Economic Development Committee:

The committee is looking at a quarterly meeting with the county EDC's within the region as well as representatives from other organizations.  The first of these will be this fall.  This would be an opportunity to cover in more detail Momentums projects as well as look into other regional concerns and initiatives that Momentum West could help drive.  We plan on using these meetings to plan our strategic direction moving forward.

Tradeshow Committee:

The committee continues to compile feedback from the FAM/Advisory tour in June.  I had hoped to share more of this with you, but the document is taking on a life of its own and we don't want to leave anything out.  I'll share the highlight in next month's newsletter.

The committee has developed a calendar for July 2015 - June 2016 tradeshows.  In addition to the Hannover Show, Site Selectors Conference, MAEDC and numerous state offerings, we're hoping to branch out in a few new directions.  Much of this is contingent on funding, but these are important offerings of the organization and we  hope to keep a full calendar.

NWITA:        

Outreach has begun on assessing the needs of manufacturers needs in the region in regard to exporting.  We are planning a roundtable involving those involved in international trade as well as those desiring to become involved.  Once we get further into our conversations we'll lock in more definitive plans for a gathering.   We'll model the organizations path on the needs uncovered in the outreach and roundtable, as well as a survey if necessary.

Marketing Committee:

In addition to the website enhancements mentioned earlier in this newsletter, the marketing team is looking at how we can better market ourselves in the region.  Those of you reading this newsletter are aware of our recent activities, which we believe have been significant, but our list, although growing, is only 2,300 strong.  We're hoping to be able to pass on abbreviated information through other organizations within the region.  We are also looking at offering the organization for presentations at civic groups and clubs throughout the region.

Talent Attraction Committee:

Work continues on several initiatives within the region involving internship programs, work with the STEM Collaborative, and an effort to address the talent challenges on a regional level.         

Fundraising Committee:

I mentioned earlier that potential reductions in state funding might make our regional fundraising efforts that much more crucial.  Please consider an investment in Momentum West as the continuing work of the organization is important to the economic growth of the region.  The impact we can make in the region goes beyond the items mentioned in this and the previous newsletters, but without investments from businesses and industries within the area we are limited to what impact we can make.  An investment in Momentum West is an investment in the overall economy of our region, whether it be time or financially, and we appreciate your support.  

 International Growth Opportunities - Mexico

With a growing economy, close proximity to the U.S. and a low cost of doing
business, Mexico is a prime export market for Wisconsin companies. As one
of the state's top trading partners, Mexico imported about $2.8 billion in
Wisconsin products in 2014. According to recent market updates, Mexico's
food and beverage sector is expected to grow at a rate of 3.3 percent in
2015, presenting excellent export opportunities for businesses in Wisconsin's
nationally recognized food and beverage industry. Mexico is also experiencing
growth in a variety of other sectors, including automotive, aerospace, medical
and scientific instruments and renewable energy.