Legislative Update – January 2012

January 31st, 2012

State of the State
Republican Governor Scott Walker delivered his second State of the State address on January 25 before a joint session of the legislature and crowded viewing gallery. Governor Walker stayed on message as he has this past year touting the difficult decisions that were made to balance a $3.6 billion deficit, while avoiding major tax increases and mass government employee layoffs.

Throughout the speech, Walker focused on his continued goal of job creation, an improved business climate and on his Wisconsin Working jobs plan, which is intended to direct policies and resources towards Wisconsin’s workforce through training investments and recruitment services. Additionally, Walker indicated his support for mining reforms, which can possibly create thousands of jobs throughout Wisconsin.

The address was not without interruption by random outbursts from Walker opponents, who were quickly removed from the gallery.

Legislative Activity
On Thursday, January 26, the State Assembly brought AB 426, relating to ferrous mining reforms, to a vote. After several hours of debate, the bill passed on a party-line vote. No Democratic member of the Assembly voted for the bill. AB 426 is now in the hands of the State Senate, where Sen. Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn) will lead efforts to move the bill through that house before the legislature adjourns in mid-March. WEDA is on record in support  of AB 426.  

For information on this and other legislative issues, please visit our legislative web page: http://www.weda.org/legislative-issues .

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WEDC Update – January 2012

January 31st, 2012

By CEO Paul Jadin

WEDC Operations Plan Summary
Learn more about WEDC’s operations plan for the next year. This online summary describes how the WEDC will achieve better business development results to foster investment and job growth in Wisconsin’s economy. The Operations Plan was approved by the WEDC Board of Directors on Oct. 11, 2011. Read more>>>

WEDC Makes Investment in Water Technology Sector
WEDC announced on Jan. 19 it will invest $750,000 over the next three years to underwrite start-up water technology companies’ tenancy costs in the Water Technology Research and Business Accelerator Building in Milwaukee. This investment is WEDC’s first major step of our strategy of focused target industry advancement in Wisconsin. Read more>>>

Global Business Development Program Aids Announced
WEDC has announced two new Global Business Development Program grant programs to support growth and expansion of the state’s exports. One grant is for export training, development and promotion activities. The other grant is for international trade exhibitions, international trade missions and business matchmaker services. Read more>>>

New VP of Marketing Hired
Kelly Lietz has been named Vice President of Marketing for WEDC. Kelly will lead WEDC’s efforts to coordinate ongoing marketing programs to build a strong brand for Wisconsin’s business environment and promote our business support capabilities. Kelly most recently was the Vice President of Marketing for Park Bank in Madison and Corporate Communications Manager for Wipfli LLP, in Madison.

2012 Governor’s Export Achievement Awards
Nominate Wisconsin companies and organizations that have achieved extraordinary results in international markets or have contributed to Wisconsin’s ability to compete in the global economy. Nomination deadline is Feb. 21. The awards program is May 8. Read more>>>

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WEDI Update – January 2012

January 31st, 2012

Economic Development News and Views
January 27, 2011

Information you can use:
WEDA Member Survey Summary  just posted on the Web site:

• WEDA members are experienced; over 35% have 20+ years in ED. But the 10-14 year group is growing.
• The populations served by these members average just over 148,000 people.
• Two thirds of the member respondents are managers and the other third is staff.
• Salary information is given in the tables at the end of the summary.
• The most common employer benefits are (in order): life insurance, family health insurance, dental insurance and 401K/deferred compensation.
• Economic development budgets average 64% of total budgets and most commonly are in the $100 – $150,000 range.
• ED annual budgets average $4.18 per capita (service area) but range from $0.04 to $22.73/capita.

There was an increase of 3.0% in the number of new businesses created in Wisconsin for the first 10 months of 2011, compared to the same period a year ago. The business formation data is compiled by the Department of Financial Institutions

Economic Development News:

“Built by Bonds” , A new study by CDFA is a primer on the use of bonds to help stimulate public and private investment. Three-quarters of the total United States investment in infrastructure is accomplished with tax-exempt bonds.

“Making Good Use of Economic Development Finance Tools”, A basic but very interesting discussion of the types of financial economic development tools and how they are used.

“A Practitioner’s Guide To Economic Development Tools for Regional Competitiveness in a Knowledge-Based Economy”, Produced by EDA, this new publication introduces the use of some new conceptual tools to work with regions.

Do you have any major data, policy information how-to-do needs?  If you do, please contact WEDI, maybe we can help.

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Corporate Sponsor Profile: Hooper Corp.

January 31st, 2012

Hooper Corp. is a full-service electric power and mechanical contractor. Headquartered in Madison since 1913, Hooper has extensive experience in completing large and complex projects throughout the continental U.S. and Canada. Hooper specializes in technically challenging projects and can handle any project individually but also collaborates on projects and works well as a team. Through Building Information Modeling (BIM), Hooper’s collaboration in-house and its ability to work seamlessly with other contractors can save its customers both time and money on any project.

Hooper Corp. is committed to setting a new standard for its industry by being the safest, most stable, and most rewarding place to work for its employees, customers and the communities where it resides and works. Placing safety at the core of its culture separates Hooper from its competitors. Its safety-based culture makes an impact on every project resulting in fewer injuries, accidents and lost time. It also means increased productivity and ultimately leads to a better work environment and finished product for its customers.

Learn more about the industries Hooper serves and see the value it can add to your next project by visiting www.hoopercorp.com.

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President’s Comments – January 2012

January 31st, 2012

The old Chinese Proverb – “May you live in interesting times” – will likely never ring truer for WEDA members than it will in 2012. As I complete my final message to you as President of the WEDA Board of Directors, I can’t avoid taking a few moments to reflect on accomplishments for the organization this past year, changes we have seen and the great opportunities that await us in 2012.

WEDA had a very busy and productive year in 2011. We focused on continuing the progress the organization had achieved on numerous fronts, while transitioning to a new mix of staff, new Board members as well as new partners at the State level.

In 2011 WEDA saw recommended changes from the BE BOLD WISCONSIN report become a reality. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation was formally introduced and WEDA members are already seeing a positive difference in program implementation and project assistance. WEDA assisted the Locate In Wisconsin building and site database move from launch to full operation.

WEDA underwent significant organizational changes in 2011 with the transition from the Schwartzer Management group to a new team of Kristen Fish and Megan Purtell handling the administrative duties. Our long partnership with the Hamilton Consulting Group continued the legislative work that has enabled WEDA to continue to be recognized as the leading voice for economic development in Wisconsin.

WEDA held two great conferences – last year’s Governor’s Conference and the Fall Conference in LaCrosse. We improved our financial position in 2011 and stabilized membership numbers. All of this was accomplished with the support of our members and the work of the Board of Directors.

The 17th Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic Development – The Power of Deliberate Practice – is scheduled to start on February 8th at Monona Terrace in Madison. It has a strong lineup of speakers and panelists to assess the opportunities and challenges that are emerging and changing the Wisconsin economy. They will focus on development trends that you can use to help your business or community build for the future. It is also an excellent time to expand your network of development contacts. Members will have opportunity to elect seven directors to the WEDA Board during the Annual Meeting that will be held on Thursday during the Conference.

I have really enjoyed the opportunity to serve as your President for the last year. It was an honor and a privilege that I will always remember. I owe a large thank-you to my fellow Board members, Hamilton Consulting Group, Kristen Fish and Megan Purtell for making the last year such a positive experience. I am looking forward to working with Andy Albarado as he takes over as WEDA President. A special thank-you to out-going Board members – Brian Doudna, Jennifer Brown and Cheryl Welch – for their dedication and service during their terms on the Board. Their contributions, knowledge and talents will be missed.

2012 will be very interesting and pivotal year as a Presidential election takes place this fall and a recall election of Governor Scott Walker is all but certain to take place sometime mid-year. Paying attention to how these “game changing” elections will impact Wisconsin and local communities is vital for our members.

Again, thank you for your support over the past year and remember that ever relevant British phrase – “Keep Calm and Carry On.”

Best regards,
Bruce Kepner, President

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Walker Delivers State of the State

January 25th, 2012

Republican Governor Scott Walker delivered his second State of the State address this evening before a joint session of the legislature and crowded viewing gallery. Governor Walker stayed on message as he has this past year touting the difficult decisions that were made to balance a $3.6 billion deficit while avoiding major tax increases and mass government employee layoffs.

Throughout the speech, Walker focused on his continued goal of job creation, an improved business climate and on his Wisconsin Working jobs plan which is intended to direct policies and resources towards Wisconsin’s workforce through training investments and recruitment services. Additionally, Walker indicated his support for mining reforms which can possibly create thousands of jobs throughout Wisconsin.

Finally, Governor Walker used the address to announce the creation of the Waste, Fraud and Abuse Elimination Taskforce which stems from a recently released final report of the Commission on Waste, Fraud and Abuse, which identified over $400 million in potential savings. This new taskforce will be charged with implementing and tracking those recommendations and will coordinate state agency sub-groups which will be formed to continually identify waste and potential efficiencies.

The address was not without interruption by random outbursts from Walker opponents who were quickly removed from the gallery.

The State Assembly will be in session tomorrow to address AB 426 relating to ferrous mining reforms, among other items.

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Be Bold Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Competitiveness Study

January 2nd, 2012

One year later…

In July 2010, Be Bold Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Competitiveness Study was unveiled. This study, commissioned by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), the Wisconsin Counties Association and Competitive Wisconsin, Inc., focuses squarely on producing a well-reasoned, executable economic development strategy for improving Wisconsin competitiveness and positioning the state for business growth, job creation and increased per capita income of our residents. WEDA has taken a lead role in the initiation of this study and has worked diligently to contribute to the implementation of the recommendations identified in the study.  Since the publication of the results of the study, WEDA has been very active promoting legislation, efforts, organizations, and projects toward that end.  Here’s a sampling of the work that has gone on:

Major Recommendations:

  • Restructure economic development organizations to align processes and financial resources
    • Create quasi-public organization to manage economic development financial, attraction, branding and retention programs while eliminating the leadership revolving door of current and past organizational structures

WEDA action to support this recommendation:
WEDA introduced its 2011 Legislative agenda which prioritized support for activities related to implementing the Be Bold strategies.  Our Legislative Committee, Board members and legislative staff provided testimony, endorsed and otherwise supported efforts to achieve the above recommendation.

  1. 2011 WEDA Legislative Agenda
    Posted December 9, 2010
  2. WEDA Testimony: Support for Special Session AB 6 / Special Session SB 6 Re. creation of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
    Posted January 14, 2011
  3. 3. WEDA Strongly Endorses Governor-elect Walker’s Plan on Job Growth
    Posted December 28, 2010
  • Create a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to innovation programming with a focus on investment in and acceleration of early-stage and second-stage high-growth companies and oversight of regional innovation programs throughout the state.  The organization would be managed by experienced serial entrepreneur(s).
  • Funding for this innovation program would initially come from $500 m in unallocated state bonding authority.

Due to the financial constraints of the 2011-13 biennial budget bill, WEDA chose not to proactively advocate for the $500 million in bonding authority for this project. Instead coming up with alternative funding suggestions to be reviewed in 2012.

  • Align economic development, educational, business and public leadership around key target industry sectors tied to statewide and regional clusters

WEDA action to support this recommendation:

  1. Statement before the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Small Business
    Posted October 7, 2011
  2. See 2012 WEDA Legislative Issues Agenda
  3. WEDA supports the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s efforts in these areas. See page 15 of WEDC’s Strategic Plan
  • Develop statewide business retention program strategies to retain leading position in key industry sectors.
  • Utilize available technology to manage, build and expand effectiveness of business interactions and visibility across multiple economic development stakeholders
    • Implement a state focused GIS based sites and buildings solution
    • One CRM solution for attraction, export, direct investment as well as tracking performance metrics across the state

WEDA action to support this recommendation:

  1. WEDA supports the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s efforts in these areas. See page 15 of WEDC’s Strategic Plan
  • Separate regulatory activities from business development functions

WEDA action to support this recommendation:

  1. Special Session Legal Reforms a Boon to Economic Development: Special Session Press Release – Tort Reform
    Posted January 4, 2011
  2. Civil Justice Legal reform Paper
    Posted originally September 2006, reposted January 11, 2011
  3. WEDA Testimony: Support for Special Session AB 6 / Special Session SB 6 Re. creation of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
    Posted January 14, 2011
  4. Support for Special Session Assembly Bill 8 – Regulatory Reform
    Posted February 3, 2011
  5. Statement before the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Small Business
    Posted October 7, 2011

As WEDA promotes and supports Be Bold Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Competitiveness Study recommendations, we are continuing to be proactive, looking forward at how we can take our efforts to the next level and continue the dynamic strategies initiated with Be Bold. We are keeping our eye on the goals established in the Study.  Contact a WEDA Legislative Committee member today to see how you can participate in making Wisconsin the state benchmark against!  Find out how you can get involved and support WEDA’s 2012 Legislative Agenda.

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President’s Comments

November 29th, 2011

Once Thanksgiving is over the year’s big holidays get all of the attention. It is widely reported that most people don’t make any effort to pause and reflect about what they are really thankful for.  If you would do that over the Thanksgiving weekend each year, psychologists believe your health will improve and you will exhibit longer-term satisfaction with life. It is also believed you will find yourself in the holiday spirit much sooner. Those are not bad outcomes, and all you have to do is list the things that you feel thankful or grateful for.

If I think about it from WEDA’s perspective, there are some obvious areas of gratitude:

#1. WEDA is thankful for your individual involvement and investment in the organization. WEDA is proud to represent your interests in the on-going effort to improve and transform the economic development efforts in Wisconsin. We will continue providing programs and services that benefit you and your organization.

#2. WEDA is thankful the BE BOLD WISCONSIN report is continuing to be the “roadmap” for improving Wisconsin’s economic development efforts. The WEDC’s formation this year is already paying dividends for Wisconsin and much more is expected from the quality team that Paul Jadin has put in place. The focus has turned to improving the venture capital efforts, and WEDA will be involved in those discussions.

#3.WEDA is thankful that one our major value-added services –Locate In Wisconsin,  a statewide building and site database- is up and running. It was always the plan for the WEDC to take over operation of the database from WEDA, and that took place this month. WEDA will continue working with partner organizations to bring new tools and ideas to our members.

#4. WEDA is grateful for all the great work our committees and staff provided this year to further the goals of the organizations.  The excellent Fall Conference in La Crosse last September is one shining example.  We made changes to the organization’s overall management this year and those changes are paying dividends.

While those psychologists might say only four items is “gratitude lite”, I am already in a more festive holiday mood. So please join me and take time for family and friends this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!!

Bruce Kepner, President

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WEDI Update: Economic Development News and Views

November 29th, 2011

Information you can use:

Drive: The Truth About What Motivates Us... Amazing Youtube short by Daniel Pink demonstrates that when jobs require cognitive skills, pay incentives alone lead to lower performance.

Broad band and Economic Development:  “After the Stimulus: Broadband and Economic Development”, by IEDC. There are numerous WI community case studies on broadband from UW-Extension. FCC study says 664,000 Wisconsinites don’t have access to broadband.

BMO Capital Markets Economics “State Monitor Report” has modest good news that the Wisconsin economy is expanding at a moderate pace, as manufacturing has regained almost half the jobs lost since the start of the recession, while agriculture output is on pace for another solid year.

Economic Development Finance News:

“Tax Credits are More Efficient than Cash Grants” to achieve social purposes. The Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits reports on a set of analyses that compares the efficiency of NMTCs, LIHTCs, RETCs, and HTCs to cash grant programs.

Two-thirds of companies met hiring goals “About 60 percent of Wisconsin businesses that completed tax credit programs tied to job creation during the past five years actually hired as many people as they expected, according to a Wausau Daily Herald analysis of state data.”

A Duration Analysis of TIF District Lifespan in Wisconsin This report from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy analyzes the duration of TIF districts created during recessions.  Findings indicate that recessions can significantly increase the life of a TIF district.

Do you have any major data, policy information how-to-do needs?  If you do, please contact WEDI, maybe we can help.

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Greater Beloit Economic Development Corp.

November 29th, 2011

The Greater Beloit Economic Development Corp. (GBEDC) was officially organized in April 2005 as a result of a merger of the Beloit Economic Development Advisory Council and the Beloit Economic Development Corp. This powerful alliance of non-profit organizations focuses on competitive and prosperous growth throughout the region, which includes Beloit, South Beloit, Illinois, Town of Beloit, and Town of Turtle. The GBEDC works with existing and new companies that are interested in investing in the community, and retaining or creating new jobs.

The GBEDC organizes economic activities in the Greater Beloit area, including industrial and commercial development, package incentives, marketing and job training. The organization also acts as a voice for the business community, facilitating professional partnerships with local government agencies, utility companies, realtors, and public and private entities. Its value-added services are tailored to meet the needs of the community, including financial assistance, such as the revolving loan program and local multi-bank loan pool.

As a public/private partnership, the GBEDC’s general investor strives to be comprised of small and large employers, professional services and retail businesses, community organizations, and private individuals in the Greater Beloit area.

More information at www.greaterbeloitworks.com

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