Wednesday, November 11
9:00am - 10:15am:
Welcome from Elizabeth Burmaster, President, Nicolet College
Location: Learning Resources Center Theater
Feeding Wisconsin’s Economic Growth, The Deployment of Statewide Broadband
Join Chairman Callisto from the Public Service Commission and Deputy Secretary Aaron Olver from the Department of Commerce, as they talk about the rapid broadband deployment as one of the many stimulus initiatives addressed in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This presentation will highlight the economic development possibilities and the expected public benefits garnered through increased broadband access in Wisconsin.
10:15am - 12:15pm:
General Session, Cabinet Secretaries Panel
Location: Learning Resources Center Theater
Each participating organization will give a 10-minute briefing of the key issues in their agency as they pertain to Northern Wisconsin. Included in the panel are:
Secretary Frank, Department of Natural Resources
Secretary Gassman, Department of Workforce Development
Secretary Trumble, Department of Tourism
Chairman Callisto, Public Service Commission
Deputy Secretary Olver, Department of Commerce
Rea Holmes, Executive Assistant, Department of Health Services
Dan Gasser, Director NC Region, Department of Transportation
Perry Brown, Administrative Manager, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
The time remaining will offer the opportunity for questions, to be facilitated by Elizabeth Burmaster, President, Nicolet College.
12:30pm - 1:30pm:
Lunch and Presentation from Governor Jim Doyle
Location: Learning Resources Center Theater
1:45pm - 2:45pm:
Workshops
Please choose from one of the following:
Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Revolving Loan Program
Location: University Transfer Center – Room 217
In July 2006, Governor Jim Doyle made an historic announcement, the “Declaration of Energy Independence,” which charts a new course for clean energy in Wisconsin. A few months later, in April of 2007, Governor Doyle issued Executive Order 192 creating the Office of Energy Independence (OEI) to lead the state’s effort to advance clean energy and bioproducts. This was the beginning of an effort to become the nation’s leader in the drive toward energy independence, moving us away from our addiction on foreign oil. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides significant funding for clean energy initiatives. Among them is the State Energy Program, which provides funding to states to address energy priorities and to adopt emerging renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. This initiative is a key part of the Obama Administration’s national strategy to support job growth, while making a historic down payment on clean energy and conservation.
Invasive Species Workshop
Location: Birchwood Center – Room 105
The lakes and the economy of Northern Wisconsin are threatened by invasive species. Everyone is searching for cost-effective approaches that work. UW-Madison researchers are refining such an approach. In a role-playing exercise, workshop participants will learn the concepts of vulnerability and prevention and help researchers create a template for cost-effective management of aquatic invasive species called Smart Prevention. Techniques practiced in this workshop will be valuable for local invasive species decision-makingClean Energy and Energy independence.
Worker Training Needs and Workforce Investment Packages Workshop
Location: Birchwood Center – Room 107
Wisconsin businesses and workers alike have faced challenges due to the prolonged national economic recession. Find out what training and assessment tools the Department of Workforce Development is using to better prepare today’s workforce to meet the challenges of a new economy. These new tools include grants to fund training in new and existing fields, and certification testing to ensure applicants meet the skill levels our businesses need to provide high quality products and services and better compete in the global economy.
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Transportation Projects in Northern Wisconsin Workshop
Location: University Transfer Center – Room 200
The programs under ARRA were intended to help jumpstart our nation’s economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing the long-neglected challenges of the 21st century. Under ARRA, additional federal funding were allocated to the states to help repair and rebuilding transportation facilities. This workshop will provide an overview of the transportation projects that received ARRA funds in Northern Wisconsin.
Product Diversification Workshop
Location: Tamarack Center – Room 106
The worldwide economic downturn has not spared Wisconsin. In this recessionary environment, product diversification is a solid strategy for riding out a tough time, while positioning your business for growth in better times. Join this lively discussion of tips and techniques relevant to the tourism industry, designed to put you ahead of the bottom-line curve.
Breaking into the Export Market Workshop
Location: Tamarack Center – Room 210
In 2008 Wisconsin companies exported over $20 billion of products to nearly 200 countries. While large exporters contribute a greater portion of the dollar value of our exports, small and medium-sized manufacturers make up the bulk of the exporting companies. Data collected for the metropolitan areas of Eau Claire, Green Bay, and Wausau suggest that these three regions alone contributed over $1 billion in exports in 2008. This session will highlight: the importance of exports to the Wisconsin economy; what products Wisconsin companies are exporting and where; how to research key export markets and find sales partners; ways to address export processes such as payment terms, shipping methods, documentation, and regulations, and what resources are available to assist Wisconsin exporters.
2:45pm - 3:15pm:
Break
Additional time has been provided for you to trek to your next workshop, check voice and/or e-mail, or simply take a few minutes to regroup.
3:15pm - 4:15pm:
Repeat of Workshops
Please choose from one of the workshops listed above.
5:00pm - 7:00pm:
Reception
Join us for some socializing at the Holiday Acres Resort. For your convenience a shuttle will run between the Best Western Claridge Inn and the resort from 5pm to 7:30pm.
Evening dinner on your own
Thursday, November 12
8:00am - 9:15am:
Welcome to Day-2 and Keynote Presentation:
Location: Learning Resources Center Theater
“How Community-Based Endowments Can Enhance Economic Development”
As Director of Practitioner Programs at the Rural Policy Research Institute’s (RUPRI) Center for Rural Entrepreneurship in Lincoln, Nebraska, Don Macke has conducted critical research on the transfer of wealth in Wisconsin and the opportunity that lies ahead of us in growing community philanthropy as a new type of economic development strategy. Don will share the results of his research; explain the concept of community development philanthropy, and show examples of how rural communities can take control of their future economic development by building locally-driven resources based on the Transfer of Wealth study. Don is currently providing technical assistance to three regions in Wisconsin, including the Northwoods, to build strategies around community-based endowments through Wisconsin Rural Partners’ Hometown Treasure project. Hometown Treasure receives support from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce’s Community-Based Economic Development program.
9:30am - 11:30am:
Roundtables/listening sessions
You can choose to participate in three of the following sessions. Each session is 30-minutes in length and will be repeated as follows:
1st session: 9:30am - 10:00am
2nd session: 10:15am - 10:45am
3rd session: 11:00am - 11:30am
Department of Natural Resources
Location: Learning Resources Center Theater
Recreational Trails in Northern Wisconsin: One of the most popular features for outdoor enthusiasts in Northern Wisconsin is our recreational trail facilities. Drawing tourists to the area in all seasons, northern recreational trail opportunities range from snowmobile and ATV motorized trails to cross-country skiing, hiking and biking trails. Planning is underway for a water trail, and the statewide Ice Age Trail reaches across much of the North. The Recreational Trails listening session is a chance to ask questions, voice opinions and give us your ideas about the development, maintenance, use and funding of our extensive system of local and state trails. DNR staff will offer insights into the state trail system, local trail initiatives, and current information on strategies for motorized and non-motorized trail issues.
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Location: Birchwood Center – Room 105
Buy WI, Buy Local, agritourism, Meat processor development initiative
Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Network (WEN)
Location: Birchwood Center – Room 107
Connecting with the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network (WEN): WEN’s mission is to provide seamless access to the statewide network of entrepreneurial resources and expertise to create new ventures; help grow existing business, and move forward high potential entrepreneurs to enable Wisconsin to be competitive in a global economic environment. The WEN Resource Connection can help you connect with organizations that provide business assistance in your area. WEN offers three grant opportunities to current and prospective small business owners, and assists small and emerging businesses through the Business Assistance Program that can provide up to two hours of counseling from a business lawyer at no cost.
Department of Tourism
Location: Tamarack Center – Room 106
Wisconsin’s destination marketing organizations have asked for help in brand development, research, tracking and the Wisconsin Department of Tourism listened. Learn about a new option for the Destination Joint-Effort Marketing Grant that should help the grant application process and project management become user-friendlier, while ensuring a quality-advertising message that aligns itself with state branding initiatives. Also learn about expanded co-op advertising opportunities with programs that pool the resources of the Department and individual advertisers, to generate a more powerful Wisconsin travel message.
Department of Commerce
Location: Tamarack Center – Room 210
Topics for discussion include: Financing Your Business Expansion, ARRA Programs & Resources, and Global Partnership Services.
Department of Transportation
Location: University Transfer Center – Room 200
The Wisconsin DOT has a number of assistance programs that often act as a catalyst for economic development in Wisconsin. These programs provide grants and loans to businesses and local communities for their transportation-related needs. Learn about these programs and other activities associated with economic development.
Department of Workforce Development
Location: University Transfer Center – Room 217
Regional Workforce Trends and Forecasting: Find out what the economic lay of the land is in Northern Wisconsin, and the region’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. A Regional Labor Market Analyst from DWD will facilitate a roundtable listening session on regional workforce trends for Northern Wisconsin. Learn from other audience members and from the facilitator. Use information to understand what has happened and what might be coming next.
12:00pm -12:30pm:
Wrap and adjourn
Location: Learning Resources Center Theater
Join us as we wrap-up the 2009 summit and pick up your box lunch for the road.