of 400 square feet or greater.
“The grants are to assist the business with costs associated with
leases, mortgages, operational expenses and other business costs related
to the newly opened location,” per the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporations (WEDC) website. ...Full Story Here
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 SHEBOYGAN, WI — The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) aims to provide a wide variety of services, resources, and expertise to help encourage entrepreneurial opportunities in Sheboygan County. This week saw the launch of the Sheboygan County Accelerator for Learning Entrepreneurship (SCALE), a new accelerator program in partnership with Lakeland University and sponsored by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). SCALE invests in up to six pre or early-revenue startups per cohort, per year. This program is free to the selected applicants and each applicant will receive a technical assistance grant for a total of $10,000. $5,000 will be available for distribution after the first week of the program, and the remainder of $5,000 will become available upon completion of the 10-week course schedule...
...Full Story Here
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Madison, WI – Today, Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) was appointed to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Board of Directors. The Board provides WEDC with strategic leadership and operational oversight, representing statewide public and private economic development interests. After the appointment, Senator Pfaff released the following statement: “I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the WEDC Board and look forward to supporting and growing Wisconsin’s economy.”... ...Full Story Here
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 The soon-to-be newest addition to the lakeshore area craft brewing industry has received a state grant. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes visited Cool City Brewing in Two Rivers yesterday, where she announced the company will be receiving a $250,000 Community Development Investment grant. Cool City Brewing, which was the brain child of Curt and Jean Andrews and Barry and Gina Krahn, is taking over the former Wells Fargo Building in downtown Two Rivers. The brewery will have 20 craft beers on tap along with ciders, seltzers, and a full bar...
See Also:
...Full Story Here
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 It was a slick process for certified public accountant Holly McKenzie and healing practitioner and acupuncturist Katherine Krumwiede to apply for the Wisconsin Tomorrow Main Street Bounceback Grants. Funding from the American Recovery Plan Act has made possible this one-time assistance for new and existing businesses opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space...
Main Street Bounceback Grants are available to for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations who meet the following criteria:...
...Full Story Here
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Milwaukee becomes one of the largest fintech hubs in the MidwestMILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fiserv (NASDAQ: FISV), a global technology leader and provider of payments and financial services solutions, today joined with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson to announce the expansion of its decades-long commitment to Wisconsin with the opening of a new global headquarters location in downtown Milwaukee. The headquarters will be situated at 640 Vel R. Phillips Ave, in the historic Westown neighborhood of downtown Milwaukee...
...The global headquarters project, which will include the addition of 250
jobs over five years and a $40 million investment, is contingent upon
incentives currently being considered by the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) and the City of Milwaukee. All of the new
jobs will be based at the new Fiserv campus, in alignment with the
company’s strategy to bring people together in strategic hub locations
to inspire innovation and collaboration, and to attract the best talent
to best serve clients...
See Also:
...Full Story Here
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 BROWN COUNTY – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recently announced the availability of Vibrant Spaces Grants, which Wisconsin communities can apply this fall to transform under-used public spaces. The pilot program offered by WEDC allows municipalities to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to assist with creating spaces for community gatherings and activities. “This is a great opportunity for communities of all sizes to get the financial assistance and support they need to make changes that will have a true impact on the vitality of their community,” Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, said. “The presence of high-quality public spaces fosters community connections and helps municipalities recruit and retain residents and cultivate a strong labor force.” Applications for these grants are due by Jan. 31. No more than 30 grants will be awarded statewide by May 1... ...Full Story Here
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 GREEN BAY – As a nurse, Nichole Lauf’s experience and empathy have guided countless patients through their most vulnerable moments. As a co-clinical nursing instructor for Aurora BayCare Medical Center, she is motivated by the opportunity to teach technical skills and help cultivate a strong sense of compassion in the next generation of nurses. A new Workforce Innovation Grant awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) to partners including UW-Green Bay, Aurora BayCare Medical Center, and HSHS St. Vincent will expand the pool of nursing instructors able to teach both “hard” and “soft” skills...
...Full Story Here
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 Economist John Koskinen highlights strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for the state’s economy. Amid pandemic-inflicted economic and workplace shifts, Wisconsin is regaining its footing thanks to resilient entrepreneurs, creative government programs, innovative community partnerships and new ways of working...
More than 350 participants at the inaugural Wisconsin Economic Summit in Appleton Sept. 20-21 examined the opportunities and shared potential solutions to the problems...
...Full Story Here
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 Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) announced this week a $1 million investment that will go toward supporting the state’s rural entrepreneurs. A new initiative, which will be led by UW-Madison’s Division of Extension and WEDC, will provide training, technical assistance, and legal and financial advice to entrepreneurs either to start their own business or bolster an existing one. “We know that in Wisconsin great ideas can come from anywhere,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO...
SEE ALSO:
...Full Story Here
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 PITTSVILLE, WI (OnFocus) – Pittsville is one of five rural Wisconsin
communities that will receive help jumpstarting their economic
development plans as part of a University of Wisconsin-Madison Division
of Extension and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) pilot
program.
The pilot program, Community Economic Analysis for Rural Wisconsin Communities (CEA-RWC), gives rural communities the necessary resources to engage in comprehensive economic development planning. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Great program, I still wish we could adapt a program and support structure that would benefit all communities equally. A partnership to fund a portion of an ED professional in every county and major community in the state would be a great start...
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 More funding has been approved for an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) financed economic development-focused pandemic recovery grant program that has benefited thousands of small businesses and nonprofits statewide, including a Lake Geneva retail store. Gov. Tony Evers and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes announced Sept. 13 that the state will provide an additional $25 million investment for the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program, bringing total investment in the program to $100 million...
...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin communities can apply this fall for grants of up to $50,000 to turn vacant or under-used public spaces into attractive, busy hubs for community activities. The Vibrant Spaces Grants are a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) pilot program that allows municipalities to apply for $25,000 to $50,000 grants to assist with local placemaking efforts... ...Full Story Here
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 Company, state, and local leaders today celebrated the grand opening of the Midwest regional headquarters of Formlabs, a 3D printing company, located in Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward. Sam Rikkers, deputy secretary and COO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), joined Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Milwaukee Commissioner of City Development Lafayette Crump in welcoming the company’s expansion in Wisconsin...
...Full Story Here
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 MAZOMANIE — Gov. Tony Evers today, together with Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes
and Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek, visited the Wisconsin Heights School
District to meet some of the first GROW scholarship winners and hear how
the effort is beginning to identify prospective teachers in high school
and offer them education classes and classroom mentoring opportunities
before graduation. The unique scholarship and training
program was designed to help build the next generation
of highly qualified rural teachers with new, additional investments thanks to Gov. Evers’ Workforce Innovation Grant program.
...Full Story Here
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 GREEN BAY – Two local organizations will share in about $1.3 million of more than $100 million statewide grants supporting diversity in business. Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday $15.7 million will be added to the more than $86 million in investments already being made across Wisconsin to support diversity in business, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes stopped at the Old Fort Square building on Broadway Wednesday to announce two grants that will have major impacts on local businesses. Included in the new round of funding is $331,565 for NewCap, a local organization focused on enhancing community development, and $985,194 for On Broadway, Inc. ...Full Story Here
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Magnify the impact of your marketing investmentWEDC’s Talent Attraction & Retention Marketing Cooperative Initiative aims to help eligible participants statewide by magnifying the impact of their own marketing investments to help solve workforce challenges.
For eligible partners, WEDC will provide dollar-for-dollar matching funds to support talent attraction retention marketing. This can include advertising, as well as such activities as such as market research, audience targeting, and development of creative materials...
...Full Story Here
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Diverse Business Assistance grant will support rural entrepreneurs PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI. AUG. 29, 2022 – A more than $65,000 Diverse Business Assistance grant is launching an effort to create a business incubator to help build and grow more diverse businesses in Crawford County, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes announced today. “The Diverse Business Assistance grants were created to bring opportunities to individuals and communities that may not have had access to capital and business development resources in the past including people of color, women and rural residents,” Hughes said. “Under Governor Evers’ leadership, Wisconsin’s smaller communities, including Prairie du Chien, have had great success improving and inspiring new businesses through the Main Street Bounceback grant program,... ...Full Story Here
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 GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- Two Green Bay businesses are benefitting from a second round of business grants. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes visited downtown Green Bay Wednesday to learn how the Diverse Business Assistance grants will aid Green Bay’s On Broadway Inc. and Oconto’s Newcap... ...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. AUG. 22, 2022 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is inviting Wisconsin companies to explore exporting opportunities during an in-person global trade venture to the United Kingdom from Oct. 29 to Nov. 5. Registration for the venture closes Aug. 26. Stops in London and Manchester, England then Glasgow, Scotland will allow participating companies to meet one-on-one with prospective trade partners selected specifically for their business needs and goals. Participants will each receive a company-specific market intelligence report with valuable information about the British market. Also, group gatherings during the trip will allow participants to network and create business connections with one another.... ...Full Story Here
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 Milwaukee Tool opened the company`s newest manufacturing plant in West Bend, Wisconsin. The $55 million project is expected to create 150 jobs. Located 20 minutes from the company’s global R&D headquarters in Brookfield, the 95,000-square-foot facility will manufacture new, innovative Hand Tools for the Electrical, Power Utility, Plumbing, and Mechanical trades; among the first solutions to be made here will be cutting pliers and screwdrivers...
"Milwaukee Tool is an iconic global brand that, by its name alone, makes our state synonymous with quality manufacturing," said Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. "As Milwaukee Tool has grown its investments in Wisconsin, WEDC has been pleased to invest in Milwaukee Tool."
...Full Story Here
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 LA CROSSE (WKBT) — Small business owners won’t want to miss out on this opportunity. The Wisconsin Main Street Makeover Contest is hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and will reward two downtown businesses in the state with a makeover. The lucky contest winners will either receive a 48-hour exterior
makeover worth $50,000 or a 24-hour interior makeover worth $15,000.... ...Applications are due Sept. 23 and winners will be announced sometime this October.
Businesses involved with WEDC should contact their director. Otherwise, owners can email adriana.saia@wedc.org for an application....
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Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial spirit is
thriving with more organizations creating innovative programs to
support residents as they build businesses. Now
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering
additional opportunities for these organizations to receive grants to
support entrepreneurs and remove barriers to their success.
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 For nearly a decade, the Discovery Center Fab Lab at UW-Stout has been a cutting-edge center to help bring innovative ideas to life. Now in its 10th year of operations, the Fab Lab — a design and digital fabrication laboratory — still is the only such facility available to all students at a Wisconsin university. And, adhering to the Wisconsin Idea, it has grown to help meet the needs of residents across the state... "WEDC has awarded 100 fab lab grants
to school districts since 2016."
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I would love to work with any community or economic development org to develop a version of this for their community. There are grants and funding available and companies in your area will benefit from the added access to talent and support.
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 MADISON, WI. JULY 20, 2022 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) invites Wisconsin companies and organizations that have achieved exporting success to apply for a 2022 Governor’s Export Achievement Award. Three awards will be presented this year to Wisconsin exporters of products, services and agriculture. They are open to companies of all sizes as well as to organizations that have contributed to the state’s ability to compete in the global economy. Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 12 and the awards ceremony will take place in-person on Oct. 26 following the final event of the World Trade Association’s 2022 Global Business Insights series in Milwaukee...
...Full Story Here
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 The Richland Center City Council acted to facilitate housing and business development in the city during its meeting Tuesday night in the Municipal Building. The council adopted two resolutions. One resolution approves an amendment to the project plan of tax incremental district No. 6 on the western edge of the city (Panorama Estates) for the construction on a second unit. The other resolution provides city support and sponsorship for a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) - Community Development Investment (CDC) grant for the expansion of Los Amigos in the downtown part of the city. ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation says a $10.7 million expansion at a plant in Dodge County is expected to create about 150 jobs over the next two years. Whisker manufactures self-cleaning litter boxes at its facility in Juneau. The expansion would be the second in two years. The plans include the construction of an adjacent 150,000 square-foot warehouse space. The WEDC has authorized up to $450,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This investment is tied to jobs and growth, a good thing, but these investments tend to be limited to larger companies. Why not just offer a state income credit of X dollars over Y years for new hires paying Z to any company expanding their current employment base. Also allow communities to offer property tax credits for X years when expansion creates a guaranteed growth in value...
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/6VT3LQAYOVEU5CTDDRQZZ6V2MY.jpg) MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Approved grants are helping transform downtowns from Stoughton to Superior and everywhere in between. Governor Tony Evers announced Wednesday that more than 5,200 businesses and nonprofits have been approved to receive a $10,000 Main Street Bounceback Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to move into previously vacant commercial spaces throughout the state. “Since we began awarding these grants last August, more than 5,200 businesses have moved into empty storefronts or expanded their operations, and it has been great to see our Main Streets, small businesses, and their innovation thrive in communities across our state, including here in Stoughton,” explained Evers...
See Also:
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I love/hate this, we are investing in our local businesses but we do not have an outcome based evaluation process in place. This means some companies will create jobs while other will line their pockets. We would do far better by partnering with the local communities, banks and development professionals to create to create incentives based on actual investment. Also I hve seen a number of new nonprofits created to chase the available new money...
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MADISON, WI. JULY 12, 2022 – The 2022 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days will run from July 12-14 in Clark County, highlighting Wisconsin companies in the farm technology industry. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has helped many such businesses emerge over the years with its Qualified New Business Venture (QNBV) program. QNBV is intended to encourage equity investment in technology-based businesses, including farming-related ones, in the state of Wisconsin. By giving eligible angel and venture fund investors a Wisconsin income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the value of their investments, the program helps tech-based startups develop products, enter markets and create high-quality jobs as they emerge in their industries...
...Full Story Here
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 JUNEAU, WI. JULY 13, 2022 – Whisker, a self-cleaning litter box manufacturer, is responding to spiking product demand by expanding its facility in Juneau–a $10.7 million project expected to create 150 jobs over the next two years. “Whisker’s second facility expansion in the past two years reinforces its standing in the Juneau community and in Wisconsin,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization. “This project’s job creation could provide a huge, long-lasting boost to the local economy.”...
Links
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I may have to again become a fan of cats, the last time was when a Neenah family developed Cat Dancer and made millions with a wire and a dangle thing. A great story know one knows about...
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 MADISON, Wisconsin – SCORE Wisconsin has been chosen to receive a $74,800.00 Entrepreneurial Partnership Grant for fiscal year 2022-2023 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The goal of the grant is to encourage local and regional economic development throughout the state and extend SCORE’s outreach to every part of Wisconsin, especially the underserved or rural areas. SCORE is well-positioned to accomplish this goal with more than 200 experienced business volunteers and partnerships with many small business organizations statewide. The 501 (3c) non-profit has chapters in five locations and proven business tools such as free mentoring, local workshops and webinars. In addition, the national network of SCORE business mentors has experience in virtually every industry...
...Full Story Here
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 MILWAUKEE — Gov. Tony Evers today, together with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, joined Komatsu leaders for the grand opening of the company’s new campus in Milwaukee’s Harbor District, a $285 million project with the potential to bring more than 1,000 jobs to a long-dormant area of the city...
...Full Story Here
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 Governor Tony Evers announced today that WISCAP will receive $4.8 million as part of the Workforce Innovation Grant Program through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). WISCAP’s network will use Workforce Innovation funding to provide opportunities for low to moderate income individuals in 47 counties to up-skill or re-skill into high demand nursing careers such as: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Medical Assistant, Associate Degree Nurse, and Registered Nurse (RN). The announcement comes as part of Round 2 of the governor’s Workforce Innovation Grant investment that provides $40.5 million to support collaborative, sustainable and innovative pandemic-recovery plans developed by regional organizations... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: So about 30K per student.
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 VERONA, WI. JUNE 23, 2022 — MilliporeSigma, a U.S.- and Canada-based industry-leading life sciences company that provides contract pharmaceutical manufacturing services, on Wednesday celebrated the grand opening of its $65 million facility expansion in Verona, which is expected to create 50 new high-paying jobs. The company’s expansion included a 70,000 square-foot highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredient (HPAPI) manufacturing facility and will increase the company’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing capacity. The products produced in this facility address demand for critical cancer therapies. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has authorized up to $200,000 in performance-based state income tax credits for the project over a three-year period; the amount of credits the company receives will be contingent upon the number of jobs created...
...Full Story Here
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MEDFORD, WI. JUNE 15, 2022 – The City of Medford is receiving a $86,900 state grant to help redevelop the Brucker Building, unoccupied since a 1980 fire, into a bookstore and wine bar as well as a two-bedroom apartment. The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the Brucker Building’s transformation into an attractive spot on South Main Street where independent bookseller, the Prickly Pear, will serve wine by the glass...
...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded the Village of Waterford $250,000 to construct the future Waterford Lofts, located at 506 E. Main St. This monetary award was made possible as part of the Community Development Investment Grant program. “In 2018, nearly 200 Waterford residents and business owners provided feedback on the future of the Village, and redevelopment of this intersection was a critical element,” said Don Houston, Village of Waterford President. “With financial assistance from the WEDC and technical assistance from RCEDC [the Racine County Economic Development Corporation], our community’s vision can be executed.”... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the economic development organization for the state, not surprisingly, is located in Madison. However, unbeknownst to many, a WEDC representative is working in Sawyer County to help rural communities, or what he calls the “rural, rural areas,” in the northern part of the state. David Fleming is a REVAMP project specialist out of the Office of Rural Prosperity, a wing of WEDC. REVAMP stands for Revitalizing Economic Vibrancy After (a) Major Pandemic. His position was created during the pandemic with federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Both the WEDC rural reps and the regional EDC`s often fly below the radar, yet are instrumental in developing the state. I still wish we had a more formal structure to tie all these entities together and better communications with the State.
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 The head of WEDC says the state’s “entrepreneurial spirit” is reflected in the 42 percent boost in new businesses formed during the pandemic. “It’s actually really exciting, because you could imagine that in the face of a pandemic, folks would retract, right?” WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said in a recent interview. “They would say, ‘I’m not going to do anything new, I’m going to stay safe in my job, I’m going to stay safe where I am.’ But instead, what we’re seeing is a real entrepreneurial spirit.”... ...Full Story Here
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 Village of Waterford, WI – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recently awarded the Village of Waterford $250,000 as part of the Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant program. The grant will go towards construction of what will become the Waterford Lofts, located at 506 E Main Street.... ...Full Story Here
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 A rapidly growing manufacturer of power tools plans to add approximately 1,000 more jobs in its home state.
Milwaukee Tool will spend more than $200 million over the next three
years to expand across locations in southern and southeastern Wisconsin,
state officials announced.
Many of the new jobs will be in engineering and technical roles to
reinforce the advancing technological capabilities of its tools. The
projects will also add new equipment, invest in infrastructure, and
expand its research and development capabilities, company officials
said.
The company plans to add jobs at its Brookfield headquarters, as well
as in Milwaukee, suburban Menomonee Falls, Mukwonago, and West Bend,
and the Madison suburb of Sun Prairie. Hiring is already underway... ...Full Story Here
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 Concept drawing of Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals’ new Verona campus When Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals embarked on a $220 million expansion in Wisconsin, WEDC partnered with the firm to help it become a reality. The project, which has broken ground in Verona, will create more than 230 jobs at the genetic medicine company, which recognizes the benefits of the state’s strong biotechnology climate. “We have seen firsthand the tremendous value that the Wisconsin biotech ecosystem can afford a nimble and aggressive company like Arrowhead,” said Christopher Anzalone, president and CEO of Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals. “We look forward to this expansion contributing to the further growth in the region as we work to make medicines with a potential global impact.” ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I agree, well structured TIF and State Tax Credits could create a biotech corridor. The key is well structured agreements with measurable deliverables. We still need to update or TIF statutes to align with how they are actually used...
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 Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, a leading genetic medicine company, will establish operations in Verona, Wisconsin. The $220 million project is expected to create 230 jobs. The new campus, which will consist of two buildings, will complement the company’s existing 111,000-square-foot research and development facility in Madison. The first building is an approximately 125,000-square-foot laboratory and office facility that will support process development and analytical activities. The second is an approximately 160,000-square-foot GMP drug manufacturing facility, which company leaders say will be critical to Arrowhead’s global operations....
See Also: Arrowhead was awarded up to $16 million in tax increment financing from the city. It will also receive up to $2.5 million in refundable Wisconsin state income tax credits offered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). These tax benefits are being offered as incentives for Arrowhead to invest in the local area and potentially create new jobs...
...Full Story HereKen Notes: Wow 80K per employee that is a lot of money but the amount is under my 10% threshold based on 220 Million in valuation assuming they get that valuation in writing. I hope whoever is drafting the development agreement got an A in contracts class. Also from the fine print, "The company was forced to scrap its entire clinical pipeline in 2016 following deaths in a non-human primate toxicology study. The company faced a similar issue in July of 2021 when it paused the Phase I/II trial of RNAi cystic fibrosis drug ARO-ENaC after a study in rats showed lung inflammation signals."
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 MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation held the first Wisconsin Agricultural Export Advisory Council meeting on May 4 at WEDC headquarters in Madison. This council helps guide the initiatives created through the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports, a collaborative project proposed in Gov. Tony Evers’ budget between DATCP and WEDC to promote the export of Wisconsin`s agricultural products...
...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced Monday that his administration will invest an additional $25 million to a fund making grants to storefront small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Evers made the announcement at events alongside Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. Evers said the programs has already helped more than 4,200 small businesses and nonprofits across all 72 Wisconsin counties. In total, the announcement brings the governor’s total investment in the program to $75 million, which the administration said will enable 2,500 more small businesses and nonprofits to fill empty storefronts throughout the state. The grants are administered by regional economic development agencies...
...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2021 at the 31st Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held at the historic Hotel Retlaw in downtown Fond du Lac. “Our Main Street businesses and communities are thriving thanks to the hard work and creativity of business owners, local Main Street professionals and dedicated volunteers,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “The projects, businesses and people recognized tonight should inspire us all to help make our own communities better.” Hughes and other WEDC leaders were on hand to recognize the successful projects taking place in Wisconsin’s 34 Main Street communities and 81 Connect Communities...
...Full Story Here
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 For the Tomahawk Leader FOND DU LAC – Tomahawk Main Street Inc. (TMS) was among numerous organizations honored for downtown revitalization efforts at the 31st Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held in Fond du Lac on Friday, April 22. A release from TMS said the awards ceremony recognized the efforts by Wisconsin Main Street volunteers and staff for their historic preservation and downtown economic development efforts of communities in Wisconsin in 2021. TMS’s Lawn Dice project received top honors in the Best Creative Fundraising Effort at the event, which was hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)...
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, WI. MAY 2, 2022 – Governor Tony Evers has declared May 1-7 National Small Business Week in Wisconsin to highlight the contributions of small businesses to Wisconsin’s economy. “From our biggest cities to our smallest towns, small businesses in Wisconsin are the hearts of our communities, acting as catalysts for our local economies and supporting the livelihoods of so many Wisconsinites,” the proclamation notes. “When we support small businesses, we are supporting family-supporting jobs and the preservation of the unique character of our local communities.” The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will be marking the week by providing real-world advice and training to small business owners through the ninth annual Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy, which will offer a mix of virtual and in-person events May 3-6...
...Full Story Here
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 MENOMONEE FALLS, WI. MAY 4, 2022 – Casting Cleaning Resources, an Indiana-based manufacturer that serves the foundry industry, is expanding its operations to Menomonee Falls, state and company officials announced today. Casting Cleaning Resources provides post-mold cleaning of iron castings to manufacturers in Iowa, Illinois, and South Carolina. The company needed to expand its operations to meet the increasing demands of the industry. Ultimately, Casting Cleaning Resources chose southeastern Wisconsin because of its proximity to supply chain partners, a skilled workforce, and the high concentration of advanced manufacturing companies in the area. “Wisconsin’s strong manufacturing sector, highly trained workers, central location, and investments in transportation infrastructure continue to attract new businesses,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization. “Casting Cleaning Resources recognized that locating in Wisconsin offers major supply chain advantages and numerous other benefits. We welcome CCR to our state.”..
...Full Story Here
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 MARSHFIELD – Main Street Marshfield was recognized for its downtown revitalization efforts at the 31st Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held in downtown Fond du Lac on April 22. Endless Designs took top honors in the “Best Storefront Display Award” at the event, which was hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The awards ceremony recognized the efforts by Wisconsin Main Street volunteers and staff for their historic preservation and downtown economic development efforts of communities in Wisconsin in 2021. “WEDC congratulates Endless Designs for its outstanding efforts to revitalize and improve downtown,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Just a quick reminder, your local economic development professional is more important than ever as a wealth of new funds is available to communities and small businesses...
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC)
has awarded approximately $34 million so far to over 3,400 small
businesses and nonprofit organizations in the state through the Main Street Bounceback Program.
The goal of the program is to provide financial support to businesses
that move into existing vacant commercial properties, revitalizing the
business communities of municipalities across the state. Each business
receives $10,000, which comes from American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA)
funding.
“Small businesses are an essential part of our state and local
economies,” said Gov. Tony Evers in a statement. “This program is about
making sure we’re investing in our long-term economic success by helping
entrepreneurs and new business owners achieve their business dreams
while revitalizing main streets in every corner of our state, creating
jobs, gathering places, and new opportunities for communities.” ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, WI – On April 8, Gov. Tony Evers vetoed Assembly Bill 940, a proposal introduced by State Rep. Dave Armstrong (R-Rice Lake) that would have required the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to submit to the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee its plan for spending at least $3 million on talent attraction and retention initiatives... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Rather than prod departments to spend money why not establish an outcomes based evaluation program to see how efficiently they are spending money. I am aware of several areas where we have more funding than needed but are penalized for spending less and can not fund projects where the money is needed more...
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 M ADISON, APRIL 12, 2022 – Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes and Wisconsin
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Secretary Randy Romanski announced today the creation of the new
Wisconsin Agricultural Export Advisory Council (WAXC). This council will
help guide the initiatives created through the Wisconsin Initiative for
Agricultural Exports (WIAE), a collaborative project between DATCP and
WEDC to promote the export of Wisconsin’s agricultural and agribusiness
products... ...Full Story Here
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 SUN PRAIRIE, WI. APRIL 6, 2022 – Quarra Stone
Company LLC, a Madison-based architectural stone cutter and supplier, is
building a new production and executive management facility in Sun
Prairie. Company officials say the state-of-the-art headquarters will
serve as a beacon for architects and artists in Wisconsin and beyond
allowing Quarra to continue serving a variety of high-profile clients.
“The growing demand for Quarra’s products, combined with the
slate of exciting projects they’re involved in, necessitates a new,
modern facility, which we’re thrilled to help make a reality,” said
Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic
development organization. “Quarra remaining in the Madison area will be
immensely beneficial for job creation and overall economic growth in the
region.” WEDC is supporting the project by authorizing up to $350,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Quarra will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.... ...Full Story Here
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 RHINELANDER – Access to high-speed internet, or broadband, has long been considered a deterrent for improved economic health and growth throughout the state. The same is true for the Northwoods, where homes and businesses may have no broadband access or internet service speeds that fall below FCC standards. Since 2015, the FCC has maintained that minimum broadband speed should be 25 Mbps for downloading files and 3 Mbps for uploading. State and federal grants are available to bring broadband to underserved areas around the state, but in order to tap into those grants the state must identify those areas of greatest need...
...Full Story Here
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 Madison’s Sharon Johnson has joined Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation as Director of Entrepreneurial Access and Including, a role in which she aims to increase awareness of WEDC’s resources, expand access and open doors to success for under-served and underrepresented entrepreneurs, according to a post on the agency’s website. Johnson said she hopes to connect people of color with resources available to entrepreneurs...
Ken Notes: I have always been a fan of "building our Own". EPIC, Exact Science, Kohls, H-D, Kohler... The idea of helping more people enter this environment is a good idea. I would suggest that money is not the only key to success here, mentorship, planning, facilities, and education also play a huge role in success... If you are looking for a new company try this group: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I have always been a fan of "building our Own". EPIC, Exact Science, Kohls, H-D, Kohler... The idea of helping more enter this environment is a good idea. I would suggest that money is not the only key to success here, mentorship, planning, facilities, and education also play a huge role in success...
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/EWY7EVVUERGRTGJQF3EJVBKF4M.jpg) MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - State officials recognized three communities in southern Wisconsin that are finalists to receive funding to turn underused spaces into community gathering places. Through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s inaugural Place-Makeover Contest, Lake Mills, Prairie du Chien and Racine are finalists to receive up to $5,000 and technical assistance to make their renovations a reality. WEDC secretary and CEO Missy Hughes explained that the funds will be used to transform places to promote downtown areas. “This is a chance for Wisconsin’s Main Street communities to take an area of downtown that is unattractive and not used well, and turn it into something that will help draw residents and visitors downtown,” Hughes said. ”The improvements being made don’t require huge investments. But those dollars and the changes made can pay off for our communities.”...
...Full Story Here
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Five Wisconsin non-profits aiming to improve help small businesses grow are getting grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. W E D C entrepreneurship director Ed Javier says the 170-thousand dollars in grants doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s being targeted to places where it can do the most good. “This is kind of like in the startup world, we call this kind of like the pilots, right? Where to see if, hey, they have an idea of increasing entrepreneurship for the state. Let’s give them some funding to try it.”
...Full Story Here
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 MILWAUKEE, FEB. 24, 2022 –The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) was honored with two awards from the Greater Milwaukee Urban League (GMUL) Wednesday during the League’s annual Equal Opportunity Day Salute to Excellence. The League presented WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes with the Excellence in Community and Economic Development Award for WEDC’s work to address the needs of diverse businesses and chambers of commerce and for the organization’s efforts to advance worker retention and recruitment following the COVID-19 pandemic...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Congrats...
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 MILWAUKEE, WI. FEB. 9, 2022 – A Workforce Innovation Grant of up to $3.3 million is helping launch the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee’s new Ready Center and a collaboration between schools, employers and others to help young people find a career path. “To be successful and find the right career, young people need to learn about many career fields and to have mentors who are successful in their careers,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “The Ready Center Collective will give youth exposure to many careers, help them choose a field that’s right for them and then give them the training and work experience needed to successfully launch their career.”...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This is a great idea, I hope we can track OUTCOMES as well as investments.
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 Starting or expanding a business can feel overwhelming. The following
standard items (and sometimes more) are often recommended or needed to
start a business or obtain financing:
- Business plan
- Financial projections (for at least three years)
- In-order personal finances, including a personal financial statement
- Entity documents
You may look at this list and wonder what goes into putting together a business plan or financial projections, and find yourself intimidated to take the next step.
Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone – there are myriad local resources and experts ready and waiting to help guide you through the process. Following are some in Dane County, geared solely to helping you and your operation achieve success...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Great article and great resources... Save/share this article!
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 KENOSHA, WI. FEB. 1, 2022 – In 2019 when Kenny Harper decided to quit his full-time job to go into business for himself, he just wanted to focus on tax preparation and selling insurance. And while Harper does do both of those things, it’s turned out he spends much of his time at work educating. “People don’t understand how credit works,” said Harper, who owns Harper Tax and Financial Literacy Group in Kenosha. “People don’t understand how important a budget is.” As a Black business owner, Harper said he believes it’s important to help youth get work experience. Working with an area nonprofit, he helped teach financial literacy to a group of 11 to 17-year-olds. When the course was finished, the class had created 12 businesses – all owned by youth under age 18...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We talk about Foxconn, while our success lies in Exact Science and EPIC. Not to mention Kohl`s, HD, Johnson Controls, Menard`s, Kohler, Cellular Logistics, Braun, Regal, Plexus, the Paper Industry, Dairy, Beer, Tools, Engines....
Grown in Wisconsin...
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WEDC offers Wisconsin businesses access to tools and resources to support their growth and development. Why? Because small businesses are the heart and soul of Wisconsin’s economy and communities. Their success stories matter. Whatever chapter you’ve reached in your business story—business plan development, location expansion, job creation or training—you’ll find resources and support available to you when you contact WEDC. We’ve assisted small businesses across the state with the grants, strategy development, access to expertise, and export assistance they need as they write their success stories. We see the hard work you put into your businesses, and we’re here to support you every page of the way.... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, WI. JAN. 27, 2022 – Fred’s Beds in downtown Mayville has been named the winner of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) annual Main Street Makeover Contest. Janine and Jeff Andes opened their furniture shop in downtown Mayville in 2015. The business is housed in a historic building previously owned by Jeff’s father, Fred Andes, for whom the business was named. Since the opening, the business has grown from a part-time operation to a full-time business, with Janine taking over as full-time manager. The dramatic increase in home renovations during the pandemic has helped make Fred’s Beds’ expansion possible, but it has also created challenges in display and merchandising as the range of products and amount of inventory have increased...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Congrats...
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 Wisconsin’s FaBcap Accelerator program has expanded nationally and is now serving six times as many businesses across the U.S. Instead of serving the usual group of 10 businesses, FaBcap will now assist 60 businesses in the food and beverage industries. Four cohorts of 15 will be grouped by specialty: two for food/beverage businesses, one for value-added agriculture, and one for processing/supporting technology businesses. The FaBcap Accelerator is offered in collaboration with the Food Finance Institute (FFI) and financed by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC).... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This has been a great program. Food and beverage is a tough market. I wish we could get a small piece of the company future profits to fund an even larger program.
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Gov. Tony Evers and WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes announce grant for Prairie du Chien, visit expanded dental clinic in Dodgeville PRAIRIE DU CHIEN — Gov. Tony Evers today, together with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, visited Prairie du Chien to announce a $250,000 state grant to help transform a blighted shopping mall into a vibrant commercial development and 96 affordable, family apartments. “Quality, affordable family housing is a necessity for building thriving communities, and this project is a great example of how providing access to quality, affordable housing can address local workforce challenges,” said Gov. Evers. “... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Much talk, but until the State and communities invest in land the developers will continue to control what gets built and the margins are not in workforce housing. MOST Healthcare in still purchased by the employer and we are not improving their options. We are throwing billions around without a real plan.
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 Exact Sciences plans to add to its
west-side Madison campus with a research and development facility (the
Research and Development Center of Excellence), lab and warehouse. "Since
relocating to Wisconsin in 2009, Exact Sciences has grown from a
handful of people into a worldwide team focused on eradicating cancer
and the suffering it causes,” said Kevin Conroy, Chairman and CEO, Exact
Sciences in a Thursday statement. “Continued investments in our
Wisconsin-based people and facilities will accelerate the development of
new cancer tests and ensure we continue providing world-class service
and critical answers to patients.”
To help the effort along, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
recently authorized increasing the company`s Enterprise Zone tax
credits from $9 million to $27.5 million if the company meets its job
creation and investment goals in capital expenditures by 2025...
...Full Story Here
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 Muscoda and Platteville, Wis. – On Wednesday, January 5, Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Joel Brennan and incoming DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld made stops to celebrate recent public infrastructure grants for community development block grant (CDBG) projects in Muscoda and Boscobel, ongoing campus expansion at UW-Platteville, and local businesses that received pandemic assistance. Wisconsin Economic Development Council (WEDC) Secretary Missy Hughes joined the first stop in Muscoda, to speak with CDBG recipients at the Muscoda Public Library. The Village of Muscoda was the recipient of a $1 million grant awarded in 2021 for the construction of a new water tower. The library site was renovated through a previous CDBG grant in 2015, supporting downtown revitalization efforts. The City of Boscobel received a $643,205 CDBG grant for street and utility infrastructure repairs...
...Full Story Here
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January 11, 2022 – Good morning, Chairman Kooyenga and Members of the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Revenue. Thank you for taking the time today to discuss two pieces of legislation intended to improve access and opportunities for Wisconsin’s start-up business communities and investors. I will provide information on both bills in my testimony today. Recent years have demonstrated exceptional growth for investments in Wisconsin startups. Using data provided by the Wisconsin Technology Council, in 2020, more than $485 million were invested in more than 114 companies. While we are still finalizing 2021 figures, preliminary estimates show investors provided more than $675 million to 100 early-stage Wisconsin companies – a 40% increase in one year. These results are up from $209 million invested in 2015. In short, investments in Wisconsin entrepreneurs and innovators are strong and growing, a testament, at least part, to the work being done by WEDC and Governor Evers’ administration. ...Full Story Here
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Muscoda and Platteville, Wis. – On Wednesday, January 5, Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Joel Brennan and incoming DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld made stops to celebrate recent public infrastructure grants for community development block grant (CDBG) projects in Muscoda and Boscobel, ongoing campus expansion at UW-Platteville, and local businesses that received pandemic assistance. Wisconsin Economic Development Council (WEDC) Secretary Missy Hughes joined the first stop in Muscoda, to speak with CDBG recipients at the Muscoda Public Library. The Village of Muscoda was the recipient of a $1 million grant awarded in 2021 for the construction of a new water tower. The library site was renovated through a previous CDBG grant in 2015, supporting downtown revitalization efforts. The City of Boscobel received a $643,205 CDBG grant for street and utility infrastructure repairs...
...Full Story Here
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MILTON, WI. JAN. 4, 2022 – A century-old historic building in downtown Milton will be brought back to life as a classic car showroom and parts dealership with the help of an $88,800 state grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The Community Development Investment Grant will support the $177,600 renovation of the vacant, two-story building at 645 College St., in an area that has lacked public investment and where many buildings have been vacant or underused for decades. “Communities such as Milton need private and public funding to the spur additional investment that ensures thriving downtowns,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “WEDC is committed to partnering with communities and businesses to stimulate the kind of private investment that builds thriving communities, economic success and growth.”...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Attention communities, make sure you are at the table as money is being distributed, have a good REAL proposal and the ability to get it done. Contact your local ED professional or WEDC rep...
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MADISON, WI. DEC. 28, 2021 – The Access Dodgeville Dental Clinic will be able to take on an additional 1,500 to 2,000 patients annually — many of them low-income individuals — in an expansion made possible through a $250,000 state grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The City of Dodgeville will receive a Community Development Investment Grant from WEDC to help make the $774,885 clinic expansion a reality... ...Full Story Here
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 With pandemic relief aid from WEDC, new businesses join older ones to recharge downtownAfter six years of cutting hair in his home country of Macedonia, Mendim Tairi emigrated to the United States and began working in the trade in Wisconsin — in Janesville for a year, then moving to Prairie du Chien, where a close friend from his native land owned a restaurant.
There Tairi took a job cutting hair at a discount salon inside the local Walmart store. But he always hoped to open his own shop. After four years, the opportunity arrived in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic didn’t deter Mendim or his wife, Melissa, a native of the area whom he met and married. “It’s different when you work for yourself,” Mendim says as he tidies up the shop after a customer. “It’s better.”..
...Full Story Here
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 Georgia-Pacific will invest $500 million in a new paper machine and paper converting equipment at its paper mill in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The project is expected to create roughly 150 jobs. According to company officials, the investments will greatly enhance the company’s retail consumer tissue and towel business. Engineering and related work is beginning immediately, with startup of the new machine scheduled for the first half of 2024. “This truly is an investment in our customers and consumers who value the quality of our products,” said Christian Fischer, Georgia-Pacific president and CEO. “We appreciate the local community, Brown County, state officials and all of our employees’ hard work and efforts to continue making our Green Bay Broadway mill more competitive for the long-term.”...
Press Release Here:
...Full Story HereKen Notes: For those interested I also publish WisconsinPaperNews.com, far more detail on the pulp and paper industry in Wisconsin, you can subscribe at the link.
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 LISBON, WI. DEC. 22, 2021 – Wikoff Color Corporation, an ink and print company, is constructing a new, 40,000-square-foot plant in Lisbon. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the project by authorizing up to $200,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Wikoff Color will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period. “The investment by Wikoff Color solidifies the company’s continued commitment to Wisconsin and is a testament to the strength of our manufacturing industry,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “This investment is the latest example of the many forward-looking companies choosing to expand operations in Wisconsin because of our state’s lead in flexible packaging and our strength in the food-and-beverage sector.”...
...Full Story Here
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MILWAUKEE, WI. DEC. 20, 2021 – Silicon Valley company OpenGov, whose leading cloud-based software helps government agencies operate more efficiently and transparently, is adding 65 full-time employees at its Milwaukee office and plans to have 100 employees there within three years with the help of tax credits from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “Attracting businesses to Wisconsin is one of WEDC’s central missions and we are gratified that the state continues to be an attractive destination for companies seeking highly-skilled employees,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO. WEDC has authorized $350,000 in business development tax credits if OpenGov meets its job creation commitment within three years...
...Full Story Here
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 Northwood Technical College is participating in an initiative funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. as part of a $10 million Workforce Innovation Grant. The RESTORE (Restoring Employment through Support, Training, Outreach, Recruitment and Education) project is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Gov. Tony Evers announced the recipients of the three-year grant during a news conference on Dec. 14. The application, which was led by Chippewa Valley Technical College, was one of the final 12 chosen to receive award funding out of the 130 total applications. The purpose of the Workforce Innovation Grant Program is to help the regions of Wisconsin address and solve the critical workforce shortage in the manufacturing industry “by financially supporting collaborative, sustainable and innovative pandemic-recovery plans developed by regional organizations,” according to the WEDC website.... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. recognized seven business officials for their services to minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses in Wisconsin. WEDC recognized the officials during the 40th Governor’s Conference on Diverse Business Development this week at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. This event celebrates minority-, woman-, veteran- and LGBTQ-owned businesses, and connects businesses with new opportunities through networking, buyer meetings and workshops.... ...Full Story Here
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 Regional collaborators offer training, other solutions to address yawning jobs gapPrograms to train manufacturing skills, expand the health care workforce and provide skills training to people in prison as well as support after their release were some of the projects that will share in nearly $60 million in state grants awarded Tuesday to address workforce challenges underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What the pandemic really revealed was what we thought were individual problems were really much larger than that,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC), in an interview. “And so we need real investments to try to solve them.”...
See Also:
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I like Kurt, but I have not see a lot of private sector efforts to solve the worker shortage problem. WMC could lead the charge in Apprenticeship, School to Work Transitional Programs, Retaining Wisconsin Grads, Affordable Housing Options, Better Planning, Growing Businesses, Start Up Funding.
Compare WMC efforts to the Wisconsin Technology Council to get an idea of what proactive efforts can yield.
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 As reported by WisPolitics.com,
Sen. Roger Roth says a new bill would help Wisconsin show support for
Taiwanese democracy while improving trade. The Appleton Republican in a
Senate Housing, Commerce and Trade Committee public hearing said SB 659
would foster a mutually beneficial relationship between Wisconsin`s
agricultural industry and Taiwan`s semiconductor industry while growing
other trade opportunities. The bill would also require the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation to fund and create an office to foster
that relationship. WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes during the meeting said
creating the new trade office would require WEDC to direct funds away
from existing economic development projects because it lacks sufficient
funding to do otherwise. Roth also said the bill would help address the
ongoing semiconductor chip shortage that has slowed manufacturing across
the globe.
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 MADISON – Governor Scott Walker, Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Ben Brancel, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Mark R. Hogan will visit six cheese companies throughout the state today as part of the Wisconsin’s Dairy Month activities.
During the “Wisconsin Cheese Day” tour, Governor Walker, Secretaries
Brancel and Hogan, and other officials are visiting the companies to
highlight the importance of the cheese industry to Wisconsin’s economy
and to acknowledge the cheesemakers’ contributions to the industry. Also
taking part in the tour are DATCP Deputy Secretary Jeff Lyon and WEDC Deputy Secretary and COO Tricia Braun.
They are being joined by leaders from the dairy and cheese industry,
local and regional economic development organizations, state
legislators, and the University of Wisconsin... More here: Walker, Brancel Celebrate `WI Cheese Day` with Industry Tours
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We need to do more of this.
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 MADISON, WI. APRIL. 27, 2021 – A process that will help shape the future of Wisconsin’s forests and forest products industry begins with your ideas. In collaboration with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the Wisconsin Council on Forestry will host two virtual listening sessions to gather ideas and input from the forest products industry, conservationists, recreation enthusiasts and residents. The sessions will take place on May 6 from 2 to 4 p.m., and on May 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. Governor Tony Evers is scheduled to participate in the May 6 session, and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes is scheduled to join the May 11 session....
...Full Story HereKen Notes: I cover this in far more detail in another publication, 5PNews.com. Please subscribe if you are interested in the Paper, Pulp, Printing, Packaging, and Plastic industries...
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 Early Wednesday morning Wisconsin Development News was among the first to report that Tony Evers had been elected. In that post I inadvertently used the word "dump" in reference the 1:00 am Milwaukee ballots. I would like assure my readers that no disrespect was intended, I was watching the returns until very late (early) and was seeing a few hundred votes at a time shift the lead back and forth until the Milwaukee ballots gave Governor Elect Evers the lead for good. At the time I was (and am) actually excited about seeking a place at the table regarding the reshaping of economic policy and WEDC, bringing more local professionals intoo the tent, and creating a level playing field for ALL business. This is something I have been advocating for this since the creation of the organization ( See my article from 2012). I would also like to explore Apprenticeship, and Environmental issues with the new administration. My readers should note I have been writing about these issues for more than ten years now. If you have input in the new administration regarding these specific issues, please pass along my willingness to participate at any level. WDNGreen.com and WisconsinDevelopment.com will continue to advocate for business, the environment and Wisconsin. I have no current political agenda or bias other than that of a pro environment, pro business, pro education, fiscal conservative who loves Wisconsin. These positions have left me adrift in a sea of partisan politics.
Again my apology for the use of the word "dump", as my grammar will attest in the post, at that hour my command of the English language was at best a struggle. Still is, but I would be happy to bring my grammatical faux pas to your group or organization.
Ken Harwood Editor WisconsinDevelopment.com and WDNGreen.com
...Full Story Here
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 Ken Harwood
Advocating for Wisconsin
Ken [at] KenHarwood.com
608.334.2174
This Weeks Articles...Listen Live Saturday from 10AM until Noon
On 92.7 FM Madison or 101.5 FM Milwaukee
or online live at Talk927FM.com
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 Lisa Mauer to serve as board presidentLisa Mauer, chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based Rickert
Industries, was elected president of the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation board of directors.
The board elected new officers at its meeting Thursday at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Mauer replaces Dan Ariens, Ariens Co. president and CEO, who was
elected vice chairman. Nancy Hernandez, president and founder of
Milwaukee-based ABRAZO Multicultural Marketing and Communication, was
re-elected secretary, and David Drury, a partner with Milwaukee-based
Wing Capital Group, was re-elected treasurer.
Mauer has been on the board since 2011 and pledged to focus on the
strategic positioning of WEDC “as it continues to grow and make a
tremendous difference in Wisconsin’s economic development landscape.” ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Welcome and congrats.
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A site developed for Milwaukee but helpful for everyone StayHomeMKE.comIf you or someone you know needs assistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free childcare or other essential services, follow this link or call 211 to speak to someone who can help. 211wisconsin.communityos.org/
211 connects you with thousands of nonprofit and government services in your area. If you want personal assistance call the three-digit number 211 or 877-947-2211. A friendly voice to talk with you 24/7/365. The COVID-19 Information and Resources page deals with information and help specific to Covid-19.
Ken Notes: Please be very careful when someone offers assistance for a fee. Deal ONLY with advisors you know and trust.
I will keep this page updated and at the top of WisconsinDevelopment.com until the crisis passes.
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MADISON, WI. OCT. 26, 2020 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is now accepting applications for the fifth year of its Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program, which provides funding to help public schools build or expand fab labs. The grant program supports hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education by assisting public school districts with equipment purchases for instructional and educational purposes in fab labs. Fab labs are high-tech workshops with the latest equipment, including computer-controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser engravers and computer numerical control routers. WEDC’s investment in the program puts fab labs within reach for schools that might otherwise not have the financial means to install such facilities. WEDC will provide grants of up to $25,000 to public school districts, or up to $50,000 to consortiums of two or more districts, for the creation and/or expansion of fab labs. For this year’s funding cycle, applicants are being asked to match 50% of the amount of grant funds requested. For example, if your district is requesting a grant of $25,000, the district must provide a match of at least $12,500. The funds may be used to purchase equipment used for instructional and educational purposes by elementary, middle, junior high, or high school students...
...More information on the program, including application details, can be found at wedc.org/fablabs. The deadline is Jan. 8.
Ken Notes: This is a great opportunity for business leaders to talk to and work with their local schools. This is an interesting program, but the key to success to having graduates ready to work or continue their education is to have businesses at the table and visiting the classroom to present options and required skill sets for the students. As jobs become more technical, teachers are struggling with what skills best enable the students. If we as a business community do not get involved, the skills gap will only widen.
Also a note to Marketing Directors Everywhere - when sending a press release you may want to include a link to a photo, logo, or image in the text of the article. Since there are no more reporters, papers no longer have the time to rewrite or research the information. This is sad, wrong, and troublesome -- but true...
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MADISON – Wisconsin food, forestry and agriculture companies interested in developing their e-commerce capabilities to better target Chinese markets are invited to apply for grants through a pilot program administered by the Wisconsin International Agribusiness Center (IABC), a bureau of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Through the Global Business Development Program, administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), DATCP received $90,000 to help exporters of Wisconsin food, forestry, and agriculture products develop new e-commerce distribution channels in China. Wisconsin companies can apply for up to $9,000 each and are required to provide at least 30 percent in matching funds... ...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. JAN. 25, 2021 – The City of Superior is
receiving a $250,000 state grant to assist in the construction of a
60-unit Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in downtown Superior.
The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the partnership
between the City of Superior and Superior Hotel Group, LLC bring a
36,800 square-foot, four-story, upper-midscale Cobblestone Hotel &
Suites branded hotel to the downtown. The project is expected to be
completed by the end of 2021.
“A vibrant downtown is vital to a community’s overall economic
success, and the new Cobblestone Hotel & Suites will play a key role
in bringing more visitors to downtown Superior to enjoy the many
amenities the city has to offer,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO
of WEDC. “This is the latest example of WEDC’s ongoing commitment to
help communities throughout the state revitalize their business
districts.”... See Also: ...Full Story Here
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Organizations working with minority, women and LGBTQ businesses
encouraged to apply for the targeted Entrepreneurship Support Grants
MADISON, WI. FEB. 8, 2021 – The Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) plans to award a total of roughly
$200,000 in matching grants to groups working to increase
entrepreneurship opportunities for communities of color, women, veterans
and LGBTQ individuals.
The competitive awards are the second phase of WEDC’s 2021
Entrepreneurship Support Grants. They are the first awards of this type
designed specifically for groups helping to create and grow diversely
owned businesses in Wisconsin... ...Full Story Here
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The City of Mayville is receiving a $137,500 state grant to help
renovate a building to be used for a coffeehouse in downtown Mayville.
The Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant from the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the first phase of
renovations for the historical downtown building, which will be used by
Mayville Open Door Inc. Mayville Open Door is looking to expand The Open
Door Coffeehouse from its current location.
“A vibrant downtown is crucial to a city’s overall economic health
and its quality of life, which is why one of WEDC’s top priorities is to
support communities throughout the state as they invest in improving
their business districts,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC.
“This project will not only preserve a historical building and bring
new business to downtown Mayville, but it will also serve as a gathering
place and foster a sense of community.” ...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. APRIL 5, 2021 – The Sow’s Ear, a yarn
and coffee shop in downtown Verona, has been named the winner in the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) inaugural Main
Street Mini-Makeover contest.
An outgrowth of the popular Main Street Makeover contest, the
Mini-Makeover was designed specifically to benefit retailers who want a
new look in anticipation of welcoming customers back this summer. The
larger makeover contest generally requires a full-scale remodel and has
substantial costs, while the mini-makeover will provide a simpler
merchandising refresh.
“For every business able and willing to undertake the commitment of a
full makeover, there are many that would benefit equally from a simpler
approach,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “Helping
businesses refresh and update their look is one of the ways WEDC can
help keep our downtowns vibrant.” ...Full Story Here
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A bipartisan group of supporters headed by eight former secretaries of
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. or its predecessor, the
Wisconsin Department of Commerce, are supporting the creation of a
state-backed “fund of funds” to invest in early-stage companies...
...“Throughout its history, Wisconsin has been at the forefront of
innovation,” said current WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “Governor
Evers’ proposed $100 million venture capital fund would allow Wisconsin
entrepreneurs to secure needed next-step financing from in-state
sources so they don’t have to look to – or move to – the coasts for
capital.”
The Wisconsin Fund Coalition is a group of people, companies and
organizations formed to advance legislative discussion of a state budget
proposal to invest $100 million in a privately matched, venture capital
fund of funds. The idea is contained in Gov. Tony Evers’ 2021-23 budget
bill. The state investment would be matched by private dollars at a
2-to-1 ratio over the course of the fund.
The Wisconsin Fund would be along the lines of what nearby states –
Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois – and others have done to attract
outside dollars and to grow young companies.
Thus far, more than 50 people, companies or organizations are supporting the Wisconsin Fund Coalition. Learn more and join at https://wisconsinfundcoalition.com/
Ken Notes: Strong potential here, I hope we can keep politics out of the mix, but here I am skeptical...
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MADISON, WI. June 16, 2021 – Moores on Main in downtown Ashland
unveiled its new look today following the completion of the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) sixth annual Main Street
Makeover Contest.
“Small businesses like Moores on Main are key drivers of Wisconsin’s
economy,” said Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, who attended today’s ribbon
cutting with WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “These design
improvements won’t just benefit Moores on Main but will also support
other downtown businesses that serve the customers the shop brings in.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: It is important for communities and businesses to take advantage of these programs...
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MADISON, WI. JUNE 14, 2021 – A successful seed accelerator program based in Milwaukee is heading north with help from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and its Key Strategic Partners. Blueprint Green Bay will focus on businesses developing new technology or working in e-commerce or advanced manufacturing. The initiative, which provides entrepreneurship training and helps plug entrepreneurs into networking and funding opportunities, will target businesses owned by people of color, women and veterans. “This program is a first for the Green Bay area and it’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to help entrepreneurs of all backgrounds succeed,” said Sam Rikkers, WEDC deputy secretary and chief operating officer, who will be speaking at the Blueprint Green Bay announcement 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Urban Hub, 340 N. Broadway, Green Bay. “Blueprint is an excellent example of how we work with our regional and local partners to ensure economic well-being for all Wisconsinites.”...
...Full Story Here
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 The rollout of the “Think. Make. Happen.” initiative at the Future
Wisconsin Summit is the latest effort to pitch Wisconsin as a place for
young workers to find opportunity, to put down roots and to balance life
and career... ...Solving Wisconsin’s workforce puzzle will require keeping more
students and young people at home by exposing them to overlooked
opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, building trades,
health care and tech.... ...As “Think. Make. Happen.” unfolds, look for WEDC and others to paint a
richer picture of what Wisconsin offers in terms of education, careers,
community and quality of life. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Tom again is on topic. I hope we revisit a much more robust apprenticeship program, and I would like to see my idea of a tax credit for interest on student loans coming directly off Wisconsin taxes. Oh and a non political tax credit for NEW jobs not the current who knows who system of working with WEDC and the legislature.
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 The Superior City Council decided Tuesday to join with the state in
efforts to recover millions in loans awarded to an aircraft company for
jobs that never materialized. The Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation said it would pursue legal action against Kestrel Aircraft Company last fall.
Kestrel Aircraft Company was issued $4 million in loans by the state
in addition to a $2.6 million loan it received from the city of Superior
and a roughly half-million-dollar loan from Douglas County. The
governments announced their support in 2012 with the hopes the company
would build an airplane manufacturing facility for its single-engine
turboprop plane, the Kestrel 350. The deal was anticipated to create
more than 600 jobs in Superior. However, the company employs a fraction
of those workers and hasn’t made loan payments since late 2016... ...Full Story Here
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Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Eight years ago Governor Walker entered office with a slightly flawed proposal for a high speed rail corridor from Chicago to Minneapolis sitting on his desk. He stopped the project – that was a mistake. We now know that the “New Commerce” needs a low cost, high speed, coast to coast delivery system for goods and this piece of the puzzle would have put Wisconsin at the top of list for distribution not to mention new manufacturing and assembly opportunities. Governor Walker could have ensured the rail system was used to help Wisconsin businesses by implementing a few adjustments to the original proposal – he did not. Today newly elected Governor Evers will find a flawed economic development corporation (WEDC) sitting on his desk. He is proposing eliminating the entity – that would be a mistake. To compete for jobs and encourage new companies to come to Wisconsin we need an organization that can both shepherd them through the process and offer State and local incentives that will help them build, expand and hire new employees while still benefiting the local community and the State. Tony Evers has a real opportunity to change WEDC for the better – he may not. WEDC needs to change and I have written about these changes before, but eliminating the organization and returning the functions to the even more bureaucratic departments of Commerce and Administration – would be a mistake. At this point I am tempted to simply insert the article I wrote six years ago and I promise it would stand up today. Instead I will offer just a few observations and suggestions that I hope someone will pass along. First we need to bring an economic development team to the entire state. Today we have independent professionals in most counties and major cities. I propose that these non-government employees become a part of a truly independent WEDC. Salaries and benefits would be paid in part by the local communities and in part by WEDC. (A note to Tony: This would be equivalent to the CESA or UW Extension systems now used by schools and local government). These professionals would work locally but would come to Madison regularly to develop strategies and learn all the tools at their disposal. Next we need to recreate and redistribute the tools. Tax incremental finance laws need to be rewritten to mirror how they are actually used successfully today. We need to remove the politics from new jobs tax credits and make these credits available to all growing companies who are willing to work with the State and local communities and pay a good wage. Finally we need to track and facilitate the distribution of thousands of other benefits and programs. From federal Community Development Block Grants and Small Business Development Programs to local development programs, there are funds available that will require a unified effort to track, apply for and administer. We also need to track and control our efforts. A simple database of every company, incentives received, taxable value on brick and mortar and number of new employees should be easy to create and maintain. The current WEDC sent me a spreadsheet with some of this data and then got upset when I reported that they had given millions to a company who failed to move to Wisconsin. Speaking of failure, we need to tie all of our incentives to measurable objectives. Doing this correctly will not require claw-backs, lawsuits, and vanishing funds. We also need to partner with banks, angel investors, and “Mr. Wonderful of Shark Tank” to bring the expertise they offer to the table. If these entities do not see the value in a proposal we should take that as a hint that we may not want to invest either. So here is the challenge. Governor Evers, you can be political and remove a flawed WEDC and return our economic development efforts to the hundreds of disjointed entities currently in place – or you can be be a public servant and unify our efforts across the State to actually support the businesses that will provide jobs that will generate the taxes you need to accomplish your greater agenda. Do you build the railroad or derail the train??? Ken Harwood Editor and Publisher WisconsinDevelopment.com ...Full Story Here
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This op-ed is about
the WEDC but you will need to get to the end of my story to find out how. In the
90’s I served on a school board for 8 years, and was active at both
the State and Local levels. I was an advocate for students first,
faculty and staff second, and taxpayers (my actual bosses) third. I
took all these responsibilities very seriously and to the best of my
ability equally. Education was served and managed then, as it is now,
by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). I believe education
was well served.
That said, the DPI
on more than one occasion drove me crazy. I felt the DPI supported
teacher mandates, property tax increases, and often, I felt they
placed the student lower on their priority list than they should have.
They were in charge of implementing hundreds of federal mandates (the
Title Programs), grants and special funding. All of this came with
strings and complexities that made being a public servant challenging and the DPI very very necessary and often even more frustrating.
During my tenure I
served on the School Board Association`s State Legislative committee and we
often debated the role of DPI and the State Superintendent and
whether the State legislature and governor should have more control. One of my favorite
memories from that period was anytime I got to sit in a room where
both Bert Grover and Tommy Thompson were both at the table. What I
learned was that it was not easy being in either position. They
discussed, argued, and even fought – but in the end they
most often compromised and the student, teacher, taxpayer triumvirate was well
served. We had one of the best public education systems in the
nation. I voted to maintain this separation of church and state -- even
though it often made my job on the school board more complicated.
Today we are dealing
with an educational system where the triumvirate balance has been
disturbed by a non compromising legislature and the business system
has been challenged by a new administration promising change. Now
the DPI and WEDC will both need to change moving forward. The
challenge is to remember the balance in the mix. We as a government
must administer the complexity of the system: Taxes, Mandates, Local
Government, Rules and Regulations, Grants, Leadership, Communication and
Support.
I do not see this
going well and already the legislature has jumped into full battle
mode with special legislative session that will not serve businesses
as much as it will agitate the incumbent who has said he
will challenge this in court.
Moving forward my crystal ball suggests that for the next four years any increased
funding for DPI or Local Schools will not survive even the finance
committee much less the legislature. I also predict that any
business or economic development support items inserted into the budget will be line item vetoed by the
new Governor. I do not see any winners in this new scenario, but I
know students and business will not fare well. Taxpayers will get
less and pay more, and “Public Servants” are a dying breed.
I miss Bert and
Tommy... Ken Harwood Advocate for Wisconsin, ED professional, former Mayor, former School Board Member and Editor of this publication....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This may reprinted, edited or shared without any further permissions...
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MADISON, WI. Oct. 25, 2019– Eight Wisconsin
businesses received top honors in the 2019 MARKETPLACE Governor’s Awards
competition, which recognizes outstanding businesses owned by
minorities, women and service-disabled veterans.
The awards were presented by Governor Tony Evers and Missy Hughes,
secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC), on Thursday, Oct. 24, at MARKETPLACE 2019, the Governor’s
Conference on Minority Business Development, which was held at the
Potawatomi Hotel & Conference Center in Milwaukee. The 2019 Outstanding Business award winners are:
Large Business
WBE: Coakley Brothers and Brothers Interiors – Milwaukee
MBE: Greenfire Management – Milwaukee
(There was no SDVB winner in this category.)
Small Business
MBE: PeroDigm Design Studio LLC – Cambridge
WBE: Red Shoes Inc. – Appleton
SDVB: Nagel Architects LLC – Elm Grove
Rising Star
MBE: LEDSENS LLC dba Safelumin – Oconomowoc
WBE: Genesis Health Consulting LLC – Milwaukee
SDVB: Saving Ourselves LLC– Milwaukee ...Full Story Here
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Madison, WI – The Madison Region Economic Partnership
(MadREP) continues its partnership with the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC), Wisconsin’s eight other regional
economic development organizations (EDOs) and UW-Oshkosh to create and
distribute a data collection tool to businesses in the Region who are
experiencing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The
fourth observation period of a statewide survey, measuring the economic
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wisconsin businesses, is underway. The survey is open – for both past participants and new participants – until July 20.Those businesses who took part in the initial observation period should go to http://uwo.sh/covid-19-econ-july to share their current situation. Interested businesses who previously did not participate are encouraged to do so at http://uwosh.edu/ccrs/covid-19-survey... ...Full Story Here
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...Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Missy Hughes last week
answered questions from lawmakers and their staff in the chat function
of a virtual meeting, one of which: If schools don’t open, how will
parents work?..
... Noah’s Ark Waterpark To Close Until Further Notice ...
...Hiring 400 people, expanding production, Generac’s standby generator business booms as consumers spend more time at home...
...Bucks reopening pro shop at Fiserv Forum; Packers to reopen Lambeau and Titletown District...
...The economy is in record decline, but not for the tech giants...
...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
will host an informational workshop Friday, Oct. 19, in Superior on
supply chain readiness.
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is an
absolute disaster. If it were a ship it would be the Titanic. If it were
a college football team it would be the Wisconsin Badgers under Don
Morton. If it were music it would be Barry Manilow.
Okay, that’s unfair to Barry Manilow. I apologize to all his fans out there.
The brainchild of former Gov. Scott Walker, who created it in 2011 to
replace the old Commerce Department, the WEDC is supposed to be some
sort of private-public partnership and therefore somehow lighter on its
feet than a regular state agency. In practice, the WEDC is making a
pretty strong case for regular state agencies.
The latest report
from the respected Legislative Audit Bureau shows an organization that
is being incompetently managed, if you can say it is being managed at
all...
...Full Story HereKen Notes: Barry Manilow??? Dave proves his premise is wrong in his own analogy. I.e. "If it (WEDC) were a college football team it would be the Wisconsin Badgers under Don Morton". We didn`t suggest the UW abandon football we got a new coach, new administrative leadership, better player and went on to kick some Ohio ass!!! That is what we need to do with WEDC!
Dave is a very smart guy, but ending WEDC is not the answer -- recreating WEDC is, in fact I wrote about this awhile back -- Don`t kill WEDC — make it better So tweet or re-post this with the heading Dave Cieslewicz suggested UW eliminate it`s football program...
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 The City of Delavan is receiving a $250,000 state grant to help
finance the redevelopment of the historic George W. Borg Corporation
facility into a new mixed-use apartment building.
The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the renovation and
adaptive reuse of an important historic building into the new Brass
Works Apartments, located at 820 East Wisconsin Street in Delavan...
...Full Story Here
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The latest investment overview from the Wisconsin Technology Council
shows a “slight downtick” in the number of deals made last year, though
the average size for those deals increased.
That’s according to Tom Still, president of the Tech Council. He gave
a preview of the group’s yearly Wisconsin Portfolio publication
yesterday at a luncheon in Madison. The full report is set to be
published in about a week.
Starting in 2012, Still said the investment picture in Wisconsin
began to show improvements in both the number and size of deals. Since
then, that growth has been “fairly steady — at least in terms of dollars
or deals or some combination thereof.” ... ...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is inviting
Wisconsin companies seeking to establish or expand their exporting
efforts to participate in a global trade venture to Australia from Nov.
15-23. The registration deadline is Sept. 6.
The trade venture will include visits to Sydney/New South Wales and
Melbourne, which are markets of particular opportunity for Wisconsin
companies. In each city, participating companies will be scheduled for
customized business meetings with potential local partners handpicked
for their companies by Wisconsin’s authorized trade representatives in
the markets, based on the company’s needs.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I wonder if they need a reporter/blogger??
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Businesses that suffered damage during the July 18 storms and their
aftermath in west central and north central Wisconsin will be eligible
for no-interest microloans to help cover repair costs, the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced.
The WEDC Board of Directors has allocated $1 million in funding for
the Disaster Recovery Microloan (DRM) Program to assist businesses
damaged by the severe weather.
Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency due to the extreme
severe weather, which began on July 18 and continued for the next few
days... ...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI.– The City of Ashland is receiving a $155,400 state grant
to help finance the renovation of an existing commercial building into a
brand-new child care facility.
The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support a complete interior
renovation of the future EverGrow Learning Center (EGLC) near the
downtown area in order to serve the residents of Ashland and surrounding
communities with adequate childcare options, thus allowing for
increased participation in the labor force. ...Full Story Here
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WEDC’s new CEO stressed the importance of strategic alignment among
leadership, board members and staff at the agency’s latest board
meeting.
Missy Hughes called the WEDC board “a key stakeholder” in the overall
strategy of the organization, after being welcomed by the 18-member
board yesterday.
“I have no idea what’s happened in the past, but it’s my intention
that … we will have alignment on the strategy and that you will all be
supporters of that out in the universe for the organization, and really
help us expand our voice,” she said. “If we’re not aligned on it, it’s
going to be hard for everybody to do that.”
See more:
See the full report:
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Save this article and links for future reference.
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MADISON, WI. Dec. 16, 2016 – Seven Wisconsin
businesses received top honors in the 2016 Marketplace Governor’s Awards
competition, which recognizes outstanding businesses owned by
minorities, women and service-disabled veterans.
The awards were presented by the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) this week at MARKETPLACE 2016, the Governor’s
Conference on Minority Business Development, which was held at the
Potawatomi Hotel and Conference Center in Milwaukee. WEDC organized and
hosted the conference in partnership with public and private
organizations that support the development of diverse businesses.....
RAMS Contracting LTD
M Squared Engineering LLC
Maldonado and Morgan LLC
Wisconsin Interstate Contracting LLC ...Full Story Here
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MADISON, Wis - The Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation is helping 11 organizations develop and expand programs
aimed at growing entrepreneurship throughout the state. WEDC`s
new Entrepreneurship Support pilot program is awarding the
organizations $500,000 in grants to help fund programs that promote
entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial education, mentorship and training,
business development and financial services. “Much of the
economic growth the state has experienced over the last six years is a
result of the efforts of the state’s entrepreneurs as they develop
innovative products and services to meet the changing demands of their
customers,” Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch said in a release. “These grants
will enable organizations throughout the state to provide more resources
to support their local entrepreneurial community." ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: WEDC did a nice job with these grants and furthered many good programs. Lets hope the outcomes are as strong as the input! Congrats to all involved.
WDN ran this last week as well, but over 100 media outlets picked it up and ran it this week and I feel it is important we spread good news about the State.
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 Roger Luce, the
executive director of the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation
(OCEDC) and the Northeast Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(NEWEDC) will step aside next year and enjoy the retired life.
"April 27, 2018 will be my last day of employment," Luce told the board of directors at a joint meeting last week.
Luce
has served as executive director for both organizations for the past
six years and it was the dual role which drew him to the position. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: He will be missed!
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Appleton Lawmaker Criticizes Jobs Agency Over Job Losses In Her AreaWisconsin`s oft-criticized economic development agency is taking heat
again after a company that received hundreds of thousands of dollars in
state tax breaks announced substantial layoffs this week.
VF Corp. says that starting in June, 380 employees will lose their
jobs at its Fox Valley facility that makes collegiate apparel under
the JanSport brand. The North Carolina-based company received $248,735
in tax credits from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and
was eligible for up to $880,500.
Democrat state Rep. Amanda Stuck, who represents much of
Appleton, expressed frustration at the news, saying the tax incentives
were, "supposed to be for job creation and job retention. So they have
all this money now they`re walking away."
The JanSport facility is just outside of Stuck`s district but she
said it`s conceivable that some of her constituents work there.... Here is the much better Post-Crescent Article:
JanSport, a company that has been part of the manufacturing identity of
the Fox Cities since 1982, will cease operations in its Greenville
facility in the coming months, affecting 380 employees... ...While the manufacturing and retail portions of the business will be
gone, the company’s VF Outdoor facility on County CB near the airport
will continue to operate with 370 retained employees...
Ken Notes: READ MY LIPS, businesses fail, lots of businesses, good businesses, great businesses. It is a fact of life as sure as taxes and, well, death.
Companies do not take incentives with the intent of taking the money and running, their intent is to grow and succeed. This is especially true of Jansport who I consulted for in the 90`s. They are a great company and loved the Fox Valley. They prided themselves on the "Built in America" theme. But when Walmart and other can produce a similar product for half the price it is tough to compete. Surly this is not the fault of either WEDC or Jansprot or parent company VF Corp.
That said, Wisconsin could reward companies that are growing or starting out by offering tax credits for an increase in employees over a period of several years. When the employees are laid off the incentives stop. This system would stimulate growth, help secure traditional financing, and reward companies for success rather than their lobbing efforts. It would also help if WEDC publicly tracked their investment and the OUTCOMES.
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MADISON, Wis.- Gov. Scott Walker`s jobs
agency would be able to issue business loans again under provisions in
the state budget the Legislature`s finance committee approved Tuesday in
a sign that Republicans` faith Walker`s troubled flagship economic
engine is growing again.
The 2015-17 state budget
prohibited the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation from
originating new loans totaling more than $10 million in fiscal year
2015-16 and $5 million in 2016-17. The budget also prohibited WEDC from
issuing any new loans other than loans to develop technology after this
June 30.
WEDC has faced frequent
scrutiny over its operations since Gov. Scott Walker and Republican
lawmakers created the agency in July 2011 to replace the Department of
Commerce. The agency hasn`t recovered loans made to troubled companies,
gave out $126 million without a formal review and has experienced high
turnover in top positions. Republicans included the loan prohibitions in
the budget in response to the problems. They have allowed WEDC to
continue issue tax credits and grants, however.
Ken Notes: If they had a system to track the loans and the outcomes this would be a great program. I will even create it for them for free. We just want to know what was lent, to whom, to create how many jobs, and what is the current status of the project...
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MADISON - Wisconsin companies seeking to start or grow their
exporting efforts are invited to join Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation on a global trade
mission to Mexico from June 11-16. The registration deadline is May 12.... ...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is packing its bags and
heading overseas, bringing state businesses along to build international
trade. WEDC announced on Tuesday it will sponsor six global trade
ventures between September 2017 and June 2018, the first one heading to
Japan and South Korea.... ....The schedule includes: - Japan and South Korea Sept. 8-16, with stops in Tokyo and Seoul.
- Israel Oct. 26-Nov. 3, to Tel Aviv.
- Mexico Jan. 27-Feb. 3, 2018, going to Mexico City and Guadalajara.
- Canada March 18-23, 2018, going to Toronto and Winnipeg.
- China April 13-25, 2018, with stops in Shanghai, Ningbo, Harbin and Guangzhou.
- Germany June 23-30, 2018, with stops in Stuttgart, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: FYI I am available to attend and report on any or all of these... I`m just saying...
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin could sign a contract with electronics
giant Foxconn Technology Group this week, but it won’t be done in
public.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is meeting Thursday and
could sign the contract. Gov. Scott Walker signed a $3 billion incentive
package for Foxconn last week, setting the stage for approval of the
contract.
WEDC spokesman Mark Maley said Tuesday that the board will receive an
update on the project and could vote on the contract in closed session... ...Full Story Here
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In a
joint initiative aimed at addressing Wisconsin’s workforce development
needs, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the
University of Wisconsin System (UWS) on Oct. 4 announced the creation of
a new position that will lead and coordinate statewide efforts to
attract and retain talent for both organizations.The new talent
initiatives director will work with WEDC and the UWS Office of Economic
Development to help align local, regional and statewide talent and
workforce initiatives. The director will engage with organizations to
provide insight and policy development to support the talent needs of
Wisconsin’s businesses....
...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is now accepting applications
for its Certified In Wisconsin® Program, which designates industrial
parcels of 20 acres or more as being “development ready.”
The program has
played a key role in helping communities throughout the state attract
new companies by providing independent certification that a wide range
of concerns have been evaluated—environmental and geological factors,
transportation access, utility and infrastructure capacity, zoning, and
property rights—and that the site is ready for industrial development.
Wisconsin has 17 certified sites, with 21
development projects completed or underway that are expected to create
more than 2,200 jobs and generate more than $389 million in capital
investment... ...Full Story Here
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Local firms can learn more later this month about bidding for work on
Foxconn Technology Group’s $10 billion advanced manufacturing campus
under construction in Racine County.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has planned another round of
informational sessions, including one in Eau Claire, for companies
interested in doing business with Foxconn.
The local session will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, at
Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Energy Education Center, 4000 Campus
Road. The center hosted a similar session in late April... ...Full Story Here
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 WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes says the agency is exploring how to better support small rural manufacturers in Wisconsin. “What kinds of resources do they have? And how can we partner with resources like the tech colleges or the university system to make sure that we’re providing the support for these businesses?” she said yesterday during a meeting of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Board of Directors. Hughes highlighted the overlap between the state’s small business community and manufacturing sector, noting around 80 percent of the state’s 9,300 manufacturing companies have fewer than 50 employees...
...Full Story Here
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 Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday appointed Jack Salzwedel, who has led Madison-based American Family Insurance for the past decade, to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. board. Salzwedel, who has held several roles with American Family since joining in 1985 including CEO in 2011, has led the company’s growth from what analysts called a “sleepy Midwestern” business to a growing company that now operates in all 50 states. He plans to step down as CEO in January.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Good Move!!!
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The Urban League of Greater
Madison`s roughly $25 million Black Business Hub is planned for the
corner of Hughes Place and South Park Street.
In a major vote of confidence for an emerging center for Black businesses on Madison’s South Side, the state’s top economic development agency on Tuesday said it plans to relocate to the future business hub from its offices Downtown.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Missy Hughes said the move to the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Black Business Hub underscores WEDC’s evolving focus under her leadership to strengthen relationships with small businesses and entrepreneurs. The agency has been located in the Tommy G. Thompson Center on the corner of West Washington Avenue and South Fairchild Street, about one block from the state Capitol, since its creation in 2011.
...Full Story Here
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The new Glass Nickel Pizza location in Sun Prairie will be twice as large as the one lost in an explosion in 2018.
SUN PRAIRIE — The Glass Nickel Pizza here is eyeing a March opening of its new location after a natural gas explosion in July 2018 killed a volunteer firefighter and destroyed the building that housed the popular pizzeria.
Adam Bougie, who has owned the restaurant since 2004, moved his local franchise from the destroyed building he owned at 101 W. Main St., and for the past three years has been doing takeout and delivery-only at 815 W. Main St.
The small space he’s renting is across from the old McGovern’s Club & Restaurant.
Bougie, 47, said he wasn’t expecting to stay in the temporary location as long as he has, and hopes to have the new restaurant open by March.... SEE ALSO:
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is now accepting applications for the sixth year of its Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program, which provides funding to help public schools build or expand fab labs. “The grant program supports hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education by assisting public school districts with equipment purchases for instructional and educational purposes in fab labs. Fab labs are high-tech workshops with the latest equipment, including computer-controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser engravers and computer numerical control routers,” a WEDC release stated... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Share with your local school leaders...
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 MADISON- Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturer’s association – and a coalition of business groups sent a letter to Gov. Evers urging him to launch a talent attraction campaign aimed at addressing Wisconsin’s workforce shortage. The letter calls on the governor to utilize $3 million in funds from the Wisconsin State Budget and additional money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). WMC recommended the talent attraction campaign be modeled after the campaign launched in 2018 by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The talent attraction campaign started in 2018 by WEDC helped share with the rest of the country that Wisconsin is a great place to grow, learn and thrive. In part the letter reads:...
...Full Story Here
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 October 19, 2021 Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, and thank you for inviting me to speak to the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy. At the committee’s request, I’m here today to provide a brief overview of the state’s economic condition, drill down into the assistance WEDC and other state agencies have provided over the past year and a half, and discuss some of the challenges to our state’s recovery and how WEDC is responding to those. Since the pandemic began, Wisconsin businesses – large and small, urban and rural, in every corner of the state – have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, tenacity, and resiliency. Taken as a whole, Wisconsin’s economy has largely returned to its pre-pandemic status. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is among the lowest in the country, and its labor participation rate – the share of working-age folks currently in the workforce – is among the highest. In other words, Wisconsin is getting back to work. At WEDC, we see the recovery every day:... ...Full Story Here
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 A new grant program will allow the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to fund organizations creating innovative new programsOctober 7, 2021 - A new grant program will allow the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to fund organizations creating innovative new programs to support entrepreneurs.
Groups working on pilot projects and new ways to support entrepreneurs have until Oct. 29 to
apply for the competitive Entrepreneurship Partner Grant. These grants, up to $50,000, are designed to help organizations test and develop entrepreneurship support programs – anything from education to technical assistance and more.
"We know that starting a business is a challenge," said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO. "We also know that investing in a culture of innovation and support for entrepreneurs – particularly people of color, women, LGBT individuals and those in rural areas who have not been served by other programs – pays off in new opportunities for all."
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) --- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced the state will be supporting the expansion of Agropur Dairy Cooperative in Little Chute with up to $4.5 million in business tax credits from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) on Monday, Oct. 4. Officials say Agropur, one the world`s largest dairy suppliers, will be building a new $168 million cheese factory in Little Chute that will set the company up for future success in the state by investing in the latest cheesemaking technology and making room for growth. According to a news release, Agropur will be eligible for up to $4.5 million in business tax credits over the next four years based on meeting hiring and capital expenditure goals.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Small farms may need a systemic approach for survival. The Coop makes a lot of sense in that the farms are supported by an end product rather that milk prices. Nice to see the state stepping up...
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 MADISON, Wis. - Grand Craft Boats LLC, a manufacturer of custom mahogany watercraft, is moving its headquarters and production operations from Holland, Michigan, to Genoa City – in Walworth County. The announcement came on Thursday, Oct. 7 from the office of Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).... ...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. SEPT. 27, 2021 – A new grant program will allow the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to fund organizations creating innovative new programs to support entrepreneurs. Groups working on pilot projects and new ways to support entrepreneurs have until Oct. 29 to apply for the competitive Entrepreneurship Partner Grant. These grants, up to $50,000, are designed to help organizations test and develop entrepreneurship support programs – anything from education to technical assistance and more. “We know that starting a business is a challenge,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO. “We also know that investing in a culture of innovation and support for entrepreneurs – particularly people of color, women, LGBT individuals and those in rural areas who have not been served by other programs – pays off in new opportunities for all.”...
...Full Story Here
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As the percentage of manufacturing and agricultural jobs in rural America continue to decline, many rural communities, including many in Wisconsin, have been able to reverse negative economic trends by strengthening community assets and locally owned small businesses in downtown commercial corridors.
The COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on much of that progress. Through programs like the Main Street Bounceback Grants and the efforts of the Office of Rural Prosperity, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is working hard to get that progress back on track.
While vibrant downtowns and commercial corridors are critical to the economic well-being of all our communities, they are especially critical in Wisconsin’s rural areas. Why?...
...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. SEPT. 14, 2021 – Seven out of 10 of the world’s fastest-growing national economies are in Africa. But not one African country makes the list of Wisconsin’s top 30 export partners. A new virtual trade venture to Africa is designed to help Wisconsin companies change that. “Most WEDC trade ventures take place in one country or one region,” said Missy Hughes, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) secretary and CEO. “While the COVID-19 pandemic makes international travel difficult, technology allows us to expand our reach and offer participating companies opportunities to talk with customers and partners in more than 30 countries.” The virtual trade venture is set for Dec. 7-16 and WEDC representatives located in 13 African countries will work to find potential business partners for each participant.... ...Full Story Here
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 Apple supplier Foxconn`s electric vehicle (EV) project with Byton has been put on hold due to the Chinese startup`s worsening financial situation, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources with knowledge of the matter. "The [Byton] project is not officially terminated yet, but it is very challenging to proceed at this moment," one of the sources told Nikkei Asia...
...Foxconn and EV manufacturer Fisker Inc said in May that they had finalized a vehicle-assembly deal. They did not identify a location, but Fisker`s CEO said Foxconn`s Wisconsin site was a possibility.
In a statement, Foxconn said it had begun discussions with Wisconsin.
"Foxconn has engaged the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to discuss the company`s plans for electric vehicle manufacturing. Foxconn is optimistic about our partnership with WEDC and looks forward to ongoing discussions," it added.
A Wisconsin Economic Development Corp spokesman said the agency does not comment on any potential talks until a contract is executed...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Like computers in the 80`s, EV`s will be a tough market, remember Compaq and even apple made the Lisa and the Newton. Lets get Foxconn in the dirt asap as the market shakes out. The good news is that Foxconn has a lot of irons in the fire including including Fisker, China`s Byton and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, and Stellantis NV`s Fiat Chrysler. One or two should make it to market and succeed.
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 WEDC investment to help fund mixed-use development MADISON, WI. SEPT. 7, 2021 – The City of Waupaca is receiving a $118,000 state grant to assist in the development of a mixed-use project in downtown Waupaca. The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support renovations for the vacant downtown property to be transformed into commercial space and apartments. “A vibrant downtown is crucial to a city’s overall economic health and its quality of life, which is why one of WEDC’s top priorities is to support communities throughout the state as they invest in improving their business districts,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “This project not only adds housing to the area but will also serve as a catalyst for future development and investment.”...
See Also: ...Full Story Here
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 ST. FRANCIS, Wis. (Aug. 24, 2021) – Wixon, Inc., a trusted manufacturer of custom taste solutions for food, beverage, and nutrition companies is expanding its facilities in St. Francis – a more than $15 million project expected to create 40 jobs over the next three years. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the project by authorizing up to $200,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Wixon, Inc. will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created...
...Full Story Here
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 ORFORDVILLE (WKOW) -- The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced Thursday that they will award a $250,000 grant to the Village of Orfordville to develop a new mixed-use building in what is currently a vacant lot downtown.
According to a news release from WEDC, the three-story building will hold 11 apartments and a 1,300-square foot shopping space. Officials expect construction to be complete by March 2022. The new property will meet a need for more housing in downtown Orfordville...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: If you represent a small community in Wisconsin I would be looking for a quality project...
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 Businesses owned by minorities, women and service-disabled veterans are eligible MADISON, WI. AUG. 10, 2021 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is seeking nominations for the 2021 MARKETPLACE Governor’s Awards, which will recognize outstanding Wisconsin businesses owned by minorities, women and service-disabled veterans. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 15. The online nomination form and more details can be found at: MarketplaceWisconsin.com. “MARKETPLACE is a wonderful way for diverse businesses to make the connections with government and corporate buyers that are needed for these businesses to thrive,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “These awards recognize the very best among Wisconsin’s businesses.”... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation has announced a new program to help fill vacant
commercial properties across the State...The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has announced a new program to help fill vacant commercial properties across the State. The Main Street Bounceback Grants program provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses and non-profit organizations moving into vacant properties in Wisconsin`s downtowns and commercial corridor. The goal of the Main Street Bounceback Grants program is to provide financial support to businesses that move into existing vacant commercial properties, helping to create a foundation for long-term success for themselves and their communities....
WEDC Webpages for the Program: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Every community should clone the Sussex press release and forward it to their businesses...
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 Heartland Produce started construction on their new $29 million headquarters and distribution facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The project is expected to create 40 additional full-time jobs. The project includes construction of a 205,000-square-foot state-of-the-art produce distribution facility with room for future expansion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company saw increased demand, and the new facility will give Heartland Produce room to create additional fruit and vegetable ripening rooms to increase production....
... WEDC is supporting Heartland Produce’s expansion plans with up to $500,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of credits Heartland Produce will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period....
...Full Story Here
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 tate officials have launched an effort to encourage local businesses to move into vacant commercial locations in downtown areas. Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes traveled to Milwaukee Wednesday morning to encourage businesses to apply for a new state grant. The Wisconsin Tomorrow - Main Street Bounceback Grant Program is a $50 million program that offers $10,000 grants to businesses moving into vacant space. The program, which Gov. Tony Evers announced in April, receives funding from the American Rescue Plan Act...
SEE ALSO: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Great idea... of course some of this will go to companies that do no need the help, which is what happened to many of the PPP loans. I am still a fan of a "time out" strategy that defers payment and costs until we have a sound recovery then look for those who really need help, alas that ship has sailed...
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 Developers and partners in city, county and state government celebrated the groundbreaking for the Community within the Corridor development on June 18. Located in the former Briggs & Stratton complex on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side, the new Community within the Corridor project is the largest privately owned affordable housing development in Wisconsin. The project recently broke ground, and once finished, will offer 197 housing units, as well as a community service facility containing a child care center; science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) education resources; a food hall; laundry facilities and more. “Affordable housing is critically important to people’s economic well-being,” says Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Yep!
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Black Business Hub Accelerator Fund will support diverse entrepreneursMADISON, WI. JULY 16, 2021 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded the Urban League of Greater Madison a $400,000 Capital Catalyst grant to help the organization launch its Black Business Hub Accelerator Fund. “We know that entrepreneurs and business owners of color can face hurdles in getting access to capital needed to grow their businesses,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO. “This initiative addresses some of those concerns and provides business owners with culturally-competent advisors and services.” The Black Business Hub Accelerator Fund will offer loans, grants and culturally competent technical assistance to at least 40 startups and existing companies owned by people of color. The fund is geared toward businesses considering locating in the newly announced South Madison Black Business Hub... ...Full Story Here
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 KENOSHA, Wis. - Gov.
Tony Evers, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary
and CEO Missy Hughes and Kenosha-area officials on Thursday, July 15
celebrated the groundbreaking of Heartland Produce’s new $29 million
headquarters and distribution facility in Kenosha. With their
new headquarters, Heartland Produce becomes the first tenant of the
Greenway Development – located on the site of the former Dairyland
Greyhound Park... ...Full Story Here
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 Foxconn Technology Group and Fisker Inc., a
California car maker, are talking with the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. about building electric vehicles in the state, Foxconn
confirmed Thursday. "As part of the site
selection process, Foxconn and Fisker have engaged with the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation to discuss plans for electric vehicle
manufacturing," Foxconn and Fisker said in a statement. "Foxconn and
Fisker look forward to discussions with the WEDC."... See Also:
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes:Speaking of Foxconn...
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. gave $150,000 to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee to assist in site clearance and environmental site investigation of the Milwaukee Public Museum and Betty Brinn Children`s Museum`s new home in the historic Haymarket district... ...Full Story Here
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MILWAUKEE, WI. JULY 6, 2021 –The Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) is assisting a pilot program to help
workers fill in the “last mile” between public transit and their jobs in
the Milwaukee area.
WEDC is providing $31,700 to the Regional Transit Leadership Council
(RTLC) to develop a plan, which will be completed by the spring of 2022,
to bring last mile service on a pilot basis to Brookfield/New Berlin
and Franklin/Oak Creek.
“WEDC is excited to support this innovative approach to connecting
workers with jobs,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO. “As we
work to get everyone off the sidelines and into jobs, we know that
access to robust transportation is a significant factor in workers’
decisions whether to take a job and businesses’ decisions whether to
locate or expand here. Last-mile solutions are one of the keys to
getting workers to jobs and keeping communities thriving.”... ...Full Story Here
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WEDC investment to help fund redevelopment of two parcelsMADISON, WI. JUNE 10, 2021 – The Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program Inc. (SWCAP) is receiving a $448,000 state grant to assist in property redevelopment located on Madison’s north side. The Brownfields Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the SWCAP in redeveloping two parcels into multi-family housing units...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: If a community want to create more affordable housing they need to purchase or reclaim land and then control the development of smaller dense affordable homes. The private sector is just not good at this because the profit margin is so much better on higher priced units. Developers also need to cover the cost of land acquisition and development...
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 As `Help Wanted` Signs Proliferate, Experts Say Employers Must Adapt To Tight Labor Market
It seems there are not many places in Wisconsin that aren’t hiring. "Help wanted" signs have proliferated like dandelions, businesses are raising wages and offering signing bonuses, but there are still places that have been forced to restrict their services due to a lack of workers.
"We are doing everything we can to try to get people to apply," said Megan Folk, marketing director for The Waters of Minocqua, a vacation spot entering its busiest time of year. "We are in need. I think everyone is."..
SEE ALSO:
Ken Notes: Training and apprenticeship are key to moving forward...
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 Mayor Jim Paine led a tour to showcase how infrastructure impacts community development.
Showcasing how design meets function when it comes to growing Superior’s economy was Mayor Jim Paine`s goal Tuesday, June 15, as he led state officials on a tour of some of the city’s flourishing small businesses north of Winter Street.
Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Melissa “Missy” Hughes visited Superior between stops to Siren and Ashland. They visited the area to recognize Softec Education on Tuesday, an entrepreneurship training program in Siren, and to announce the winners of the WEDC’s sixth annual Main Street Makeover Contest, Moores on Main in Ashland.
In between, Barnes and Hughes joined Paine for stops at Sweeden Sweets, where they stocked up on sugary confections; visited the gaming world at Level UP; and had the opportunity to sample local brews at Earth Rider Brewery and Thirsty Pagan.
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 WEDC investment to help fund site assessment of downtown propertyMADISON, WI. JUNE 2, 2021 – The Brownfield Site Assessment Grant (SAG) from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will help prepare the 7.7-acre site to be redeveloped as part of the larger 20.1-acre River Point District Redevelopment Plan.
“WEDC is committed to supporting communities throughout the state as they invest in and take steps to enhance their business districts,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “This project is the latest example of a substantive local development happening for the River Point District in Manitowoc that will serve as a foundation for future economic growth.”...
...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes acknowledged that some businesses are having a hard time finding help, but said data doesn’t support the idea that extra unemployment benefits are keeping people out of the workforce. “There’s a lot of complex factors at work in this worker shortage, all kind of umbrellaed by the demographic challenge that we have in Wisconsin, which is an aging population,” Hughes said in an interview aired Sunday on “UpFront,” produced in partnership with WisPolitics.com. Hughes said people still on the sidelines after the pandemic are not able to find child care, transportation or have other obstacles. She said the lack of J-1 visas, which allow workers to come in from other countries, also is hurting some businesses... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: She is very intelligent but the task of providing the right workforce for the jobs needing workers is beyond the scope of WEDC. She even made comments about the 5K, her position is: “When you infuse money in the local economy, you can see those dollars turn over eight times within the community. So it’s really a magnifier and a multiplier effect we’re looking for with that $5,000.”
The problem is that some will not reinvest the funds where it will do the most good and others will not have enough to reinvest anything. I am old, in the 80`s we called this trickle down economics..
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 Some 84,000 Wisconsin businesses have been invited to apply for a $5,000 grant to be distributed by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The notification came in an email to the companies. “It’s really important that small businesses are checking their email,” WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said....
See Also:
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: So businesses that need real help will get 5K and businesses that need no help will get 5K. This sounds like an old Oprah Winfrey show, "You get a car and you get a car"...
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 Wisconsin TeleLift founders Scott Williams and his wife, Greta, were
working with a nonprofit in Africa doing conservation work in 2014 when
they began using drones to help protect wildlife from poachers. In 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic moved work, school, health care and
more online, the Williamses—who had since moved back to Greta’s native
Wisconsin—decided to put their technology to work in Wisconsin’s
Northwoods. Earlier this year, WEDC provided a $100,000 Capacity Building Grant
to the Forest County Economic Development Partnership for a pilot
program using Wisconsin TeleLift’s tethered, drone-based system to
provide high-speed internet in rural areas.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Interesting, BUT if we want to solve rural internet access issues we must tie urban 5G systems to providing rural access. Other states are doing this successfully - We are not. We allow cell companies in the state to make billions and then pay them even more to provide rural access. We are nuts, we have the ability to trade for rural high speed internet at no cost. Does it work, lets see Rural Electric - CHECK, Rural Phones - CHECK, Rural Roads - CHECK, Rural Mail - CHECK. What am I missing?...
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 Each year, WEDC honors the hard work, dedication and countless hours that go into revitalizing and promoting Wisconsin’s Main Streets and downtowns. Wisconsin Main Street Program leaders and volunteers from across the state came together virtually through dozens of socially distanced “watch parties” on April 21 for the annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards, which celebrate success stories in business and community development, historic preservation and downtown revitalization....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: One of my favorite programs. Thanks - Mary Gage, vice president of business and community development at WEDC...
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 Kwik Trip, which operates 456 stores in Wisconsin and is known for creating its own line of food products, is continuing to expand development and staffing of its food production and support campus in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The project is expected to create 662 new full-time jobs along with a capital investment of more than $378 million. That does not include jobs or investment at its retail stores. “Our work with WEDC has helped Kwik Trip’s growth and ability to provide excellent job opportunities. The strong demand for our products has allowed us to expand even more than originally planned,” said John McHugh, director of public relations for Kwik Trip.... ...Full Story Here
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 WEDC features small businesses that found ways to adapt and grow during the past yearThe COVID-19 pandemic hit almost all businesses hard, but it was especially disruptive to small businesses that were still putting down the strong roots needed to grow and thrive. In order to help these businesses, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) launched a “We’re All Innovating Contest” to put a spotlight on some of the impressive adaptations small businesses made during the pandemic. More than 230 winners were selected to share in $3 million worth of grants. The Milwaukee Business Journal presents highlights of a virtual conversation between Melissa Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO, and some of the winning businesses....
Ken Notes: Interesting...
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 More than $500,000 awarded to groups helping startups thrive Young companies and entrepreneurs chasing dreams need a lot of support—marketing, accounting, legal advice, business planning, mentoring and more. In Wisconsin, a number of organizations are rising to the challenge of building a creative, prosperous business community where people have support for turning the best ideas into businesses. Thirteen of these groups have been awarded grants totaling $529,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Since their creation in 2016, WEDC’s Entrepreneurship Support Grants have invested more than $2.4 million in groups statewide working to improve and increase access to entrepreneurship resources. More than 800 entrepreneurs are expected to be served by the programs funded this year.
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, Wis. (WKBT) — Kwik Trip has earned an additional $5 million in performance-based tax incentives from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the state agency announced Wednesday. The convenience store continues to expand its La Crosse campus, adding food production and staff. “Kwik Trip is a Wisconsin success story,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “While most of us are familiar with Kwik Trip for its retail operations, the company continues to grow its manufacturing and supply chain base in our state, which is creating hundreds of jobs and new investments even faster than anyone could have anticipated.” ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes:Always on of my favorite companies...
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 HEBOYGAN - Rockline Industries` $19.7 million expansion is expected to create 54 jobs in the next three years and could also indirectly create an additional 25 jobs in the region, according a news release Monday from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. In that time, Rockline will also see $380,000 in state income tax credits from the WEDC, though the exact amount depends on the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment. The expansion will allow Rockline to double its production of disinfecting wet wipes, Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, said in the release...
See Also:
...Full Story Here
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 The City of Menasha is receiving a $250,000 state grant to help revitalize the Historic Brin Theater site, which was damaged by a fire. The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. will support building a mixed-used development with commercial space and 43 apartment units on the theater’s former site, which was torn down in 2018 after a fire. “A vibrant downtown is crucial to a city’s overall economic health and its quality of life, which is why one of WEDC’s top priorities is to support communities throughout the state as they invest in revitalizing their downtowns,” WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said in a release. “This development will make a real difference in Menasha by adding housing, increasing property values and encouraging future investment in the downtown area.”... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown
revitalization projects of 2020 at the 30th Wisconsin Main Street Awards
ceremony held virtually through dozens of socially-distanced “watch
parties” across the state. Through
video, Mary Gage, WEDC’s Vice President of Business and Community
Development, kicked off the virtual event. Following her introduction,
the narrated online ceremony recognizes the successful projects and
initiatives executed by Main Street programs around the state. These
projects included business and community development initiatives,
historic preservation, community celebration and revitalization success
stories from communities across Wisconsin...
Ken Notes: If your community is not working with Mary Gage, WEDC’s Vice President of Business and Community Development, you are missing out on a lot of great opportunities....
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 MADISON, WI. APRIL 28, 2021 – The City of Green Lake
is receiving a $250,000 state grant to help renovate and reopen the
Heidel House Hotel and Resort located in Green Lake.
The Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant from the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support substantial
redevelopment of the interior buildings to reopen the hotel and resort,
which has been closed since May 2019.
“A vibrant downtown is crucial to a city’s overall economic health
and its quality of life, which is why one of WEDC’s top priorities is to
support communities throughout the state as they invest in improving
their business districts,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC.
“This project will not only bring new jobs to the city but will also
bring more visitors to enjoy the many amenities Green Lake has to
offer.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Now is a great time to update your key projects...
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 MADISON – Help make Wisconsin’s downtowns vibrant and dynamic places
to live, work and do business by submitting your best idea to the
Wisconsin Main Street Downtown Pitch Contest. The Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. will award $10,000 to bring the winning idea to life.
“Small businesses anchor our downtowns,” said Missy Hughes, secretary
and CEO of WEDC, in a news release. “These businesses and their owners
and employees draw neighbors downtown and create the energy and vitality
of downtown districts throughout the state.”... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, WI. APRIL 1, 2021 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), in consultation with the state Department of Health Services, is offering help to employers and business owners to talk with their employees about the COVID-19 vaccines and encourage as many as possible to get the vaccination. “Employer support is key to getting Wisconsin’s workforce protected from COVID-19,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO. “Getting immunized not only helps protect the employees but also their families, customers and communities. It’s what we need to do to build our state’s economy back stronger than ever.” WEDC suggests employers can encourage employees to get the vaccine by: - Telling employees where and when they can get vaccinated and how to make an appointment
- Organizing a workplace vaccination clinic (communicate with your local health department or find out more here)
- Providing paid leave for employees seeking vaccination from a medical provider or community vaccination site
- Eliminating transportation barriers by reimbursing travel costs such as bus or cab fare to a vaccination site
- Providing paid sick leave for employees who develop side effects from the vaccine
...Full Story Here
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 MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. - A new deal is now in place for one of the world`s largest technology companies. Wisconsin`s economic development leader detailed the new Foxconn contract Wednesday, April 21. Foxconn`s original plans for thousands of jobs in Mount Pleasant and, in turn, billions of dollars is tax breaks never materialized.
Work continues at the Mount Pleasant campus but moving forward, the contract for state subsidies is drastically different.
"We are endeavoring to treat Foxconn the same way we treat our other companies that we have partnered with on incentive agreements," said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)....
...The new six-year contract now offers $80 million for more than 1,400 jobs, $672 million of investments and 100% credit recovery if defaulted....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Lots of stories on this but bottom line, more in line with other contracts.
I am still worried about local investment, but so far they are paying for this. I also think Foxconn could hit a home run if their electric car or med tech programs take off. The new offer is still 57K per employee and/or more that 10% in property tax credits -- in reality the 80 million will be divided between local and state funding. We need a better way to report on this....
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 A new audit shows the performance of Wisconsin’s economic development agency is improving but still lacking. The
Legislative Audit Bureau released its biennial review of the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation on Wednesday. The report says WEDC
largely complied with state law in fiscal year 2019-20. Auditors
noted, however, that the agency didn’t always award tax credits for
wages paid as required by law and sometimes waited more than a year to
revoke tax credits for businesses that didn’t live up to their
contracts... See Also: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Seems much better, but local ED professionals are often responsible for reporting and audits and they are not employees of WEDC or the State. In fact many are underfunded or even eliminated in local budgets.
I will suggest once again a partnership between WEDC and local communities to fund ED professionals at the local level. There is a great model for this type of program in the UW-Extension System.
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 KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — We are waiting to learn details on a possible new deal involving the state of Wisconsin and Foxconn. If you recall, Foxconn was ineligible to receive tax credits from Wisconsin for work done in 2019, according to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
WEDC said Foxconn did not meet the required minimum number of
full-time employees hired to work on the project and the company did not
follow through on its project that it described in the original
contract.
Spectrum News 1 checked in with the state to learn new details on a
possible contract, but leaders stress they won’t release information out
of respect for the company until things are finalized.... What You Need To Know
- Foxconn was ineligible to receive tax credits from Wisconsin for work done in 2019
- WEDC said Foxconn did not meet the required minimum number of full-time employees hired to work on the project
- The WEDC is working with Foxconn to renegotiate
Ken Notes: Honestly why do we care? We made a deal with Foxconn based on jobs and build-out that they did not produce and therefore they did not collect. We now need to let them figure out where they are going and how can we help --- and WE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR ANY WISCONSIN COMPANY. I believe Missy Hughes gets this at least I hope she does. We also need to make sure Foxconn and other growth in the area covers the investment made by the local communities in land acquisition and infrastructure build-out.
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 MADISON, WI. APRIL 6, 2021 — A new report from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) sets out a comprehensive strategy for investing in people to help Wisconsin recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes announced today. The report, Wisconsin Tomorrow: Building an Economy for All, is intended to help guide the state’s use of federal American Rescue Package (ARP) funds as well other public and private sector investments, Hughes said. “A strategy for investment, for economic recovery and for growth must draw upon the authentic Wisconsin ideal – that everyone deserves an opportunity to prosper. Central to this strategy is a comprehensive approach that promotes economic well-being for every person in our state, which must focus on removing obstacles, valuing all individuals, and understanding their needs and their dreams,” she said...
...Full Story Here
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 Madison-based startup accelerator gener8tor has launched an international partnership program with the country of Luxembourg. This week, the nation’s Ministry of Economy, Franz Fayot announced the program during the opening of the first economic mission to Wisconsin. The virtual event, held March 29-31, is a partnership between the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, the Luxembourg House of Fintech, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to strengthen collaboration and trade between the two regions, according to a release from the department.... ...Full Story Here
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 Weather Shield Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of windows and doors, is expanding its facility in Park Falls, a $3.6 million project expected to create 40 jobs over the next three years. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the project by authorizing up to $225,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Weather Shield will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period. “This investment by Weather Shield Manufacturing Inc. solidifies the company’s continued commitment to Wisconsin and is a testament to the strength of our manufacturing industry,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “In addition to the jobs created by this project, this expansion allows Weather Shield to take advantage of a growing market and position itself for future growth.”... ...Full Story Here
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WEDC investment to help fund building and outdoor event space renovations MADISON, WI. MARCH 15, 2021 – The City of Mineral Point is receiving a $250,000 state grant to help redevelop a former garden center building and outdoor space in the city’s central business district. The Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support plans to turn the neglected property into a wine production site and accompanying event space. “WEDC is committed to working with communities throughout Wisconsin to invest in enhancing their business districts,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “This project is an exciting new development for Mineral Point and will serve as a catalyst for future development and investment.”... ...Full Story Here
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 BARABOO (WKOW) -- A Baraboo company is growing to meet demands for COVID-19 testing supplies with the help of state tax credits. With up to $250,000 in job creation tax credits from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Baraboo`s Teel Plastics will add 59 jobs and open a new location. According to a news release from the WEDC, Teel expects to produce more than 150 million COVID-19 swabs every month, opening a fourth location in Baraboo to do so. The company also plans to install new equipment at its main location in Baraboo to increase swab manufacturing capacity. “Teel is stepping up to produce needed supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic,” WEDC secretary and CEO Missy Hughes .... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will disburse $249,000 in grants to six Milwaukee-based organizations supporting entrepreneurship. The grants are a part of a WEDC initiative to provide $500,000 in economic support to 13 organizations that offer resources to entrepreneurs throughout Wisconsin. Northwest Side Community Development Corp. will receive $60,000 to expand professional accounting, marketing and legal support services for women and minority-owned businesses on Milwaukee’s northwest side. The group specifically targets child care businesses for assistance.... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON — The Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation selected SCORE Wisconsin to receive a
$50,500 Capacity Building Entrepreneurial Support Grant for 2021. The
goal of the grant is to encourage local and regional economic
development throughout the state and extend SCORE’s outreach to every
county in Wisconsin — especially those areas that are rural and
underserved. “We are
honored to receive this entrepreneurial support grant for 2021,” said
Dave Maaske, district director for SCORE Wisconsin. “Our volunteers have
a passion for helping small businesses navigate this new business
environment. The pandemic galvanized our volunteers to reach out to
small businesses, guiding them through funding sources, new markets and
customers. SCORE Wisconsin is committed to the growth of small businesses and the WEDC grant will help facilitate that.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: A great program...
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 Thirteen Wisconsin organizations helping small businesses with training, legal services, coping with COVID-19 and more have been awarded grants totaling $529,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Since their creation in 2016, WEDC’s Entrepreneurship Support Grants have invested more than $2.4 million in groups statewide working to improve and increase access to entrepreneurship resources. More than 800 entrepreneurs are expected to be served by the programs funded this year... ...Full Story Here
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WEDC funding to help support former Telemark Lodge Property MADISON, WI. FEB. 17, 2021 – The Town of Cable is receiving a $250,000 state grant to help redevelop the former Telemark lodge and resort property located in Bayfield County. The Idle Sites Redevelopment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) on the first and second phase of the idle resort redevelopment. The total project cost for these phases is $2.6 million... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I hope we get this done, but it is a difficult project at best.
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 Recent news reports have exposed the ongoing contract renegotiations between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and Foxconn, related to the controversial LCD factory which Foxconn promised to build in Mount Pleasant. featured several statements offered by Featured statements from state representatives Robin Vos and Van Wanggaard about the project that were identified as misleading and factually incorrect.
In response to a question on whether new state legislation would be needed to renegotiate the contract that WEDC has determined to be broken, Senator Wanggaard claimed “Foxconn is in substantial compliance with their existing contract…” His statement was categorically false.
According to the written agreements, Foxconn is required to (1) build a 10.5 Generation LCD factory, (2) create and maintain approximately 13,000 full-time jobs, with an average salary of at least $53,875 plus benefits, and (3) invest approximately $10 Billion, mostly Area I in Mount Pleasant...
Of Interest to Ken if not Wisconsin: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This is political football at its worst. We need to make sure we work with Foxconn to cover the actual outlays by government and communities. We need to ensure any tax credits are backed bu actual jobs of quality. And we need to encourage Foxconn to develop any new North American projects in Wisconsin. We do not need to provide them an excuse to fold up their tent and go home. WEDC seem on the right track so lets allow them to do their job -- without pointing fingers... Interesting new image, Globe done fields empty...
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 MADISON, WI. FEB. 9, 2021 – The City of Madison is receiving a $250,000 state grant to assist in the redevelopment of the Westgate Mall site. The Idle Sites Redevelopment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the demolition of the remaining portions of the Westgate Mall to prepare the site for a mixed-use development. The redevelopment construction will take place on roughly 10 acres of the north portion of the site. The grant will be used to remove all hazardous materials and demolish the more than 200,000 square foot mall so that site work and construction can begin. “WEDC is committed to helping communities invest in revitalizing different sites to encourage economic growth,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC...
See Also:
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: May I say I will miss the Wisconsin Craft Market...
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Establishing a Global Center of Excellence for High Performance Compute Manufacturing in Chippewa FallsHewlett Packard Enterprise is planning to invest $22 million in a former Cray Inc. research and development facility to modernize the location.
The company plans to create a Global Center of Excellence for High Performance Compute Manufacturing at its Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin location, where Cray had its R&D facilities prior to its 2019 acquisition.
“I want to thank Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for helping us strengthen our presence in Wisconsin,” said Pete Ungaro, GM of HPC and mission critical solutions at HPE, and former Cray CEO.
“Cray and HPE have a long history in the Chippewa Valley, and we’re excited to grow this rapidly expanding part of HPE’s business in the region through our HPC Manufacturing Center of Excellence. The Enterprise Zone designation is an important first step in this initiative.”
HPE invests in Cray’s Wisconsin history ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Great read, Cray is an unsung part of Wisconsin`s history...
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 Gov. Tony Evers Tuesday with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced that the WEDC board of directors has approved an $8 million incentive package with Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE) in Chippewa Falls. “This is an important first step toward establishing Chippewa Falls as HPE’s Global Center of Excellence and it reaffirms the great relationship our state has had with HPE and Cray over the many years they’ve been in Chippewa Falls,” said Gov. Evers. “It sets us on a course toward even greater growth, bringing more family supporting jobs, expanding opportunities, and bolstering economic activity not only in the Chippewa Valley area, but across our state.”... ...Full Story Here
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 ASHWAUBENON - A land purchase that is key to
expanding the Port of Green Bay and relocating the coal piles will have
to wait until next month. The Brown County
Board of Supervisors was expected to vote tonight on whether to buy a
40-acre portion of the former Pulliam Power Plant property, at the mouth
of the Fox River, from Wisconsin Public Service Corp. Instead,
the board will consider an application for a state grant that must be
in place before the board can authorize the county`s purchase of the
land. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. announced two weeks ago that it had approved the county for a $500,000 Idle Sites Grant to
help with the purchase. However, WEDC needs the County Board to approve
the grant application before it can award the grant.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I sometimes miss politics, not often but sometimes....
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 MADISON
— Gov. Tony Evers with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) announced Jan. 8
almost 55,000 state small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
received approximately $240 million last year through the We’re All In
grants program — the largest direct-aid program for small businesses in
WEDC history. “Wisconsin’s small businesses have exemplified
remarkable resilience throughout this pandemic, finding new, innovative
ways to keep the doors open and the lights on. But it wasn’t easy, and I
am glad we were able to provide this critically needed support,” said
Gov. Evers. “We aren’t out of the woods just yet, and it is vital that
we continue to support our local businesses and their employees to help
them get through these tough times.” ...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Missy Hughes said she’s optimistic about a new deal with Foxconn, but dodged on the details. WEDC asked to work with Foxconn on a new agreement that aligns with the company’s plans for development in southeastern Wisconsin. WEDC ruled Foxconn was not eligible for $3 billion in tax credits this year after the company scrapped a plan to build a massive fabrication factory.  Ahead of a Milwaukee Press Club-WisPolitics.com virtual panel yesterday, Hughes said WEDC’s practice is not to comment on current conversations it’s having with businesses, including Foxconn. But that didn’t stop reporters from trying to get the details of the current negotiations between the agency and the tech giant....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes:If we can keep them here, they do have to potential of building something interesting in the State.
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Ken Notes:True -- but that support may not need to be in the form of cash. Helping with regulatory hurdles and long term tax stabilization may work here.
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 In conversations with business
owners over the past year, after stories of hardships upon hardships,
many, although certainly not all, have ended with, “But we’re going to
be OK.” This proof of the
creativity, determination and grit of Wisconsin’s small business owners
is the charge for our state as we begin to move beyond the COVID-19
pandemic. We need to apply the lessons of 2020 to ensure that not only
does Wisconsin recover, but that we create a Wisconsin stronger than
ever. Like
the businesses we partner with, WEDC had to adapt quickly to the
changes the pandemic wrought. On March 18, just days into the health
emergency, WEDC announced its first program to provide $5 million in
reallocated emergency funds to targeted small businesses. As we close
this year, Gov. Tony Evers has distributed a total of more than $220
million to over 50,000 Wisconsin businesses, partnering with WEDC to
assure the dollars went to those most impacted...
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$1,675,000 in block-style grants to be given to nine regional
economic development organizations and three diverse chambers of
commerce across Wisconsin
MADISON, WI. JAN. 6, 2021 – The
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is renewing its
commitment to community partners in economic development by allocating
$1,675,000 for nine regional groups and three diverse chambers of
commerce as Key Strategic Partners (KSPs) for the next year... WEDC relies on REDOs to help carry out its statewide economic development mission, vision and core strategies. The regional groups and amount of funding received are as follows:
- Prosperity Southwest: $75,000
- Centergy: $75,000
- Grow North: $75,000
- Visions Northwest: $75,000
- New North: $100,000
- 7 Rivers Alliance: $75,000
- Momentum West: $75,000
- Milwaukee 7: $125,000
- Madison Regional Economic Partnership: $100,000
Each REDO recognizes it has the potential to play a significant role in furthering the economic development goals of the state...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: First I love this and THANK YOU! I will again pitch an old idea, why not split the cost of every county and major city having a full time ED professional. As employees of WEDC these professionals would be better able to work with the agency, less likely to be eliminated by their counties in times of revenue shortfalls, could participate in state health care and retirement plans, and would exponentially improve communications at the local level. Just a thought... thanks again...
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 Thanks to a key strategic partnership
with the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) is investing more than $2.6 million in
Wisconsin’s small businesses. WEDC’s
commitment provides much-needed funding to startup and nascent
companies as well as the technical assistance to support them. The UW
System’s Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship facilitates
delivery of state agency dollars and services to the entrepreneurs who
access these essential resources locally through the university’s
statewide network....
Ken Notes: Another opportunity for Wisconsin to lead the nation. We have such an outstanding UW and Tech system. We could provide co-working space, mentorship programs, apprenticeship, continuing ed for business, and so much more. We need to switch our focus to outcomes and using experienced experts in the classroom. We need to partner with business to move this forward. We unfortunately still have professors who have never employed anyone, met a production deadline, started or run a business, run the show....
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 MILWAUKEE – Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), will be the featured guest at a virtual event set for noon on Tuesday, January 12. This Newsmaker Lunch Hour is presented by a partnership between the Milwaukee Press Club and WisPolitics.com. Hughes has lead WEDC since October 2019, when she was appointed by Gov. Tony Evers. WEDC leads economic development efforts for the state by providing resources, operational support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. For example, in 2020, WEDC has provided more than $220 million in assistance to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued its oversight of the state’s incentive contract with Foxconn, among other high profile projects... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Missy may be one of the better things about 2020....
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 Businesses do not have to apply for the grants, but will be identified by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue based on that businesses` state tax records... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Interesting -- No application necessary! I still wish we were working with banks and developers to delay lease and mortgage payments. I see foreclosures in the future and 20K may not help...
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Ken Notes: Article is behind a paywall... But Let`s give some time and space to get this right. Remember if we push too hard they can use this as an excuse to just walk away...
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 The
premier business information and networking series in southeastern
Wisconsin. It presents headline makers in a unique format - part
presentation, part Q&A conducted by our reporters and editors... Featuring: Melissa Hughes, CEO, WEDC
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Melissa Hughes will give an update on the state`s efforts to help businesses recover from the coronavirus pandemic. She will also discuss the latest economic development efforts to draw new businesses to the state and help existing firms expand.
We are continuing our annual holiday sweater contest! Take a picture wearing your holiday sweater and post it in chat during the event. Prizes awarded by our Power Breakfast Beer Sponsor - Miller Brewing Company!
...Full Story Here
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 DE PERE, Wis. — David Doherty has had a front seat to an unbelievable year in the restaurant and hospitality business — right in front of the grill...
....The restaurant and tavern is being recognized as part of a Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. contest launched this fall highlighting innovative and creative ways small businesses are adapting to the pandemic....
...Abbey owner Kerry Counard said that encompasses everything from
keeping staff safe at work and in the community to beefing up take out
business and finding a new presence on social media.
“My first day, when we were forced to go take out only, we had one
customer. Which kind of opened my eyes and I said, ‘Oh my goodness, what
am I going to do,’” he said. “I went on social media and started
Facebook posts on a daily basis, Twitter on a daily basis. Stuff I’ve
never done before.”
His kids chided him about becoming an internet influencer...
Ken Notes: Now this is a great idea, we need to share ideas of how to survive and manage in difficult times.
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 MADISON, WI. DEC. 4, 2020 – At MARKETPLACE: The 39th Governor’s
Conference on Diverse Business Development, individuals will be
recognized on Dec. 9, 2020 at the Community Award Recognition Program
for their decades-long leadership and distinguished service in business
and community development to support minority-, woman- and veteran-owned
businesses in Wisconsin.
The following four individuals will be recognized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC): State Business Diversity Development Award – Michele Carter...
Community Economic Development Award – Lee Shirey...
Diverse Business Development Award – Marjorie Rucker...
Minority Business Development Award – Larry Glusman...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Congrats to all the winners...
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Ken Notes: Just a note on the realities of restaurants, in good times -- no Covid, strong economy -- Half of all restaurants fail. It is a very tough business. I wish we could just call a time out and not make businesses responsible for payments and other fixed costs during this time. We could use the state and federal monies to cover the interest until we are back on our feet. I am afraid they way we are approaching this now we are only delaying the pain. I will be happy to print any discussion on this...
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 The state’s Legislative Audit Bureau is recommending the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) make several changes to how it oversees Foxconn’s tax credit program when it comes to employees. While the Taiwanese tech giant has yet to actually receive any state tax credits to date because officials say they haven`t met promises laid out in their contract with WEDC, the nonpartisan bureau`s latest report found issues with the way the agency would administer certain credits. The report found WEDC would not give tax credits for the wages paid to Foxconn employees who live in other states but work here. Even though they should. At the same time, the audit found the agency would incorrectly allow Foxconn to receive credits for employees working outside Wisconsin. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: They have not hit the target numbers yet but I believe they may in the future. I remain worried that getting to aggressive with renegotiating may give them a reason to pull up stakes and go home. Lets just keep talking and see where this leads us. I am also very glad to see Legislative Audit Bureau becoming a little more proactive...
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 The Wisconsin Department of Revenue will look for restaurants that have annual revenue of more than $1 million and less than $7 million. Through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.`s We`re All In For Restaurants program, the state awarded Wisconsin small businesses an additional $45 million, bringing the state`s Covid-19 assistance to over $220 million. Restaurants will be eligible for $20,000 grants, with the goal of the businesses to receive the money before the end of 2020. Funds came from the state`s allocation of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. CARES Act funding will expire Dec. 31. This is the WEDC`s third phase of the We`re All In grant program...
See Also: ...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) says financial
woes related to lost business because of the COVID-19 pandemic are
deepening for some business sectors. The organization says tens of
thousands of firms are seeking assistance. WEDC secretary and CEO
Missy Hughes told the agency’s board Tuesday that after a bad economic
hit during the spring, restaurants saw some improvements during the
summer... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - While many recommendations were made by Gov. Tony Evers and his new executive order Tuesday, one message was made very clear: “each day this virus goes unchecked is a setback for our economic recovery.”
One agency helping businesses survive and also highlighted by the governor in his address was the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Secretary and CEO of the WEDC Missy Hughes estimates 10 to 15 percent of businesses have “disappeared” due to the COVID-19 impact.
“The challenge is when [businesses] don’t have customers coming in,” Hughes said. “We want to make sure we find a balance between public health and economic health… and find a way for these businesses to stay open and be able to thrive. That means we have to get the virus under control.”... ...Full Story Here
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 The tug of war between Gov. Tony Evers’ administration and Foxconn over billions in tax incentives has moved to a new stage.
Foxconn is now formally objecting to Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.’s determination that the company is ineligible for billions in tax incentives under a contract signed with former GOP Gov. Scott Walker.
In the objection letter to WEDC, Foxconn wrote it looks forward to continuing its discussions with WEDC in the coming weeks.
“Despite frustrations and disappointment with WEDC’s decision and the method chosen by the WEDC to inform the Recipients of its determination, it is the Recipients’ intention to continue to work with the WEDC in good faith to resolve this disagreement … in a manner that benefits interested parties, including Racine County and the Village of Mount Pleasant,” said the letter.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Just a word of caution, Foxconn may be looking for an exit strategy...
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 MADISON, WI. NOV. 11, 2020–A new website will help Wisconsin entrepreneurs connect with resources, events and experts tailored to their specific needs and based in their communities.
The site, Start In Wisconsin, allows entrepreneurs to access a comprehensive online directory of resources and a one-stop calendar of entrepreneur-focused events organized by geographic region.
The initiative, funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and assisted by the state’s regional economic development organizations (REDOs), operates with administrative support from the UW System Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship and in collaboration with entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) in nine regions across the state. ...Full Story Here
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 It has been nearly eight months since The Capital Times ran a blockbuster cover story by Madison-based investigative reporter Lawrence Tabak that detailed the problems facing the highly-touted and heavily-subsidized Foxconn development in Racine County`s Mount Pleasant. Before the coronavirus crisis hit, the story foreshadowed the likelihood that former Gov. Scott Walker`s deal to give the Taiwanese corporation tax breaks and subsidies of nearly $3 billion — the largest incentive package for a foreign corporation in U.S. history — was already beginning to fall apart at the seams....
See Also: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This may be a sign of return to normalcy, Dave and I clearly disagree. Foxconn has been developed on a mostly pay as you go system, meaning that we have invested based on actual jobs and property value that yield tax revenue. So the 3 billion figure as well as the 10 billion figures are both off the table and were really only targets from the onset. We do stand to loose a great deal if Foxconn abandons the state leaving the buildings they have built vacant and eliminating the few jobs they have created.
Today we have a WEDC who is evaluating the job count, communities that are cautiously investing in infrastructure based on current actual revenue, and a company that is exploring new markets for new products to develop. We should allow this process to take place without throwing the proverbial first stone or very real money in the direction of Foxconn.
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 WEDC is opening up the second phase of We`re All In Small Business Grants to make available more than $50 million.ACROSS
WISCONSIN—Small business owners have until November 2 to apply for a
phase 2 "We`re All In" small business grant. Applications will be
accepted until 11:59 p.m., Monday, November 2....
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MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today, together with the state Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), announced six communities were selected for the new Broadband Connectors Pilot program cohort. “As families, business owners, and communities across the state continue to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for affordable, accessible high-speed broadband is perhaps more important now than ever,” said Gov. Evers. “This joint program will provide critical support and resources to help local communities get connected.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes:Since two of the six are tribes can we look at the gaming pacts and see if we could offer low stake poker tournaments to taverns across the state. These businesses have been hit hard buy the pandemic and a small client base increase would go a long way to helping....
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 Kenosha County business owners attempting to recover from damage during the civil unrest in August are eligible for aid from the state of Wisconsin. The interest-free loans aim to help business owners make repairs and rebuild inventory. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will make $4 million in loans available in amounts up to $50,000 for local business owners who suffered measurable physical damage to their buildings or business. WEDC will work with the Kenosha Area Business Alliance to administer the loans. ...Full Story Here
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 Governor Tony Evers announced two major investment programs on October 6 to aid the state’s recovery from the pandemic, a $47 million investment to support for child care, healthcare navigators, and energy and rental assistance to Wisconsinites, and a $100 million investment plan aimed at providing additional economic stabilization for small businesses and communities hardest hit by COVID-19. The efforts will be funded in part through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). The new infusion of funds includes an additional $50 million for “We’re All In Grants,” an economic development grant program launched by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) this summer. More than 26,000 businesses received “We’re all In Grants” statewide, but many continue to face economic challenges from the pandemic...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Again I ask are we spending ahead of the curve and a real assessment of damage? A person I am close to was sent an invite from their accountant to apply for the new funds (they guaranteed results for a $150.00 filing fee) even though this business was not negatively impacted by the Pandemic.
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 A Wisconsin factory hailed by President Donald Trump as proof he was reviving U.S. manufacturing did not create enough jobs in 2019 to earn its owner Foxconn Technology Group tax credits, the state said on Monday, the second year it has missed its targets.
In a letter to the Taiwan-based company’s Vice Chairman Jay Lee, Wisconsin’s economic development agency said Foxconn was a long way away from building the large TV screens it had proposed in 2017, when it promised to eventually create 13,000 jobs in the state.
Key Points - In a letter to the Taiwan-based company’s Vice Chairman Jay Lee, Wisconsin’s economic development agency said Foxconn was a long way away from building the large TV screens it had proposed in 2017, when it promised to eventually create 13,000 jobs in the state.
- The Apple Inc supplier’s plans for the Mount Pleasant factory are now unclear, the letter from The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) said.
- The planned $10 billion, 20-million-square-foot campus was hailed by the White House as the largest investment for a brand new location by a foreign-based company in U.S. history.
See Also:
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: When a 65 inch TV was available yesterday for under $300 dollars, it is clear the original plans for Foxconn were not economically feasible. Now we need to work with a new vision for the space and I hope we can keep Foxconn in the mix. We have spent a lot on infrastructure and land acquisition and the pandemic and policy may serve as an exit strategy for Foxconn. They are in the dirt so lets see what they can do going forward. Medical imaging seems viable as does manufacturing automation. Finally there are lots of articles in the national spotlight on this, we need to use the attention to suggest that Wisconsin is still willing to work with businesses looking to grow in the state...
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 For the last several years, WEDC’s INvest newsletter has come out on a
quarterly basis to keep subscribers informed about developments in
Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Topics have included funding
sources, investor profiles, and reports on the startup and investment
climate in Wisconsin. ...Full Story HereKen Notes: If you were an INvest subscribers you will receive these updates. Or you can just go Here...
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 Local cultural agencies in nine communities across Wisconsin will engage local artists to design and complete cultural and creative projects, in an initiative announced today at the beginning of National Arts and Humanities Month. The We’re All In Creative Workforce Program, supported by WEDC along with other funding sources, aims to employ creative workers who have lost employment opportunities due to the pandemic. Participating communities and organizations include: - Ashland and Bayfield Counties – Chequamegon Bay Arts Council
- Eau Claire – Eau Claire Public Arts Committee and Pablo Center for the Arts
- Green Bay – Mosaic Arts Inc.
- La Crosse – Pump House Regional Arts Center
- Madison – Madison Arts Commission
- Milwaukee – Imagine MKE
- Portage County – CREATE Portage County
- Rhinelander – Artstart Rhinelander
- Viroqua – Viroqua Chamber Main Street
...Full Story Here
Notes:
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 Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes joined Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AACCW) CEO Ossie Kendrix Jr. and other leaders on September 25 to announce a new partnership on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Milwaukee’s Bronzeville neighborhood.
The AACCW is renovating a vacant building located at 1920 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive into a social enterprise space that will hold its offices and be a vehicle for revenue generation to support the mission of the organization into the future. The Chris Abele Legacy Co-Working and Innovation Space will provide workspace and programmatic resources for African American entrepreneurs that includes co-working space, private offices for entrepreneurs available for lease and a shared commercial kitchen. It will also be built out with a coffee shop and retail space...
See Also: ...Full Story Here
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Ken Notes: First this is not a political issue. Second it is an education issue. Third we need to share what other countries have done to successfully combat Covid. We need to use education to then share the strategies we adopt. We need to ask, not tell, everyone how they can help. What countries have been successful, rather than pick, I included charts from ALL of them...
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 The WEDC is partnering with the Kenosha Area Business Alliance to administer loans through its Disaster Recovery Microloan program. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: And the gun rights group raised 50K for the defense of the lad that shot two people, seems to be the magic number. Is anyone else ready for 2020 to just go away....
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Organizations can apply for grants of up to $100,000MADISON — The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced it is accepting applications from nonprofit and community- based organizations for a grant program designed to advance entrepreneurship in Wisconsin.
The Entrepreneurship Support Program provides financial assistance of between $10,000 and $100,000 for projects that promote entrepreneurship and provide Wisconsin entrepreneurs with key resources including training, mentorship, business development and financial services, according to the WEDC press release. Launched in 2016, the initiative has provided nearly $2 million in grants to 32 organizations statewide to help fund activities such as prototyping assistance, legal services and outreach to under-served entrepreneurs... ...Full Story Here
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 WEDC investment to help fund collaborative project
between Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, Holmen Area
Community Center and School District of HolmenMADISON, Wis. (WKBT) – La Crosse County is receiving a $250,000 state grant to help fund the second phase of a renovation project for a new Boys & Girls Club and community center in Holmen.
The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support a collaborative effort between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, Holmen Area Community Center, and the School District of Holmen to renovate the 35,000-square-foot former home of Festival Foods into a new club and community center with a 16,000-square-foot field house addition (two gymnasiums with four courts). The project is expected to be completed next month.
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I love the partnerships here we should strive to use our facilities more by giving access to the public, schools, and outreack...
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WEDC investment to assist with creating materials for global markets MADISON, WI. AUGUST 27, 2020–Osceola-based Branches LLC is receiving a $25,000 state grant to assist with market customization activities that target European and Canadian consumers. The International Market Access Grant (IMAG) from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the company’s plans for literature translation and design with the goal to make their sales literature more accessible to a global market. Currently its point of purchase (POP) labels are printed in English. Using these grant funds, Branches will translate the POP label into French, Spanish and at least one Scandinavian language... ...Full Story Here
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MADISON (WKOW) -- More help is on the way for small Wisconsin businesses.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will receive $79,000
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance
to businesses in rural Wisconsin.
The federal money will help fund WEDC’s Main Street and Connect
Communities programs, which assist local communities with downtown
development and redevelopment. The assistance the funds will provide
include workshops, webinars and roundtable discussions, as well as
one-on-one consulting.
The grant to WEDC is part of $866,000 the USDA is providing to 13
organizations in Wisconsin to help rural businesses create jobs and
increase economic opportunities.
...Full Story Here
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 the newly revived arts council is one of 10 state
recipients of the grant, which will help unemployed or underemployed
local artistsThe Eau Claire Public Arts Council was one of 10 organizations across
Wisconsin to receive the “We’re All In” Creative Workforce program
grant from Arts Wisconsin in partnership with local organizations, and
with support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and private
sector partners. The grant provides up to $7,000 for the Public Arts
Council – in two payments, which the council plans to use to hire local
unemployed or underemployed artists in the Chippewa Valley.
“$7,000 isn’t going to change the world, but it is a start for us,”
said Jo Ellen Burke, president of the council. “And we feel like this is
so timely. We’re trying to be sensitive to how many unemployed and
underemployed artists there are, and we’re so thankful to Arts Wisconsin
and WEDC for this grant.” ...
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 GREEN BAY – Since the pandemic’s onset,
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has approved more
than $40 million in grants to more than 15,000 small businesses across
Wisconsin.
The funds are available through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
The WEDC continues to help those who need, and a new campaign – We’re
All In – was touted during an event at Copper State Brewing Aug. 6.
“It’s with a spirit of community that we’re launching the We’re All
In initiative,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO. “We have such
a spirit of taking care of our neighbors and of each other here in
Wisconsin. It’s important for us to think about taking care of our
health and our safety in order for our economy to regain momentum. We’ve
got to tie these two things together.” ...Full Story HereKen Notes: dozens of stories like this! WEDC leading the charge!!!
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 Months after lawmakers — and even the state’s top economic development strategist — thought it would be waning, COVID-19 still threatens Wisconsin, as its economy struggles to recover.Industries are “reeling” and so are other sectors of the state that
are critical to its long-term success: education, child care and health
care. As grim as all that might sound, though, it has also given
Wisconsin a chance to focus on important priorities, according to Missy
Hughes, CEO and Secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC). “We have challenges in our economy that are longstanding,” Secretary Hughes told a group of legislators and staff last week. “This is an opportunity to say, ‘OK, how are we going to fix that? How are we going to move forward?’”
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I will again suggest we threw trillions of dollars at a problem BEFORE we new the extent of the damage. When Covid passes we will see the real damage and have little if anything left to offer. WEDC has taken a leadership role here and I believe has the best understanding but the feds are leading the economic charge and they are clueless.
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 Recovering from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic will require a coordinated effort across statewide social and economic networks. If there is one thing this crisis has taught us, it is that the health of our people and the health of our economy are interdependent. That’s why the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is being joined by communities, businesses and organizations throughout the state in encouraging Wisconsin companies and citizens to adopt the necessary practices and behaviors for our state to continue its progress toward reopening with confidence. We’re All In is a collaborative initiative built upon a rallying cry that reminds us all that when it comes to the well-being of Wisconsin, we’re all in this together. Financial assistanceOf course, for many businesses, surviving the health crisis boils down to cash flow, plain and simple. To help Wisconsin’s most vulnerable small businesses get back on their feet amid disruptions caused by COVID-19, WEDC quickly developed...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I again need to point out that WEDC has quickly morphed into a strong advocate for all Wisconsin businesses. Seven years ago I used the analogy of needing to turn the ship around because it was in rough waters, Missy as captain has done just that.
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 Hughes Stressed That Wisconsin Remains In The Middle Of An OutbreakWisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes briefed lawmakers Thursday on the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wisconsin`s economy, saying the impact has been "as broad as possible."
"This is not a tornado or a flood that has touched down in one of our
small towns or one of our counties where then we can dive in and
understand the impact and act on it as quickly as possible," Hughes
said. "Every community in Wisconsin was impacted."
Hughes stressed to lawmakers that the best way to restart the economy
is to control the virus. But she acknowledged that Wisconsin is far
from that point, saying the state remains in the middle of its
coronavirus outbreak.
"No one expected on July 30, let alone June 30, that we would still
be really essentially not moving towards a strong recovery yet," Hughes
said. "So we need to be thinking about that, and we need to be
continuing to assess this."...
Ken Notes: I used the analogy of trying to access the damage while still in the eye of the hurricane... We will not know the total extent of the damage until Covid 19 passes which could be a while. I want to make sure we have resources then to fix the real damage... As for now we need to call an economic time out...
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 WEDC’s Hughes offers answers as report assesses COVID-19 impact on state’s economyMonths
after lawmakers — and even the state’s top economic development
strategist — thought it would be waning, COVID-19 still threatens
Wisconsin, as its economy struggles to recover.
Industries
are “reeling” — and so are other sectors of the state that are critical
to its long-term success: education, child care and health care.
As
grim as all that might sound, though, it has also given Wisconsin a
chance to focus on important priorities, according to Missy Hughes, CEO
and secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
(WEDC)...
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 Hello Ken, I find these very informative. As an FYI, local economic development organizations are growth facilitators and work with a variety of partners, not just WEDC. WEDC does not do local economic development directly, nor should they, but benefits from having a strong local EDO work with with. EDOs are also strong partners to universities, technical colleges, K-12, cities/towns/villages, county, SBDCs, utilities, etc. and these relationships are made stronger with a local EDO - without total reliance on the state. Our organization is happy with many of the things that WEDC is doing, and value this partnership. Jason Note the Link will take you to the Greater Oshkosh EDC... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Jason Thank you for the note. I thought I would respond publicly since I believe you have outlined the role of the local economic development professional very well. In fact the mention of the Universities, Tech, k12, and Utilities are often forgotten, yet play a huge role in local economic development.
My goal to have local EDO`s partially funded by the State through WEDC in not to change this dynamic in fact I would hope to strengthen it. My observation is simply in times of budget tightening by a County or Municipalities EDO`s are often seen as low hanging fruit and cut or eliminated which I am sure we both agree is bad. By having the State help fund them especially in the area of benefits, I believe we can do much to preserve and strengthen local EDOs.
In exchange WEDC could help with the continuing education of the professionals serving their communities while local professionals could bring special needs to the attention of the State. Local EDO`s would continue to function locally with an even stronger relationship to the state. We also need to remove partisan politics from the equation..
If anyone reading my comments feels I am suggesting the State assume the role of local EDO`s my apologies because that is NOT what I would like to see. I am an advocate for partnerships, an art form totally lost in the current political climate. Thanks for reading and your note. Also Oshkosh in on a roll, congrats.
Ken
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 MADISON, WI. July 28, 2020—To help Wisconsin companies continue to grow their exports even while international travel is limited, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is organizing a virtual Global Trade Venture that will connect Wisconsin exporters with potential buyers, distributors and other partners in South Korea. The virtual Global Trade Venture to South Korea will consist of online meetings taking place from Nov. 2 to Dec. 4, 2020. This is the second virtual Global Trade Venture organized by WEDC; the first one, connecting Wisconsin companies with potential partners in Germany, is taking place in late September and early October. Registration for the South Korea virtual trade venture is open now through Sept. 18. Interested companies are encouraged to register early so Wisconsin’s trade office in South Korea has plenty of time to research potential partners and set up meetings. ...Full Story Here
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 Despite lingering questions
surrounding Foxconn Technology Group’s contract for billions in state
tax credits, the Taiwan-based company reports it created enough jobs in
southeast Wisconsin last year to be eligible for state aid. Foxconn’s
jobs report — which was completed by independent, third-party
professional services provider Deloitte and Touche LLP — must first be
verified by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. before any state
money is doled out. WEDC will determine how many of the jobs listed by
Foxconn meet eligibility requirements laid out in the 2017 contract.
Ken Notes: Like I said...
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RIPON, WI. JULY 22, 2020 – The City of Ripon is
receiving a $190,000 state grant to help in the renovation of a vacant
former grocery store into an indoor urban vertical farm produce
operation with the potential for retail operations and a future rooftop
garden.
The Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the expansion of Ernessi Farms’ urban vertical farm produce operation using the vacant space.
“A vibrant blend of businesses is vital to a community’s overall
economic success, and the urban vertical farm redevelopment will serve
as a catalyst for future development and investment in the Ripon
community,” said Missy Hughes,
secretary and CEO of WEDC. “I congratulate the community for working
together on this important project that will serve as a foundation for
future economic growth and for the collective good of the local
economy.” ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Here is a great use for an older building...
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 The most comprehensive summary of how the COVID-19 pandemic has decimated Wisconsin’s economy isn’t a best seller.
Parts of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation report are
frightening: Wisconsin’s forestry and logging industry is hanging on by a
thread. This month, the mill that has been buying about one-fourth of
all the state’s pulpwood, Verso in Wisconsin Rapids, will close, ending
902 jobs.
Other parts have you cheering the innovative skills of some business
leaders: Within weeks, Pindell Global Precision, of New Berlin, pivoted
and began making components for ventilators, for example.
It’s also unsettling that nobody knows when COVID-19’s chilling,
deadly grip on Wisconsin will ease, or what any “new normal” looks like.
The state was thrown a $13.7-billion lifeline of federal aid, But the
federal $600 weekly supplement to Wisconsin’s $370 maximum jobless
benefit ends soon, squeezing still-furloughed workers...
...Full Story HereKen Notes: In the future we need to call an economic time out if we mandate closures, layoffs, and sheltering in place. This time we shut down businesses and allowed the banks and financial institutions to move full speed ahead. There seems to be a disconnect here. Also thanks again Missy for reporting the news good or bad and advocating for all business in the state. I wonder if anyone cares about a little history lesson but for the record I wrote: It took over 8 years but WEDC is now doing great things for Wisconsin. Oh and if anyone can help I would like to write a weekly op-ed piece, not to mention reboot my radio show, and create a weekly TV show on Development Matters....
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 WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW) -- Back in March the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) launched a $5 million grant program
targeting some of the "smallest of the small" businesses from around
Wisconsin that suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Small Business 20/20 grants awarded 763 small businesses with an average of $8,900 to help.
"State government and especially the WEDC are wanting to do what we
can to help," WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said. "We want to
understand what they`re going through so we can find solutions together
and work on things together." ...Full Story Here
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 STURGEON BAY (WLUK) -- Sturgeon Bay received a state grant to redevelop the former Younkers department store space downtown. The $250,000 Community Development Investment Grant from the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the
renovation of the long-vacant building into a new retail center that
will include an accessories and home furnishings store and additional
retail space. The property is the largest retail building in Sturgeon Bay`s downtown. “This
project provides multiple benefits to Sturgeon Bay,” said Mayor David
Ward. “Not only does it fill the huge hole caused by the loss of
Younkers, it allows a locally owned business to expand and, importantly,
the project will include public restrooms through a partnership with
the city.” ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Just a quick note, across the street is one of my favorite places in Wisconsin. The Inn At Cedar Crossing is a restaurant and hotel that can not be missed. In another life long long ago I used to trade a Juggling and magic show for a free nights stay. Nirvana...
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The first virtual Global Trade Venture will connect companies in Wisconsin with potential partners in Germany.MADISON, WI. July 9, 2020—As companies seek to grow their exports, in-person meetings are typically an essential feature of establishing relationships with customers and distributors in new markets. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) regularly leads half a dozen Global Trade Ventures to international markets each year, but with restrictions and uncertainty affecting international travel amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, WEDC made the decision to take its Global Trade Ventures online. ...Full Story Here
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 Gov. Tony Evers joined the owner and president of Advent Tool &
Manufacturing, Inc., as well as local government and economic
development officials on Wednesday, to announce that Advent is
relocating its headquarters and production operation from Antioch,
Illinois to the new Salem Industrial Park, located in the Village of
Salem Lakes.
“This is great news for the Village of Salem Lakes and the southeast
region of Wisconsin, bringing new opportunities to folks and communities
in our state,” said Gov. Evers. “I want to thank Advent, the WEDC, the
Milwaukee 7, and all the local officials for their critically important
work in making this happen. The partnerships and relationships these
folks have been able to build truly exemplify why Wisconsin is such a
great place to live and work.” ...Full Story Here
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 If
I was the Governor of any state right now, I would create a “Department
of Innovation”, and build a team to lead and operate it that would
solely focus on developing a new model for governing, leading,
supporting and promoting key industries and services in my state. This
would be a quasi public agency that would operate with certain levels of
independence and protections from the legislative and executive
branches of state government to avoid harmful meddling, corruption and
silly partisanship, to the greatest extent possible. This
Department would promote and support creativity, innovation, venture
investing (through an entity like Wisconsin’s Economic Development
Corporation — WEDC — or another entity), constructive problem-solving,
project and systems evaluation, and thoughtful decision-making across a
number of key industries, systems and functions in my State. This
Department would focus on two priorities: (1) our State’s immediate
short-term needs to help us successfully navigate our current public
health crisis, while working with Public Health and other agencies to
ensure a better and faster reponse to other pandemics and challenges
that might follow, and (2) devising more effective ways to identify,
finance and support our State’s near-term and longterm social, economic,
educational, environmental, political and public health needs,
innovations and opportunities... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Interesting read. I agree that major events in this county used to bring us together as a nation, now they simply drive the wedge deeper. Parties are content to wait for control rather legislate across the table. We are ignoring and abandoning our youth, and we seek profit over quality and country.
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Wednesday, July 1, 2020, 7:00am
Yesterday,
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation released a report on how
the state’s industries and workers have been affected by the
coronavirus pandemic — and imagines a new way forward. We talk with
Secretary Missy Hughes, the head of WEDC, about the report.
Ken Notes: Well worth listening to...
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 Report Details How State Spent $13.7B In Federal And State AidA report from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. that
was released on Monday points to teaching those dealing with
unemployment new skills; entrepreneurship; and broadband access as key
ways to mitigate the impact COVID-19 has had on the state`s economy.
The report, which was requested by the state Legislature, details the
ways in which Wisconsin has spent $13.7 billion in federal and state
aid during the first few months of the pandemic to avoid business closures and job losses.
"This is a really complex problem that we`re facing as a state and as a nation," WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said on WPR`s "The Morning Show."
"This is not a tornado touching down in a small town in the middle of
Wisconsin. This is something that has impacted every business, every
community and every person in the whole state. Solutions moving forward
need to take that into consideration."...
Ken Notes:We talk broadband but we ignore the elephant in the room. If we leveraged the right to have 5G in our cities with a commitment to rural 5G we would not have a Broadband problem just a few year from now. Instead we are letting the providers dictate the terms. And to make matter worse they profit from our investment in older rural technologies.
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 According to a new report released Tuesday by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., wage and salary income across Wisconsin and the nation will fall by 9% in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which will be detrimental to the state`s economic activity. By 2021, however, wages in the state will grow 7%, more than double the percentage growth for wages in Wisconsin in 2019 of 3.2%, as the state`s economy rebounds from the economic fallout caused by businesses shutting down due to the virus.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Or longer, the key will be to prevent the winner/loser scenarios that were so prevalent during the last several economic downturns. We bailed out banks while the foreclosed on millions of homes. We gave money to industries who in turn fired millions of employees. Investors quickly sold off stocks and bought back at the bottom to make exponential profits while our 401K`s stayed in the market for the "long haul" they came back but other made millions...
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 The public-private Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will provide a $106,000 grant for a new bakery in downtown Beaver Dam. Jim and Ruth Metz are planning to re-develop a building on Front Street into a Great Harvest Bakery and Cafe, a chain shop, right downtown. The project is expected to be completed by July 2021 with an estimated investment of more than $900,000. The Metzes, who founded Animart, also opened Ooga Brewing Company on South Spring Street with a WEDC grant last year. The Great Harvest project was announced last month... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I like the new direction WEDC has taken to look at existing businesses and smaller projects.
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 WEDC has extended the deadline for the We’re All In $2,500 Small Business Grants to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 26th. For additional information including FAQs, feel free to refer to website at www.wedc.org and click on the We’re All In banner. (Note: This article will take you there!) ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: WEDC is working with small businesses to move forward post Covid-19. They have also led the charge on how to reopen safely. My guess is, and it is just a guess, that they may have more money than requests, so I encourage small businesses effected by Covid-19 to click this link and see if you qualify. Also this is worth sharing, you small business friends will like you even more if you net them $ 2,500...
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 The coronavirus has delivered a significant impact on Wisconsin businesses, and for the Foxconn Technology Group, it could delay when the company receives millions of dollars in state tax credits. According to emails obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Foxconn was supposed to submit a third-party report verifying information related to tax credits by May 15. Deloitte, a London-based auditing and consulting agency, has been tasked by Foxconn to write the report... ...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (WAOW) -- The City of Wisconsin Rapids is working with "key partners and organizations" to address the impacts of Verso Ccorporation`s plan to idle operations at their Wisconsin Rapids paper mill. The City is communicating with mill management, Senator Patrick Testin’s office, Representative Scott Krug’s office, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the North Central Workforce Development Board (NCWWDB) and the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Shane Blaser and Director of Community Development, Kyle Kearns, are working on the local response effort, which includes coordinating resources and strategizing economic development opportunities... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes:Stepping outside the box here, we may want to contact Chinese paper companies who have been purchasing our pulp companies and see if they would be interested in a paper production facility....
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 Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can now apply for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s $75 million grant program. The “We’re All In” grant offers small businesses $2,500 grants, which can be used for health and safety improvements to reopen, wages, salaries, rent, mortgage payments, and inventory. The online application became available this morning at 8 a.m. and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on June 23, WEDC recently announced. Grant eligibility requirements include businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees and with an annual revenue of less than $1 million... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: First Thank You. But I am wondering if we would not be better served by using funds to offset interest on loans which would seem to allow for more leverage. At 2.5% the State could partner with banks to offer $100,000 interest free loan for a year. The banks would also provide the due diligence that the state will never be able to preform. Like the payment of unemployment benefits to those not truly eligible, the $2,500 will most definitely find there way to those not qualified to actually receive them and you really can not blame WEDC for this they are reviewing thousands of applications with limited staff.
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 The City of Rhinelander will apply for a Community Development
Investment grant to help with the redevelopment of a building at 123
Rives Street. At this week`s common council meeting, Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation(WEDC) regional representative Jim
Rosenberg said the person who developed the building that houses Tilly`s
coffee shop downtown would like to upgrade the building adjoining that
building. Rosenberg says $358,000 would be spent on the upgrade that would include upstairs apartments and downstairs retail. ...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. leader Missy Hughes expects up
to 30 percent business closures in the state if reopenings are stalled
by a virus surge.
“I have seen numbers anywhere from 20 to 30 percent anticipated
closures and I think that’s really tied into the duration of the `Safer
at Home’ order,” she told reporters. “Lots of businesses that I have
talked to could withstand an initial wave of being closed, but are very
concerned about continuing.”
Hughes said that if there is a virus surge in the future, and small
businesses are asked to endure another closure or low confidence from
consumers and employees that would keep them at home, Wisconsin would
see more closures.
“That’s why it’s critically important that we all continue to think
about… the social distancing, and the hand washing and wearing masks
because this is all going to be critical for regaining momentum in our
economy.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes:30% Stings a bit, but if you are 60 something this is clearly a chance to walk away. And if your are 30 something starting over my be easier that fighting back...
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 Wisconsin economic development leaders say they`re still about 10 days from accepting applications for $75 million in federal grants to small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. But state officials also say they`re working on the right message for independent-minded Wisconsin. Gov. Tony Evers announced the We`re All In grant program more than two weeks ago. Evers says 30,000 qualifying small firms will be able to use cash grants of $2,500 to assist with the cost of business interruption during the pandemic. The money can also go for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages, and inventory. Applications for the money will be accepted starting June 15, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes told the WEDC Board Wednesday... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I look for good new honestly I do, but our economy is in a tailspin and I believe that throwing money at it will do little to help. Missy and WEDC seem to be looking for answers, but we will need new industries to fill the gaps. We need to be in front of things like Solar Power, Organic Foods, Battery Tech, Expanded Tourism, Electric Vehicles, Medical Research, Farm to Table, Craft Beer and Cheese, Feeding the World...
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 The head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation says businesses across the state have embraced social distancing as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes says businesses are adopting the group`s COVID-19 guidelines to keep customers safe--and coming back. "If they have a customer who comes in and does not feel like the business has taken into account their safety, they would be very concerned about losing that customer," Hughes told reporters on Tuesday...
See Also: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Companies continue to be cautious, but economics is starting to be the driver of policy. I see the return to normal not happening anytime soon. We need to find new opportunities for growth in Wisconsin because current companies are struggling....
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 Bay Bank has received two grants to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations during the coronavirus pandemic. The Oneida Nation-owned bank received $432,700 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation through the Small Business 20/20 Program and $200,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. Bay Bank says it distributed Small Business 20/20 grants to 45 businesses. It is still identifying businesses and nonprofits to recieve aid through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago grant. ...Full Story Here
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 The state’s lead economic development organization, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), will begin accepting online applications for its We’re All In small business grant program at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2020. The application process ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 21st. Governor Tony Evers announced the $75 million small business grant program in mid-May. It was largely funded by federal dollars received by Wisconsin through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed and signed into law in late March 2020. ...Full Story Here
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 RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation Secretary Missy Hughes says businesses should be looking
toward her agency as they open up for business.
Hughes says the virus cuts across county lines and she says business
owners should consider some options. "That`s where WEDC`s guidelines can
be helpful because businesses can stand in the middle of their shop or
cafe and think about `what to I need to change to help my employees feel
safe and my customers feel safe?"
Hughes says many people thought they would have more time to consider
what to do under the Badger Bounce Back plan presented by Governor
Evers. When the state Supreme Court reopened the state right away, many
people were looking for guidance on what to do says Hughes. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: WEDC has taken on a new role as the pandemic impacts us all. I hope the focus on smaller and rural Wisconsin continues and we can get development and employment growth incentives for all Wisconsin businesses back on the table, but it does look like Hughes has turned the ship in that direction. Time will tell.
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 he second observation period of a statewide survey is underway to measure the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wisconsin businesses. The survey is open for past participants and new participants until May 14. The survey is a partnership between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s nine regional economic development organizations, including the local Visions Northwest, and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Center for Customized Research & Services (CCRS) to collect data on the level of economic hardship being experienced by Wisconsin businesses due to the pandemic...
...Full Story Here
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 Waukesha County executive Paul Farrow encouraged businesses to follow
CDC and Wisconsin Economic Corp. guidelines after a Wisconsin Supreme
Court ruling striking down Gov. Tony Evers’ “Safer at Home” order.
“While there is no longer a ‘Safer at Home’ order, there is still
COVID-19 in our community. Be smart, be vigilant, and stay safe,” Farrow
said in a statement.
Farrow said he expects many businesses previously closed by the order would choose to open on Thursday... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: and now the CYA verbiage begins. Every politician will say "Stay Safe", while cashing the checks from groups who lobbied for opening the state. I want the state opened back up, but even more I want our elected officials to cooperate on a plan to do this. I want to restore fiscal conservancy and social awareness to a system that has thrown both out the window.
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On May 8, 2020, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) published a series of general and industry-specific guidelines to assist businesses with reopening under Governor Tony Evers’s “Badger Bounce Back” plan. Guidelines are available for many industries, including agriculture, construction, entertainment/amusement, gym and fitness centers, hair and nail salons, hospitality/lodging, manufacturing, professional services, public facilities, restaurants, retail, transportation, outdoor gatherings, outdoor recreation, and warehouse/wholesale trades. Across multiple guidelines, the WEDC—a public-private agency—identified common modifications to practices, policies, and physical accommodations to safely reopen. For example, each guideline encourages businesses to increase cleaning and sanitizing practices, and have employees practice social distancing and use face masks or cloth face coverings. The guidelines repeatedly direct businesses to adhere to the guidelines and recommendations published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
...Full Story Here
Notes:
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 Wisconsin Economic Development Secretary-CEO Missy Hughes says
businesses are facing challenges, in accessing federal pandemic
assistance.
“We continue to see anxiety. You know the PPP (Paycheck Protection)
and the Economic Injury Development Loan Program are heavy with
paperwork,” Hughes told WRN.
Hughes says WEDC is working to connect businesses with local partners or agency staff who can help them through the process... ...Full Story Here
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 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers, along with the Greater Milwaukee Committee, laid out their plans on Monday, April 27, to safely open up the economy. Gov.
Evers` said in order to reopen, they need to develop more testing, get
more personal protection equipment, do more contact tracing and analyze
where the virus is progressing. Evers. also said they are continuing to evaluate how businesses can operate safely as they slowly reopen. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
officials say they have a program called "Wisconsin Ready." The goal is
to get businesses ready to open when the order is lifted, like giving
businesses resources about how they can do it safely; for example:
whether workers should wear PPE and put up plexiglass. ..
...Full Story Here
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:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66641339/npatel_200410_foxconn_0002.0.jpg) LastLast April, The Verge reported that the Foxconn “innovation centers” scattered around Wisconsin were largely empty and that renovations were stalled. Several days after that article published, Foxconn held a press conference to announce that it had bought yet another building and told reporters that The Verge’s reporting was incorrect...
...In a statement, Missy Hughes, the CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation overseeing the deal, told The Verge that Foxconn’s report will be audited and reviewed and that negotiations over the contract are ongoing. “Our conversations with Foxconn about aligning the contract with the project continue — it is WEDC’s objective to do so in order to support the project,” Hughes said.
The factory is set to open in May. Foxconn has deemed construction “essential,” and work continues even under Wisconsin’s stay-at-home order. It is unclear exactly what the factory will produce when it becomes operational.
Foxconn did not respond to a request for comment...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Again we are allowing the VERGE to tell OUR story. We need reporters in Wisconsin to aggressively seek the truth, Foxconn has suggested they have met the employee threshold for 2019 and there were 100 or so cars in the parking lot of the new campus -- how many of those were construction vs. Foxconn I couldn`t say. I have no idea exactly what they are doing other than desperately seeking a product that they can profitably market in both the US and abroad. I guess what we need to remember is the Verge and Foxconn both have an agenda, and Missy may have landed the toughest job in the state...
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 Wisconsin’s newly created Office of
Rural Prosperity has named its first director, a woman who grew up on a
La Crosse County farm and has worked for a member of Congress from
Maine. The office, created by Gov.
Tony Evers under the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., is meant to
help rural communities, farmers and others navigate state programs that
could be beneficial to them. It would be a
"one-stop shop" for rural communities seeking state assistance, WEDC
Executive Director Missy Hughes said in an earlier Journal Sentinel
interview... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes:I applauded the effort when it was suggested and hope we see success after C-19. Welcome back to Wisconsin...
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 Foxconn Can`t Be Awarded Tax Credits Until Contract With State Is ReorganizedFoxconn officials say they have invested "hundreds of millions" of
dollars in the development of the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology
Park in Racine County and have met the state’s pay-for-performance
criteria, according to an open records request from Wisconsin Public
Radio.
"Foxconn directly employed 600 individuals, with more than 550
meeting the criterial for qualifications as full-time employees," Jay
Lee, board member and vice chairman of Foxconn Technology Group wrote
to Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) Secretary Missy Hughes.
"Alongside our local partners, we have built a strong foundation for the
Wisconsin project, and set the stage for Wisconn Valley to be the
center of a high-technology hub for North America.
Foxconn had to create a minimum of 520 jobs in 2019 to be eligible for state tax credits. The company had until April 1 to report the number of jobs it created last year...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: WDNews checked the parking lot at the new site and there were 100 cars or so. This could be construction workers or employees setting up to make ventilators. The need to do some documentation but they are doing SOMETHING. I will see if my new friend is willing to post some video and pictures for your media outlets...
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 MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) --
Hemp industry leaders in Wisconsin are asking state officials to
reconsider its classification of hemp and hemp products as
"non-essential business."
In a letter written to Gov. Tony Evers,
officials from the Wisconsin Hemp Alliance, Wisconsin Farm Bureau
Federation and Wisconsin Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association said
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has taken the
opinion that CBD shops and the retail sale of hemp and hemp products are
non-essential businesses per the Safer at Home Order.
"While we certainly appreciate and
understand the enormous and unprecedented challenges Wisconsin is facing
right now, we believe WEDC is misguided in its opinion, and that hemp
businesses are essential and therefore must not be required to close,"
the letter said.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I did look up the fact that the Illinois Stores are open and while they carry much more they do have CBD.
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Ken Notes: No doubt that the WEDC has found a new role in all of this and has seemed to have stepped up to the plate. We need to thank them for the guidance they are providing...
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 The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) on March 31 announced its partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC),Wisconsin’s eight other regional economic development organizations (EDOs) and UW-Oshkosh to create and distribute a data collection tool to businesses in the Region who are experiencing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey will be available to businesses in all 72 counties and disseminated by Wisconsin’s nine regional EDOs and their local chamber and community partners. It may be repeated monthly for additional data. The project will be overseen by MadREP President Paul Jadin, New North Executive Director Barb LaMue and Jeffrey Sachse, MPA, Interim Director, Center for Customized Research and Services (CCRS) at UW-O....
Surveys can be found here.
Ken Notes: Fill one out it will help a great deal...
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 MADISON (WKOW) -- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers today signed an order closing what state officials say are non-essential businesses.
(FULL LIST OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES)
The order is effective at 8 a.m. on Weds., March 25, 2020 and will
remain in effect until 8 a.m. Fri., April 24, 2020, or until a
superseding order is issued.
If a business is an Essential Business or Operation as defined in
this order, it does not need documentation or certification to continue
its work that is done in compliance with this order... ...Full Story Here
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 Vilas County Economic Development Corporation and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation held a teleconference roundtable Tuesday for businesses to call in and get help following the signing of the federal stimulus package. The panel included state and county officials, both sponsoring entities, UW-Stevens Point, Lac du Flambeau economic development and a local lender. Many of the questions were technical, including how business owners could get funds, help their employees and several other topics... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: My radio show Saturday will feature Errin Welty from WEDC from 10am til noon and you are welcome to call in at 844-967-2798 and ask her about small business...
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 CLICK HERE to view the order.
The order goes into effect at 8 a.m.
Wednesday, March 25, and remains in effect until 8 a.m. on Friday, April
24, unless the governor announces otherwise.
On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Department of
Health Services announced the number of positive cases of coronavirus
rose to 457. The state says 8,237 tests came back negative.
There were no additional deaths to report Tuesday. The statewide total remains at five.
CLICK HERE to find out what is defined as Essential Business in Wisconsin... See Also: ...Full Story Here
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MADISON — Businesses with questions about Governor Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order closing certain workplaces were met with a website that refused to load.
In a news release, the governor’s office said businesses unsure about
whether they are exempt from the order should contact the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: No doubt...
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 — WEDC chief Missy Hughes says agency staff are “working through the
process” of determining which businesses are essential after a spike in
related web traffic contributed to the agency’s site crashing.
“This is a hard conversation,” she said yesterday during a webinar
viewed by business leaders. “Everybody wants to be essential, and
everybody is essential.”
After the order was announced, the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp. website received an “extraordinary spike” in traffic and crashed
for several hours. WEDC spokesman David Callender said nearly 2,000
information requests about essential business status have been received
by the site, and noted agency staff are “swamped” by the workload... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Missy is up to the task and seems to be able to sort through the noise. This is a tough job. An example for your consideration, my daughters are massage therapists and their companies were deemed essential and elective surgery was not???
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MADISON - Small businesses in Wisconsin
could get a boost from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation or
the U.S. Small Business Administration to help them through the
coronavirus pandemic. Missy Hughes,
WEDC executive director, announced a $5 million grant program, known as
Small Business 20/20, that will assist the "smallest of the small
businesses" in Wisconsin, according to a release. The
organization will provide up to $20,000 per business, the release said.
The money can be used by businesses with less than 20 employees to
cover rent and meet payroll expenses including sick, family and other
types of leave related to the virus. The grants will be funded through
partnerships with the state`s 23 community development financial
institutions, which already work with many small businesses that will
need the grants, the release said. To qualify for the grant, businesses
must already have a loan from a community development financial
institution in good standing....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: See link above to get details on the program. I had another idea, with interest rates as low as they are, would now be a good time to partner with banks, business and communities to offer interest free loans to businesses that a community wants. Like TIF or CDBG this loan program could be used by communities to help businesses of value to a region. The cost would be the interest for the life of the loan which is now close to nothing...
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 A nonprofit organization working to fight poverty and spur economic development in the Coulee Region is getting a little help. Couleecap
in Westby has received an $80,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. — funds that will support program expansion and the
implementation of a new regional business training model. The Couleecap grant is expected to help 45 businesses across La Crosse, Vernon, Monroe and Crawford counties.
In total, nine organizations will receive $432,000 in grant funding from WEDC...
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 GREEN BAY - Regional efforts to
support startup companies and innovation got a boost Wednesday from the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. New
North Inc. and the Oconto County Economic Development Corp. received
$30,000 and $38,000 respectively for programs that aim to assist dozens
of entrepreneurs with starting or growing their businesses. In total,
WEDC awarded $432,000 in grants to nine organizations....
...Full Story Here
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 ASHWAUBENON (WLUK) -- A one-stop shop type of organization is being formed to help Northeast Wisconsin entrepreneurs.
The state announced a $30,000 WEDC grant on Wednesday will help form the NEW Launch Alliance.
“We would love to connect with you and find out where you are in the stage of your idea development and your business launch and connect you to resources,” said Barb LaMue, the executive director of NEW North.
NEW North is the regional economic development corporation for 18 counties in Northeast Wisconsin. Under it will be NEW Launch Alliance, which will connect entrepreneurs to any resources they might need.
Titletown Tech, the partnership between Microsoft and the Green Bay Packers, is an example of one of the connections NEW Launch could make...
See Also:
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Good idea we should have one of these in every region and WEDC should have a resource plan for all of them. Looks like thay have a great start...
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 The City of Fort Atkinson is aiming to create a new business loan
program this summer, with the help of grants from the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) and Fort Community Foundation. The loan is intended to give businesses an incentive to come to Fort Atkinson. City
Manager Matt Trebatoski said during the city council meeting Tuesday
that Fort Atkinson used to have a revolving loan program that served a
similar purpose. However, it was forced to close after the state
cancelled the program... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: It is good to see WEDC working with local Development Corporations. I would love to see WEDC offer interest subsidized loans in partnership with banks and other lenders. This would allow the banks to do due diligence, something WEDC is not great at...
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 The new leader of Wisconsin’s economic development agency is saying a
lot of reassuring things that should please business people as well as
taxpayers.
Melissa “Missy” Hughes has been CEO of the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. for four months, and she appears committed to
following a fiscally responsible plan for invigorating Wisconsin’s
economy... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Assembly
Republicans prepared Thursday to launch another futile attempt to
override another of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers` budget vetoes. Evers struck down language in the state budget what would have required the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation to allocate at least $1 million over
the biennium for grants for the laboratories, workshops equipped with
3-D printers, plasma cutters and other high-tech tools. Evers said that
if WEDC wants to make such an allocation it should be allowed to do so
on its own...
Ken Notes: We finally have a WEDC with a little independence and a focus on all of Wisconsin lets see where this takes us before we micro manage it from the Capitol...
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 MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – In a wide-ranging interview, Melissa
‘Missy’ Hughes, the new CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation, told CBS 58 that the Evers administration is, “absolutely”
rooting for Foxconn’s success and that the state is ready to help the
company achieve its goals. Hughes took over the position in 2019
following the departure of her predecessor, Mark Hogan. The former
Organic Valley executive inherited the Foxconn project and hit the
ground running when it came to the development. “My goal is to
come in and understand it,” Hughes said in an interview with CBS 58 at
WEDC’s Madison headquarters. “To learn what Foxconn’s vision is and to
help them as their business plans evolve, to make sure that the project
and the contract that WEDC is responsible for are all aligned and
working together.”... FYI: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Let me know if I am wrong here, but Hughes seems to be bringing a business mindset to Foxconn and WEDC. I hope this continues and gets some bipartisan support (I can dream can`t I). Can I also mention that Foxconn just entered into partnerships with automotive and tech giants to manufacture new products. I included a few of these articles even though none mention Wisconsin.
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 RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) -- The Secretary of Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation says the agency will be working hard to use a
new office to help rural Wisconsin`s economy.
Missy Hughes tells WXPR Radio a key is Governor Tony Evers` creation
of the Office of Rural Prosperity which is inside WEDC. "The intent
behind that office is to be a one-stop-shop for rural communities as
they come forward with a project, we can help them leverage the state
resources through all the different departments and make sure that
project comes to fruition but also is as big and great as the community
wants it to be."... See Also: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes:Dairy farms will struggle as long as CAFO`s can make more profit on less land and dispose of their waste in ways that are cheap and may harm our water systems. Digestion is the answer but as of yet it is not even on the radar screen...
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 he Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.’s fourth CEO, Melissa “Missy” Hughes, said Monday her first four months have been spent developing a new direction for the state’s top economic development agency. The shift in direction, which Hughes and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers have said entails a greater focus on small businesses and rural communities, rather than on controversial deals like the one for the massive Foxconn project, is reflective of Hughes as a departure from previous leaders of the embattled WEDC since its 2011 creation...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Read this... READ THIS... If you read nothing else read this article. Share this article. You can comment on, argue about, even blame WEDC but not if you have not read this article.
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 The head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) says
there has been "tremendous" amounts of communication with Foxconn,
however she doesn`t have a sense of whether the company met its job
goals in 2019 to receive state tax incentives.
WEDC CEO Missy Hughes told WPR`s "The Morning Show"
that she will wait until Foxconn submits its job report to her office
April 1 before commenting further on the company’s job creation.
Foxconn had to create a minimum of 520 jobs in 2019 to be eligible
for state tax credits, according to the current contract with the state.
Whether that number will change is unclear.
In December, Gov. Tony Evers said he
thought the state and Foxconn would renegotiate its contract because
the company is no longer building the product it promised when they
agreed to the deal in 2017...
...Full Story Here
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 ADISON (WKOW) -- Governor Evers ordered lawmakers to convene for a special session to vote on a package of bills to address the state`s dairy crisis. Republican leaders support finding ways to help farmers, but they doubt they`ll convene stating the timeline to review the bills is too short. The governors initiatives include; creating a Wisconsin initiative for dairy exports with a goal increasing dairy exports to 20% of the country’s milk supply by 2024, provide research assistance to farmers at no cost, providing mental health services to support farmers, giving small dairy processing plants priority when issuing state grants, and a new program to connect local farms with more businesses to purchase their food.... ...Full Story Here
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An office of Rural Prosperity for Wisconsin could do a lot for small businesses and towns to become more successful.
Governor Tony Evers has proposed such an office, and the idea is
being endorsed by the secretary of the WisconsIn Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC).
Both the governor and WEDC secretary Melissa Hughes spoke on Monday
at the 48th annual meeting of LADCO, the La Crosse Area Development
Corporation.
Evers said the state is in ‘an excellent position’ to start the
2020’s in a ‘good place,’ if there’s cooperation, but he said the
governor cannot “wave a magic wand” to make things happen.... ...Hughes, a former executive with Organic Valley of La Farge, says like
WEDC, a prosperity office could be a ‘one-stop shop’ to steer a project
toward completion....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Sure he can, he just needs a senate and assembly to make the trick work. An office of Rural Prosperity would work well with bipartisan support so the question is how do we get there and for the record many of the pieces are already in place. Most counties already have ED Directors and staff and are a "one stop shop". There are also regional ED offices that cover the entire state. The state could match the local and county contributions to these existing efforts add some state benefits and task them with your Rural Agenda.
PRESTO! An office of Rural Prosperity for Wisconsin...
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 The newly created Office of Rural Prosperity can boost economic opportunities outside of Wisconsin`s big cities — if it helps advance issues like housing, broadband and other challenges faced by workers and entrepreneurs in small communities. That`s according to those who work in economic development for small cities, who this week offered reactions to the announcement of the new office by Gov. Tony Evers in his State of the State speech. As part of a slate of policies aimed at helping Wisconsin farmers and rural communities, the governor said he`d work with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) to establish the office, which he called a "one-stop shop for folks to navigate state programs and resources tailored to rural communities, businesses and workers." Speaking on WPR`s "The Morning Show," WEDC CEO Missy Hughes said her agency`s role will be "to be the funnel for those communities, so that they can access all the different resources" that exist for rural communities. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Also regarding the loss of dairy farms in the state please remember we are now milking MORE cows than ever before. You cannot talk about loosing dairy farms without talking about the factory farms that are replacing them...
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 Oneida County Economic Development Corporation Director Stacey
Johnson will be changing positions soon to take a similar job
description with the state. Johnson spoke to the Rhinelander common council meeting Monday... "My
position as Economic Development Director will be changing in the
coming weeks. I still we be doing economic development, however I will
be doing it from the capacity of regional executive director of the
WEDC. My area will be the central Wisconsin area, however I will stay on
any of the projects we`ve discussed here in city council...." ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON - First Class Cosmetology at 306 State St. in downtown Beloit
is among five businesses named as finalists in the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation`s (WEDC`s) Main Street Makeover Contest. Businesses
in 34 communities that are part of the Wisconsin Main Street Program
had the opportunity to nominate themselves for a "makeover" that will
take place in the spring of 2020. The winning business will
receive personalized technical assistance and up to $10,000 to implement
recommended changes, which could include interior and exterior design
improvements. Other finalists were Chefusion in Green Bay, Flex & Burn in
Kenosha, Ted`s Pizza Palace in Menomonie and Kingsley Crossing in
Shullsburg... ...Full Story Here
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Ken Notes:Great list and details! I noticed they did not include the TIF portion of project investment, this is OK because it is not State dollars or WEDC dollars, but is obviously a substantial part of the "Deal". I would love to see this included as a reference with a note about any development agreements guaranteeing value. A missing part of the state statutes on TIF laws in my opinion (i.e. no requirement for development agreement)...
Thumbs up for tracking and sharing this data, it truly is a new day at WEDC...
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 MADISON (WKOW) -- A new audit is warning the state`s jobs agency to
change its procedures to ensure Foxconn doesn`t receive tax breaks for
jobs in other states instead of Wisconsin.
An audit conducted by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau is
warning Wisconsin’s Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to change
their procedures to make sure tax credits are not awarded to Foxconn
employees who don’t work in the state... ...Full Story Here
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 WEDC policies continue to allow the awarding of tax credits to Foxconn
for employees working outside of Wisconsin despite a vow last year to
make changes ensuring that wouldn’t happen, according to a new
Legislative Audit Bureau report.
But Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes insists the
agency has already “explicitly disqualified any employee who did not
perform services in Wisconsin” and has made other changes that LAB
recommended in an audit last year...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Good read and lots of details here... Lets give Missy and WEDC a chance to demonstrate they have taken control of the rudder and can actually control the ship...
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 `It Has To Be A Good Deal,` Says Missy Hughes `We`re in. We`re doing it.`The
new head of Wisconsin`s flagship economic development agency says the
state will do everything it can to make sure its contract with Foxconn
is successful.
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers named Missy Hughes to lead WEDC earlier this year. She`s been the agency`s CEO and Secretary since Oct. 1.
Speaking
at a Wispolitics forum in Madison Thursday, Hughes said she was hopeful
that the Foxconn deal would be a success for Wisconsin...
Ken Notes: The Journal Sentinel Has a story suggesting that Foxconn will meet their 2019 numbers needed for tax credits. This has to be reviewed by WEDC. I would share the article but Journal Sentinel paywall is in the way. I will subscribe soon and share what I can but do not like aggregating articles when readers complain that they can not see the original article. Subscribe to you local paper and If you know anyone at JS....
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Ken Notes: Wow this is surprising! It is a great place to visit. Of course it is a seasonal destination for many.
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 WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI—Aluminum-billet manufacturer Matalco Inc. has begun
construction here on a new state-of-the-art plant. The $80 million
project is expected to create 80 jobs over the next three years.The new
110,000-square-foot greenfield re-melt extrusion billet and slab
manufacturing facility will produce more than 230 million pounds of
aluminum billet per year.
“We welcome Matalco to Wisconsin and thank the company for its decision
to expand its operations into our state,” says Tricia R. Braun, deputy
secretary and chief operating officer of the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s leading economic development
organization...
...WEDC is supporting the project with up to $1.5 million in state income
tax credits over the next three years, dependent on Matalco’s total
investment and the number of jobs created. In addition to the 80 jobs
expected to be created by Matalco, an economic modeling study estimates
the project could indirectly generate 48 additional jobs in the region.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Interesting numbers, the per employee number is 18,750 not far from my proposal of 2K for ten year tax credit. The difference, any growing company could get my credit... I`m just saying... Anyway congrats...
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Ken Notes: I continue to believe internships and APPRENTICESHIP are the keys to getting our students into great jobs...
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 An unnamed investor is looking at an aging downtown Rhinelander
building that could eventually see housing and retail in the location. The former Hext Theater at 25 South Brown Street is being eyed for the development. Wisconsin
Economic and Development Corporation Regional Director Jim Rosenberg
told the Rhinelander common council recently he will be asking the city
to facilitate funding for the project through WEDC.... ...Full Story Here
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 RHINELANDER
- It`s relatively easy for a person to find a job in Wisconsin. That
makes it more competitive for employers to hire talent, which is
creating problems.
"The times are slightly different than any
other time before, because we are at this low unemployment level," said
Grow North Executive Director Brittany Beyer.
Every county in
Wisconsin saw its unemployment level improve in September. Beyer says
its caused businesses to be more lenient with such a small pool of job
seekers.
"If they have candidates that are eager and might not
necessarily have all the skills that they`re looking for, they could and
should be willing to think through what skills they could help develop
those individuals to obtain," said Beyer.
Tricia Braun, COO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), says there`s just a lack of people in general.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Another problem is the skill set needed for some jobs...
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 On November 5, WisconsinEye Senior Producer Steve Walters interviewed
the new WEDC Secretary and CEO Melissa "Missy" Hughes on if she thinks
that recent report on Wisconsin losing 5,000 manufacturing jobs is a
result of the Trump Administration`s tariffs and if it is a temporary
issue. Hughes highlighted that Wisconsin has 9,400 manufacturing
companies which translates to 475,000 jobs. "I don`t want to attribute
it to some particular policy, I want to understand the whole trend,"
Hughes said. "...I see, right now, the manufacturing in Wisconsin is
grappling with [lack of workforce] issue." Watch the full program: https://wiseye.org/2019/11/05/newsmakers-melissa-hughes-ceo-wisconsin-economic-development-corporation/ ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I wish she would talk about apprenticeship, but a good interview...
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 NORTH FOND DU LAC – FZE Manufacturing
Solutions is now part of the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation’s Made In Wisconsin program. The
WEDC recognized FZE Manufacturing Solutions on Tuesday for its
“contributions to the community and the manufacturing industry as a
whole” with the Made In Wisconsin program member designation as part of
Manufacturing Month, WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said in a
press release from the WEDC...
I like the WEDC designation but do not forget that if you make a product in Wisconsin you can als get the Something Special From Wisconsin designation for free and Lois will help promote your product globally...
...Full Story HereKen Notes: I like the WEDC designation but do not forget that if you make a product in Wisconsin you can also get the Something Special From Wisconsin designation and Lois will help promote your product globally. In fact with Christmas coming up you may want to head over to the website and choose a few "Wisconsin" gifts for friends and clients.
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 Gov. Tony Evers made a stop in Eau Claire Friday afternoon to take a look at the city’s downtown developments.
Gov. Evers was accompanied by Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation secretary Missy Hughes on a walking tour to different
downtown businesses, including the Oxbow Hotel, Jamf Software and the
Pablo Center.
It was all to survey the development in the area and speak with business leaders... SEE ALSO: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: It is great to see the Governor and WEDC looking at ED in markets other than metro Milwaukee and Madison...
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 Eight Wisconsin companies — including
three in Madison — will receive a funding boost from a partnership
between state offices with the federal Small Business Innovation
Research or Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The
federal SBIR/SBTT programs awarded several Wisconsin companies grant
funding that is earmarked for research-related uses. To promote the
commercialization of those businesses, the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. and University of Wisconsin System awarded eight of
those companies further funding through its SBIR Advance fund to help
them bring products to market...
Ken Notes: See all the winners at the link...
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 The new leader of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
brings a very different background to the position than her predecessor.
Rather than running a large company, CEO Missy Hughes was overseeing a
farming co-operative. Organic Valley helps fruit farmers from the
Midwest sell their products. Hughes tells Josh Dukelow on Fresh Take that her focus will be on
funding more small business ideas rather than large projects like
Foxconn.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: And she is from Southwest Wisconsin...
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Ken Notes: This is good news now the trick will be to educate every business in the state on how to use this system. Have I ever mentioned that most counties and larger cities have an Economic Development Director, too bad they do not work for the State...
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 The new secretary and CEO for the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation made her way to Green Bay Wednesday morning. Missy Hughes is
touring the state this week, to highlight some of the economic growth
efforts happening across Wisconsin. Just a few weeks on the job, Hughes is already getting familiar with
some of the many new developments happening around the Green Bay area.
"I`m
seeing an incredible amount of collaboration from the private side and
private sector. I`ve been to the Stem Innovation Center, this morning I
was at TitleTown Tech and now the Railyard, it`s just nice to see how
everyone is coming together to revitalize Green Bay," she said.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I wonder if she read last weeks WDN where I ran several stories on GB...
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Organizations can apply for grants of up to $100,000 MADISON, WI. SEPT. 30, 2019 – The
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is now accepting
applications from nonprofit and community-based organizations for a
grant program designed to advance the statewide climate for
entrepreneurship.
The
Entrepreneurship Support Program provides financial assistance of
between $10,000 and $100,000 for projects that promote entrepreneurship
and provide Wisconsin entrepreneurs with key resources, including
training, mentorship, and business development and financial services. Launched
in 2016, the initiative has provided nearly $1.5 million in grants to
28 organizations statewide to help fund activities such as prototyping
assistance, legal services and outreach to underserved entrepreneurs.
Those grants have enabled organizations to provide services to hundreds
of entrepreneurs through a wide variety of initiatives.... ...Full Story Here
Notes:
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 Incoming Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Melissa Hughes will
make the same amount as her predecessor, or just under $200,000 a year. WEDC spokesman David Callender said the WEDC board approved Hughes’
$195,000 salary at its Wednesday meeting. Hughes’ salary is the same as
former CEO Mark Hogan, who resigned earlier this month after four years
of service. Hughes most recently served as La Farge-based cooperative Organic
Valley’s chief mission officer and general counsel since 2003. She was
appointed by Gov. Tony Evers earlier this month to lead WEDC. She was
selected from 28 applicants narrowed down to six finalists and is the
first woman to be appointed to serve as WEDC’s secretary.... ...Full Story Here
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 The incoming economic development
head said she’s looking to work closely with the agency’s board in
shaping its business-related strategy across Wisconsin. Missy
Hughes, who Gov. Tony Evers selected earlier this month to lead the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, participated in her first
agency board meeting in Madison Wednesday, about a week before she
officially starts her new role as secretary and CEO of the
public-private agency...
Ken Notes: We need to reshape the organization, I hope she asks for legislative policy as well as support...
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Ken Notes: Interesting mix...
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 Thursday, Sept. 26 is Wisconsin Craft Brewery Day and to celebrate,
Gov. Tony Evers announced today that he, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes,
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Deputy Secretary
Tricia Braun and other officials from around the state plan to visit
seven craft breweries. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: WOW a governor pub crawl! When I was in the Capitol only the governors staff staff did this... Actually thanks for bringing attention to Wisconsin`s emerging marketplace. We need to turn "Craft" into a destination for tourists...
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 MadREP president Paul Jadin called Governor Tony Evers’ choice of
Organic Valley executive Melissa Hughes as the new head of the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation, an agency Jadin himself once headed,
refreshing. We agree, in more ways than one. We don’t know Hughes,
but her resume is impressive and her experience seems appropriate to
lead Wisconsin’s economic development operation. Like Jadin we like
Hughes’ background in agriculture and what that says about a truly
72-county approach to Wisconsin economic development. But this
also feels refreshingly non-partisan. Evers picked Hughes not because
she contributed to his campaign but because she is qualified for the
post and has a vision for economic growth and health throughout the
state. WEDC can use a little more light and little less heat … and a lot
less drama. We need a strong, respected and effective economic
development agency. We’re betting Hughes can get us there... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I agree and said much of this seven years ago -- I would add that systemic change is needed in the organization. We also need to realize some new businesses fail and we need to own this and not place too many eggs in one basket. Is this a vague reference to Foxconn - I hope not...
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 Lisa Mauer, the chair of the board of directors of the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corp., has named 15 members to the new
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Committee, which will meet later this
month.
The WEDC board created the committee in response to a request from
Gov. Tony Evers earlier this year. The governor noted at the time that
Wisconsin lags other states in small business creation. He said the
committee would compliment WEDC’s existing programs to assist
entrepreneurs... ...Full Story Here
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 A top executive at the billion-dollar
dairy cooperative Organic Valley will lead the state`s jobs agency, Gov.
Tony Evers announced Thursday. Melissa
Hughes, who has worked as general counsel at the Vernon County
organization for 15 years, said in her application to Evers that she
helped grow the number of participating family farms from 500 to 2,000
and from $150 million in annual sales to more than $1 billion. "With
her background helping small businesses and family farms, coupled with
her experience navigating complex governmental, regulatory, trade, and
business matters, Missy Hughes will be an incredible asset to our team
as we work to grow an economy that works for everyone,” Evers said in a
statement... Several Articles Here are a few: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: WELCOME! This is very interesting. Supports family farms check... Southwest Wisconsin Check... Home grown growth check... Environmental interests check... Energy check... Regional / Local commitment check... She is a lawyer -- we will see...
Some immediate questions?
Can we get a current accounting breakdown on Foxconn?
Will WEDC track payback on investments and grants?
Will WEDC share this info?
Will the Millennial add campaign continue?
Will WEDC work with schools and business to strengthen our workforce?
How political will WEDC be moving forward?
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 Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday that the Beaver Dam Commerce Park
has been certified as ready for development by the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) Certified In Wisconsin Program.
The commerce park is located between Madison, Milwaukee and Fond du
Lac. Situated along U.S. Highway 151 at Hemlock Road and county highways
A and W, it is one of Wisconsin’s largest available industrial sites.
According to Evers, business located in the park can reach more than
half of the U.S. population within one day’s truck delivery time and 75%
within two days... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I like the distribution comments and the size of this park...
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 Former Gov. Scott Walker Called For Campaign Aimed At Increasing WorkforceA
state-run marketing campaign aimed at getting more millennials to move
to Wisconsin will continue, despite Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and state
lawmakers not funding it in the state budget.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) requested $10 million over the next two years to cover the costs of continuing the campaign, which began in 2018 under former Republican Gov. Scott Walker.
Evers did not meet that request
and GOP lawmakers who control the state Legislature also declined to
push the funding during budget negotiations for the campaign aimed at
people ages 21 to 35. However,
according to WEDC officials, the organization has identified $4 million
within other parts of its budget to fund the program during this fiscal
year and expects to do the same in 2020-21...
Ken Notes: I am not a fan of this program, why not invest the 10 or even the 4 million in community programs to grow jobs. We live is a social media society -- Imagine the value of our current millennials tweeting about tuition interest tax credits, good paying jobs, great housing, recreational opportunities, Entrepreneur support, great schools and more. You just can`t put that on the subway wall...
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 Wisconsin
Economic Development Corp. secretary and CEO Mark Hogan will step down
from his position on September 3. Hogan joins us to talk about his time
with WEDC and his goals for the future of business in Wisconsin.
Related Links:
NOTE: Mark Hogan will be on Public Radio TODAY at 4PM...
Ken Notes: First Thank You Mr. Hogan as the captain of a ship headed in the wrong direction you pointed it back toward center. While your ship was being bombed you kept it moving forward. When it took on water you pumped better than most. WEDC was and unfortunately still is a political vessel. Thus WEDC made some political decisions like, Foxconn and you inherited others like Kestrel.
I will say one thing using these examples, Kestrel got a lot of money up front and we will never see it again while Foxconn has much of there support tied to future job creation and building value. In this case while we offered far too much we at least do not have to pay it all out until they deliver, so again Thank You.
Moving forward I still suggest we create a bipartisan organization that recognizes all business growth in the State by offering smaller affordable tax credits to ALL growing companies, I suggest we allow communities to invest in job creating companies by restructuring TIF laws to offer property tax credits to expanding companies where development agreements are in place.
Under Hogan`s leadership WEDC has worked hard to make far more communities recipients of funds but who and what you know still helps. To continue this and level the playing field going forward, I suggest we educate every community on how to work with WEDC, the State, and the hundreds of other opportunities they have to help grow business in Wisconsin.
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 MADISON, WI.– The City of Ashland is receiving a $155,400 state grant
to help finance the renovation of an existing commercial building into a
brand-new child care facility.
The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support a complete interior
renovation of the future EverGrow Learning Center (EGLC) near the
downtown area in order to serve the residents of Ashland and surrounding
communities with adequate childcare options, thus allowing for
increased participation in the labor force.
“WEDC is committed to supporting communities throughout the state as
they invest in quality infrastructure and services to revitalize their
downtowns to encourage economic growth,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary
and CEO of WEDC. “By increasing the availability of child care, the
project not only allows for increased participation in the Ashland labor
force, but it will serve to foster economic health, quality of life and
a sense of community for its citizens.”... ...Full Story Here
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 Milwaukee-based education company University of WisconsinMilwaukee has secured $1 million in grant funding, according to company database Crunchbase,
topping the city’s recent funding headlines. The cash infusion was
announced Aug. 15 and financed by Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC).
According to its Crunchbase profile, "With close to 200 different
degree offerings, active research programs and a vibrant local and
student life, University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee (UWM) has something
for everyone, both academically and otherwise... ...Full Story Here
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 The state’s pulp, paper and converting industries generated $18.2 billion in economic output in 2018.The Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point released a study called An Assessment of the Economic Contribution of Pulp, Paper and Converting to the State of Wisconsin
that found that Wisconsin ranks first in the nation in the number of
paper mills, the number of industry employees in the paper industry and
the value of the paper products sold. The report was prepared by WIST, with assistance from the Wisconsin Paper Council. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) provided funding for the research and the report. According
to the study, Wisconsin’s pulp, paper and converting industries
directly generated $18.2 billion in economic output and employed more
than 30,000 workers in 2018. The paper industry’s total contributions to
Wisconsin’s economy—including direct, indirect and induced
benefits—amounted to more than $28.8 billion and more than 95,000 jobs,
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. reports in a news release
announcing the study... SEE ALSO:
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This is good news but the reality is that much of the production has moved overseas. This trend will continue and a new trend is for Chinese interests to buy US pulp and recycling facilities and produce the pulp for their Chinese boxes here and then ship it back to China for production. A great model for economic development is to identify what we can put on all the empty ships returning to China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Russia and all the other countries that ship goods to the US.
Finally regarding paper it is a very water intensive business and the industry is dedicated to returning the water back to the environment cleaner then they took it, but we still like to target them and there purse for environmental issues. We need to work with the industry to encourage growth in the state...
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded a
$750,000 grant to the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) to establish the
Beverage Innovation Center, a new center of excellence that will provide
resources to small businesses to test and develop new beverage
products. “This grant will allow us to purchase specialized equipment as well
as provide technical assistance to dairy producers and entrepreneurs in
Wisconsin,” said CDR Director John Lucey. “When the Beverage Innovation
Center is up and running, there will be no other facility quite like it
in the United States.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This is a great project. Europe and the East are far ahead on dairy based products. I think a Baileys like brandy product is in Wisconsin`s future lets call it Old Fashion Cream....
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Mary Gage has been
named vice president of business and community development for the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), WEDC Deputy Secretary
and Chief Operating Officer Tricia Braun announced today. Gage has been working in the field of community economic development in Wisconsin for more than 20 years. She has
worked with WEDC, and previously with the Wisconsin Department of
Commerce, since 1996, in roles including economic development
consultant, senior loan officer, director of business finance and
compliance, and regional account manager.
Most
recently, as senior economic development director with WEDC, Gage
managed a team of seven regional economic development directors who are
responsible for the delivery of WEDC programs to partners, businesses
and municipalities. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I know and have worked with Mary, her understanding of the regional and rural aspect of development will serve the organization well...
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 Gov. Tony Evers today announced that he will launch a search for the next secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
On September 1, 2019, Gov. Evers can make an appointment for this
position, which will be the final member of his cabinet team.
Republicans in the legislature changed state law during the lame-duck
session following Gov. Evers’ election to prevent him from immediately
appointing this position.
Gov. Evers is running a transparent process to find the best
candidate to lead the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and is
encouraging qualified applicants to apply online at:
https://evers.wi.gov/Pages/WEDC-Secretary-CEO-Application.aspx. “A 72-county approach to economic development is critical to creating
middle-class jobs and growing the economy. The next leader at the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has an incredible opportunity
to foster a culture that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation
while supporting the Main Street businesses, start-ups, and large-scale
companies that employ people across our state and help Wisconsin’s
economy thrive,” said Gov. Evers. “As we begin the transparent process
to find a new secretary and CEO at the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation, I would also like to thank Mark Hogan for his service to
our state over the last four years and the professionalism and
dedication with which he has approached this role.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Not sure if he reads WDNews but he is sure talking about points I have made for the last seven years. I know he was busy right after the election, so I am "rerunning" a couple of my articles on the subject below. I wish the Governor all the best in this endeavor and would love an opportunity to be involved in the process... Please share this issue with the Governor and his staff...
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 An old Masonic Lodge in downtown Wausau sat empty for years before its new owners transformed that space into a music hall.
At the grand opening of that new business, other revitalization efforts
across Wausau were recognized as part of Wisconsin Main Street Day. Lots of these awards so here is what crossed my desk....
Ken Notes: Congrats all and my appologies to those I missed. Watch some of the local coverage to get an idea of what is going on in places other that Madison and Milwaukee! We have a great state!!!
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 By Ken Harwood -- Nov 28, 2018 Eight years ago Gov. Scott Walker
entered office with a slightly flawed proposal for a high-speed rail
corridor from Chicago to Minneapolis sitting on his desk. He stopped the
project — that was a mistake. We now know that “new commerce” needs a
low-cost, high-speed, coast-to-coast delivery system for goods and this
piece of the puzzle would have put Wisconsin at the top of the list for
distribution not to mention new manufacturing and assembly
opportunities. Walker could have ensured the rail system was used to
help Wisconsin businesses by implementing a few adjustments to the
proposal — he did not. Now
Gov.-elect Tony Evers will find a flawed Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp. sitting on his desk. He proposes eliminating the entity — that
would be a mistake. To compete for jobs and encourage companies to come
to Wisconsin we need an organization that can both shepherd them through
the process and offer state and local incentives that will help them
build, expand and hire new employees while still benefiting the local
community and the state. Evers has a real opportunity to change WEDC for
the better... And Seven years ago I wrote...By Ken Harwood -- Nov 14, 2012
...Of late some mud has been slung at the newly formed Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC). Much of it deserved. The agency
discovered it had failed to track nearly $9 million in loans that are
not current, the chief financial officer resigned and Governor Walker
brought in a new interim leader while suggesting he would be discussing a
series of dramatic moves with the board. WEDC will seek new leadership...
...Full Story HereNotes: My thanks to Cap Times and BizTimes for keeping these editorials around. Please support your local news outlets by subscribing to at least one newspaper. Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without
newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a
moment to prefer the latter. Thomas Jefferson
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 $400,000 grant will support collaborations with regional biohealth institutions, companiesThe Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. recently awarded a $400,000 grant to a Medical College of Wisconsin program focused on accelerating drug discoveries. MCW’s
Therapeutic Accelerator Program, housed within the school’s Department
of Pharmacology & Toxicology’s Drug Discovery Center, works with
academic scientists to bring their drug discoveries from concept to
commercialization. The WEDC grant will support the program’s
collaborations with other regional biohealth institutions and companies,
according to MCW’s announcement. ...Full Story Here
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 Governor Evers will lead a trade mission to Japan as the state
continues to search for new and expanding markets for Wisconsin-made
goods, the Wisconsin Economic Development Council announced.
Evers will visit Tokyo, Yokohama, and Chiba City. WEDC says it
selected the cities because it believes those areas are places to
develop or increase trade.
“Japan represents a market that cannot be ignored for Wisconsin,
especially in the areas of medical and scientific instruments,
industrial machinery and electrical machinery,” Katy Sinnott, vice
president of international business development for WEDC wrote in a
prepared statement. “Wisconsin’s leadership in these areas and our
well-known manufacturing and research capabilities create exciting
export opportunities for globally minded companies in our state.”.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Interesting!
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 A record $300 million was invested in Wisconsin ventures last year,
as maturing businesses pulled in larger funding rounds. But a continued
decrease in the number of firms raising their first outside capital
could signal trouble for the state’s pipeline of budding startups. Those are some of the key takeaways from the latest Wisconsin Portfolio,
an annual report produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council in
partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The
publication, which was released this month, tends to provide a more
comprehensive analysis of yearly Badger State venture capital activity
than some national reports, although it’s not infallible.
The data come primarily from news articles and other published reports,
SEC filings, and company surveys. But since most of the companies
involved in venture deals are privately held, they aren’t required to
disclose information. abc
https://www.ibmadison.com/Blogger/Open-Mic/November-2018/Can-Evers-avoid-same-blunder-with-WEDC-that-Walker-made-with-high-speed-rail/
...Full Story HereKen Notes: This is great news. Now we need to restructure how the State supports new businesses. I offered a new plan 7 years and more recently had this advice for the Governor.
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 Bringing to life the vast and mostly
vacant Oscar Mayer site on Madison’s East Side must be a top priority
for the city, with help from the state. So it was good to see the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. stepping up last week
with another grant. WEDC awarded $250,000 to help renovate and restore
one of the many buildings at the sprawling site. Last summer, WEDC gave
$500,000 to update natural gas and electricity systems... ...More than a third of the buildings are ready for tenants, according to the property owner. City officials and neighbors should keep their minds open to the possibilities.
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 GREEN BAY - A proposed financing package
for Green Bay Packaging Inc.`s new mill would tap more than half of the
money available this year through Wisconsin`s industrial revenue bond
program. Green Bay`s Redevelopment Authority on Tuesday approved the company`s request for the city to issue $160 million in industrial revenue bonds.
If approved by the Green Bay City Council, the request would be
considered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., which
administers the $300 million federal bonding program. The request will go before the Council later this month for final approval... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Since an IRB is paid back we may need to look into working with the Feds to expand the program.
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 MADISON, WI. June 6, 2019 – Robinson Metal, a custom metal
fabricator, is establishing a manufacturing facility in Manitowoc—a $2.6
million project expected to create 94 jobs over the next three years.
“This investment by Robinson Metal solidifies the company’s continued
commitment to Wisconsin and is a testament to the strength of our
manufacturing industry,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead
economic development organization. “Robinson Metal is the latest example
of the many Wisconsin companies that are expanding here because of our
strong economy, business climate and dedicated workforce.”... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced an agreement
Wednesday to provide ND Paper with $1.7 million in tax credits over
three years to support the company’s expansion at its Biron division.
The project is expected to create 27 new jobs.
“ND Paper’s choice to invest here in Wisconsin shows the company’s
continued commitment to our state and their workforce,” said Mark R.
Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development
organization. “These initiatives will require a significant capital
investment on the part of the company and WEDC is proud to provide
support to make this a viable project for ND Paper.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: 62K per new job. Is it me or is this a very moving target. I was also surprised by the failure to mention that ND is a subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper Limited a Chinese / Asian company that is buying pulp operations in the US because of new rules restricting their ability to buy waste paper from our recycling facilities in the US.
Do not get me wrong I am happy they are investing in the US and hope they quickly expand their pulping operations in Wisconsin. The bottom line is that China needs lots of cardboard boxes to ship product to the World. I do get nervous that when the tide changes and they again can import raw materials (our recycled waste) and resume pulping again in China that they will abandon their US facilities. China seems far better at playing the international game than we are.
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 A medical device for patients with swallowing disorders gets new life. A
music streaming app gets an influx of cash. The state’s economic
development agency faces more criticism for its practices. Startups in
recruiting tech, medtech, and civic tech strike merger and acquisition
deals. Read on for more details about these stories and other recent
Wisconsin innovation news... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Nice review and a couple I missed...
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 Fall River School District celebrated Fab Lab Day in Wisconsin with a large gift from the state. Fall
River was one of 20 schools Monday to receive a $25,000 grant from the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to help improve its
fabrication laboratory, which has been renovated and expanded since last
summer. In April 2018, the district passed a $7.8 million referendum
that provided funding to the fab lab operation, along with several other
school improvements. In all,
WEDC awarded more than $500,000 to assist schools in fab lab
improvements. According to the corporation, through the past four years,
WEDC has provided more than $2.1 million to 58 school districts for
technology and fab lab expansion. ...Full Story Here
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 Madison-based medical diagnostics firm
Exact Sciences Corp. is the unnamed company highlighted in an audit that
revealed it received $61,000 in tax credits for jobs created outside of
Wisconsin, an open records request by The Associated Press revealed. The
Legislative Audit Bureau did not name Exact Sciences and Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark Hogan refused to name it
during an interview the day the audit came out last week. But after
consulting with its legal counsel after the AP request, WEDC said on
Wednesday that Exact Sciences was the company... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Exact Science is a great company and great for Wisconsin. They are NOT the issue the issue is that WEDC uses a system for distribution of funds that is difficult to track and make claw-backs, a term they coined, almost impossible. The solution is simple, make all incentives income and property tax credit based with new jobs and value behind them. If the jobs go away so do the tax credits and the value needs to be guaranteed. If they need up front incentives companies can use the future tax credits as collateral against private or bank funding. If banks do not see that as a worthy investment that may be a clue that we should not invest either. Business plays the systems with far more expertise than we bring to the table.
Back to Exact Science they have done much for the State and hopefully will continue to grow, and we should be happy to support this growth. We should place them at the top of the list for support from a new program from the State closely followed by every other company bringing new jobs to the State...
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 MADISON - The state`s economic
development agency gave nearly half a million dollars to a company that
cut more jobs than it created and handed out taxpayer funds to others
for jobs in other states, according to a bruising audit released
Friday. In addition, the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corp. didn`t recover more than $400,000 in tax
credits and more than $4 million in loans it could have when employers
didn`t meet the terms of their taxpayer-funded deals, auditors
concluded. The report by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau
comes as the economic development corporation is tasked with overseeing
up to $3 billion in state subsidies for Foxconn Technology Group. The
Taiwanese electronics maker is eligible for about $1 billion in local
incentives as well. Skeptics for years have criticized the economic development corporation for not staying on top of its duties.... An old Article on the subject....
by Ken Harwood - November 14, 2012, 12:00 AM ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Do I ever get to mention that I wrote about the potential for problems and offered solutions the week WEDC was created and have continued to advocate for Wisconsin ever since. Paul Jadin, a friend, also discovered concerns early on and was asked to leave rather than solve them. We need an economic development corporation but we we need it to track it`s investments, create opportunities for ALL new and growing businesses, work with communities and local ED professionals, and create a nonpartisan pro jobs environment in the State. This is not a difficult task, the difficult part will be taking the politics out of the mix...
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 Should Wisconsin seek to renegotiate the deal it made with Foxconn? If so, how should the contract be changed?
The answer to the first question is pretty clearly yes; Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) should sit down with Foxconn and talk about options for making the contract better for all involved.
A new deal is worth pursuing because it could potentially reduce the
risk that Foxconn will drop its plans for a manufacturing facility in
Racine County. At this point, that outcome would be a costly blow for
state and local taxpayers since hundreds of millions of tax dollars have
already been spent for infrastructure improvements for the planned
facility... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Governor Evers should first sit down with WEDC and create a new set of incentives available to ALL new and expanding businesses in Wisconsin. No politics, no favoritism, no regionalism -- If you hire new employees and pay a good wage and provide good benefits (to them and the rest of your employees) you get a tax credit. If you need to downsize the credits go away. Also develop a cleaner TIF program for the communities so they can fund new projects they want provided they have a development agreement in place to guarantee value and thus a return on their investment.
THEN sit down with Foxconn and suggest you are willing to help them get back on track, in fact you have a new program...
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Three Wisconsin companies—Gamber-Johnson, PIC Wire & Cable and
Whitehall Specialties Inc.—have been named the recipients of the 2019
Governor’s Export Achievement Awards in recognition of their success in
global business development.
“With their innovative and proactive exporting efforts,
Gamber-Johnson, PIC Wire & Cable and Whitehall Specialties are
setting an example for more Wisconsin companies to follow in their
footsteps,” said Katy Sinnott,
vice president of international business development for WEDC, which
administers the awards. “Exporting provides Wisconsin businesses of all
industries and all sizes with tremendous opportunities outside U.S.
borders, and the Governor’s Export Achievement Awards promote exporting
by celebrating the positive results Wisconsin companies have achieved in
international markets.”... ...Full Story Here
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 Area residents were recognized for
achievements in community revitalization and redevelopment
efforts recently by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. WEDC`s
28th Wisconsin Awards Ceremony, held April 26 in Chippewa Falls,
recognized the state`s best downtown projects of 2018, as well as staff
and volunteers for their efforts in historic preservation and downtown
economic development in Wisconsin communities... ...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2018 at
the 28th Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held today at the Heyde
Center in Chippewa Falls.
Mark R. Hogan,
secretary and CEO of WEDC, and other WEDC leaders were on hand to
recognize the efforts by Main Street volunteers and staff for the
historic preservation and downtown economic development efforts in
Wisconsin communities... ...Full Story Here
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 Faith Technologies Inc., a leading electrical planning, engineering,
design and installation firm, is expanding its Excellerate division with
the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Little Chute, Wisconsin. The expansion is part of a $20 million project expected to create 275 jobs over the next three years....
...“This new facility is the first truly smart manufacturing building in
Wisconsin. With it, we are excited to showcase the things we are doing
to industrialize the construction industry, as well as the energy
components like our on-site microgrid,” said Scott Romenesko, President
of Excellerate Manufacturing. “The support from our local communities,
organizations like WEDC, and the hard-working, skilled tradespeople we
have in Wisconsin made it possible to build this state-of-the-art
facility right in our backyard.”
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is supporting the project by authorizing up to $800,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years as an incentive.
The actual amount of tax credits Faith Technologies will receive is
contingent upon the number of jobs created during that period... ...Full Story Here
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 Centro Sperimentale del Latte USA Inc., a probiotic company, plans to
establish its first operations in the U.S. with a manufacturing facility
in Franksville, Wisconsin. The investment is part of a multimillion-dollar project expected to create up to 31 jobs over the next four years.
PROBIO RE LLC, Centro Sperimentale del Latte’s related entity, recently
purchased its first U.S. location, with plans to establish a newly
constructed manufacturing facility on a 25-acre site in Racine County.
The facility will produce probiotics and related materials.
The company chose the facility due to the growing probiotic supplement
market in the U.S. as well as the close proximity to specialty cheese
makers throughout Wisconsin, according to Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
WEDC is supporting the project by authorizing up to $350,000 in state income tax credits over the next four years... ...Full Story Here
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 City officials participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony
at MacDon’s new research and development facility in the Sun Prairie
Business Park on March 27. Sun Prairie Mayor Paul Esser and City
Council President Bill Connors were joined by Michael Gay, Senior
Vice-President of Economic Development for the Madison Region Economic
Partnership, and Melissa Hunt, Regional Economic Development Director
for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Neil must have been playing with the backhoe when the photo was taken....
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 A $90,000 state grant awarded to the City of Fond du Lac will assist
in redeveloping a vacant commercial building into a mixed-use
development. The building, located at 18 E. Division Street, will
become The Livery Lofts, featuring an upscale tavern and residential
lofts, according to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC). An existing asphalt parking lot will also be redeveloped into a
new outdoor dining area for the tavern. ...Full Story Here
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Ken Notes: I do not have a problem with offering incentives to Amazon, I just wish we had a program for EVERY growing business in the state to benefit from expanding their workforce. It has to be frustrating for a small Wisconsin firm wanting to bring on two or three employees to see big brother get millions.
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 The Future Wisconsin Project on Friday unveiled a report with 30 recommendations for the state to
address its workforce challenges, including continuing talent
attraction campaigns, incentivizing people to move to the state and
fostering more immigration.
The project is an initiative of the Wisconsin Manufacturers and
Commerce Foundation. Kurt Bauer, president and CEO of WMC, said the
project is meant to be a mechanism that brings together a range of stakeholders to address pressing issues in the state.
“The most pressing has been, of course, workforce,” Bauer said... See Also: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I agree, but first WMC needs to become far less political so that their voice is seen as more pro jobs and business and not as political agenda driven.
If the WEDC wants to be funded, and I agree that it should be, they need to ask the new administration exactly what they would like to see from the organization.
I know WMC will be upset with these observations and suggest I do not know what I am talking about but at least I can demonstrate my advocacy is about jobs, growth, business and the Future of Wisconsin....
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 MADISON — Department of
Administration Secretary-designee Joel Brennan on Wednesday told an
audience of business leaders that the Republican-led Legislature did
Gov. Tony Evers` administration "no favors" by curbing the governor`s
influence on economic development initiatives. He added that the
administration has forged a positive relationship with Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark Hogan. A
set of laws passed during a lame-duck session in December gave
lawmakers greater influence over WEDC and gave the WEDC board, not the
governor, the authority to appoint the agency`s CEO. Evers` power to
appoint a CEO will be restored in September 2019... See Also:
Ken Notes: The answer to the second story is NOT YET. Foxconn is changing direction from displays -- to research, manufacturing processes and medical devices, this is a big leap -- we need to work with them and make sure we are only funding what we get in return. This may be difficult for infrastructure and roads but jobs should be easy to track...Oh and stop showing the plant layout - we get it they are not building that one!!!
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) is inviting Wisconsin companies seeking to establish or expand
their exporting efforts to participate in a global trade venture to
France and the United Kingdom from June 15-26. The registration deadline
is April 19.
The week-long trade venture will include visits to Paris, London and
Birmingham, which are markets of particular opportunity for Wisconsin
companies. In each city, participating companies will be scheduled for
customized business meetings with potential local partners selected
specifically for their companies by Wisconsin’s authorized trade
representatives in the markets, based on the company’s needs.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Paris, London and Birmingham - tax deductible 11 days I wish I had a bigger company!!!
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Notes: I disagree with EVERY WORD! I am a conservative, but I support many of the ways the Governor is trying to move us forward. Dan does not get politics at all and he is NOT advocating for Disadvantaged and Minority Students. He wants more money, and to get that you have to support the businesses that pay the bills. To get that you have to increase the brick and mortar that generated the property taxes that pay for education. To get that you have to create jobs that pay a living wage. To get that you need to get involved in your schools to make them better.
This budget has been pronounced DOA so now we are tasked with dealing with each program individually, an uphill battle at best. We need to look for bipartisan solutions, if Tony had submitted a budget that eliminated WEDC and expanded the Voucher Program he would not have had a place to start talking -- now we do!
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 Department of Administration
Secretary-designee Joel Brennan on Wednesday told an audience of
business leaders the Republican-led Legislature did Gov. Tony Evers`
administration "no favors" by curbing the governor`s influence on
economic development initiatives. He added that the administration has
forged a positive relationship with Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation CEO Mark Hogan. A set of laws passed during a lame-duck session
in December gave lawmakers greater influence over WEDC and gave the
WEDC board, not the governor, the authority to appoint the agency`s CEO.
Evers` power to appoint a CEO will be restored in September 2019... See Also:
Ken Notes: We need a set of good accurate talking points regrading Foxconn. We know they are reevaluating their option while exploring new markets. Lets give them a chance to do this without throwing stones. Also lets send a clear message to other businesses looking at Wisconsin that this is a great place to grow, a place where you can work with you community and government, a place where we value good jobs paying a living wage, a place that provides great education... recreation... social events... housing... entertainment...
Or we can continue to let the national media call us stupid while we blame each other!!
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 The village of Cashton is receiving a $112,500 state grant to
redevelop a vacant office building into Cashton’s Cradles to Crayons, a
new daycare facility. The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation will support renovations of a
3,600-square-foot office building, including updating plumbing,
installing new flooring and equipping the kitchen for food preparation.
The project will also include building a 2,000-square-foot addition
featuring an open concept classroom.... ...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin policymakers have a vexing challenge this session: what
should they do about the Incredible Shrinking Foxconn project? It’s
especially a problem for Republican legislators because they not only
approved the huge subsidies for Foxconn, but they also passed a bill
during the lame duck session that gives themselves control of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for the next couple of years. With that power comes increased responsibility for the difficult Foxconn situation... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: By far the most detailed report I have seen. I am still looking for committed expenses by locals for roads, utilities, infrastructure, and direct project support??? Does the development agreement cover these???
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Gov. Tony Evers` first state budget is a plan that will spell out his spending priorities for the next two years.Highlights of the two-year Wisconsin budget proposal coming Thursday from Gov. Tony Evers: ROADS:
Evers has signaled he will increase the state`s 32.9-cent gas tax to
pay for roads in a comprehensive plan to find a long-term funding
solution. Republicans have shown openness to toll roads, but some
conservative senators stand ready to block any type of tax or fee
increase.... TAXES: Evers
will propose a 10 percent income tax cut targeting middle-income
earners. He vetoed a similar Republican bill last week. Evers and
Republicans disagree over how to pay for the tax cut.... DARK STORES:
Evers will call for closing the "dark stores" loophole that allows big
box retailers to save millions of dollars in property taxes by assessing
the value of their active stores as if they were vacant.... ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT: Evers campaigned on defunding the state`s job-creation
agency, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. But since winning
election, Evers backed off on eliminating WEDC and instead will propose
tightening restrictions on tax breaks it gives companies.... MINIMUM WAGE:
Evers also campaigned in support of raising the minimum wage to $15 an
hour. He said his first budget will provide a pathway to getting that
done, but won`t go all the way in two years.... SEE ALSO: Ken Notes: Many more items at link, I pulled the ED related ones. I hope WDN had a little impact on the WEDC plans -- we are still advocating for: - Partnering with counties and major metros to fund a local ED professional
- A better tracking system
- A fixed tax credit for all new jobs created
- A new option for single project TIF support
- No upfront grants unless federally or bank backed
... Oh and the ironclad development agreement is a must... Trust but verify...
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 The proposed Door County Maritime Museum lighthouse on Sturgeon Bay’s
west-side waterfront could be as “dead in the water” as Robert Papke’s
failed hotel project.
That’s because the location of the proposed $5.5 million ten-story
tower could, like the recently-scuttled hotel project, be on filled
lakebed. If so, the Maritime Museum would have to have the City of
Sturgeon Bay lease the property from the Commissioner of Public Lands,
then sub-lease it to the Maritime Museum... The Maritime Museum has raised $3.2 million of the $5.5 million
needed to complete the tower. The grant of up to $250,000 from WEDC
would assist in reaching the total fund-raising goal... ...Full Story Here
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Ken Notes: A rerun but more details on how WEDC supports these companies. Another reason to keep WEDC and make it better...
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has awarded $500,000 to nine state organizations that support entrepreneurs through its Entrepreneurship Support Program.
The matching grants are to be used in 2019 for education, training
and other assistance for new business owners, and those seeking to start
a business. Among the recipients is Milwaukee-based BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation,
which will receive $55,000 to host nine HATCH entrepreneurial pitch
programs in three regions of the state, and Concordia University
Wisconsin in Mequon, which will receive $59,000 for an “innovative
cohort-based education program to low-wealth communities in Milwaukee,”
administered by Milwaukee entrepreneurship assistance nonprofits BizStarts and Launch MKE... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Again we pick and choose the programs, why not fund the actual startups the programs create or establish a voucher system. Also thumbs up to BizStarts and their partnership with Concordia University Wisconsin. Here is my dumb ass idea, every Wisconsin University should have an entrepreneurship program and a co-working space for students and graduates. Lets go one step further -- every secondary school should partner with their local tech school and local businesses to create an apprenticeship programs for all students not college bound.
Also regardless of where you are starting a business in Wisconsin, look at the BizStarts and Launch MKE websites for guidance and then use BrightStar to pitch your idea. Also there were 11 grants for 72 counties. We should fix this by including all counties and large communities.
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 Though PolitiFact rated Evers` actions on the issue a `full flop,` there is little reason to expect Evers will back downLooking at our presidents of recent
history, an unfortunate pattern forms. To run for office is to make
promises — to win is to break them...
...Enter Gov. Tony Evers. On the campaign trail, he pledged to defund
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, a private-public
partnership created by former Gov. Scott Walker to offer loans to
companies for the purpose of job creation. After affirming repeatedly
the WEDC has to go, Evers has now abruptly changed tune on the matter.
In an interview with Wisconsin Eye, Evers said he’s “… not going to be proposing anything in the budget about WEDC.” PolitiFact rated it a “full flop.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Can we not give an elected officials a little credit for really working at the job when elected. Governor Evers has not flopped or flipped, he is suggesting if we can create a better WEDC he may continue to fund it. Something I have suggested since before it;s inception. Google -- Harwood WEDC -- for SEVERAL articles on the subject.
Of course the Governor has not called me, but he has hired an ED professional for DWD. Unfortunately he hasn`t called either. So I will continue to cheer from the sidelines - We need to fix WEDC, We need to bring local Professionals into the tent, We need to create a level playing field for all growing businesses incentive wise.
Here is something new to ponder - would the middle class prefer a tax cut or job security and a raise. I believe if we work with businesses to help them grow we will accomplish far more than a small tax cut for the middle class. I am not talking Foxconn or KC like extreme handouts, I am asking for a well reasoned affordable across the board tax incentive for all new hires made by growing companies. I always thought it best to tie the reward to the desired outcome than betting on it.
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has invited
Wisconsin companies that want to establish or expand their export
efforts to participate in a global trade venture to China from April 5
to 17.The trade venture will include visits to Chengdu, Shanghai, and
Beijing, which are markets of particular opportunity for Wisconsin
companies. In each city, participating companies will be scheduled for
customized business meetings with potential local partners. “China represents a market that cannot be ignored for Wisconsin,
especially in the areas of medical and scientific instruments,
industrial machinery and electrical machinery,” said Katy Sinnott, vice
president of international business development for WEDC, the state’s
lead economic development organization. “Wisconsin’s leadership in these
areas and our well-known manufacturing and research capabilities create
exciting export opportunities for globally minded companies in our
state.”...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I would love to attend one of these as a reporter and advocate for the state if anyone wants to help with my tickets???
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 In a letter to the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) this week, Foxconn outlined key highlights of the
company’s achievements in Wisconsin in 2018 following its decision last
year to broaden its investment base in the State.
The letter described Foxconn’s ongoing development of its plans for the
Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park (WVSTP) and a network of
Innovation Centers, to support the state’s technology ecosystem. The
letter also stated that Foxconn purchased a facility in Milwaukee and
established it as the company’s North American headquarters; moved four
million cubic yards of dirt in the construction of the WVSTP campus; and
completed the construction of a 120,000 square foot multipurpose
building at WVSTP... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers said Tuesday
he would plow ahead with plans to expand a health insurance program
under Obamacare despite Republican opposition, but gave up on a campaign
pledge to dissolve the state`s economic development agency.
...BadgerCare Plus is a Medicaid program that provides health insurance to low-income people using state and federal money.
Wisconsin offers BadgerCare to people at the federal
poverty level. Evers wants to use a provision of the Affordable Care Act
to make it available to those making up to 138 percent of the federal
poverty level. If the state were to do that, the federal government
would pick up a much larger share of Wisconsin`s costs for BadgerCare,
freeing up about $280 million over two years, according to the
nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau...
See Also: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I want to look at this before we just say no! Also if we want to move in the direction of a stronger State Health care plan, we should place all public employees into the State health care plan in place now. Pay for it and thus remove health care from the negotiating table. We would save money, level the negotiating playing field, and demonstrate how a good health care plan should operate. All insurers and providers get to play, you CAN KEEP your current plan, State funds most affordable option, the process keeps all plans competitive. When and only when we get our own house in order, we can offer the same program to the private sector. Wisconsin could actually lead the nation out of the health care quagmire we are currently in. Call me...
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 Economic development in Wisconsin should mean more than just counting
jobs — it could also include helping companies create affordable
housing for employees, Gov. Tony Evers told a business group in Madison
on Tuesday. Evers said decisions on how to use state economic development funds should be “more nimble.” “It can be around: Do you need affordable housing? We should use economic development more in a more holistic way,” Evers said. The governor called on business leaders to get involved so that all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties can spur their economies.... See Also:
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: For 12 years I have talked about more affordable housing. For 8 years I have asked WEDC and the state to work with counties to bring local ED professionals under the WEDC umbrella. I have advocated for incentives available to all businesses not just the "Foxconns" since well before foxconn was even a dream.
Now we need to understand the details. Home builders do not find enough profit margin is smaller affordable homes, so how do we encourage them to build them. Counties find funding their local ED professional(s) expensive and often cut professionals or programs to reduce costs while the State is silent on this issue. Medicaid expansion in not an economic development issue, not bad, just not ED. ED is stimulated buy reducing or offsetting cost to the employer, providing an educated workforce, eliminating delay, supplying investors and/or stability for bankers, and providing programs and services that save companies money.
Tony is saying the right things now he needs to focus on the challenges ahead because the solutions are the tough part.
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 Promega, a global life science company, will construct a new research
and development facility at the company’s campus in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. The company will invest $190 million and is expected to create 100 jobs.
The project, which is expected to be completed next year, will include a
270,000-square-foot R&D facility that will provide the proper
infrastructure for Promega to respond to emerging opportunities in the
global biotechnology and life science markets...
...Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation awarded the company up to $1.5 million in tax credits over three years...
See Also: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: 15K per employee so still a moving target. Promega is a great company and is committed to Fitchburg and Wisconsin!
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 EQ, a Minnesota-based financial services and corporate services company, is establishing operations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The project is expected to create 180 jobs on the city’s northwest side. The
company, established in 1929, provides a range of transfer agent
services that enable clients to manage share registers, communicate with
shareowners and undertake significant corporate actions, simply and
effectively. Formerly known as Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, EQ is
part of an international organization that services 23 million
shareholders and more than 1,200 clients worldwide...
...To secure the company’s investment in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation ( WEDC) has authorized EQ to receive up to $1.25 million in tax credits
over the next three years. The actual amount of credits the company
will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the level
of capital investment over that time... Ken Notes: Do not know when the deal was made, but are tax credits going to continue to be a hit and miss thing we offer to those in the know or available to all new or expanding businesses??? It is interesting that the 1.25 million (7K per new hire) is on the low side of what we have seen lately. I have suggested 2K per employee over ten years as a benchmark or starting point for a legislative option.
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Municipalities, developers and others who would like to learn more
about the state’s Certified In Wisconsin® Program, which designates
industrial parcels as being “development ready,” are invited to
participate in a free webinar at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) will begin accepting applications for the Certified in Wisconsin
Program on Monday, Jan. 14. The live webinar is aimed at giving
prospective applicants an overview of the program and its requirements
before they begin the application process. The hour-long webinar, hosted
by WEDC and Deloitte Consulting, also will include a
question-and-answer session. To register for the session, email WEDC
Real Estate and Location Specialist Zanya Bugri at zanya.bugri@wedc.org. ...Full Story Here
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 Work is well underway at the Foxconn construction site in Racine
County. The Taiwanese electronics giant continues to promise it will
create up to 13,000 jobs at the huge LCD screen factory. Foxconn says it
will invest $10 billion by 2020 to build a “world class” manufacturing
campus. But the project continues to have critics... See Also: ...Full Story Here
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 Five Main Street businesses from around the state have been named as finalists in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) annual Main Street Makeover Contest and have a chance to win up to $10,000 in upgrades for their storefronts.
Based on the popular reality show concept, established businesses
located in one of the state’s 34 Wisconsin Main Street communities had
the opportunity to nominate themselves for a “makeover” that will take
place in the spring of 2019. The winning business will receive
personalized technical assistance and up to $10,000 to implement
recommended changes, which could include interior and exterior design
improvements or personalized assistance to boost the business’s image
and operations.
Finalists were selected based on their business track record, the
vision for their business, and the potential for the makeover to have a
positive impact on the Main Street district.
The five finalists are:
- Anthony’s 511, Watertown
- Arrow Gift Shop, Eagle River
- Bushel & Peck’s, Beloit
- Campbell Family Homes, Viroqua
- K Sera Salon and Spa, De Pere
...Full Story Here
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 A Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) review of the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) found the agency created a
policy which would allow Foxconn to receive taxpayer dollars for
employees not working in Wisconsin.
The LAB found WEDC made new policies on its own, which would allow
WEDC to count remote workers or other employees serving the Wisconsin
Foxconn operations, even if they don`t physically work in Wisconsin. But
according to the review, state law requires WEDC only give money for
services performed in Wisconsin...
Ken Notes: We have to fix WEDC and by fix I mean a ground up restructuring of policy and practice. We need to save a central agency to deal with Economic Development but that is all we need to save. If we return to the array of disconnected state and local programs we had in the past we will not be able to support our growing companies not to mention attracting new ones.
When WEDC was first created I wrote about the potential of admitting and correcting the sins of the past and creating a way for business to work with the state and local communities amid the hundreds of programs the exist. THAT NEVER HAPPENED! When people tried to fix it they were asked to leave. When I wrote about it my words were used as a platform to point fingers. WEDC is broken because it never fixed the problems in the first place.
Economic Development is not a partisan issue it is a people issue. We need Wisconsin Citizens working in well paid jobs, in growing companies and small businesses, with affordable health care and job security. If the economy struggles we need to bend not break. We need to see government as a partner not a prosecutor. We need to see business as a tool for all workers not just senior management to thrive. Neither party understands all of this and WEDC has not educated us. The failure is us allowing politicians to play a high stakes poker game with all of us as nothing but chips.
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Top minority, woman and service-disabled
veteran-owned businesses were recognized for their success at 37th
annual MARKETPLACE conference MADISON, WI. DEC. 14, 2018 – Nine Wisconsin businesses received top honors in the 2018 MARKETPLACE Governor’s Awards competition, which recognizes outstanding businesses owned by minorities, women and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
The awards were presented by Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) on Thursday, December 13, at MARKETPLACE 2018, the Governor’s
Conference on Minority Business Development, which was held at the
Potawatomi Expo Center in Milwaukee.
More than 600 people attended MARKETPLACE 2018 and the Wisconsin
Small Business Academy, a companion event for new businesses and
entrepreneurs. The 5th annual Small Business Academy featured opening remarks by Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch followed by workshops and roundtables covering business financing, marketing and operations.... ...Full Story Here
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Ken Notes: Read this summary! I suggest again we level the field here and give more companies opportunities in Wisconsin. I ma not suggesting we eliminate the programs we have -- I just suggest we eliminate the have and have not mentality.
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 His last-minute deal with Kimberly-Clark is not real economic developmentHold on. Wait. Stop. Let us get this straight.
As part of their lame-duck session designed to make Tony Evers a
four-year lame-duck governor, the Republicans passed a provision
requiring the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee to sign off on
similar deals made by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
While their motivation was obscene, the actual policy makes sense.
The idea that the WEDC can just give away millions of dollars of the
taxpayers’ money without any oversight from the Legislature’s finance
committee is ridiculous. And that applies no matter who is governor or
which party controls the committee.
But then last week outgoing Gov. Scott Walker negotiated a $28
million deal with Kimberly-Clark and had his WEDC rubber stamp it — before signing a bill taking away the next governor’s power to do exactly the same thing... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I want to write some articles with Dave! Sort of a yin yang thing...
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 QNBV credits dropped last yearThe Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.’s
entrepreneurship and innovation direct assistance programs awarded
$17.8 million in tax credits in 2017, down from $23.2 million in 2016,
according to the organization.
WEDC’s direct assistance programs include the Qualified New Business
Venture Program, the Technology Development Loan Program, the Seed
Accelerator Program and the Capital Catalyst Program.... ...Full Story Here
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 An audit has found the state’s
economic development agency planned to give Taiwanese electronics
manufacturer Foxconn tax credits for employees who did not perform work
in Wisconsin, which would have been a violation of its contract with the
company and state law. But
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Mark Hogan said in his official
response in the audit document the agency is holding off on an
immediate change, arguing work done by employees outside of Wisconsin
should count toward tax incentives because they’re directed by Foxconn’s
Wisconsin location....
Ken Notes: Fix this??? At the time I did suggest that an independent source review all the documents... Just a note...
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 MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - One of the “lame duck” bills
passed by the Wisconsin legislature this week deals with the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation. Governor-elect Tony Evers said during
his campaign that he’ll seek to abolish WEDC, and return jobs creation
to the old Commerce Department.
Speaker Robin Vos said on Wednesday morning that Republicans had to
act, because Evers wasn’t talking to them. “It was a lot through the
media. I never got a call. We never talked about it. It was an awful lot
of negotiation through the Journal Sentinel, kind of the arm of the
Democratic Party,” Vos said. “We really couldn’t get a fair hearing,
that’s the problem.”
“I’m not sure what in the world that means,” Evers said later that
day, when asked about Vos’ comment that he was negotiating through the
media. “He never asked . . . to talk to me a about this legislation to
begin with. It would have been great to find out exactly what his plans
were to begin with.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Not a lot of opportunity to just talk about options and ideas in this arena if no one asks (Note: The "Press" asks). I am often asked why my ideas never get beyond the press and court of public opinion. The answer is that ideas that are not part of a political agenda do not have a path to the legislative floor. Since my ideas all begin with a people first nonpartisan foundation there is no legislative starting point. In politics you need a base, in business you need a profit margin (a fact I am often explaining to politicians - see above), me I just want to: market Wisconsin, create good jobs, educate our youth, bridge the gaps in our diversity, house the homeless, create a better environment for my grandchildren, provide health care for everyone... These are the ideas of an idealist -- not a politician.
My hope then is to just stimulate the debate...
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 Minority chambers, associations get a boostThe Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has awarded $1.25 million to seven Milwaukee-area business organizations dedicated to helping underserved populations.
The Milwaukee-based African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
has received $200,000, some of which will also support the Wisconsin
Black Chamber of Commerce and Madison Black Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, Milwaukee-based Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
received $200,000, which will also support the Latino Entrepreneurial
Network and the Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance
Associations....
...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. DEC. 5, 2018 – Six individuals will be
recognized for their leadership and distinguished service in business
and community development to support minority, woman and veteran-owned
businesses in Wisconsin next week at MARKETPLACE, the 37th Governor’s Conference on Minority Business Development.
The conference, taking place Dec. 12-13 at Potawatomi Hotel and Conference Center in Milwaukee, is hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC), is expected to draw more than 600 attendees and is sponsored by
corporations, small businesses and organizations, with U.S. Bank being
this year’s Keystone Sponsor.
Here are this year’s Business and Community Development Recognition Award recipients:
E. Aggo Akyea – State Diversity Development and Advocacy Award
Aina Vilumsons – Mentoring Small Business in Government Contracting Award
Curtiss Harris – Minority Business Community Service Award
Gary Mejchar – Community Economic Development Award
Maria Watts – Business Community Collaboration Award
Nelson Soler – Minority Business Development Award ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Congrats!!!!!!
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 The "Mission Wisconsin" initiative is a partnership between the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the Wisconsin
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the Wisconsin Department of
Workforce Development (DWD). The initiative is aimed at helping
employers recruit service members into the workforce.
Employers can accompany teams of state officials
to transition summits around the country and abroad. At these summits,
they will be able to talk to service members who are getting ready to
retire and talk to them about the benefits of living and working in
Wisconsin... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I would like to use stick built micro housing to offer a free home to every homeless vet in the state. Cost per 10Kish, I have plans...
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 But Northwest Side Community Development Corp. head questions support for company`s move to Menomonee FallsIt is just seven miles from the current Leonardo DRS facility in
Milwaukee to the proposed future home of the company in Menomonee Falls,
but seven miles can make a world of difference.
At $74,238, the median household income in the company’s future zip
code, 53051, is more than double that of the one where the company is
currently located, 53216. More than a quarter of the population in 53216
lives in poverty, compared to just 4 percent where the company will be
moving, not far from North Hills Country Club...
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 MADISON - Eight former heads of the state`s job-creation efforts — including two appointed by outgoing Gov. Scott Walker — are urging Republican lawmakers to drop a lame-duck plan to change who appoints the head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
"If the head of WEDC isn’t a trusted, even central, part of the governor’s cabinet, the whole economic development enterprise will suffer. And so will Wisconsin’s economy," the eight wrote in a lengthy statement released Tuesday.
"The Legislature shouldn’t strip the governor’s power to appoint the quarterback of the economic development team. And if they do, Governor Walker should veto it."... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I may have started something, and these people are correct. That said, the new Governor needs to put politics aside as well and commit to reshaping WEDC into a great organization for Wisconsin. I have been writing about this for 6 years beginning with the creation of the organization and to be honest neither party has paid much attention or been interested in the real heart of the matter. Instead they use this as political fodder to create press and political contributions.
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 MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) --
State officials on Wednesday announced a new initiative to encourage
veterans and retiring service members to bring their families to
Wisconsin after their service. The "Mission Wisconsin" initiative is a partnership between the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the Wisconsin
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the Wisconsin Department of
Workforce Development (DWD). The initiative is aimed at helping
employers recruit service members into the workforce. Employers can accompany teams of state officials to transition
summits around the country and abroad. At these summits, they will be
able to talk to service members who are getting ready to retire and talk
to them about the benefits of living and working in Wisconsin... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: On a related topic, I would like to be the first State in the nation to use stick built micro/small homes and villages to promise that no veteran will ever be homeless in Wisconsin. In fact I challenge ever architect, and builder in the state to design a $10,000 dollar structure that would offer shelter, ownership, and comfort for those who served.
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 Evers calls for public economic development agency to replace semi-private Wisconsin Economic Development CorporationGov.-elect Tony Evers confirmed Tuesday he will attempt to dissolve a jobs agency created by Gov. Scott Walker.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is a public-private jobs agency that works with partners statewide to develop the workforce in Wisconsin. In an email to The Badger Herald,
WEDC secretary and CEO Mark Hogan said the agency wants Evers to fully
understand the work WEDC does throughout the state... brought standards and shared expertise
Ken Notes: There are well over 100 public economic development agencies NOW. What Evers proposes is like suggesting we should eliminate the Department of Public Instruction and let the 426 schools districts form an independent State agency. There are too many issues that require state input and participation. Federal Grants, Tax Credits, Property Tax Laws, Ag Grants and Programs and hundreds more require some State oversight and administration. There is also the very sore subject of tracking and administering programs we have in place now. Just returning these to "State Government" means we will have dozens of departments serving thousands of customers with little or no knowledge of what others are doing. WEDC was not good at aligning all of this in the past, but the situation will be far worse without any centralized effort. Dr. Evers brought standards and shared expertise to the 426 school districts he now needs to develop a department that will do the same for our 440,763 small businesses not to mention the big ones.
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 It’s not clear whether outgoing Gov. Scott Walker’s Wisconsin
Economic Development Corp. will remain intact, but the public-private
job creation agency’s chief is making a case to keep it running. Mark
Hogan, the agency’s secretary and CEO, told reporters Tuesday in Beloit
that he’s reaching out to Gov.-elect Tony Evers’ transition team to
persuade Evers that the 7-year-old agency—known as WEDC—has hit its
stride and should remain the state’s main jobs organization. Hogan’s
statements come as Evers signaled last week that he will propose a plan
to dissolve the organization. He hasn’t given details on how he might
replace the partially taxpayer-funded agency, but he has said he was
considering reverting back to the former state Department of Commerce... ...Full Story HereKen Notes: First thank you to all the media outlets that ran or will run my editorial on the subject. Second Mark could propose many positive options that would help now! I would start with a proposal to bring local ED professionals into State or partial State employment. Working with the counties and large cities would be a huge first step. Paul, Dick, Mark and others have had to work in a very partisan political bubble. We have a few weeks to work across the isle to get things realigned. Remember I also wrote Only thing worse than WEDC is no WEDC.
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 ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Tony Evers???????????
??????????????????Scott
Walker???????????????????????????????????????Robin
Vos???????????????????????????????????????????????????
???????????????????????Robin Vos???????????????????????WEDC???????????????????????????????????? ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I would love to know what it says as well but we are getting world wide attention...
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MADISON, WI. Nov. 8, 2018 – The next time a top
state official presents a gift to a foreign dignitary or a global
business leader, it very well could be an item designed by students in
one of Wisconsin’s fab labs.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) is launching a competition in which students in the state’s 43
fabrication laboratories (fab labs) can use their skills and fab lab
tools to design and create protocol gifts that will be given by top
state dignitaries in their official capacity. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: As a former public official, I would encourage them to take a look at the Japanese tradition of bringing small but very meaningful gifts. I still have many of these and while of little or no actual value I can remember the occasion and people who presented it.
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 Democratic Gov.-elect Tony Evers kept it low-key Wednesday when asked
about Republican efforts to limit his power before he takes office,
saying he needs to know more about the GOP plans before he takes a
position. Evers also reiterated his pledge to work with Republicans when it
comes to road funding, saying he would not offer a specific solution
until others have a chance to weigh in... See Also...And on the National Stage...
Ken Notes: Patience may pay off here. He will need some bipartisan support to move any agenda forward... Taking more control of WEDC may not be the best sword for the republicans to fall on. They have had opportunities for 8 years to reshape the organization and have failed to dramatically improve the public image of the organization.
One more thing, can we focus on some positive attention for the state based on a bipartisan effort to promote what we actually have to offer. Good Jobs, Great Lifestyle Options, Recreation, Great Lakes, Best Education Systems, Regional Diversity, Opportunity for All businesses...
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MADISON, WI. Nov. 5, 2018 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) is hosting the 37th annual statewide conference for minority,
woman and veteran-owned businesses Dec. 12-13 at Potawatomi Hotel and
Conference Center in Milwaukee.
The conference is expected to draw more than 600 attendees and is
sponsored by corporations, small businesses and organizations, with US Bank being this year’s Keystone Sponsor... ...Full Story Here
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 RACINE COUNTY — Foxconn Technology
Group and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. have partnered to
support the participation of 10 innovative Wisconsin companies in the
first China International Import Expo, a major global business
development initiative taking place from Monday through Nov. 10 in
Shanghai. The partnership is
in line with Foxconn’s commitment to the State of Wisconsin and the
WEDC’s commitment to supporting the growth of Wisconsin businesses, the
two entities said in a joint announcement issued Wednesday...
Ken Notes: We need leadership that will keep positive programs like this one on track.
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 Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) has awarded a $605,000 grant to the Mississippi River
Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC) to provide no-interest loans to
small businesses in southwestern Wisconsin that were impacted by the
recent flooding, according to an announcement from Governor Scott Walker
on Oct. 29.
...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. OCT. 29, 2018 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation
(WWBIC) an $80,000 grant to support its Growth Accelerator program,
which will help 10 entrepreneurial teams start or grow their businesses.
The grant will enable WWBIC to conduct two intensive, 10-week Growth
Accelerator classes with five teams in each – one this fall and one in
spring 2019.
During the program, teams will develop their business models by
engaging in consumer testing; integrating input from customers, mentors
and advisors; and communicating their findings to potential investors.
At the end of the program, teams will present their pitches to qualify
for a seed grant for $2,500 to $5,000... ...Full Story Here
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Shanghai, China – Foxconn Technology Group (Foxconn) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) have partnered to support the participation of ten innovative
Wisconsin companies in the first China International Import Expo (CIIE),
a major global business development initiative taking place from
November 5 to 10 in Shanghai. The partnership is in line with Foxconn’s
commitment to the state of Wisconsin and the WEDC’s commitment to
supporting the growth of Wisconsin businesses.
The Wisconsin firms will be featured as part of Foxconn Innovation
Pavilion under its “Smart Future” theme. Their specialties include water
technology, advanced machinery, healthcare, and smart city
applications. The 5,300-square-foot exhibition area will host these
Wisconsin companies and those operating within Foxconn’s international
brand portfolio... ...Full Story Here
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BROOKFIELD — The relocation and renovation of a former
historic train depot in Brookfield will get a financial
boost from the state with a $250,000 grant from the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Considered the second oldest building in Brookfield, the
1860s train depot on Brookfield Road in the historic
village area is the recipient of the Community
Development Investment Grant. The city-approved plans
call for the building to be moved across the street and
turned into a Fiddleheads coffee shop and retail coffee
business. The company has six locations in southeastern
Wisconsin.
“WEDC is committed to helping communities invest in
revitalizing their downtowns to encourage economic
growth,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC,
in a Thursday statement. “This project not only
preserves a historic structure in the city of
Brookfield, but will also serve as a catalyst for future
development and investment.”... ...Full Story Here
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 Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed Nov. 5-11 as Startup Wisconsin
Week throughout the state to celebrate the achievements of Wisconsin’s
entrepreneurs and to promote efforts to provide additional support for
startups and early-stage companies.
The proclamation is being issued in
conjunction with the second annual event, in which entrepreneurs,
investors, business executives and community leaders will share advice
and resources in more than 150 events statewide.
Sponsored in part by the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Startup Wisconsin Week will
feature free events that will build momentum and celebrate high-growth
entrepreneurship throughout the state.... ...Full Story Here
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 Stella and Chewy’s, a natural pet food manufacturer, is
planning an expansion of its Oak Creek facility and headquarters, which
is expected to produce $30 million in capital investment over the next
three years and create 82 new jobs for the Milwaukee area according to
an announcement made by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker on Oct. 23,
2018. These plans for expansion come as the company has experienced
significant growth internally and in its customer base. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has supported
the project by authorizing up to $500,000 in state income tax through
2021. Stella and Chewy’s will lease a new building as part of this
expansion, and purchase new machinery and equipment, according to
Walker. The actual amount of tax credits Stella & Chewy’s will
receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of
capital investment during that period... ...Full Story HereKen Notes: 6K per job, why is this number such a moving target???
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In response to strong demand, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has scheduled a second informational workshop on supply chain readiness for Monday, Oct. 29, in downtown Milwaukee.
WEDC and its partners — Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the
Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity, the Wisconsin
Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Milwaukee 7 – added the
morning session after the afternoon workshop reached capacity.
The just-added workshop will take place at the WE Energies Public
Service Building at 231 W. Michigan St. Registration is from 9 to 9:30
a.m.; the session will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The session is free, but space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register, visit wisconnvalley.wi.gov... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), in
collaboration with Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the Wisconsin
Center for Manufacturing & Productivity, the University of
Wisconsin-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center and Wisconsin Indianhead
Technical College is hosting an informational workshop on Friday, Oct.
19, on supply chain readiness. The workshop in Superior will include information to help
manufacturers respond to industrial innovation trends that are impacting
the industry, including updates to statewide resources designed to help
improve productivity, prepare for Industry 4.0 and establish a path for
global competitiveness... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON — The Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) is now accepting applications for the
fourth year of its Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program,
which provides funding to help public schools build or expand fab labs. The grant program supports hands-on
science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education by
assisting public school districts with equipment purchases for
instructional and educational purposes in fab labs. Fab labs are
high-tech workshops with the latest equipment, including
computer-controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser
engravers and computer numerical control routers....
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 Nonprofits, startup-supporting organizations can receive up to $100,000The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is seeking applications for its Entrepreneurship Support Program, which provides funding to early-stage resource programs.
The ESP, established in 2016, offers matching grants of between
$10,000 and $100,000 to nonprofits and community organizations that
provide entrepreneurship resources, training, mentorship, business
development and financial services. ESP has so far provided $1 million
in grants to 17 organizations across Wisconsin for projects including
prototype creation, legal services and programs for underserved
entrepreneurs...
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 WAUKESHA — Water technology from
Wisconsin will be highlighted at the 2018 Water Environment
Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference starting Oct. 1 at
the New Orleans Convention Center.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and The Water Council, a
Milwaukee- based nonprofit organization that drives economic,
technology and talent development to support the global water
industry, will create a showcase of the latest innovations and
advancements from Wisconsin’s water technology hub at the
conference...
...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. SEPT. 26, 2018 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) is now accepting applications from nonprofit and community-based
organizations for a grant program designed to advance the statewide
climate for entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurship Support Program provides financial assistance of
between $10,000 and $100,000 for projects that promote entrepreneurship
and provide Wisconsin entrepreneurs with key resources, including
training, mentorship, and business development and financial services... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, WI. SEPT. 12, 2018 – Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Tricia Braun has been named one of the top economic development officials in North America by a national consulting firm.
Consultant Connect, a consulting agency designed to bridge the gap
between economic developers and site consultants, this week named Braun
to its list of “North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers” for 2018... ...Full Story Here
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 The Foxconn project in southeast Wisconsin will be among the
beneficiaries of a multimillion-dollar state campaign promoting the
advantages of living and working in the state, analysts and economic
development officials say. The Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp. (WEDC) began work on the promotional campaign years ago, before
Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group finalized plans to build a
state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. The LCD panels the plant will one
day churn out will be used in televisions, computers and electric cars... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON - Democratic candidate for governor Tony Evers plans to eliminate Gov. Scott Walker`s often-embattled jobs agency if elected, but backed off Thursday from the idea of having no state economic development department at all. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. "has been a constant source of controversy, inefficiency, and ineffectiveness," for seven years and must be disbanded, Evers told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel earlier this week....
Both should read my Article: ...Full Story Here
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The Phoenix Innovation Park is among the finalists for Wisconsin
Economic Development Center’s Community & Economic Development
Award. The winners will be announced at an event in Madison on
Wednesday, Sept. 12. For more details, refer to Insight Publications LLC
on Facebook...
...Full Story Here
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 A plan to develop light industrial
buildings at a former Glendale rail yard is proceeding with financing
help from a state grant. Earthbound
Development LLC plans to develop the buildings, totaling more
than 375,000 square feet, on a vacant site north and west of Home
Depot, 4155 N. Port Washington Road, said Rachel Reiss, city
administrator. Earthbound, operated by Brian Monroe
and Nancy Neumann, is expected to soon submit to city officials plans
for its first building, totaling 60,000 square feet, Reiss said Monday... See Also: ...Full Story Here
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 Green Bay Packaging has been provided with $60 million in Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation tax credits, over 12 years, to support
the company’s plan to build a new paper mill in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The project is expected to create 200 jobs.
The actual amount of state income tax credits the company receives is
contingent upon the number of jobs created and retained, and the amount
of capital investment the company makes through 2029. As is the case for
all WEDC tax credit awards, Green Bay Packaging must first create the
jobs and make the capital investments before receiving any credits,
state officials explained... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I like this one but I am not sure the numbers add up. My guess is that the 60 Million includes TIF funds which come from property tax credits not WEDC or the state. If just based on jobs and income tax credits it would be $ 300,000 per employee. It is still 300K per employee but with a $500 million dollar plant to cover the nut. My guess is more like 50 Million plus in local property tax credits and the rest in income tax credits.
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 GREEN BAY – Mark Hogan has done
something no CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has done in
the organization`s seven-year history.
The Green Bay native is about to
mark three years in charge of an agency that was plagued by lax
oversight and poor accountability in its early years.
WEDC`s past continues to drive criticism of the
agency as it moved forward with possibly the single largest business
investment deal in the state`s history: Foxconn. Critics say the agency`s past raises concerns about the state`s $4 billion incentives package, changes to the size of the plant, use of eminent domain to acquire land, and the 22 million-square-foot plant`s use of Lake Michigan water...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Mark makes some good points. I would like to mention that I am hearing how we could better spend the "Foxconn Money". Since the Foxconn project is largely incentive based using property tax credits and income tax credits if you Stop Foxconn you have no money to spend. I am not taking sides here but as former elected official I get very nervous when people start spending money that isn`t there. So once again No Foxconn No Money...
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) awarded a
$250,000 Community Development Investment grant to the city of Monona
for development of the Yahara Commons project. It is the largest grant to date received by the city for the development project. “Community success is linked to quality services and infrastructure.
One of WEDC’s top priorities is to help communities invest in
revitalizing their downtowns to encourage economic growth,” said Mark R.
Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development
corporation. “Each of these grants will play an important role in
helping to improve the community’s business district which will in turn
create family-supporting jobs.”... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, Wis. - Monona and Middleton will receive grants from the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to build a mixed-use
development and a lift-and-slide parking stall system, according to a
release. WEDC awarded Monona and Middleton $250,000 each as part of the Community Development Investment Grant program. ...Full Story Here
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 BROOKFIELD – Governor Scott Walker announced today that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) is providing Milwaukee Tool Co. with $8 million in state tax
credits to support the company’s plans to build a $32 million R&D
facility in Brookfield – a project expected to create 350 new jobs.
“A little more than two years ago, Milwaukee Tool announced the
expansion of their headquarters creating nearly 600 jobs in Brookfield,
and now we are here today to announce yet another expansion that will
create 350 more jobs,” said Governor Walker, who joined company
officials in a ceremonial groundbreaking event at the company’s
headquarters. “As a global manufacturer, Milwaukee Tool had other
options for its latest expansion, but chose Wisconsin because of our
dedicated workforce and strong business climate. Thank you to Milwaukee
Tool for their continued commitment to creating jobs, contributing to
our economy, and growing in our state.”... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) has awarded the village of Menomonee Falls a $79,300
grant to support the redevelopment of the city’s old fire station into a
new casual dining restaurant and banquet hall. The
Community Development Investment Grant will be used to help offset the
costs of renovating the 89-year-old two-story building on Appleton
Avenue. Chris Leffler, who also owns Leff`s Lucky
Town in Wauwatosa and Revere`s Wells Street Tavern in Delafield, will
own and operate the new restaurant, which is expected to open later this
year. ...Full Story Here
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WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WSAW) --
Local events took place all across the state this morning as area
leaders and legislators celebrated the second annual Wisconsin main
street day.
Representatives from the Wisconsin economic
development corporation or WEDC met up at the old Wisconsin Rapids mall
to take place in the event.
Speakers including Wisconsin Senator
Patrick Testin and WEDC Secretary and COO, Tricia Braun, helped to
spotlight the important role that downtown business districts have in
Wisconsin`s economy.
The events were also used as a spot where announcements on business openings and downtown initiatives were made. In Rapids, the WEDC presented the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club with a grant of $150,000... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This may not sit well with the Princeton`s of the state. YMCA are most often tax exempt while they pay...
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MADISON, WI. July 9, 2018 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) has accepted six new organizations into its Connect Communities
Program, an initiative that works with communities to advance downtown
and urban corridor revitalization efforts.
With the latest additions, there are now 71 participants in the Connect Communities Program,
which provides access to resources and training to help downtown
organizations pursue revitalization and redevelopment efforts. Since the
Connect Communities Program was launched in 2013, participating
communities have reported adding 274 net new businesses and more than
1,600 jobs, as well as $115 million in private investment... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Attention communities -- look at the programs in the links in this story!
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 Social Media Marketing Campaign To Attract Recent Grads, Millennials, Veterans
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is one of nine Wisconsin
campuses teaming up with the state`s top economic development agency to
lure recent graduates back to Wisconsin.
UW-Eau Claire is working with the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp. to encourage alumni to move back to the state. It`s part of a
broader marketing campaign aimed at addressing a shortage of skilled workers at a time when the state unemployment is below 3 percent...
Ken Notes: As I have often said it will take more that an advertising campaign To Attract Recent Grads, Millennials and Veterans. I still suggest on the individual side, student loans for tuition with a State income tax credit for all interest paid on them. And on the corporate side, a $2,000 state tax credit for 10 years for new hires ($20,000 per NEW employee over ten years).
I know it would be almost impossible to track, but I would love to know the actual cost of ads to bring back just one employee to the state.
I also question why we are spending ad dollars to support Chicago mass transit when we so desperately need transit improvements right here in Wisconsin...
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 WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW)
The Wausau River District Organization and The Wausau Economic
Development Commission, or WEDC, agree there are substantial investments
in Wausau`s downtown area. During the work week of June 25-29, The
River District is hosting Downtown Employee Appreciation Week.
Chris Schock the director of the WEDC said in
the last decade employment has doubled downtown, indicating an
increasing investment by consumers and business.
"This is not just a Wausau thing. Every community, every peer community of Wausau is investing in their downtown" Schock said... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON - Governor Scott Walker today
visited the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison and Great Lake Cheese to award $700,000 state grants
to support and promote entrepreneurship within the state’s $43 billion
dairy industry. The grant from the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will enable CDR to
continue to provide companies with grants of up to $20,000 to support
the commercialization of unique dairy technologies and products.
Launched in 2013, the Tech Transfer, University, Research and Business
Opportunity (TURBO) Program has helped 11 companies purchase equipment
needed for new products or processes. To date, this program has helped
create or retain 29 jobs in rural communities. ...Full Story Here
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Gov. Scott Walker
awarded the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison with a $200,000 state grant to expand an innovative
program that promotes entrepreneurship within the state’s $43 billion
dairy industry.
The grant from the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will enable CDR to
continue to provide companies with grants of up to $20,000 to support
the commercialization of unique dairy technologies and products.
Launched in 2013, the Tech Transfer, University,
Research and Business Opportunity (TURBO) Program has helped 11
companies purchase equipment needed for new products or processes. To
date, this program has helped create or retain 29 jobs in rural
communities.... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON – Governor Scott Walker, Lt.
Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection (DATCP) Secretary Sheila Harsdorf, Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Mark R. Hogan and
Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett will visit 13 cheese companies and
facilities throughout the state today as part of the second annual
Wisconsin Cheese Day. "Wisconsin is
America`s Dairyland – and since cheese is Wisconsin`s official dairy
product, it is only fitting that we visit cheese producers throughout
the state to thank them for the contributions they are making to their
industry and the state`s economy," said Governor Scott Walker.
"Wisconsin is home to 8,500 dairy farms, the vast majority of which are
family-owned. Wisconsin Cheese Day
is about celebrating the successes of these companies as well as the
family-supporting jobs they create right here in Wisconsin."... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Glad to see it!
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UW-Eau Claire grad highlighted in marketing video aimed at state alumni
...Farina’s story — both his professional success and personal love for
family and the state’s many outdoor recreational opportunities — is why
WEDC chose him to be the focus of one of nine videos highlighting young
people who have studied in Wisconsin and landed their dream jobs in the
state. The national marketing campaign includes social media ads on
Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn that link to the videos.
Alumni who have moved away from Wisconsin likely could bring their
experience back to Wisconsin, find a comparable job, make their income
go further and find greater life/?work integration, said Farina, an avid
boater, wakeboarder and snowboarder who lives in the Madison area.
The impetus for the marketing campaign was the state’s labor shortage
that is making it increasingly difficult for Wisconsin employers to
find enough workers to fill all of their job openings, said Tricia
Braun, deputy secretary and chief operating officer of WEDC. Agency
leaders determined one of the best ways to get more workers would be to
lure individuals with an educational connection back to Wisconsin.... See Also: State launches $7 million marketing campaign to keep college grads Wisconsin Tries to Attract Millennials
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I still wish the focus was on actual programs to encourage to stay / return to the state rather than advertising. I like tax credits for interest on tuition loans and a tax credit for new hires for all businesses.
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 FINANCING & GRANTS
Brownfield Grants: Grants to local governments,
businesses, non-profits and individuals for developing commercial and
industrial sites that have been adversely affected by environmental
contamination.
Brownfield Site Assessment Grant: Grant funds to
approved projects to assist local governments with conducting initial
environmental assessment and demolition activities on an eligible
abandoned, idle or underutilized industrial or commercial site.
Business Opportunity Loan Fund: Financing options ranging from loans to loan guaranties for businesses making investments to expand in or relocate to Wisconsin.
Capacity Building Grants: Grants to assist local and regional economic development groups to create an advanced economic development network within Wisconsin.
Capital Catalyst: Matching grants to seed funds
managed by local communities and other eligible entities to provide
capital to high-growth startups and emerging growth companies.
Community Development Investment Grant: Financial
support for shovel-ready projects with particular emphasis on downtown
community driven efforts that deliver significant, measurable benefits
in job opportunities, property values, and/or leveraged investment by
local and private partners.
Global Business Development Grants: Grant funding to support the growth and expansion of exports by Wisconsin companies.
Idle Industrial Sites Redevelopment: Highly competitive program offering grants to Wisconsin
communities for the implementation of redevelopment plans for large
industrial sites that have been idle, abandoned or underutilized for at
least five years.
Industrial Revenue Bonds: A unique type of revenue
bond organized and issued by a state or local government, the proceeds
of which are directed to a private, for-profit business.
Seed Accelerator: Provides grants to eligible
communities and other organizations to support a pre-seed business model
program that incorporates training, mentoring and financial assistance
to entrepreneurs in their area. Grant funds may be used as seed capital
for companies in the accelerator, as well as for costs associated with
initiating the accelerator program.
Special Project Loan Fund: Loans or loan guarantees
to eligible companies preparing for future growth; diversifying
operations, markets or product lines to increase competitiveness; or
preparing a project site for future commercial development.
Technology Development Loans: Flexible lending
program designed to assist high-tech startup and emerging growth
companies in financing the development and launch of innovative products
and services.
TAX INCENTIVES
Business Development Tax Credit: Provides refundable
income tax credits that can be earned based on jobs, capital
investment, training and the location or retention of corporate
headquarters.
Capital Gains Investment Incentives: Capital gains on funds invested in qualified Wisconsin
businesses are completely exempt from the capital gains tax after the
investment has been held for five years. Capital gains on existing
investments which are sold in order to generate funds for investments in
qualified Wisconsin businesses are deferred so that they are not taxed at the time they are invested in the Wisconsin businesses.
Development Opportunity Zones: Non-refundable tax
credits for new and expanding businesses in the cities of Beloit,
Janesville and Kenosha to assist with capital investment and the
creation and retention of new, full-time jobs.
Enterprise Zone Tax Credit: Refundable tax credits
for new and expanding businesses that can be earned based on job
creation, job retention, training, investment and Wisconsin supply chain expenditures.
Historic Preservation Tax Credit: State income tax credit for 20% of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures for eligible buildings.
Job Creation Deduction: Companies can take an exclusion from income if they create jobs in Wisconsin of $4,000 per employee for small businesses and $2,000 per employee for larger businesses.
Manufacturing & Agriculture Credit: Available to
individuals and entities for taxable years that begin on or after
January 1, 2013, for manufacturing and agricultural activities in Wisconsin.
The credit is a percentage of “eligible qualified production activities
income.” The credit is calculated by multiplying eligible qualified
production activities income by one of the following percentages.
- For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, and before January1, 2014, 1.875%
- For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013, and before January 1, 2015, 3.75%
- For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014, and before January1, 2016, 5.526%
- For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, 7.5%
For individuals, the credit is limited to the amount of income tax
paid on the income from which the credit is based. For a corporation,
eligible qualified production activities income is the lesser of:
- eligible qualified production activities income,
- income apportioned to Wisconsin, or
- income taxable to Wisconsin as determined by combined reporting law, if the corporation is a member of a Wisconsin combined group
Property Tax Exemptions: Machinery and equipment
used in manufacturing is exempt from personal property taxes.
Manufacturer and merchant inventories are exempt from personal property
taxes. Certain waste treatment facilities owned by utilities,
manufacturers, and commercial businesses used for the treatment of
industrial waste materials are exempt from general property taxes.
Qualified New Business Venture (QNBV) Program: Helps drive investment to innovate early-stage Wisconsin companies by allowing investors to claim a 25% tax credit on the amount they invest into a QNBV-certified business.
Research and Development Tax Credit: An R&D
credit is available to corporations, sole proprietorships and
pass-through entities equal to 5% (10% in some cases) of the excess of
qualified research expenses for the current year over a base amount.
Sales Tax Exemptions: Wisconsin sales tax does not have to be paid on the following:
- Machinery and equipment used by a manufacturer in producing tangible personal property.
- Tangible personal property that becomes an ingredient or component of another product in the manufacturing process.
- Tangible personal property that is consumed or loses its identity in the process of manufacturing tangible personal property.
- Machinery, equipment and tangible personal property used in research
by companies that are engaged in manufacturing or biotechnology.
- Fuel and electricity used in manufacturing.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Apprenticeship Completion Award Program: Offers
employers, adult apprentices and sponsors a 25% reimbursement (up to
$1,000) for instruction costs, including tuition, books, materials and
other course fees.
ExporTech: Export acceleration program to help Wisconsin companies expand their global market reach through targeted export strategy development and execution.
Industry Development: WEDC’s Division of Business
and Industry Development delivers customized solutions—technical and
financial—to established business associations, consortia and industry
cluster organizations in order to create favorable conditions for
expanding existing Wisconsin industries and attracting new companies to priority industry sectors in Wisconsin.
The division also supports minority business development by working
with and providing resources for revolving loan funds and technical
assistance to minority business development groups.
Veteran Grant Program: Offers employers a state grant of up to $10,000 over four years for hiring and retaining eligible veterans.
Wisconsin Fast Forward: Makes $15 million in grants
available to employers to develop and implement innovative and
collaborative customized training solutions for skilled workers. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I ran across this and thought I would add links as time permits. Hope it helps...
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 A new state law is expected to help
startup companies save thousands of dollars in fees, the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corp. says. The
law that took effect Friday consists of complex business-speak, but it
basically boils down to this: Wisconsin early-stage companies that are
certified as "Qualified New Business Ventures" and incorporated as "C"
corporations in other states no longer must pay fees associated with
filing certain business documents with the state. The
WEDC estimates that under the old law, the typical out-of-state company
certified under the QNBV program paid about $7,500 in additional fees
to the state of Wisconsin. ...Full Story Here
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 New Richmond was recognized for its
outstanding downtown revitalization efforts at the 27th Wisconsin Main
Street Awards ceremony on Friday, April 27, in Ripon. New Richmond took top honors in the Connect Community Success Story
category at the event, hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC). The awards ceremony recognized the efforts by
Wisconsin Main Street volunteers and staff for their historic
preservation and downtown economic development efforts of communities in
Wisconsin in 2017...
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 SOLDIERS GROVE - On Tuesday, May 8, the Driftless Brewing Company LLC is launched an expansion project at its brewery in Soldiers Grove to a 15 BBL brewing system and 70 seat taproom. This launch, attended by more than 60 people, was made in conjunction with the WEDC announcing a $125,000 grant to the Village of Soldiers Grove in support of the project. Driftless Brewing Company, LLC, located in the Solar Village of Soldiers Grove held the ceremony to receive the grant that was presented by Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Klefisch on behalf of the WEDC. Wisconsin State Senator Jennifer Shilling and State Representative Lee Nerison were also on hand for the presentation along with a host of economic development people, investors and other brewery supporters... ...Full Story Here
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Governor Scott Walker, WEDC Secretary Mark Hogan, UW
System President Ray Cross and other key leaders to award grants during
statewide tour on “Fab Lab Day” MADISON – Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) today announced that 22 school districts throughout the state
have been awarded a total of more than $500,000 in grants to establish
or expand local fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab) facilities.
“Fab Labs are the latest example of the many investments we have made
in education and workforce development to ensure that Wisconsin
students have the skills and training they need to compete for the jobs
of the 21st century,” said Governor Walker, who is attending
announcement events in Rhinelander and Ashwaubenon. “Wisconsin’s Fab
Labs provide students with hands-on experience in areas such as design,
engineering, and complex problem-solving – all key skills that will
benefit those students regardless of the career path they choose after
high school.”... See Also: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Cool!
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 The state of Wisconsin could be just days away from launching legal
action against One Aviation unit Kestrel Aircraft to recover an
estimated $3.6 million in combined delinquent state, county, and local
loan payments made to the company since 2012, when it agreed to develop
and build the K-350 single-engine turboprop in Superior, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) spokesman Mark Maley
told AIN this week that the state, county, and city
finalized a “joint litigation agreement” last week to pursue Kestrel,
and that legal action is imminent. The Wisconsin package for Kestrel included a $2 million loan from
WEDC in 2012 and another $2 million federally funded state small
business credit incentive loan; Kestrel has repaid approximately
$865,500 on the former. The company also owes the city of Superior $2.2
million and Douglas County $500,000.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Blood -- turnip????
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 WEDC is poised to help companies grow their exports furtherWisconsin’s exports grew by 6 percent in 2017 compared to
the prior year, reaching a total of $22.3 billion in goods and services
exported to 202 countries around the world.
The state’s top trading partners are Canada, Mexico and
China, and all three of these destinations saw significant increases of
Wisconsin exports in 2017. Exports to Canada grew by 4.3 percent, to
$6.9 billion, driven by increases in the export of miscellaneous mineral
products and electrical machinery. Exports to Mexico were up 4.8
percent to a record $3.2 billion, mostly because of an increase in the
export of electrical machinery and oil seeds (primarily soybeans).
Exports to China jumped by 21.6 percent, to $1.7 billion, in 2017 – also
a record for exports to that country. Driving the growth in exports to
China were increases in the shipments of aircraft and parts; industrial
machinery; dairy products; wood and wood products; and raw hides and
skins.... ...Full Story Here
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 MILWAUKEE, WI. April 18, 2018— NEWaukee and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today presented Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) with a 2018 Bubbler Award.
Every year, NEWaukee hosts the Bubbler Awards: Best Workplaces for
Young Professionals in Wisconsin as part of YPWeek. The Bubbler Awards
shine a light on the companies’ achievements in serving the interests
and needs of younger workers.
“The world of talent attraction and retention has changed
dramatically. The standard offering isn’t going to work with the next
generation of talent,” said Angela Damiani,
CEO of NEWaukee. “The Bubbler Awards recognize the Wisconsin companies
that have made great advances in their ability to attract, keep and grow
their young talent. We are proud to highlight companies like EUA that
are truly among the best places to work for young professionals in
Wisconsin.” ...Full Story Here
Notes: Congrats.... Well deserved...
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 The
Oneida County Economic Development Corporation/Northeast Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation annual meeting and luncheon will be
held at noon Friday, April 20 at Holiday Acres in Rhinelander.
This
year`s speaker is Rob Ribbe, Ph.D., director of HoneyRock, The Outdoor
Center for Leadership Development of Wheaton College.
He will be speaking on the topic of: "Working with & Developing Today`s Millennials." ...Full Story Here
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Nicolet to host session April 13
Construction-related
companies in northern Wisconsin that want to learn more about becoming a
vendor, subcontractor, supplier or professional service provider during
the construction phase of the Foxconn project in Racine County are
invited to an informational session in Rhinelander on Friday, April 13.
Hosted
by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Grow North
and M+W|Gilbane, the professional construction manager on the project,
the meeting will take place at the Nicolet College Lakeside Center
Theater, 5364 College Drive, Rhinelander. Registration begins at 1 p.m.,
and the informational session will run from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
The
meeting is designed to assist construction-related companies in
understanding the nature of the project and the procurement process for
work related to construction of Foxconn`s $10 billion advanced
manufacturing campus in Racine County, according to a Nicolet press
release.
For more information, and to register, visit wisconnvalley.wi.gov. ...Full Story Here
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 State Grant Pushes Total Raised To Nearly Two-Thirds Of Target A business development in one of the buildings set fire to during
Milwaukee`s Sherman Park protests following the fatal police shooting
of Sylville Smith in August 2016, is one step closer to opening.
On Tuesday, the state of Wisconsin awarded a $250,000 grant to a business re-development project called Sherman Phoenix.
The money from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. puts the
developers of Sherman Phoenix about two-thirds of the way to their
fundraising goal. See Also:
Ken Notes: I like this project -- cool design, entrepreneurial hub, public private partnership, mentorship, business coaching and networking.
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 Epicurean is loving their new home in Superior, and
Superior is loving them right back. Designer and manufacturer of kitchen
cutting boards and tools, Epicurean made the move from Duluth at the
beginning of 2017. The city of Superior assembled an incentives package
of $100,000 for site improvements to the property, according to Jason
Serck, economic development, planning and port director for Superior... ...His office has a heavy focus on industrial
recruitment, and sees the advantages of moving into Wisconsin to take
advantage of new tax credits. The Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) awarded a $512,000 loan to Epicurean in 2016 as an
incentive to set up shop in Wisconsin. Mark Maley, public affairs and
communications director at WEDC, said Wisconsin is drawing many
companies across its border, from just outside of the Twin Cities to
companies crossing out of Illinois to southern Wisconsin, because of
their manufacturer and agriculture tax credit. ...Full Story Here
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 WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW)- Wausau is the first location in Marathon County to become certified by the Wisconsin Economic Development Commission or WEDC. This means the land in the Wausau Business Park is “shovel ready,” so
once a business purchases the land and gets its plan approved by the
city council, it can start building.
The goal is to allow faster development and bring more businesses into the area.
"This program will enhance Wausau`s ability to
attract future development to Wausau`s business park because it
provides companies and site selectors with independent verification that
a site is ready for development,” WEDC Secretary Mark Hogan said.... ...Full Story Here
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 A $6.8 million boost to a state
advertising campaign seeking to entice millennials to move to Wisconsin
is headed to Gov. Scott Walker`s desk.... Ken Notes: I need a new marketing team, I reach 12K Wisconsin professionals and elected officials every week with a positive message about economic development and growth in the State (not to mention a pro business environmental spin on Mondays) and make less than 20K per year on the effort. If I had 6 million to entice millennials to move to Wisconsin. We would spend some money on these ideas:
- A tax plan/credit to pay interest on student loans for millennials who stay in the state!
- Spend money on "wet space" for UW entrepreneurs to develop there ideas.
- Work with WARF to incentivize keeping our patents in State.
- Develop a real apprenticeship program targeting at least 20% of our high school students.
- Develop or support more co-working spaces in the state. Visit a co-working space and see how millennials come up with and grow ideas.
- Spend some of the 6 million on LOCAL ED programs and ask these people to work with millennials. A handshake is worth far more than a train add.
Please Share this, add your own ideas to the conversation, tell me that I don`t know what I am talking about, I don`t care -- Just talk about this issue it is your money they are spending.
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 MADISON, WI. March 16, 2018 –The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today announced that Vincent A. Rice has been named the organization’s vice president of the Sector Strategy Development Division. Rice comes to WEDC from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
(DWD), where he had been a program manager for the Division of
Employment and Training since 2012. In that role, he evaluated the
talent requirements of different industries and created targeted
training programs to meet those needs. He also led efforts to improve
collaboration and communication between business community and the
agency, with a focus on improving processes and relationships across the
state... ...Full Story Here
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Chippewa Valley businesses urged to educate themselves on group so they can offer services
CHIPPEWA FALLS — While questions still loom about what type of
services the Foxconn Technology Group factory will need and when as it
constructs a massive complex in southeastern Wisconsin, state officials
have a clear message to businesses across the state to get ready. “Get smart about the process of LCD (liquid crystal display)
manufacturing and where you might be able to plug in,” said Jela Trask,
director of business and attraction for the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Good advice, I wish we had been given the same advice on the Paper industry 20 years ago...
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 Foxconn Technology Group
executives exercised surprising thrift during its staff`s visits to
Wisconsin in 2017, including a high-level meeting at the Hampton Inn.
Meanwhile, a state official issued a caveat that the Pfister Hotel was
overpriced... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I have been at and held meeting at both, you get what you pay for and choice depends on the message you want to send. Both are great options...
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 STURTEVANT — A Real Resources for
Manufacturers event is scheduled to be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday at the SC Johnson iMET Center, 2320 Renaissance Boulevard. During
the event, business owners can learn more about local and state
low-interest loan programs and a new productivity tool available from
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Wisconsin
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) called the Transformational
Productivity Initiative (TPI). TPI helps benchmark a company`s
performance and provides a roadmap to improving the factors that could
increase profitability... March 21, 2018
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Gateway Technical College`s SC Johnson iMET Center
2320 Renaissance Blvd
Sturtevant, Wisconsin, 53177
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Great idea!
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has taken an interest in Deerfield’s downtown.
Deerfield Chamber
of Commerce Chair Leah Fritsche told the Village Board Monday night that
the state agency contacted the chamber recently, after seeing a series
of January articles in the Deerfield Independent about the community’s industrial park and downtown.
Fritsche said chamber representatives met with
Jason Scott and Melissa Hunt, WEDC regional directors for Dane County,
last week. Hunt and Scott provided the chamber with a great deal of
information that it is now distilling, Fritsche said.
“The point is, number one, that there is lots of
help for us. Number two, they want to help us get something put together
that will move us forward,” Fritsche said. Fritsche said Hunt and Scott will be doing some “hand holding,”
helping the chamber focus and connect with the right people to work
toward forming a committee to revitalize the downtown.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: The problem with ED in Wisconsin is that you have to know who to call and what`s available, so we haves and have nots...
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MADISON, WI. Feb. 13, 2018 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today announced that Mary Gage,
senior director of economic development, has been named to the board of
the Mid-America Economic Development Council (Mid-America EDC).
The council is a multi-state association that serves as a key
resource for education, networking, and information sharing for economic
development professionals and organizations in 12 states. The group’s
focus is to provide its members states with the connections and
resources needed to compete for national and international economic
development projects... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, WI. Feb. 12, 2018 – Coleman Peiffer, business and investment attraction director for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), has received the 2018 Young Professional Award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA).
WEDA’s award programs, which were established in 1985, recognize the
recipient’s exceptional contributions to the economic vitality of
Wisconsin. Recipients are selected based on creativity, leadership and
positive results toward economic development goals and objectives within
Wisconsin... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON – Thirteen companies in the New
North region of Wisconsin are expected to create nearly 1,500 new jobs
after signing agreements with the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) in 2017 to expand their operations. The
companies include U.S. Venture in Appleton, which plans to hire more
than 200 people as part of its expansion; Masters Gallery Foods Inc. in
Sheboygan County, which will create 150 jobs; Brakebush Brothers Inc. in
Marquette County, which expects to hire 219 new workers, and Cintas
Corp. in Outagamie County, which expects to create 60 new jobs... ...Full Story Here
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Rowe Pottery Works has won state financial support to renovate a historic Main Street building for its new headquarters.
The Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded Rowe Pottery a grant
that will reimburse the company for one-quarter of the cost of work
being done on the building at 110 E. Main Street. Rowe Pottery owner
Beverly Semmann declined to reveal the total amount of the grant, but
said it was sizeable.
Semmann said the village of Cambridge applied for
the grant on the company’s behalf. She said WEDC’s requirements
included that the project not just benefit Rowe Pottery, but also that
it has the potential to bring significant economic benefit to the
broader downtown. Specifically, she said, WEDC is interested in funding
projects that draw visitors to a community and give them a reason to
linger at restaurants and other shops, too... ...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) is inviting Wisconsin companies seeking to start or expand their
exporting efforts to take part in a global trade venture to China from
April 13-25.
The trade trip will include segments in Shanghai, Ningbo, Guangzhou
and Beijing. In each city, participants will be scheduled for customized
business meetings with potential local partners hand-picked for their
businesses by Wisconsin’s authorized trade representatives in China.
Each participant also will receive an individualized market assessment
to help their company develop a specific strategy for entering or
expanding in the Chinese market... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Think protein!
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 MENOMONIE — UW-Stout’s Center for Innovation and Development received
a $50,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to help
aid inventors this year.
UW-Stout is one of 11 recipients in the state to receive the grant.
WEDC received 36 applications for the grant, which provides matching
funds to nonprofit organizations and communities. This is the second
year UW-Stout has been awarded the grant. Last year it received $60,000... ...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker in
October wrote a welcome letter to Amazon.com to help Milwaukee 7 and two
other development groups compete for the online retailer’s second
headquarters... ...Full Story Here
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 BizStarts, BrightStar receive Milwaukee shareOne day at church, Pastor Anthony Burns of Milwaukee’s Jericho Church Without Walls told the congregation, including Brumfield, about the Launch MKE 10-week course for entrepreneurs in low-income Milwaukee neighborhoods.
In December, both Brumfield and Burns, who runs his own business
called Jericho Business Incubator, graduated from Launch MKE with new
tips about how to grow their companies.
“It really helped me to understand the nuts and bolts of being a business owner financially, tax information,” Brumfield said.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I also like this idea but suggest it picks winners a losers, why not an across the board program to support both entrepreneurship and apprenticeship??
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 For
the second year in a row, Nicolet Area Technical College has received a
grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) aimed
at developing entrepreneurship programs in the Northwoods.
On
hand for the announcement Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch said the
second grant is due in large part to the success Nicolet demonstrated
after receiving one of the inaugural grants last year.... ...Full Story Here
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 If you are a 21- to 35-year-old in Chicago, you shouldn’t be suffering
through a long “L” Train commute — you should be paddle boarding on one
of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes. That, at least, is the message of a new $1
million ad campaign
from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) targeting Chicago
millennials through exterior train wraps, posters in health clubs and
Pandora audio spots....
See Also: ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We are getting national attention at least...
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Ken Notes: I so wish we used priorities to fund our efforts. For example keeping grads in the state is FAR more important than telling millennials in Chicago that we are more than beer and cheese...
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 The
expansion of the Gehl Foods facility in Germantown was
named by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
as one of the state’s top economic development projects
in 2017. The project is ranked 13th out of 59 projects.
Gov. Scott
Walker called 2017 a record year for the WEDC with 59 companies from
Wisconsin and around the world agreeing to locate to or expand in
Wisconsin. The projects are expected to create or retain nearly
30,000 jobs and result in more than $11.6 billion in capital
investment in the state.
Topping the
list of projects is Foxconn’s Technology Group’s historic investment
in Racine County — a project expected to create up to 13,000 jobs
and generate up to $10 billion in capital investment... ...Full Story Here
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Governor Scott
Walker recently announced that the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) had a record year for economic development in 2017
with 59 companies from Wisconsin and around the world agreeing to locate
to or expand in Wisconsin.
The projects are
expected to create or retain nearly 30,000 jobs and result in more than
$11.6 billion in capital investment across the state.
“When it comes to economic development, 2017 has
been a historic year for Wisconsin as global companies such as Foxconn,
Haribo and Nestle decided to establish operations in our great state
after looking at many other options around the country,” Walker said. ...Full Story Here
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 Two of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s largest financial incentive projects in 2017 were in Kenosha County. Both
Haribo of America, a new division of the German gummy candy maker, and
Gold Standard Baking, a Chicago-based bakery, announced the development
of new production facilities in 2017 that would create more jobs and
capital investment in the region. The two Pleasant Prairie companies were among WEDC’s top 25 economic development projects for the year. ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today announced that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) had a record year for economic development in 2017 with 59
companies from Wisconsin and around the world agreeing to locate to or
expand in Wisconsin. These projects are expected to create or retain
nearly 30,000 jobs and result in more than $11.6 billion in capital
investment across the state... ...Full Story Here
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 As we reach the end of 2017, the price tag on the public investment
in Foxconn has received renewed attention from local and national media.
It’s not unreasonable for the public to question how $4.5 billion is
going to be spent on something that could remake the identity of
southeastern Wisconsin.... ...Local business headlines during the second half of 2017 has been
dominated by Foxconn and the state and local incentives the company is
being offered. Moving into 2018, there are plenty of open questions
about the project that go beyond just the price tag. Here are 13 of
them, one for every 1,000 jobs Foxconn says it will create: 1. Will the project actually move forward?
2. Just how big will the plant actually be?
3. If things go south, what will happen with Foxconn’s guarantees? 4. Will Foxconn be able to find enough workers and will other Wisconsin companies be able to as well? 5. Will the under and unemployed residents of Milwaukee,
Racine and Kenosha be able to tap into the new opportunities created by
Foxconn or will new arrivals from other states crowd them out? 6. How will Foxconn change the character of the I-94 corridor? 7. When will the speed of the Foxconn project catch up with it? 8. Which suppliers will follow Foxconn to Wisconsin and which local companies will find a way into the Foxconn supply chain? 9. Will Foxconn’s vision of the 8K+5G ecosystem come true? 10. What will Foxconn’s environmental impact be? 11. Just how much water will Foxconn divert from Lake Michigan? 12. Will WEDC be able to credibly verify Foxconn’s investment and job totals? 13. What role will politics play in Foxconn’s success and what role will Foxconn play in the success of political candidates? ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: A MUST READ, my friends at BizTimes ask and answer some very tough questions...
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 Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) today announced that Rebecca Deschane
has been named talent initiatives director, a new position that will
lead and coordinate statewide efforts to attract and retain talent for
both organizations.
Deschane, WEDC’s legislative liaison since 2011, has been an integral
part of WEDC’s efforts to identify and develop various talent
initiatives. She serves as the primary contact for WEDC’s engagement
with the young professional organizations across the state and has
worked with NEWaukee
to launch and expand YPWeek, a statewide initiative aimed at attracting
and retaining young talent in Wisconsin. Deschane also led an internal
task force on talent retention and attraction that developed and
coordinated activities across the various divisions at WEDC. ...Full Story Here
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 Smart manufacturing center of excellence will help Wisconsin manufacturers use the Industrial Internet of ThingsNewswise — MILWAUKEE _ The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) has awarded a $900,000 grant to the University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee to support UWM’s new Connected Systems Institute
(CSI). The institute will focus on ensuring that Wisconsin
manufacturers can take advantage of opportunities created by the
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the interconnection of sensors and
computing devices embedded at all levels of the system, enabling higher
levels of efficiency and reliability and achieving lower cost. The
center of excellence will be the first large-scale public-private
partnership in the U.S. connecting industry, academic institutions,
government and nonprofit organizations...
...Full Story Here
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Our state awarded hundreds of millions in tax credits
and cash payments to companies to create jobs without ever checking to
see if jobs were actually created.“We have not been able to verify the jobs,” said Secretary Mark Hogan
at a recent public hearing of the Joint Committee on Audit. In
this statement, the head of the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) confirmed what several years of audits repeatedly
found: our state awarded hundreds of millions in tax credits and cash
payments to companies to create jobs without ever checking to see if
jobs were actually created.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Have I ever mentioned if we offered the same incentives as tax credits based on the number of employees actually paying state taxes we wouldn`t even have to audit the loans, grants, gifts.... arghhhhhhhhhhh!
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 To meet the growing demand for its products, Brakebush Brothers Inc., a
leading processor of poultry products, will invest $86 million to expand
its operations and production facilities in Westfield, Wisconsin. The company expects to create more than 200 jobs in Marquette County.
“Our company has been able to grow and compete on a national level for
many years, and this expansion of our production facility will enable us
to provide great-tasting Brakebush products to our customers for years
to come,” said Carl Brakebush, company Chairman. “The Westfield and
surrounding area of Marquette County has been our home since 1925 and
the hardworking, dedicated people in this area are the key to our
success. We have indeed been blessed and are proud of what has been
established here in south-central Wisconsin.”
As an incentive, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is
supporting the project by authorizing up to $6.5 million in state income
tax credits over the next five years. The actual amount of tax credits
Brakebush will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created,
the amount of capital investment and the amount spent on employee
training during that period.... ...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is seeking companies to
participate in a global trade venture to Mexico at the end of January.
Wisconsin’s exports
to Mexico totaled $3 billion in 2016, making it Wisconsin’s
second-largest export market. The global trade venture will include
segments in Mexico’s two largest cities, Guadalajara and Mexico City.
Wisconsin companies from a variety of sectors are encouraged to attend.
“Over the last two decades, Mexico has
transformed from a commodities export market into a diversified
manufacturing economy,” said Katy Sinnott, vice president of
international business development for WEDC. “Mexico has a robust supply
chain with an interdependent relationship to the U.S. manufacturing
sector, and Mexico’s ties to Wisconsin are stronger than ever.”... ...Full Story Here
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Wisconsin`s economic development agency has approved a $3B incentives package for Foxconn (OTC:FXCOF) if it invests $10B to build a massive liquid-crystal display plant in the state.
Governor Scott Walker said the company could
ultimately employ 13,000 at the site, but critics, including some
Democrats, have attacked the plan as corporate welfare, rushed and
potentially harmful to the environment.
ALSO: And far too many more to list....
Ken Notes: Sound like they read it first so there`s that! I am glad someone was reading WDN, as I did mention the importance of the fine print long before it was an issue...
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 GOP Leadership Has Called For WEDC Board To See Full Contract Before VoteGov. Scott Walker on Wednesday refused to weigh in on a push for the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to change its approval process for
the $3 billion contract with tech giant Foxconn.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, both told the Wisconsin State Journal they think the WEDC board should see the entire contract with Foxconn before they vote to approve or reject it.
Typically, the board would vote on a staff memo outlining the contract, instead of seeing the entire document...
Notes: The catch 22 is that the memos and the documents have not always matched up or covered all the bases...
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 MADISON -- The
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation tried to smear state auditors
after a negative review, a Democratic state senator and WEDC board
member said.
On October 25th
-- the day after lawmakers grilled WEDC chief executive Mark Hogan over
the audit -- WEDC board chairwoman Lisa Mauer distributed to her members
and some lawmakers a letter from a former state audit bureau employee who criticized the way the Legislative Audit Bureau treated the WEDC. The agency had received the letter nine days earlier...
Ken Notes: I wrote this in 2012, yep 5 years ago, too bad no one read it. One correction, Paul did not "jump ship", he was asked to walk the plank...
by Ken Harwood November 14, 2012, 12:00 AM ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has partnered with a
coalition of financial institutions to launch a $1 million initiative
program to provide support to and promote new technology companies. The program targets startups and new tech companies statewide and is
designed as a step-by-step support program, much like an incubator
program would help other types of entrepreneurs. WEDC officials were not immediately able to estimate the impact the
program would have on Kenosha County business startups. However,
economic development projects have helped to create a healthy business
environment in the county.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I like this program...
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 One of the Democratic candidates for governor will now serve on the
board that`s finalizing Wisconsin`s $3 billion contract with Taiwanese
tech giant Foxconn.
Assembly Democratic Minority Leader Gordon Hintz announced yesterday
that Rep. Dana Wachs, D-Eau Claire, will serve on the board of the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, or WEDC.
Wachs is one of several Democrats running for governor. Others
include State Superintendent Tony Evers, former state party chair Matt
Flynn, businessman Andy Gronik, activist Mike McCabe, and State Sen.
Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma. ...Full Story Here
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Ken Notes: Here is an example of actually listening to smart people. We need to work more with the Water Council and MKE7...
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 "Many
people want to know," Sen. Kathleen Vinehout said Tuesday during a
meeting of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, `is the money that the
state has invested in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
successful in creating jobs?` Many of us are asking the question: `Can
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation be trusted to oversee a
$3 billion deal with Foxconn?`" Watch the full hearing: https://shar.es/1P6vNH.
Ken Notes: It is too bad that this is partisan politics at it`s worst. We really need to work together to fix the issues not blame the messengers. I must say that if we had just left Paul Jadin in charge when he found all the problems in the first place we would have had a system that works now.
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 Wisconsin`s jobs agency will not
alter its policies to make public a contract between the state and
Foxconn before the deal is signed, Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation CEO Mark Hogan said Tuesday. "We
won’t be changing our process relative to when the contracts are
available," Hogan told members of the Legislature`s audit committee.
"Any contract that WEDC signs is available to the public (once it is
signed)." Rep. Melissa Sargent,
D-Madison, had requested the document be made available for public
review before it is executed. Sargent questioned Hogan and other WEDC
officials as to whether the agency could effectively execute a contract
as significant as the one with Foxconn.
Ken Notes: This may be a huge mistake because there are brilliant minds in this state and few of them are in politics. Years ago when we lent millions to kestrel, I had read an article in Aviation Week that suggested that the new aircraft was pretty cool, but that it would be a very tough sell against other manufacturers like Gulfstream and that the tool up to produce the new plane was probably beyond the small startup. WEDC failed to get past the cool part of the story. Oh and for the record I am just well read, nowhere near brilliant...
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 MADISON, WI. Oct. 24, 2017 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) announced today that it has provided state tax credits to Nestlé
Dreyer’s Ice Cream Company, a division of Nestlé USA (“Nestlé”), to
support a distribution center expansion in Little Chute.
Construction is now completed on a 300,000-square-foot cold storage
distribution facility that Nestlé will lease from Hickory Drive Holdings
LLC. The new facility, located on County Highway N north of I-41, is
currently operational.
Nestlé already operates a production facility in Little Chute.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This is good, but I must add that Nestle is the largest dairy operation in the world (as well as the Worlds largest food and beverage company) and one of the most profitable as well. We are the dairy State why not work with our local producers, not that a local producer in the Fox Valley is not local, just that the real profits go to Switzerland.
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 OSHKOSH – A new grant program managed
by the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh aims to help nonprofits boost
exports and attract foreign investment in the state. The
program opens $1.2 million to economic development groups and other
nonprofits to hire international trade consultants in targeted
industries like manufacturing, aviation, bioscience and water
technology, according to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp. delayed a vote on a nearly $3 billion incentive package for
Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn until November after an unspecified
problem was discovered with the deal board members were set to vote on
Tuesday...
Ken Notes: Getting this right will be huge... I hope the development agreement and tax deals are public documents... At this point WEDC CEO Mark Hogan is saying the right things I want to see this in the dirt, but want to make sure the numbers work.
If the project derails I hope our immediate response is a global set of incentives available to all new and growing companies providing jobs in Wisconsin. Offer the programs to Amazon so it gets national attention with the proviso that the same terms are available to ANY Company coming to Wisconsin!
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 State Claims The Company Failed To Make Loan Payments The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is pursuing legal
action against an aircraft company that once planned to build
a plane manufacturing facility in Superior. The state claims the company
hasn’t made loan payments in almost a year. WEDC awarded Kestrel Aircraft Company millions of dollars in loans
five years ago with the hopes of creating 600 jobs in Superior. The jobs
haven’t materialized, and the company defaulted on its loans earlier
this year.... Other Info Kestrel K-350 POC Role single engine turboprop
Manufacturer Kestrel Aircraft/One Aviation
First flight 29 July 2006
Number built 1 proof-of-concept
Unit cost USD$3.2 million (projected)
Ken Notes: Ouch, this one will bite us in the... This is why we should restructure our loan/grant programs to a new jobs based tax credit. If there is not enough corporate profit the credits could be sold to other companies to generate revenue.
In my program we would have offered a 12 million dollar corporate tax rebate over ten years based on 600 jobs, a bank would have lent the "up front" cash, in this case since no jobs were created we are off the hook with no need for clawbacks or legal action.
Kestrel is now ONE Aviation Corporation which builds and sell other models but the Kestrel has yet to be built, my guess is that ONE is not on the hook for the Kestral loan...
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 A Green Bay-area businessman accused
of defrauding the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has reached a
plea deal in a separate bank fraud case. Ron
Van Den Heuvel, 63, of De Pere, agreed to plea guilty to a single
federal count of defrauding Horicon Bank of more than $700,000 starting
in 2008, according to a plea deal entered in U.S. District Court...
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 The Water Council and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) will host two conferences in China next month to highlight how
Wisconsin’s water technology companies can help that country address its
water challenges.
“One Water, One World: The U.S.-China Conference on Water and Sponge
Cities” will take place on Nov. 27 in Nanjing and Nov. 30 in Beijing.
The conferences are expected to bring together more than 200 leaders
from government, water technology companies and academia in both
countries. These will be the first conferences between the U.S. and
China to focus on the concept of “one water” as a complete water cycle –
from the removal of water to its sustainable return to nature.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: The water council is a real gem in the Wisconsin crown...
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 The proposed Foxconn plant for southeastern Wisconsin has been going
through various states of approval in recent weeks. Another crucial step
could come today with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
possibly approving the plan. The WEDC would be in charge of ensuring that Foxconn meets all
requirements before the state hands over the agreed upon financial
incentives. While WEDC could approve the measure today, we might not
know about it right away. A WEDC spokesman has said the vote will be
taken in private, and WEDC won`t talk about the deal until after Foxconn
has signed it. ...Full Story Here
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 Increasing college student
internships and getting more out-of-state Wisconsin graduates to put
down roots here are some of the key goals of a new position at the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The
position is the latest collaboration between the University of
Wisconsin System and the state’s job-creation agency to address a
growing worker shortage in the state, which the Wisconsin State Journal
highlighted in its recent “Workers Wanted” series...
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MADISON, WI. Sept. 27, 2017 – As part of its ongoing effort to support entrepreneurship and job opportunities for state veterans, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded a $25,000 grant to the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce.
The grant marks the beginning of a new partnership between WEDC and
the chamber, an organization created in 2015 to support Wisconsin’s
veteran business community and to promote economic opportunities for
veterans, military families and veteran-friendly businesses.
The grant will support the chamber as it provides educational
programming and workshops aimed at increasing the skill set of veteran
entrepreneurs and business owners... ...Full Story Here
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 Governor Scott Walker and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Mark Hogan
met with dozens of Japanese business executives in Tokyo today as part
of their efforts to encourage overseas companies to invest in
Wisconsin.“The more company leaders around the world learn about the
advantages of doing business in Wisconsin, the more likely they are to
seriously consider investing in our state, and that’s what these
meetings were all about,” Governor Walker said. “During these meetings,
we highlighted the state’s central location, talented workforce and
pro-business climate as key reasons why these leaders should consider
growing in Wisconsin.”... ...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) will provide an overview of supply chain (contract vendor)
opportunities associated with Foxconn Technology Group at 11 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 18 at the Cashman Conference Center, WITC-New Richmond
campus, 1019 S. Knowles Ave. Tricia Braun, WEDC`s chief operating officer, will provide details on
Foxconn, its economic impact, and how local businesses may become
involved in the supply chain. Braun brings nearly 20 years of economic
development leadership experience at WEDC. Prior to her current
position, she served as WEDC`s vice president of economic development
and regional development and attraction director. She is a graduate of
UW-River Falls and former executive director of the River Falls Area
Chamber of Commerce....
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 WEDC opens applications for Entrepreneurship Support ProgramThe Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is accepting applications for its Entrepreneurship Support Program, which includes grants of up to $100,000.
The program is open to nonprofits and community-based organizations
spearheading efforts to promote entrepreneurship and offer resources,
such as training, mentorship, business development and financial
assistance, to entrepreneurs.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: READ THIS AND SHARE IT...
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 MUKWONAGO, Wis. - Empire Level (Empire), a
division of Milwaukee Tool, celebrated its commitment to manufacturing
growth in Wisconsin with the state governor and local officials. Through
partnerships with Milwaukee Tool, the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC), Milwaukee 7, and local governments, Empire has
driven growth and job creation within the state...
...Full Story Here
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 Scott Walker was in La Crosse County again.
The Wisconsin governor was Onalaska celebrating another business project that will be financed with incentives from the state. Walker stopped at Dynamic Recycling to promote a $20-million expansion project for the company.
It`s not nearly as big as Foxconn might become, but Dynamic is
getting incentives similar to what the Taiwanese company has been
promised by Madison.
Dynamic will build a 140,000-square-foot facility with help from
$535,000 in tax credits over the next four years through the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The actual amount of credits
will be contingent on the number of jobs created and the amount of
capital investment the company makes during that time. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Not exactly Foxconn like....
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MADISON, WI. Aug. 8, 2017 – ThirdSpace, a Madison
startup developing tools to improve employee engagement, has received
Qualified New Business Venture (QNBV) certification from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
QNBV status allows investors in qualified startup and early-stage
companies to receive a 25 percent state tax credit on the amount they
invest in the business. The program, one of several WEDC initiatives
aimed at supporting startups, helps early-stage companies secure new
investment and accelerates their potential for growth and job creation
in Wisconsin... ...Full Story Here
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 ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Cooperative
Creamery, which produces 80 tons of cheese curds a day, is getting a
boost from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for the
expansion of its facility in western Wisconsin.
The creamery, which
was founded in 1910, has been authorized by WEDC to receive up to
$175,000 in state tax credits for the 28,500-square-foot expansion of
its plant in Ellsworth. The expansion project is expected to create 14
new jobs... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Their plan 14 jobs $175,000. My plan 14 jobs 2K per for ten years $280,000. But trackable, no need for claw-back, and it flexes wit the growth, timing and quantity of jobs.
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 MARSHFIELD, Wis. – A retro-themed classic garage
(former home to Hudson’s Classic Grill) in Marshfield was the site of
five business pitches Wednesday night. The winning pitch, Tapped, took
home $2,000 to advance their business idea.
HATCH is a community-based startup pitch platform that aims to
convert strong “napkin” ideas into business plans that launch new
companies. Partnerships across the state made this fourth HATCH event a
success, bringing together the Marshfield’s Young Professionals,
Brightstar Wisconsin Foundation, NEWaukee, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Local organizers chose to highlight the 12 N Central Ave Building,
for the event. This garage themed building provided the perfect backdrop
for an event focused on perfecting those napkin ideas. The garage saw a
sold out crowd of 100+ people. Audience members had the opportunity to
vote for their favorite pitches. In addition, a panel of local judges
deliberated on the winning pitch. Jurors were: Brenda Dillenburg – Marshfield Campus Dean, Mid-State Technical College; Mark Nelson – President, Microscopy Innovations LLC; Michael Agarwal – CIO, Prevention Genetics; David Meissner – Retired Business Owner; Karen Olson
– Business Development Director, Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce
& Industry, Central Wisconsin SCORE Administrator; and Todd Sobotka – Managing Director at BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We need more of these...
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 A new initiative aimed at helping Door County employers meet the
current and future demand for qualified workers is getting a boost from
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
WEDC has awarded the Door County Economic Development Corporation
(DCEDC) a $50,000 matching grant for its Grow Door County initiative, a
four-year plan focused on attracting and retaining employees... ...Full Story Here
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 CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) --
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced
Wednesday it is providing Mills Fleet Farm with a $1.5 million loan to
support the company’s expansion in Chippewa Falls. “This project will provide an economic boost to Chippewa County, the
region and the entire state,” said Barb LaMue, vice president of
business and community development for WEDC... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: The Mills brothers are great businessmen...
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 Project supported by $500,000 in WEDC tax creditsThe company and Racine County officials planned a groundbreaking
ceremony for today but postponed it because of inclement weather.
The $8 million project is supported by $500,000 in Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. tax credits, $450,000 in tax increment financing from
Sturtevant and a $200,000 forgivable loan.
The company is relocating its headquarters from Zion, Illinois along
with consolidatihttps://www.biztimes.com/2017/industries/transportationlogistics/grand-appliance-and-tv-beginning-work-on-new-hq/ng warehouses in Zion and New Berlin. The result will be
120 jobs moved to Sturtevant and plans to create another 22 new jobs
over the next three years... ...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recently announced it will lead
six global trade ventures during the next year aimed at helping
Wisconsin businesses establish or expand their global reach.
The upcoming schedule is:
• Japan and South Korea, Sept. 8-16, 2017. Cities: Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea
• Israel, Oct. 26-Nov. 3, 2017. City: Tel Aviv.
• Mexico, Jan. 27-Feb. 3, 2018. Cities: Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Canada, March 18-23, 2018. Cities: Toronto and Winnipeg.
• China, April 13-25, 2018. Cities: Shanghai, Ningbo, Harbin and Guangzhou.
• Germany, June 23-30, 2018. Cities: Stuttgart, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt. ...Full Story Here
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SUPERIOR, WI. June 27, 2017 – The City of Superior
has received a $109,877 state grant to help redevelop an old beer
distribution warehouse into a new craft brewery – a project expected to
spur further development downtown.
The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) will be used to renovate the former Leamon Mercantile warehouse
on Superior’s North End to the 16,000-square-foot Earth Rider Brewery.
The redevelopment is the second phase of a plan to create a $2.5
million campus in the North Tower Avenue area that would include the
brewery and office/retail space in one building, and a beer tasting room
in a second building... More Here: State grant aids Superior`s first brewery in 50 years 
...Full Story Here
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Wausau, Wis. – A large crowd gathered at the YWCA for
the Wausau HATCH event on Thursday, June 22nd. Four businesses pitched
their ideas to compete for a $2,000 prize. The winning pitch was made by
Stevens Point based Unpublished.io... ...For more information about HATCH, to submit an idea, or to become a resource partner, please visit: www.hatchwi.com.. ...Full Story Here
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 La Crosse, WI (WXOW) -
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation,
otherwise known as WEDC, will provide a $500,000 grant to renovate an
out of use factory in downtown La Crosse. The 108-year-old La
Crosse Plow building, vacant for the last 23 years, now has a chance to
contribute again to the downtown area. The re-development plans include
commercial, office, and retail space on the first floor as well as 60
loft-style apartments on the second and third floor. WEDC will
provide funds to help overcome financial challenges that have blocked
renovations in the past. Regional Economic Development Director Jenny
Kuderer spoke on where exactly the $500,000 in grant money will go. ...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin Oven Corp.,
a subsidiary of Pennsylvania-based Thermal Product Solutions, is
expanding and adding jobs in East Troy, the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. said. Wisconsin Oven, an industrial oven
manufacturer, is adding 80 to 90 full-time jobs, bringing the total
number of employees at its East Troy campus to more than 215... ...The WEDC is providing the company with up to $500,000 in performance-based business development tax credits through 2020.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: My plan 80 new jobs X 2K tax credit for 10 Years would be 1.6 million with no option for failure. WEDC 500K with difficulty tracking and defining new jobs or "performance", difficulty recovering funds if project fails and WEDC hand picks winners and losers -- just a thought...
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 City will convert clothing store into adult care facility. The state of Wisconsin is giving $33,000 to Prairie du Chien, to convert an old clothing store into an adult day care center.
A Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) grant will be
used by the city to open an adult care facility and Cafe Hope, in the
former Kozelka`s Men`s Wear store, just off downtown.
The Crawford County Opportunity Center states the current building
could serve about 40 adults who need assistance with daily activities or
need a place to be active.
Kozelka`s closed in 2015 after 88 years in business.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We need to start rethinking the "senior center" of the future. As a card carrying member of the Boomer generation, I want a clubhouse, with healthcare, real food not soft food, sport courts not TV`s and rockers, education not knitting classes, and a travel agent on call....
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 MADISON, WI. June 12, 2017 – The city of Oshkosh has
received a $250,000 state grant to help finance necessary public
infrastructure improvements for the new arena for the Wisconsin Herd, a
minor-league basketball team affiliated with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) will be used to help fund $2.3 million in improvements,
including street and sidewalk work, installation of traffic lights and
street lights, and other infrastructure needs for the $20 million arena.
Construction on the 3,500-seat arena is expected to be completed this
fall, which will enable the Herd, the newest franchise in the NBA
Development League, to commence play this season.... ...Full Story Here
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 WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – A large crowd gathered in
the Golden Eagle Log Homes model home and showroom for the Wisconsin
Rapids HATCH event on Wednesday, May 24th. They listened to four
businesses pitch their ideas and compete for a $2,000 prize supported by
Incourage. The winning pitch was made by Stevens Point-based
Arbré Tech. HATCH is a community-based startup pitch platform that aims to
convert strong ideas into business plans, which launch new companies.
Partnerships across the state made this second HATCH event a success,
bringing together Brightstar Wisconsin Foundation, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, NEWaukee,
and Current Wisconsin Rapids. Other strategic partners include MCDEVCO,
Ignite, Marshfield Young Professionals and Create Portage County.... ...Full Story Here
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 Our state spends a great deal of money on economic development. The
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is responsible for
overseeing much of the taxpayer money that goes to job creation. A recently released audit by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau
(LAB) found that “WEDC cannot be certain about the number of jobs
actually created or retained as a result of any awards that ended.” By law, WEDC is required to report jobs created or retained. The agency meets the requirement through reports posted on its website. However, auditors found these data inaccurate.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We need to be just as hard on elected officials that just point fingers without offering solutions or a willingness to work on bipartisan solutions. We are viewed as a troubled state when we once led the nation...
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 Call it a “three-peat,” a losing streak, or what you will. Just don’t call it a surprise.
On Thursday, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation released its latest ranking of startup activity by state. For the third consecutive year, Wisconsin finished in last place.
Many of the reactions from members of the state’s early-stage
business and investment communities echo what was said in August, when
the 2016 Kauffman Index of Startup Activity was released.
Startup-focused individuals and groups are calling for policy changes,
such as amending legislation governing corporate noncompete agreements
to be more worker-friendly. Meanwhile, groups such as the Wisconsin
Technology Council and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC),
the state’s job-creation agency, are pointing out what they see as shortcomings in the methodology Kauffman uses to compile its rankings.... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON - Wisconsin`s flagship jobs agency continues to double-count
some jobs in its online data and tout others from firms no longer
operating in the state, although it has improved its financial controls,
a new audit has found. The new Legislative Audit Bureau report released
Wednesday by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau recommended that
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. get more reliable data on how
many jobs are being created or retained by the state`s tens of millions
of dollars in taxpayer-funded awards to businesses.
Separately Wednesday, WEDC officials said they are gradually
addressing millions of dollars in tax credit errors in which some
companies were overpaid and others underpaid in recent years....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: They did find improvements made elsewhere but the money remains an issue.
I did suggest a tax credit based on jobs might be easier than the systems in place. If the jobs go away so do the incentives, you can`t miscount without double paying income tax for your employees. The dollars are about the same.
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STEVENS POINT, Wis. – A crowded historic firehouse in Stevens Point
was the site of five business pitches on Wednesday, April 26th. The
winning pitch, Leak Siphon Flush Valve, took home $2,000 to advance
their business idea.
HATCH is a community-based startup pitch platform that aims to
convert strong “napkin” ideas into business plans that launch new
companies. Partnerships across the state made this first Hatch event a
success, bringing together the Portage County Business Council’s Ignite
Leadership Young Professionals Network, Brightstar Foundation, NEWaukee, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation... ...Full Story Here
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 Nominations are being accepted through June 9 for individuals, businesses, projects, and organizations that are making significant contributions to propel Wisconsin’s economy forward. The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) along with award partners; the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the Wisconsin Counties Association, and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities are now soliciting nominations for WEDA’s Community and Economic Development Awards, which recognize businesses, organizations, individuals, projects or communities that are making significant contributions that propel Wisconsin’s economy forward... Awards will be given in six categories: Business Retention and Expansion:
Human Capital:
Public-Private Partnership:
Economic Development Initiative:
Economic Driver:Economic Driver: ...Full Story Here
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 Local organization recognized for two ongoing programsIt’s always nice to have your butts recognized. Downtown Whitewater, Inc. earned this honor at the 26th
annual Main Street Awards Ceremony on April 7 in Wisconsin Rapids, where
the local nonprofit organization received two awards in recognition of
both its ongoing campaigns to recycle used cigarette butts and its
seasonal city markets.
The event, hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC), focuses on nonprofit efforts in 34 communities
across Wisconsin....
Ken Notes: I love this program and how did Brads editor not veto the first line of the story???
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 WAUWATOSA, WI. April 13, 2017—NEWaukee and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) officials today presented GE Healthcare with a 2017 Bubbler Award.
Every year, NEWaukee hosts the Bubbler Awards: Best Workplaces for
Young Professionals in Wisconsin as a kickoff to YPWeek. The Bubbler
Awards shine a light on companies’ achievements in serving the interests
and needs of younger workers.... ...Full Story Here
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 Companies interested in trip with Lt. Gov. Kleefisch have until May 12 to apply.. MADISON, WI, April 17, 2017 – Wisconsin companies seeking to start or grow their exporting efforts are invited to join Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) on a global trade mission to Mexico from June 11-16.
But time is running out to sign up for the trip, as the registration deadline is May 12.
The trade mission will travel to Mexico City, the nation’s largest
city, and Monterrey, which is Mexico’s third-largest city and has a high
concentration of manufacturing facilities aligned with Wisconsin’s key
industry sectors, including food and food production equipment. ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON, WI. April 18, 2017 –The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) is teaming up with young professional organizations throughout
the state on an initiative aimed at attracting and retaining young
talent in Wisconsin.
The statewide initiative, YPWeek Wisconsin, will run from April 22 to 29.
YPWeek, created by the Milwaukee-based NEWaukee
in 2012, is a weeklong platform of discovery, adventure and meaningful
conversations about the issues that matter to young professionals.
YPWeek Wisconsin has achieved statewide reach with the support of WEDC
since 2015, and its participants have collaborated with the agency on a
shared communication platform designed to retain, excite and grow the
state’s talent pool. YPWeek incorporates this platform into its
programming, leveraging “Think-Make-Happen” as an organizing theme. ...Full Story Here
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) along with award partners; the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the Wisconsin Counties Association, and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities
are now soliciting nominations for WEDA’s Community and Economic
Development Awards, which recognize businesses, organizations,
individuals, projects or communities that are making significant
contributions that propel Wisconsin’s economy forward.
Awards recipients will appear in media and publications statewide,
and recipients and will receive formal recognition at WEDA’s Community
and Economic Development Awards event Sept. 13 in Madison.... ...Full Story Here
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Named one of the Top 10 Best Places to Work for Young Professionals BROOKFIELD, WI. April 6, 2017—NEWaukee and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) officials today presented Mortenson with a 2017 Bubbler Award.
Every year, NEWaukee hosts the Bubbler Awards: Best Workplaces for
Young Professionals in Wisconsin as a kickoff to YPWeek. The Bubbler
Awards shine a light on companies’ achievements in serving the interests
and needs of younger workers... For the full list of 2017 Bubbler Award winners, click here. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Congrats!!!
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 WISCONSIN RAPIDS - The Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2016
at the 26th Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held Friday at Hotel
Mead in Wisconsin Rapids. Wisconsin Main Street is a
community development program which targets Wisconsin’s historic
commercial districts. Administered by the WEDC, it provides support and
training to 34 Main Street communities to assist with revitalization of
business districts while adhering to National Trust for Historic
Preservation guidelines... ...Full Story Here
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 A proposed redevelopment of the historic Garfield School campus in
Milwaukee will receive $250,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp., officials said Tuesday.
The $17 project will center on a vacant city block near North 4th
Street and West North Avenue in the city’s Bronzeville neighborhood. The
redevelopment plans call for adding apartments, commercial space and a
new home for America’s Black Holocaust Museum.
WEDC is providing the $250,000 grant through its Community
Development Investment Grant program, which supports
community-development work, primarily in cities’ downtowns. The awards
are granted in response to the promised economic benefits of a proposed
project. ...Full Story Here
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MILWAUKEE, March 28, 2017 – NEWaukee is proud to announce Northwestern Mutual as the title sponsor of its YPWeek Milwaukee 2017, part of the YPWeek Wisconsin initiative taking place April 22 – 29, 2017.
YPWeek Milwaukee, founded in 2012, is a weeklong platform of
discovery, adventure and meaningful conversations about the issues that
matter to young professionals. YPWeek Wisconsin has continued to reach
across the state with the support of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) since 2015, and its participants have collaborated with the
agency on a shared communication platform designed to retain, excite and
grow the state’s talent pool. YPWeek incorporates this platform into
its programming, leveraging “Think-Make-Happen,” as an organizing theme... ...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. March 28, 2017 – Two Wisconsin startup companies have received Qualified New Business Venture (QNBV) certification from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
QNBV status allows investors in qualified startup and early-stage
companies to receive a 25 percent state tax credit on the amount they
invest in the business. The program, one of several WEDC initiatives
aimed at supporting startups, helps early-stage companies secure new
investment and accelerates their potential for growth and job creation
in Wisconsin.
Madison-based Re Mixers Inc., which has developed an innovative
mixing nozzle for two-component adhesives, and Au Naturale Cosmetics
Inc., a Green Bay developer and manufacturer of all-natural cosmetics,
have each been certified to receive up to $125,000 in investor tax
credits.
Re Mixers was founded in 2016 by two University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering graduates, Eric Ronning and Brian Pekron.
The company has developed a disposable mixing nozzle that reduces waste
in the two-component industrial mixing process involving epoxy and
hardener. The nozzle can increase the performance of two-part epoxies by
up to 20 percent while reducing the amount of adhesive waste by half. ...Full Story Here
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Milwaukee was one of three economic development organizations to be
awarded a matching grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC), to be used to provide seed funding for
technology-based startups and early-stage companies. The Milwaukee Development Corporation received a $500,000 grant under
WEDC’s Capital Catalyst Program for the creation of a $1 million seed
fund to support companies in advanced manufacturing and other technology
sectors. The fund will target seed-stage ventures, including graduates
of local accelerator programs such as The BREW, WERCBench Labs, FaBCAP
and Gener8tor to provide additional capital for activities leading to
investment readiness or revenue generation.... The 2015 MKE7 Report... Ken Notes: one of my favorites!!!
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: May I ask the team at Milwaukee 7 economic development organization to track the use of these funds and the outcomes as a way of demonstrating how to do this.
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 A bipartisan proposal making it a
felony to defraud the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. was
reintroduced Friday, almost two years after the Wisconsin State Journal
reported on a failed $500,000 loan to a Milwaukee businessman who lied
on his application. The
bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Samantha Kerkman, R-Salem Lakes, and Sen.
Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, would make defrauding the state’s flagship
job-creation agency a Class E felony punishable by up to 10 years in
prison and five years of extended supervision and/or a $50,000 fine.
Offenders and their companies would also be ineligible for WEDC benefits
for seven years and could be liable for damages...
Ken Notes: I suggest this is a bit of feel good legislation. Remember our President has failed in several business ventures, "I promise not to use junk bonds" -- comes to mind, is that fraud or bending the truth. New businesses fail with the best of intentions, what we need is legislation that removes politics from WEDC grants and loans and requires a public database to track our investments.
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 MADISON, WI. March 14, 2017 – Scanalytics Inc.,
a Milwaukee company that has developed proprietary technology to
measure real-time customer behavior through intelligent floor sensors,
has received a $200,000 loan from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
The Technology Development Loan will be used to help the innovative
company continue its growth by supporting its existing sales pipeline
and to accelerate the adoption of its platform by focusing on the
commercial, retail and hospitality industries... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Before interest climbs out of sight, WEDC should enter into a public private lending program with banks to stimulate new business. There are some risks here but careful due diligence should help...
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 The Milwaukee Development Corp. has landed a
$500,000 matching grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
that will enable the organization to establish a $1 million seed fund to
help firms in advanced manufacturing and the technology sectors.
The
grant is part of WEDC`s Capital Catalyst Program, which launched in
2012 and since then, has provided $3.5 million in seed funding to more
than 100 businesses around the state... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Why not a state wide program working with all EDC`s although MDC is a great organization.
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 MADISON - Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch is inviting Wisconsin
companies who are new to exporting or looking to expand their efforts to
join her and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) on a
global trade mission to Mexico from June 11-16. The trade mission
will travel to Mexico City, the nation’s largest city, and Monterrey,
which is Mexico’s third-largest city and has a high concentration of
manufacturing facilities aligned with Wisconsin’s key industry sectors,
including food and food production equipment. “As Wisconsin’s
second-largest export destination, Mexico is an ideal market for
Wisconsin companies of all sizes and all industries seeking to grow
their business,” Lt. Governor Kleefisch said. “I invite companies to
join me on this trade mission for the opportunity to conduct in-person
business meetings with potential partners and to establish new
relationships that can lead to long-term success in exporting.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Before they head south, I encourage leaders to visit and talk to Mexican Cheese in Darlington to get an idea of how things work between the two countries. They are a great company, with a huge market internationally.
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MADISON, WI. March 7, 2017 – Three economic development organizations have been awarded a total of $700,000 in matching grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to be used to provide seed funding for technology-based startups and early-stage companies.
The Milwaukee Development Corporation has received a
$500,000 grant under WEDC’s Capital Catalyst Program for the creation
of a $1 million seed fund to support companies in advanced manufacturing
and other technology sectors. The fund will target seed-stage ventures,
including graduates of local accelerator programs such as The BREW,
WERCBench Labs, FaBCAP and Gener8tor to provide additional capital for
activities leading to investment readiness or revenue generation. ...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch
will be paying a visit to Wisconsin’s second biggest export partner,
and bringing those looking to expand their international efforts in
Mexico.
Kleefisch is leading a trade mission with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) to Mexico in June, the WEDC said.
...Full Story Here
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 Wisconsin`s public-private job creation and business growth agency would
be able to issue loans once again under Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed
budget. Walker proposed phasing out the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation’s loan program after a 2015 state audit found it
failed to follow its own policies, costing the state millions of
dollars. In a reversal with the proposed 2017-2019 budget, Walker would
allow the agency to issue loans with money that’s been paid back from
existing loans.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: As I mentioned, I too support this just with a few caveats...
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MADISON, WI. Feb. 14, 2017—The Certified In Wisconsin® Program, offered in partnership by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and Deloitte Consulting, is accepting new applications from property owners.
The program is open to industrial properties 20 acres or larger in
Wisconsin. A Certified Site designation indicates that a wide range of
concerns have been considered—environmental and geological factors,
transportation access, utility and infrastructure capacity, zoning,
property rights—and that the site is ready for industrial development... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON — Gov. Scott Walker says he wants to bring back a troubled
state loan program because local economic development officials told him
they needed assistance.
Walker was asked Tuesday, February 14th about the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation’s loan program he wants to reinstate after
phasing it out because some loans were never repaid, costing the state
millions of dollars. ...Full Story Here
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 Two years after phasing out
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.’s loan program in the wake of a
scathing audit and several bad deals, Gov. Scott Walker is proposing to
reinstate agency loans in his latest budget. The new loans would come
with a few new stipulations — they can only be funded with repayments of
existing loans, they can’t be forgivable and they must adhere to
commonly accepted commercial lending practices....
Ken Notes: May I add one more requirement, the WEDC needs to develop a publicly accessible data base of all outstanding loans and grants and their current status, updated say quarterly. Also to my readers please remember that businesses fail and if properly and fairly executed we should not hold the WEDC responsible for this. It is the proper and fair part they have problems with. That said I like the loan program but still favor a tax credit for new jobs initiative.
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 MADISON, WI, Jan. 31, 2017 –The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is leading a global trade venture to Mexico from June 11-16.
Wisconsin companies, whether new to exporting or looking to expand
their exports into Mexico, are invited to participate in this program,
which will travel to Mexico City, the nation’s largest city, and
Monterrey, which is Mexico’s third-largest city by population and
second-largest in terms of its contribution to GDP, and has a high
concentration of manufacturing facilities aligned with Wisconsin’s key
industry sectors.
Mexico City is one of the world’s largest cities, with 21 million
people in the greater metropolitan area. A key economic driver for the
country, the metropolitan area is home to many corporations’ worldwide
or regional headquarters, and in particular is a hub for aerospace
manufacturing... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: A question I have, Dose a potential import tax from Mexico harm our potential of doing more business there?
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 On January 4, 2017,Senior Producer Steve Walters interviewed Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) CEO Mark Hogan in a Newsmakers
interview at the WisconsinEye studios in Madison, WI. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: The questions seem a little planned but it is good to here what we are telling others.
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MADISON, WI. Jan. 10, 2017—The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) invites Wisconsin companies and organizations that have achieved
exporting success to apply for a 2017 Governor’s Export Achievement
Award.
The awards are open to companies of all sizes and to organizations
that have contributed to the state’s ability to compete in the global
economy.
The preliminary nomination process is simple, requiring only the
submission of a short narrative (250 words or fewer) of the company’s
recent exporting accomplishments. The online nomination form can be
found at inwisconsin.com/exportawards. ...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. Dec. 16, 2016 – Seven Wisconsin
businesses received top honors in the 2016 Marketplace Governor’s Awards
competition, which recognizes outstanding businesses owned by
minorities, women and service-disabled veterans.
The awards were presented by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) this week at MARKETPLACE 2016, the Governor’s Conference on Minority Business Development, which was held at the Potawatomi Hotel
and Conference Center in Milwaukee. WEDC organized and hosted the
conference in partnership with public and private organizations that
support the development of diverse businesses. RAMS Contracting LTD Share Corporation
M Squared Engineering LLC
The GEO Group Corp.
Panacea Group LLC Maldonado and Morgan LLC Wisconsin Interstate Contracting LLC ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Congrats! A quick question, why was this held at an Indian casino held property??
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 Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker
talked economic development opportunities throughout the state and
handed out some money at the recent Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
(WEDC) "Marketplace 2016" breakfast. Check out the attached slideshow
put together by Milwaukee Business Journal freelance photographer Kenny Yoo to see scenes from Walker`s appearance and the event`s marketplace.
The
$585,000 in grant money from the WEDC`s Minority Business Development
Program announced by Walker will go to the African American Chamber of
Commerce of Wisconsin, the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of
Wisconsin, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, the Hmong
Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, and The Business Council, all based in
the city of Milwauk ...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI, Dec. 19, 2016 –The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is leading a global trade venture to Canada from April 30 to May 5, 2017, with stops in Toronto and Montreal.
As a large, advanced economy with well-developed infrastructure,
Canada is an ideal first market for new-to-export companies and one that
seeks innovative, advanced technology product and service solutions. In
Canada, Wisconsin companies will find a friendly market with many
potential buyers for their products and services, especially if they
offer innovations that solve problems for companies in their respective
sectors. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: A solar group and a craft brew contingency would be a good start...
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 Companies that get public assistance
and then cut or relocate jobs outside the state would be subject to
stricter reporting requirements under a proposal to be discussed Tuesday
by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. board. The
proposal from Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, expands on a policy adopted
two years ago when the agency came under fire for giving out awards to
companies that later sent jobs to other countries. A Wisconsin State Journal review
at the time found at least 10 cases over the previous decade of
companies receiving a state award and then later sending jobs abroad.
Ken Notes: Two words - Tax Credit!
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has
announced that it received 32 applications for its new Entrepreneurship
Support pilot program, which is designed to advance the climate for
entrepreneurship throughout the state. The pilot program,
announced in September, will provide grants of from $10,000 to $100,000
to nonprofit organizations and communities for activities and projects
that promote entrepreneurship and deliver key services and resources to
Wisconsin entrepreneurs. “WEDC was pleased by the number
of responses we received and the quality of the applications,” said
Aaron Hagar, vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation for WEDC.
“We heard from organizations large and small from every region of the
state, which is exactly what we were hoping for.” WEDC expects to award grants to 11 organizations, and the recipients will be announced in early January.... ...Full Story Here
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 $585,000 in grants awarded to state organizationsBy allocating $585,000 for grants, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation continued its efforts to provide financial assistance for minority-owned businesses, Gov. Scott Walker announced in a statement Wednesday.
WEDC spokesperson Mark Maley said the grants are directed to several areas. Grants from the WEDC
Minority Business Development Program will go to five organizations,
The Business Council and Wisconsin Chambers of Commerce for Africans,
American Indians, Hispanics and Hmongs.
These organizations can use the funds to help startup minority
businesses obtain loans and disperse money to get businesses started... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Sort a mixed opinion here, I like the idea of some financial assistance for minority-owned businesses, but I would rather focus on job creation. In the end it should be the same thing. I just feel we are not sending the right message to successful companies in the State. When leading discussions on the topic I am always asked if I would provide tax credits to "an EPIC". My answer is yes and while they may in fact "not need it" they have demonstrated the ability to create the very jobs we are looking for.
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 MADISON, WI. Nov. 8, 2016–The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) invites representatives from Wisconsin companies to join a trade
venture to China March 18-25, 2017. The trade venture will include
visits to Shanghai, Tianjin and Beijing, China’s three top cities for
global business connections.
With a greater metropolitan area population of 34 million, Shanghai
is China’s business and financial hub. Located in eastern China at the
mouth of the Yangtze River, it is home to the world’s busiest container
port. Tianjin is China’s fourth-largest city, and one of its
fastest-growing cities. Located half an hour from Beijing by high-speed
train, it is a hub for advanced industries and finance, and is also a
major seaport. Beijing, the capital of China, has a metro area
population of 25 million, and is home to more Fortune Global 500
companies than any other city in the world. ...Full Story Here
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 The Governor`s Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit began
Wednesday in Minocqua and the head of the a key agency says finding
enough workers has become a problem. Wisconsin Economic Development Secretary Mark Hogan says he`s hearing a key concern among people in business. Hogan says he`s also hearing to spur economic development that
high-speed internet needs to be rolled out across rural Wisconsin and he
says that is being addressed. One main session during the summit will
be about the state`s efforts to expand broadband.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We need to rethink secondary education for those not going to college. Apprenticeships, Tech College Classes, and school to work transition are all critical to our future success... Also who picked the photo for this - I have not seen a bit and brace on the work site in 30 years...
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. on Tuesday said it
is seeking representatives from Wisconsin companies to join a trade
venture to China from March 18-25. The trip will include
visits to Shanghai, Tianjin and Beijing, China’s three top cities for
global business connections, according to a statement from the WEDC. "With
a greater metropolitan area population of 34 million, Shanghai is
China’s business and financial hub," the WEDC said ina statement.
Shanghai is home to the world’s busiest container port... ...Full Story Here
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 EAGLE — Throughout October, businesses across Wisconsin have been celebrating Manufacturing Month. Companies have used the month to showcase their businesses, speak about the concerns facing them and their employees and also the current state of the industry. It was no different at Generac Power Systems on Monday, as officials from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation formally presented the company with a plaque commemorating its roots. Earlier this year, Generac, 211 Murphy Drive, joined the WEDC’s Made in Wisconsin Program, which helps market the origin and quality of its products. Generac got its start in 1959 inside a garage in Wales. Since then, it’s grown and now has facilities in ... ...Full Story Here
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EAGLE, WI. Oct. 24, 2016— Throughout October, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) is joining more than a dozen state agencies and other partners
in celebrating Manufacturing Month to promote manufacturing,
manufacturing careers and manufacturing education.
As part of Manufacturing Month, WEDC officials toured Generac Power Systems’
facility in Eagle today and had the opportunity to meet with the
company’s employees, learn more about the opportunities and challenges
that manufacturers face, and see firsthand what has made the company a
success. Among those visiting the facility were Senator Stephen Nass, Representative Cody Horlacher and WEDC Secretary and CEO Mark R. Hogan. ...Full Story Here
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 There has been much talk about Wisconsin ranking 50th for startups. Is that a fair assessment? First
off, I would say – don’t shoot the messenger. There is much for us to
work on, to improve our entrepreneurial culture in Wisconsin. Groups
like gener8tor, WEDC and MEDC
are helping with that. But, I would also say there is much that we are
already good at, and that has not been recognized or even discussed;
and there is much opportunity for us to soar. So then, who is this rare
and elusive creature, referred to as the “Wisconsin Entrepreneur,” does
she exist, and if so, what are her characteristics?..
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Great read, and this is not a simple issue. We need to get politics out of this. I still like mt tax incentive based on jobs alas it eliminates the quid pro quo of lobbying for support so is a non starter...
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 The CEO of an aircraft company that
once eyed a manufacturing facility in Superior is looking to expand in
Minnesota. One Aviation wants to set up a new division to build aircraft
parts for its Eclipse jet. One Aviation CEO Alan Klapmeier said the Minnesota facility
would eventually make parts for its yet to be built single-engine plane,
the Kestrel 350.... ...Gov. Scott Walker visited Superior more than four years ago
to announce financing for a facility to produce the Kestrel 350 plane in
the city. The manufacturing facility was expected to create 600 jobs,
but it has yet to materialize. Klapmeier said the company made a conscious decision not to build the new facility as part of Kestrel in Superior. "We
have a disagreement with the state of Wisconsin over what they agreed
to do and whether or not they did it," Klapmeier said. "Naturally, that
would play a very large role in our decision about whether or not to do
this new project in Wisconsin." Klapmeier has said the state didn`t come through on financing... ...Kestrel Aircraft Company, which joined with New Mexico-based
Eclipse Aerospace to form One Aviation, is subject to penalties if it
does not fulfill its contractual obligation with WEDC. The state has
three contracts with the company for millions in loans and tax credits
provided on the condition of job creation through the manufacturing
facility....
Ken Notes: Read all of this -- definitely two sides to the story here... I actually feel bad for WEDC because they are in a lose lose situation.
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Madison – Governor Scott Walker announced today the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) is now accepting applications for the Fabrication Laboratories
(Fab Lab) Grant Program, which provides funding to help public schools
build or expand Fab Labs that provide students with training on valuable
job skills.
“The overwhelming response we received from school districts in the
first round of funding for this program made it clear there is a need to
expand it to even more districts this school year,” Governor Walker
said. “Fab Labs give students real-life experience in the global economy
before they graduate from high school and provide them with the skills
they will need to compete for the jobs of the future.”... ...Full Story Here
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 Menasha Corporation expands its headquarters. The expansion
project was made possible with help from the state in the form of a
Business Opportunity Loan from the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) in the amount of $3 million, as Office of Gov. Scott
Walker reported.
The
new 100,000 square-foot facility will double as the national
headquarters of Menasha Corporation and also includes the headquarters
of Menasha Packaging Company, its largest subsidiary.
The
$3 million Business Opportunity Loan awarded by WEDC for this expansion
project assists with a total investment of $59 million for the
expansion of Menasha Corporation operations in Menasha, Neenah, and
DeForest. ...Full Story Here
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 The 7 Rivers Alliance is planning for the next decade of workforce development in Western Wisconsin. The
organization, with the help of local business leaders, began work this
month on the WISE Plan, which will be used to influence workforce
development policy in the region through 2026. The $200,000 project,
which has received funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp., the 7 Rivers Alliance and its partners, as well as the U.S.
Economic Development Administration, will hire consultants to help
identify needs and formulate goals and proposals to address them. By
2040, more than 40 percent of the region’s population will be
retirement age or older, 7 Rivers CEO Lisa Herr said, and there are
already 246,000 jobs in the 14-county 7 Rivers Region that are unfilled
due to a tight labor market and growing skills gab. These trends won’t
go away, Herr said, and when asked by WEDC, her organization agreed to
coordinate a plan to address them.
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Ken Notes: Both websites are nice!
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 NEENAH, Wis. (WBAY) – A small group of people protested outside the
Plexus headquarters in Neenah on Thursday to demonstrate against the
outsourcing of jobs.
“Outsourced Wisconsin” is a group that is traveling around the state
to highlight the issue. They held up signs, criticizing the
manufacturing company for outsourcing jobs in the past.
In 2012, Plexus announced it was laying off 116 workers from its
Neenah facility. All the jobs were outsourced to foreign countries. An
investigation by WKOW, the ABC affiliate in Madison, later uncovered the
company received millions of dollars in tax credits from the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Change the way we fund growth to jobs and this problem goes away. And for the record to be competitive you have to use global manufacturing markets. Your computer, TV, phone, and most cars were NOT made in the US.
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 MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Housing and Economic
Development Authority (WHEDA) and GRAEF are proud to announce the
Transform Milwaukee Strategic Action Plan
has been awarded an outstanding achievement in planning award from the
American Planning Association – Wisconsin Chapter (APA-WI). The award
recognizes the exceptional work of the Transform Milwaukee Planning
Team, comprised of WHEDA, GRAEF, WEDC, Gruen Gruen + Associates, HNTB,
Parsons Brinckerhoff and Prism Technical.
GRAEF, a Wisconsin-based engineering, planning and design firm is being awarded for outstanding achievement in planning by APA-WI for its work on the Transform Milwaukee Strategic Action Plan.
GRAEF is joined in accepting this award along with WHEDA, who
spearheaded this unique partnership. The winners will be presented to
the public at the conference awards luncheon on Friday, September 23,
2016 at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis.
“We wanted to develop a cohesive plan that serves as a road map of collective ideas – ideas
that can drive shared success in the core of the Milwaukee region,”
said Stephanie Hacker, Practice Area Leader of the Planning + Urban Design
Group at GRAEF. “The success of this planning effort was built on the
collaboration between our partners and on a unified commitment to our
city’s continued development and redevelopment.”... Ken Notes: Check out TransformMilwaukee.com for the details of the plan....
...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. Sept. 20, 2016 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) will lead a global trade venture to Dubai in the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) and Doha in Qatar early next year, with a goal of
connecting Wisconsin companies with potential buyers, distributors and
other partners in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.
The countries that make up the GCC—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia and the UAE—are among some of the wealthiest in the world.
Although much of the region’s wealth has accumulated thanks to oil and
gas exports, world economic trends are forcing them to diversify their
economies, and these countries are spending heavily to do so.
Ken Notes: I wonder why WEDC is not hosting a booth at the NBWA`s (National Beer Wholesalers Association) 79th Annual Convention will take place September 25 - 28, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. It Is This week and Canada Craft Brews has a booth!!!
...Full Story Here
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 Ninety-six percent of the
world’s population lives outside of the U.S., and one billion people are
expected to join the global middle class in the next decade. Yet, in a
recent survey of Milwaukee-area CEOs, only 41 percent saw global
engagement as crucial to the region’s economy.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
works alongside statewide partners to help companies, large and small,
find viable opportunities to reach international markets. More than
8,500 companies in the state are finding success around the world, and
88 percent of those are small or mid-sized firms. For companies that are
changing the way they think about their business, and looking to
explore international growth opportunities, there are a variety of
statewide programs available to help navigate global markets. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Global is huge, but Wisconsin has a lot to offer in the State and regionally. We do get away from our core businesses when we shift too much of our focus on the global market. Lets take beer for example, if we promote our product regionally the world may take notice, but if we promote our beer globally we may miss the real market closer to home. New Glarus sells almost no beer in the Mid East or China. It is a balancing act.
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 MILWAUKEE (September 19, 2016) – The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and GRAEF
are proud to announce the Transform Milwaukee Strategic Action Plan has
been awarded an outstanding achievement in planning award from the
American Planning Association – Wisconsin Chapter (APA-WI). The award
recognizes the exceptional work of the Transform Milwaukee Planning
Team, comprised of WHEDA, GRAEF, WEDC, Gruen Gruen + Associates, HNTB, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Prism Technical.
GRAEF, a Wisconsin-based engineering, planning and design firm is
being awarded for outstanding achievement in planning by APA-WI for its
work on the Transform Milwaukee Strategic Action Plan. GRAEF is joined
in accepting this award along with WHEDA, who spearheaded this unique
partnership. The winners will be presented to the public at the
conference awards luncheon on Friday, September 23, 2016 at Lawrence
University in Appleton, Wis.
“We
wanted to develop a cohesive plan that serves as a road map of
collective ideas – ideas that can drive shared success in the core of
the Milwaukee region,” said Stephanie Hacker, Practice Area Leader of
the Planning + Urban Design Group at GRAEF. “The success of this
planning effort was built on the collaboration between our partners and
on a unified commitment to our city’s continued development and
redevelopment.”... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: A plan, measurable outcomes, public-private partnerships, investment in project -- now we are cooking!!!!
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 A new statewide grant program aims to award start-up funds to programs outside the vortex of Wisconsin`s metro areas. The
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced plans Monday to
award a total of $500,000 to 10 or so business development groups in
cities or rural areas that may have been overlooked by past
entrepreneurship programs. The agency ultimately will
award grants between $10,000 and $100,000 to projects across the state,
said Aaron Hagar, WEDC`s vice president of entrepreneurship and
innovation. ...Full Story Here
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 Creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs in Wisconsin, especially
in areas where support systems may be lacking, is the goal of a grant
program from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
The Entrepreneurship Support program is open to nonprofit
organizations and communities for activities and projects that promote
entrepreneurship and deliver key services and resources to Wisconsin
entrepreneurs.
The $500,000 competitive program will provide grants that must be
matched by the applicant. Funding can be used for personnel,
professional services and materials directly related to the project. The
funds may not be used for land, facility costs or equipment. Projects
supported by the program must take place in 2017.
WEDC is accepting applications through Oct. 31.... ...Full Story Here
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 When commercial printer RR
Donnelly closed in 2004, 700 of Waterloo, Wisconsin’s 3,300 residents
lost their jobs. The company’s 330,000-square-foot building sat vacant,
becoming an “eyesore” within the community and a reminder of what was
lost. Officials from the small town in Jefferson County knew
revitalizing the property would provide a much-needed sign of hope for
the area.
The
community sought help from both public and private partners to
revitalize the site, which included the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation’s (WEDC’s) Idle Sites Redevelopment Program. The program,
which launched in 2013, offers grants of up to $500,000 for the
development of large industrial and commercial sites that have been idle
for more than five years to revitalize local communities and eliminate
blight having a harmful impact on local economies... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has
awarded a $500,000 Brownfields Grant to the Marinette County Association
for Business and Industry to help fund site cleanup work for the new
Wisconsin Maritime Center of Excellence. The grant will be used
for environmental work that will take place on the 2.2- acre site in
Marinette that will be home to a facility that will support and
strengthen the state`s maritime and shipbuilding industry... ...Full Story Here
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MADISON, WI. Sept. 7, 2016 — The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC) is now accepting applications for a grant program to assist
Wisconsin communities looking to revitalize and develop industrial and
commercial sites that have been abandoned or require extensive
improvements.
The Idle Sites Redevelopment Program, created in 2013, will offer
Wisconsin communities grants of up to $500,000 for implementation of
redevelopment plans for large industrial or commercial sites that have
been idle, abandoned or underutilized for at least five years. Up to
$2.3 million in funds are available through the program this year.... ...Full Story Here
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 Bunker Labs Wisconsin,
which helps military veterans start and grow businesses, said Tuesday
it has received a $95,000 matching grant from the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. The grant will contribute to funding for the Innovator Academy, which will help entrepreneurs across the state, said ...
...Polco, a Madison start-up whose online products help local
governments collect citizens` views, is Bunker Labs Wisconsin`s first
company-in-residence, Ertmer said. Polco last week won the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce`s "Pressure Chamber" pitch contest and an all-expenses-paid trip to Silicon Valley, Calif.... ...Full Story Here
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 City is only Wisconsin community to receive select honor in 2016
SHULLSBURG - The City of Shullsburg has been designated as a Wisconsin
Main Street community by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
(WEDC), joining a select group of communities that have demonstrated a
sustained commitment to downtown revitalization.
Shullsburg, is the only community in Wisconsin to earn such designation in 2016, and is... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: A pretty cool little town with a lot of potential...
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 Community activists and Milwaukee lawmakers are calling on
the state`s economic development agency to do more to create jobs on the
city`s north side, citing job loss as one cause of last week`s civil
unrest following the fatal police shooting in Milwaukee`s Sherman Park
neighborhood.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin reviewed a database on the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation website and found the agency
reported supporting and investing in the creation of 483 jobs in Sherman
Park located on the city`s north side. When the non-profit researched
the companies adding those jobs, it found the companies to be located
outside Milwaukee.
...Full Story Here
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 The much talked-about former Printpack building in Rhinelander is
perhaps one step closer to being occupied. The Oneida County Board of
Supervisors and city of Rhinelander have been requested to consider
lending $15 million to the Northeast Wisconsin Development Corporation
(NEWEDC) for an economic development project. NEWEDC is negotiating to
enter into a lease/purchase contract with Rhinelander Coated Products
(RCP). According to company spokesperson, Addie Teeters, RCP is a
business unit of Expera Specialty Solutions. ...Full Story Here
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 The state has received a $3.1 million federal grant
that will be used to help develop an aerospace cluster and other
initiatives along the Interstate 41 corridor in Outagamie, Winnebago,
Fond du Lac, Brown and Calumet counties, the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. said Tuesday. The grant was received from the Department of Defense and will support a new effort called Initiative 41,
which is headed by the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning
Commission and supported by more than 20 partners, WEDC said in a news
release. The effort will focus on collaboration for economic
development, entrepreneurship and industry diversification to make the
region less susceptible to declines in defense spending. ...Full Story Here
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 Gov. Scott Walker’s troubled job agency has not created new jobs in
Milwaukee’s Sherman Park neighborhood, despite claiming credit for 483. Citizen
Action conducted a review of reporting by Gov. Scott Walker’s jobs
agency and could verify no job creation in the area, which was the site
of civil unrest over the weekend. As Citizen Action of Wisconsin documented in its statement Tuesday on the Sherman Park civil unrest, the neighborhood has borne the brunt of the outsourcing and deindustrialization that has taken place since the 1970s. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Not sure there is too much to this but, there is no doubt that WEDC need a simple record keeping system that is transparent, accurate, and accessible. This should not be that difficult I could build one and I am but a hacker... Not that kind of hacker...
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 Food and Beverage Wisconsin,
a network for state companies in those industries, said Wednesday it
will receive a $125,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp. to run a second start-up training class. The program, called
FaBcap, aims to help companies further grow and fund their operations.
It will begin taking applications in November for the class, which
starts in February, said Shelley Jurewicz, executive director of FaB
Wisconsin... ...Full Story Here
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 The Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp. awarded the city of Chippewa Falls a $215,770 Community
Development Investment grant to assist in the redevelopment of the
downtown riverfront area. Chippewa
Falls was one of six communities in Wisconsin to receive a CDI grant in
order to boost downtown redevelopment projects, according to a press
release from the WEDC../ ...Full Story Here
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 Four area communities will receive state money for redevelopment projects. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. says it has awarded grants to De Pere, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and Waupaca. De
Pere is set to receive $241,397 toward New Leaf Market`s plans to
renovate space in a building to create a 10,000-square-foot downtown
grocery store. WEDC says the project will require mechanical upgrades to
service equipment in the store, removing false ceilings and making
improvements to the building`s facade.... ...Full Story Here
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 (WLUK) -- Three redevelopment projects in Northeast Wisconsin are receiving thousands of dollars from the state. The
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has announced that the Larsen
Canning project in Green Bay, the Morgan District project in Oshkosh and
The Cedars at Kimberly are among the five projects in Wisconsin
receiving a total of $2.3 million. The Cedars at Kimberly is set
to receive $500,000. The project is a $12 million redevelopment of the
90-acre former NewPage paper mill site. Plans call for commercial and
residential areas, as well as parkland and trails along the Fox River. ...Full Story Here
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 GREEN BAY - State officials are calling $1.3 million in grants for
three prominent industrial redevelopment sites a “big win for
Northeastern Wisconsin.” Green Bay’s Larsen Green site
will receive $425,000, Kimberly’s NewPage paper mill $500,000 and
Oshkosh’s Jeld-Wen site $375,000 from Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp.`s Idle Industrial Sites Redevelopment Program. ...Full Story Here
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GREEN BAY - State officials are calling $1.3 million in grants for
three prominent industrial redevelopment sites a “big win for
Northeastern Wisconsin.” Green Bay’s Larsen Green site
will receive $425,000, Kimberly’s NewPage paper mill $500,000 and
Oshkosh’s Jeld-Wen site $375,000 from Wisconsin Economic Development
Corp.`s Idle Industrial Sites Redevelopment Program. ...Full Story Here
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 Gov. Scott
Walker recently joined Milwaukee Tool executives at their headquarters
in Brookfield to announce an expansion that will create nearly 600 jobs
in the next five years. Milwaukee Tool has been approved for a 200,000
square-foot expansion, which is a collaborative effort between the
company, the city of Brookfield, Milwaukee 7, and the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC).
“Wisconsin
is strong, and continues to move forward,” Gov. Walker said. “More
people are working, fewer are unemployed, and our businesses continue to
grow throughout the state. We’re happy to be here in Brookfield today
to celebrate the expansion of Milwaukee Tool and work with them to
provide state income tax credits for employee retention, job creation,
and capital investment.” Note: I found a great historical montage of photos from JSonline Check it out!
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: We have got to applaud our manufacturing sector! We tend to push the sexy jobs like IT and Science, but Wisconsin has some of the best manufacturing talent and facilities in the world. I may have to sell my Dewalt stuff even if they do sponsor Matt...
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 Lisa Mauer, CEO of Rickert Industries in Milwaukee, was elected president of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. board of directors Thursday at its meeting at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Mauer has more than 25 years of private-sector management experience. She replaces Dan Ariens, president and CEO of the Ariens Co. of Brillion, who was elected vice chairman. ...Full Story Here
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 ST. CROIX FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) --
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Tuesday awarded a
$500,000 grant to the city of St. Croix Falls to help fund the
restoration and expansion of the historic Civic Auditorium.
The 8,130-square-foot facility was built in 1916, and for
the past 25 years has been home to Festival Theatre, a professional
theater company. The expansion will add an additional 8,080 square feet
to the downtown theater. ...Full Story Here
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But total dollars raised declinesThe number of early stage investments increased by 13 percent in
Wisconsin in 2015, according to a report released today by the Wisconsin
Technology Council.
The report, “The Wisconsin Portfolio”
counted 128 early stage companies having raised $209 million in 2015.
The number of angel and venture investments increased, but the total
funds raised decreased, from $346 million in 2014. The 2014 figure was
boosted by one particularly large debt financing deal of $127.4 million
in SHINE Medical Technologies that year, the report said.
This figure differs from a report released in March by the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corp., which took a wider angle. The WEDC’s 2015
Wisconsin Deal Flow Snapshot counted 120 Wisconsin venture capital,
angel/seed, grants and accelerator deals totaling $231.3 million last
year. ...Full Story Here
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 Madison— The state`s flagship jobs agency sharply backpedaled
Wednesday after facing criticism for a proposal that would have muzzled
its own board members. The proposal could have barred members of
the Wisconsin Economic Develop Corp.`s board of directors from publicly
divulging information about its taxpayer-funded operations and subjected
them to discipline if they spoke to reporters. Shortly after the
Journal Sentinel posted a story about the proposal online Wednesday,
WEDC Chief Executive Officer Mark Hogan told his fellow directors that
he was shelving the proposal based on "feedback I have received from
various board members." ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: The issues here is board education, as a board chair, mayor, development director, and advisor to the governor - I had to let board members and others what would be problematic for them to discuss in public. For example: A company inquiring about a building may very well not want their intentions known so as not to influence the price of the building, this is a fair request. But as I suggested, this is an educational process not a mandated one in the public arena. Bring me in for 1 hour and I will tell your board the meaning of, and uses for, closed session. If you have a rogue member it can be a problem, but the solution is again education and even a discussion with the press, off the record, suggesting their need to work with you instead of undermining your efforts. Now as a member of that very press let me tell you that this ALSO means you have to comment for the record on public issues and policy. WEDC has not been good about this, so my guess is that they may be in the cross hairs until they develop better relations with the press. EDUCATE me if I am wrong here!
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 The state`s job creation agency failed to track companies that are receiving state funding, and outsourcing jobs.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin says that no 30-day notifications were filed
over the last two years. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
created a notification policy in 2014.
Robert Kraig is Citizen Action`s executive director. He says they
promised transparency, and accountability for companies that are getting
money from taxpayers.
Kraig says several major companies that are getting state funding have outsourced jobs, since 2014... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I am not sure of the accuracy or sources her. but I would suggest that a new job tax credit program would eliminate any discrepancy. We need jobs not programs...
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 In Wisconsin as in every state, the public economic development
toolbox includes an assortment of hammers, screwdrivers, pliers and
wrenches. Knowing what tool to use can be the tricky part,
especially when it comes to building the right “home” for startups and
emerging companies. The ongoing debate over choosing the right
tools for the job was on display last week when the Legislature’s Joint
Finance Committee voted 11-4 to approve a request by the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corp. to reallocate $8 million from the state’s Early Stage Tax Credit program to its Business Development Tax Credit sleeve. Republican members of the budget committee voted for it; Democrats voted against it. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Tom has a lot of knowledge here and makes excellent observations. My problem remains -- that finding the right tool in the box can be difficult for ED professionals in the field. WEDC has to reorganize and bring these professionals under the tent. We remain a "who knows who" State and those outside the loop are lost. Many great companies with great ideas never get off the ground...
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 RACINE — Wisconsin
Economic Development Corp. has awarded Gateway Technical College a
$50,000 grant to support its Launch Box Growth Accelerator program and
help 10 area entrepreneurial teams start or grow their business. The
grant, the second accelerator grant secured by Gateway, is part of
WEDC’s Seed Accelerator Program. It was launched in 2012 to support
nonprofit accelerators that support early-stage, technology-based and
growth-oriented businesses. The Launch Box Growth Accelerator is
now accepting applications for its program, scheduled to begin in
September at Gateway’s Business Resource Center on its Racine campus.
Online applications will be available at www.gtc.edu/accelerator and will close Aug. 26....
...Full Story Here
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 MADISON (WKOW) -- Another company that has received millions of
dollars in tax credits from the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation (WEDC) has since outsourced Wisconsin jobs overseas. Since
2012, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has awarded $2
million to Specialty Retail Shops Holding Corporation, a subsidiary of
Sun Capital that serves as the parent company to Shopko, which is
headquartered in Green Bay. $1 million of that award was for job
creation tax credits. To date, WEDC records show Shopko has created 94 of a planned 129 new jobs since the award was originally handed out. But a 27 News investigation found Shopko has also outsourced jobs to southeast Asia since receiving the award.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Simple - 2K per new job tax credit for ten years... If your numbers go down the credit goes away. No politics, easy to sell, easy to manage, cost effective, transparent, available to local ED professionals... What am I missing here???
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 OSHKOSH -- After years of negotiations, the crumbling Buckstaff property on
Oshkosh`s South Main Street could start coming down as soon as this
summer. The Oshkosh Common Council unanimously decided to accept a
$150,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to help
tear down the former furniture factory and to use other funding to make
up for a slimmer-than-expected grant funding. The city previously asked
WEDC for $300,000, but the state agency awarded only half that amount. ...Full Story Here
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 The governor’s signature jobs agency is taking too long to fulfill a records request from state lawmakers. It’s been 10 months
since Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, and Sen. Julie
Lassa, D-Stevens Point, formally asked for public documents related to
28 economic development awards totaling $126 million. So far, the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. has provided records for just four of those awards.
That has led Barca and Lassa — both members of WEDC’s board — to wonder
if the agency is hiding something. Some loans went bad, and some
recipients weren’t properly vetted....
Ken Notes: I have suggested before that, WEDC should reboot. Release all the records, reformulate the distribution and tracking of grants and loans, become bipartisan and pro jobs, get out of politics, and move the State forward. Their role is important in the State and as it stands they are unable to do their job. Also the Democrats need to stop pointing fingers and using this as political fodder they had 8 years to create a viable WEDC and did NOTHING.
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 Company should be fined correlating to number of Wisconsin jobs sent elsewhere... The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation needs to take larger
steps to punish companies that have outsourced jobs while receiving
thousands of dollars in tax cuts — tax cuts meant to keep jobs in the
state.
While outsourcing can be appealing to large corporations looking to
increase profits, it’s not hard to see how the creation of jobs in other
countries rather than here at home does not benefit Wisconsin’s
employment rate..... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Good thought but I wonder if the staff at Badger Herald would be OK with Wisconsin invoking fines on UW scholarship students who leave the state after graduation. Hmmmmmm...
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 MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Four Wisconsin companies are exhibiting at a German technology show this week.
Officials with the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation, Gov. Scott Walker`s job-creation agency, say the companies
are appearing at the Hanover Messe trade show in Hanover. The companies
include Hartford-based American Exchanger Services Inc., which makes
heat transfer equipment; Mequon-based Eagle Technology Inc., which
produces software for manufacturers; Milwaukee-based engineering firm
Phoenix Dynamometer Systems LLC; and Hustisford-based Pivot Point Inc., a
fastener maker.
The companies are using U.S. Small Business Administration grants to attend the show. WEDC also has an exhibit.... ...Full Story Here
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 MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp. is reviewing its job-related tax credit programs
because of possible discrepancies between the number of jobs created and
the amount of tax credits claimed — nearly $66 million since 2007. WEDC officials said Thursday they are still trying to understand the scope and magnitude of the problem.
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 A series of renovation projects turned into an award winning effort for one Tomahawk business.
Over the
weekend, The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
recognized numerous businesses and organizations at the 25th Wisconsin
Main Street Awards ceremony in Marshfield. ...Full Story Here
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 Mayor Paul Soglin sharpened criticism
of the state’s Republican leadership Thursday in response to Senate
Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald blaming him for the pending closure of
the city’s Oscar Mayer headquarters. Soglin
blasted Fitzgerald, Gov. Scott Walker, Wisconsin Manufacturers &
Commerce and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. for the state’s
weak economic performance over the past five years compared with other
states.
Ken Notes: Let me guess, Governor Soglin?
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 If you’re one of the one thousand workers about to lose a job at Oscar Mayer, congratulations. You’re now officially a political billiard ball.
Last week it was reported that officials at Wisconsin Manufacturers
& Commerce, the state’s largest, oldest and most hidebound business
lobby, got wind that Oscar’s parent company might close a plant in
Wisconsin, though not the one in Madison. When folks at the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corporation, Wisconsin’s most useless and quite
possibly corrupt quasi-public economic development agency, heard about
this they asked WMC if they should contact the company. WMC said there
was nothing to see there.
Now Madison Mayor Paul Soglin has attacked both the WMC and the WEDC
for not knowing in advance that Kraft-Heinz was getting ready to shutter
its Madison plant and so not trying to do anything to stop it.
This is all ridiculous.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Do I get credit for saying this first?? By the way do not forget I did suggest we go out now and shake EVERY hand NOW and ask how can we help your business grow! I will blame anyone that does not take this proactive advice because it is easy to do!!! I need a taller soap box.
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 The number of early stage investments in Wisconsin companies rose
significantly in 2015, driven by $102 million more in venture capital
deals, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Economic Development
Cor. WEDC’s 2015 Wisconsin Deal Flow Snapshot uses information from
business data provider Pitchbook from January 1 to December 31 of each
year.
The report shows there were 120 venture capital, angel/seed, grants
and accelerator deals completed in 2015 across the state, totaling
$231.3 million in investment. Most of the investments were angel/seed
funding, comprising 42 of the deals but just $38.6 million of the total
investments. There were 36 venture capital deals totaling $174.6
million, 28 accelerator deals totaling $940,000 and 14 grants totaling
$17.2 million....
...Full Story Here
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 Mayor Paul Soglin slammed the state's job-creation agency and top
business lobby in the wake of revelations that they discussed Kraft
Heinz facilities being lured out of the state in June, but saw no need
to contact the city or company before it announced in November that
Madison's Oscar Mayer headquarters would close.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Wait a minute... Paul has a phone... When Plexus wanted to go to California leaving Neenah I didn`t rely on Madison, I called the CEO and had lunch... So here is my suggestion let`s meet with every Major employer in the area (in fact the State) and say - Thanks for your business, how can we help you grow.
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 MADISON — The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has launched a “Made In Wisconsin” program, offering companies an official logo to help market their products and show off their state pride. “When we say a product is made in Wisconsin, that’s saying more than just where it was produced,” said Kelly Lietz, WEDC vice president of marketing. “It speaks to the attributes of the product itself. It’s a reflection of the quality of our natural resources and the honesty, hard work and innovative minds of our people.” WEDC introduced the “In Wisconsin” brand in 2012 to provide a platform for marketing business opportunities and successes in the state. Companies regularly approached the organization to express their interest in using the “Made in Wisconsin” logo on their products. WEDC then worked with a small number of companies in a pilot program to develop the application process and logo options. ...  Ken Notes: I am confused I have long been a fan of the Something Special From Wisconsin program and Lois Federman worked her tail off to make it .... well Something Special From Wisconsin.... ...Full Story Here
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 MADISON Months before the announcement that Madison’s Oscar Mayer headquarters would close, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. discussed engaging a “high-level” contact at parent company Kraft Heinz about its future plans but was dissuaded from doing so after meeting with a top executive at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, new records show. The records shed new light on why WEDC, the state’s job-creation and retention agency, didn’t contact the multinational food conglomerate between the announcements of its merger in March and the planned closure of Oscar Mayer and reduction of 1,000 local jobs in November...... Ken Notes:  ...Full Story Here
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 WEDC Criticized For Targeting Major Corporations With Incentives... Northern Wisconsin leaders are concerned the state's public-private
jobs agency is favoring large companies with its programs, and are
asking the state to offer incentives that draw businesses to rural
areas.
Bayfield County Univeristy of Wisconsin-Extension community
development educator Tim Kane said they’d like to see more tax credits
tailored to small businesses or a bonus to lure developers to rural
areas. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Have I ever mentioned a tax credit for new jobs for all Wisconsin companies?
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 The state Senate won’t take up a bill making fraud against the
state’s job-creation agency a felony, the chamber’s top Republican said
Tuesday night after the Assembly passed the measure on a voice vote with
little discussion. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said he won’t
schedule the bill if it doesn’t have the support of Senate Economic
Development and Commerce Committee chairman Sen. Rick Gudex, R-Fond du
Lac. Gudex hasn’t scheduled a hearing on the bill and his spokesman said
Monday he shares concerns raised by the Wisconsin Economic Development
Association that the bill could discourage legitimate businesses from
applying for WEDC awards for fear of being punished for unintentionally
misleading the agency.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Good choice... Better choice create performance based intensives like the state that are thriving economically.
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 ELLSWORTH
-- Ellsworth may be a good candidate for the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation’s Connect Communities program, according to
WEDC’s Mark Tallman, a community project manager of Wisconsin’s
Southwest Region... ...Full Story Here
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 WEDC to provide $750,000 grant for projectThe Water Council is moving forward with plans to redevelop a second
building for the Global Water Center to continue its mission to create
an industry cluster in Milwaukee.
Last summer, a development group, which included the Water Council,
purchased a five-story, 46,000- square-foot warehouse at 326-332 Florida
St. in the city’s Walker’s Point neighborhood for $950,000 to provide
additional space for the nearby Global Water Center. ...Full Story Here
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 A De Pere businessman who is now under federal investigation said he
is seeking permission to repay the $1.2 million he owes the Wisconsin
Economic Development Corp. with his own money....
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: NO OPINION - Great read though...
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 Defrauding the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. would be a felony under a bill approved by an Assembly committee Wednesday. The
bill would make defrauding the agency a Class E felony punishable by up
to 10 years in prison and five years of extended supervision and a
$50,000 fine. Also, anyone who commits fraud against WEDC would be
ineligible for state assistance for seven years and WEDC could also
bring a civil lawsuit to recoup any lost money... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This is feel good legislation, companies are not defrauding WEDC they are suggesting they will be successful. This is what they should do, and yet more than half will fail and this is OK as well. Apple could have easily been WANG or Digital Equipment Corporation - WE JUST DO NOT KNOW. Stop pointing fingers! and create an environment that supports new AND OLD companies by rewarding success and job creation. Share this...
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Ken Notes: We need to be far more proactive in Wisconsin. We should reach out to every employer on a regular basis and ask how we can help. We seem to think that as long as things are going OK we can sit back and wait.
I have often suggested that WEDC enlist the help of local ED professionals. These individuals are in touch with their business leaders and can often pick up on issues far before the state or even regional EDC`s are in the loop. If the local professional is not a part of a larger team he or she may find it difficult to make the assurances necessary to encourage a business to stay, grow, or make changes necessary to benefit Wisconsin. With TIF the only tool in their bag, if a company is not building in a TID they can only at best suggest that others may be able to help. When I had to deal with this I could not offer a timeline, a given plan for assistance, or even a ballpark of what might be on the table. I called my WEDC guy, pitched the issue, and hoped we could put something together. Not the best scenario for state assistance. If local ED professionals were partners with or partial employees of WEDC they could be educated regularly of what they could safely offer and would have an immediate resource and feedback.
With GE could we have expanded the pitch to include: Madison, The UW, a new jobs incentive package, land for a major campus, -- we will never know. And for the record we never asked. We need to in the next 12 months shake every CEO`s hand in Wisconsin and let them know that we are in business to help them....
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 After a public outcry, the Wisconsin Public Records Board
voted unanimously on Monday to rescind actions it took on August 24
that were apparently used by the Walker administration to deny a pending
public records request.
The actions of the formerly obscure board came to public attention
when the Walker administration denied access to public records using a
"transitory records" justification. In August, the board had made
changes to the definition of transitory records, and the next day the Wisconsin State Journal was denied access to text messages related to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) scandal it had been tracking.... ...Full Story Here
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 Lawmakers from both parties are moving forward with a bill that could
send business owners to prison if they defraud the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation.
At a public hearing, Powers Lake Republican Rep. Samantha Kerkman
said the state should punish fraud, no matter who's committing it.
"Be it $200 in the FoodShare program or be it $100,000 under the WEDC, fraud is fraud," she said. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Not a bad idea, but companies are presenting their beast case scenarios they are not lying or committing fraud they are being hopeful. More that half of new business ventures fail and we need to recognize that. If it were a sure thing banks and venture capitalists would finance them and WEDC would not even be at the table. I do suggest we get rid of the politics and favoritism. I also suggest that we partner more with the banks and venture capitalists to shave the risk. This legislation is a feel good solution that will not fix the problem but it won`t hurt anything....
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 Since accepting an appointment as secretary and CEO of the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. in October, I have had the
opportunity to engage with scores of local and regional economic
development partners. These conversations have given me a great
perspective on our state's economic challenges and opportunities.
Wisconsin's economy has vastly improved from 2011, when WEDC was formed based upon recommendations made in the report, "Be Bold Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Competitiveness Study." ...
.... We recognize we must engage with communities across
Wisconsin to achieve these goals. WEDC's ability to fulfill its mission
goes well beyond individual transactions with businesses. It also relies
heavily on an extremely capable network of local and regional economic
development partners, industry groups and educational institutions....
Mark R. Hogan is secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: This is a MUST READ. To accomplish what he has laid out many of my previous suggestions from as far back as 2012 could be implemented. I do think the current structure could enlist the help of local ED professionals with out a major change by making a simple, relatively small, grant available to the counties and regional EDC`s. In fact less that 2 Million would give every county and regional EDC $25,000.
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 Two lawmakers are seeking support for a bipartisan effort that would
make it a felony to defraud the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The
bill by Republican Rep. Samantha Kerkman, of Salem, and Democratic Sen.
Dave Hansen, of Green Bay, follows reports that the job creation agency
granted taxpayer loans to at least two companies that made false
statements on their applications.... ...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: I am not sure that the fraud is intentional. A new or expanding business is told to place it`s best foot forward. It is like your resume you don`t mention everything. But if you can prove it was intentional I guess the law will help a little... A better idea, change the way the grants are made...
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Wisconsin’s water hub: WEDC, The Water Council to showcase water
innovation and cluster strength at WEFTEC
