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Momentum News
A publication by Momentum West
July 2016
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| Contact Us |
Applied Technology Center
2322 Alpine Rd. Suite 7
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: 715-874-4673
Fax: 715-874-4683
E-mail:
info@momentumwest.org
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| Executive Directors Corner |
Hope everyone is having a good and safe summer.
The second round of interviews with CREC are taking place. They will have met with over 100 representatives from our region. The next step is the formulation of the regional assets and existing initiatives, then the real meat of the project, the development of the strategies to be rolled out this fall. I've had conversations with representatives from several state agencies on this project, and we'll have an opportunity to tie this in with their efforts as well forming a solid base of resources to leverage when tacking these strategies. Now is a bit of a quiet time, as CREC is doing what they've been contracted to do, but soon the ball will be back in our court and the craziness begins!
This initiative continues to garner interest in the region. I was able to be part of a panel discussion with other key folks driving talent development in the region, we've been contacted by several local media outlets and organizations as well as others around the state. Hopefully our initiative produces numerous key pieces in addressing the talent puzzle.
As mentioned last month, we have launched a calendar on the Momentum West website for posting of area EDC's events as well as Momentum West events. EDC's will be able to self-post upcoming meetings, events, panel presentations, etc.
Please read the committee updates below for more information!
Take care everyone!
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| Seeking Committee Volunteers |
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Momentum West is a committee driven organization that is always looking for new volunteers that want to contribute and get involved. We have a wide range of active committees that work in their own ways to improve and develop the Momentum West region. If you are interested in learning more about our committees, or know that you would like to join any of them, please see the list below and reach out to the committee chair for more information. Also check out the following section of this newsletter for the latest news on all of the Momentum West Committees.
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Committee Name
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Committee Chair(s)
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Chair Email
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Events/Tradeshow Outreach Committee
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Seth Hudson
Dan Ostermann
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seth.hudson@cedarcorp.com
daniel.ostermann@bmo.com
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Northern WI International Trade Association
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Blake Fry
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blake@hudsonwi.org
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Fundraising Committee
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Dan Draxler
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djdraxler@bremer.com
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Marketing Committee
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Vicki Hoehn
Maureen Carlson
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VickiH@rcu.org
mcarlson@hoeftbuilders.com
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Regional Talent Attraction Committee
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Steve Jahn
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steve@momentumwest.org
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Committee Updates
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Economic Development Committee:
Although a date and time have not been locked in for the next EDC meeting, the topic will be the progress being made on regional passenger rail with a presentation being made by the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition.
Tradeshow/Outreach Committee:
The committee is looking at outreach options into the Twin Cities. Small group trips to targeted developers, brokers, site selectors, etc. seem to be the best option and we are moving forward with planning these trips. We'll be inviting the regions EDC's to participate if desired. We are looking at a presence at the annual MNCAR expo in November in Minneapolis.
I have been asked to join the MAEDC board as one of two representatives from Wisconsin and have accepted. Mid America EDC is an excellent resource for making contact with site selectors and advancing regional economic development programs.
We are also continuing planning for another visit from members of the Site Selectors Guild for next June. The focus this time will be rural property and Gold Shovel verified sites.
NWITA (Northern Wisconsin International Trade Association):
Early planning is underway for a fall event with WEDC.
Marketing Committee:
The committee has begun the process of evaluation of existing efforts and the development of a plan to more aggressively promote the organization and its programs inside and outside the region. Thanks you Vicki Hoehn from RCU and Maureen Carlson from Hoeft for agreeing to co-chair the committee. The new marketing brochure is hot off the presses.
Talent Attraction Committee:
This fall the committee will be reconvening, with an invitation to members of the Regional Talent Initiative Steering committee, to continue the work laid out by CREC. In addition to delve into an internship idea that will help smaller and mid-sized business and industry determine the need, training requirements and funding for an internship program. Hopefully we can increase the number of internships within the region and keep more graduates in our region.
With the importance of attracting and retaining talent in the region, please let me know if you are interested in assisting with the launch of the regional initiative or serving on the committee.
Fundraising Committee:
If you are a present investor, thank you for your support of regional economic development. If you are not a current investor, 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.
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State Grant Helps Expand St. Croix Falls Civic Auditorium
Assistance from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will support renovation of historic auditorium
ST. CROIX FALLS, WI. July 12, 2016 - The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today 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.
Click here to learn more
Global Trade Venture - Argentina and Chile
In September 2016, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will be leading a global trade venture to Argentina and Chile, with a goal of connecting Wisconsin companies with potential buyers, distributors and other partners in these markets. This trade venture is suitable for companies that are not yet exporting into these markets; in addition, companies that are already exporting into these markets can use the global trade venture to enhance their business ties in Argentina and Chile and to expand their market presence. The global trade venture will take place Sept. 24-30, 2016, and will include segments in Buenos Aires and Santiago, both countries' capitals as well as their centers of finance and banking. In each city, participating companies will be scheduled for customized business meetings with potential local partners hand-picked for their companies by Wisconsin's authorized trade representatives in the market, based on the Wisconsin companies' strengths, needs and preferences. Meetings in other cities may also be arranged depending on participating companies' needs. Each participant in the global trade venture will also receive market intelligence specific to his or her company, detailing considerations to keep in mind when introducing the company's product or service into these markets. With all you appointments arranged for you, you can focus on business rather than logistics and scheduling.
Click here to learn more
Tom Still: UW-Stout is a model for career preparation
MADISON - Depending on how old you are and how long you've lived in Wisconsin, you've likely heard the dismissive phrase "When in doubt, Stout!" It's an outdated reference to the University of Wisconsin-Stout being a college choice of last resort.
As the university's reputation for excellence in science, technology, engineering and math education grows along with its record in placing its graduates in jobs, a more apt slogan today is "There's no doubt, it's Stout!"
The campus is also an example of why state investments in higher education can pay dividends to communities, the economy and taxpayers.
Read more here
WTCS Board Approves New CVTC Programs, Facility
New degrees, diplomas focus on business and marketing
Eau Claire, WI - Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) will offer new associate degree programs in Digital Marketing and Sales Management, plus technical diplomas in Entrepreneurship and Nail Technician after winning approval from the state Wisconsin Technical College System Board Wednesday, July 13. Also approved was a 6,800 sq. ft. addition to the CVTC West Campus for the Architectural Structural Design program.
Read more here
CVTC to Take Lead in $5 Million TechHire Grant
$1.7 million local share to boost Industrial Mechanics program
Eau Claire, WI - Chippewa Valley Technical College will be taking the lead in a $5 million federal Department of Labor TechHire Partnership Grant to be shared with other technical colleges to prepare young adults for well-paying, high-growth jobs in the advanced manufacturing, information technology and broadband industries. The $1.7 million local share to be spent over four years will be used to enhance CVTC's Industrial Mechanic program.
Announcement of the $150 million in grants to 39 recipients across the country was made June 27 by Vice President Joe Biden and Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez. The award to CVTC is $5 million, with that amount to be shared with Southwest Technical College (SWTC) in Fennimore and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) in Rice Lake, which partnered with CVTC on the application, along with the Department of Workforce Development and regional employers and industry representatives. Read more here
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For the latest Momentum West news, visit us on
facebook!
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Momentum West Investment
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Thanks to all who invested in Momentum West! Together we will continue to create a sustainable and innovative economy for our region's citizens.
Business and Industry
24/7 Telcom
Agstar
Associated Bank
AT&T
Badgerland Printing
Baldwin Area Medical Center
Banbury Place
Bauman Associates, LTD
Bauer Built
BMO Harris Bank
Bremer Bank
Cedar Corp
Charter Bank
Citizens Bank - Hudson
Core Products
Dairyland Power Cooperative
Derrick Construction
Durand Builders
Eckberg Lammers
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery
Fairmount Santrol
First American Bank*
First National Bank
First National Community Bank
Great Northern Corp*
Haselwander*
Hoeft Builders
Landmark Company
Manpower
Market and Johnson
Mayo Clinic Health System
Merchants Bank Eau Claire
Northwestern Bank
OEM Fabricators
RDC National
Reality Works
Royal Credit Union
Ruder Ware
Sacred Heart Hospital
Schaeffer Manufacturing
Security Financial Bank
Spectrum Industries
Uline, Inc.
Valley Cartage*
Weld, Riley, Prenn & Ricci
WestConsin Credit Union
Wipfli, Ulrich, Bertelson, LLP
Wisconsin Business Development
Xcel Energy
Regional EDC
Chippewa County EDC
Dunn County EDC
Eau Claire Area EDC
Polk County EDC
Rusk County EDC
County
Barron County
Eau Claire County
St. Croix County
Municipal
Ladysmith Community Industrial Development
West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
Education
Chippewa Valley Technical College
UW- Eau Claire
UW- River Falls
UW- Stout
WITC
Reciprocal
Amery Area Economic Development Corporation
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce
Menomonie Chamber of Commerce
*denotes pledge for investment
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Gold Shovel Ready Sites
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The Gold Shovel Ready Site database for developers on www.MomentumWest.org allows you to quickly and easily find sites in our 10-county region of Western Wisconsin that have:
- Identified property owners and clearly states sales price
- Zoning in place or planned
- Maps showing public and private utilities and capacities
- Information showing transportation networks
- Identified any known site restrictions that may hinder development (Geological, environmental, easements, etc.)
- Area statistics and demographic data
The sites listed below are currently verified as Gold Shovel Ready:
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| Upcoming Events |
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August 17, 2016 Succession Planning for Small Businesses
Time: 11:10am - 1:00pm
Location: Citizens State Bank Community Room
375 Stageline Road, Hudson, WI 54016
About: Free lunch and learn to learn more about important information that your business needs to plan for for the future.
For more information or to register: Cathy VanDong, 715-386-9050, cvandong@csbnet.net
Export Strategy Opportunities available throughout the year
2016 Export Opportunities in Canada
Toronto, Canada - For specialty and natural products
September 7-8, 2016 - Ontario
Early registration is $400 through May 4, 2016
Registration deadline: June 15, 2016
For more information on 2016 Export Opportunities in Canada, contact Lisa Stout:
Tel: 608-224-5126
*If you would like your upcoming event to be included in the Momentum West newsletter, please send information to
steve@momentumwest.org prior to the 15th of each month
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| About Momentum West |
Momentum West is a Regional Economic Development Organization that serves 10 counties: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, and St. Croix. Our mission is to develop partnerships and leverage resources in West Wisconsin to market the region and grow the economy.
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