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Momentum News
A publication by Momentum West
December 2015
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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 |
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Hard to believe it's mid-December and we're winding down the year. With the weather we've been having, it sure doesn't feel like we're headed into the holidays.
Thanks to our investors, both the many that have been faithful to Momentum West for years and the new investors as well. We're leaving 2015 behind shortly, and as a result of the efforts made with the help of our investors, partners, board and volunteers Momentum West finds itself well positioned to continue to significantly contribute to the marketing of the region, driving forward recruiting and developing talent, creating a greater awareness of the available property and assets of the region, and contributing to the overall economic growth of the area in 2016. We're excited about the plans we have for 2016, the site certification program, the talent attraction initiative we're soon to launch, our meetings with site selectors and other initiatives. It should be a productive year.
I'm pleased to announce that Seth Hudson from Cedar Corp will be the Momentum West Board Chair for 2016. Seth has been a tremendous asset to Momentum West, was crucial in the development of the Gold Shovel Program, our Advisory Tour with the Site Selectors Guild, and many other efforts. He has a shared vision of what Momentum West can be and will be a good leader for the organization. I'd extend a thank you to the past two years board chair James Hanke. Under James leadership we've taken significant steps forward in becoming the regional economic development organization expected of us by our partners. James will remain on the executive committee as the past chair, along with Bruce Barker, President of CVTC and Momentum Wests Secretary/treasurer, and joining the three of them will be Vicki Hoehn from RCU and the Vice Chair.
We are losing several board members. Paul Bauer from the Ellsworth Creamery Cooperative, Michelle Dingwall from the Menomonie Chamber, and Dick Best, formerly of Workforce Resources and the Workforce Board, are leaving the board. Thanks to the three of you for your hard work and expertise, it has been appreciated! You will be missed! We'll announce the new board members in the January newsletter.
Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season.
Happy Holidays and we'll see you next year.
Thanks,
Steve
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Committee Updates
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Economic Development Committee:
A large group of the county and city economic development directors from the Momentum West region met and looked at the Momentum West priorities, the rough plans for the spring site selector/developer tour and the upcoming talent initiative. Just as important was the opportunity to network with piers from the region and share ideas, etc. In January a meeting with the EDO's will feature WEDC program overviews by department.
Tradeshow/Outreach Committee:
Planning has begun on the summer FAM tour. Our focus remains the developed rural areas.
We attended the MAEDC (Mid-America Economic Development Council) meeting in Chicago December 6-8. Workforce challenges dominated the program and conversations. It proved to be a great opportunity to meet with numerous site selectors to further our relationships and promote the region, as well as network with piers. Likewise we've booked our trip to the February 24-26 Site Selectors Guild annual conference in Nashville. The focus of this trip is regional promotion.
NWITA (Northern Wisconsin International Trade Association):
The committee met in December and focused on determining the niche/purpose for the new NWITA and the next steps we need to take.
The group agreed that the NWITA will be most effective if we avoid duplicating services and programs already offered in our region, such as the outstanding ExporTech program at UW-Stout. Therefore the proposed target audience most likely will be those businesses that are already engaged in global trade and have specific concerns they need addressed (e.g. compliance).
Marketing Committee:
The committee will be helping develop a comprehensive marketing plan, both internal and external, for 2016. Maybe we put the cart before the horse in 2015 with our focus on value proposition development, but now it's time to tell our story in the region and beyond to effectively drive business and talent to the region.
Talent Attraction Committee:
We are in the early stages of the talent study and strategies development initiative. Outreach has been underway to the EDC's, Chippewa Valley High Tech Alliance, The STEM Collaborative, higher education representatives, The Regional Planning Commission, representatives from workforce development, other regional entities, and several consulting firms. As mentioned, this will be a primary focus as we move through 2016. Much more on this as we move forward.
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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Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Contest open for 2016 entries through Jan. 31, 2016
The 13th annual Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2016 competition until 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016.
The contest is designed to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-based businesses in Wisconsin. The contest links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice, high-quality education, management talent and possible sources of capital. It also leads to valuable public and media exposure for the top business plans and helps spur economic growth in the state. Finalists will share in more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes.
For their initial entries, contestants will submit a 250-word (or 2,000-character) idea abstract online at
www.govsbizplancontest.com. That's where contestants will also find business plan templates and other information, such as the Entrepreneurs' Toolkit. The
toolkit provides business startup information and assistance, networking contacts and technical resources.
Contestants who advance to subsequent contest rounds will expand their plan in stages. More than 70 judges drawn from the finance, sales, marketing, research and technology sectors across Wisconsin will score the entries and provide feedback on submissions.
To get started, contestants will need to create a simple account at
www.govsbizplancontest.com. All entries are submitted through the website. Contestants use their account to gain access to mentors throughout the process, as well as review the judges' comments and feedback.
Since its inception in 2004, more than 3,100 entries have been received and about $2 million in cash and services (such as legal, accounting, office space and marketing) have been awarded. Contest categories are Advanced Manufacturing, Business Services, Information Technology and Life Sciences.
Wisconsin residents 18 years old and older are eligible, as are teams from Wisconsin-based businesses and organizations. Businesses or teams from outside the state are also eligible to compete if they demonstrate intent to base their business in Wisconsin. Entrepreneurs may also enter multiple ideas, though each idea must be separate and distinct.
Companies or individuals that have raised less than $25,000 in private equity for their plans in a current form are eligible to enter. Generally speaking, private equity refers to angel and venture capital.
As with past contests, the 2016 competition will take place in stages:
- In Phase 1, which is open until 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, the contest will accept idea abstracts on the website. Entries should be roughly 250 words (or no more than 2,000 characters, including spaces) and will be graded by the pool of BPC judges. The top 50 idea abstracts will advance to Phase 2.
- In Phase 2, which runs from Feb. 22 to 5 p.m. March 14, 2016, the top 50 idea abstracts will submit an executive summary. The top 20 executive summaries will advance to Phase 3.
- In Phase 3, which runs from April 4 to 5 p.m. April 25, 2016, the top 20 executive summaries will prepare full business plans. Judges will review the plans and pick three finalists from each of the four categories to advance to the final presentation round.
- The top 12, or "Diligent Dozen," will square off with oral presentations during the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference on June 7 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
Past finalists have launched companies that have raised more than $160 million in angel, venture, grants and venture debt over time - all while creating jobs and economic value for Wisconsin. The contest's major sponsors include the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
The 2015 grand prize winner was bluDiagnostics, a Madison startup company whose device is aimed at helping women struggling with infertility. Category winners in 2015 were Intelligent Composites (Advanced Manufacturing), Hunt Butler (Business Services), 65 Incorporated (Information Technology), and bluDiagnostics (Life Sciences).
Nominate a Top Rural Development Initiative Today
Wisconsin Rural Partners Inc. is now accepting nominations to recognize 2016 Top Rural Development Initiatives.
Any project, activity or even a whole community in rural Wisconsin is eligible. Initiatives do not have to be community-based: WRP may recognize any state, federal, tribal, non-profit or for-profit business initiative, regional or statewide, as long as it meets program criteria. Initiatives can be in agriculture, economic or community development, business, education, health, energy, environment, philanthropy, tourism, the arts or any other field.
The Top Rural Development Initiative Program began in 1998, to help uncover and share the great things happening throughout rural Wisconsin and serve as a capacity building tool from which all rural Wisconsin communities stand to benefit.
WRP looks for nominations that cite positive community impacts, regional success stories, or demonstrated innovative ideas. The panel of judges will be from various professions and backgrounds and will look at a few simple things:
- Whether the project demonstrates the spirit of partnership or collaboration in making its success happen;
- How widespread and long term the positive impact is for the community;
- How innovative the project is; and
- How the initiative stacks up as a model for other communities in Wisconsin to follow.
Nominations are due by close of business on Friday, February 5, 2016. For more information contact Rick Rolfsmeyer, WRP executive director, at 608-967-2322 or ricky@wirural.org.
You can't grow what you don't start - Ignite Wisconsin.
Do you dream about starting or buying a business? Why haven't you taken action?
Ignite Wisconsin is a new effort in our region to help prospective entrepreneurs move from a place where they dream about owning a business to a place where they take active steps to make it happen.
Ignite Wisconsin is designed to encourage, inspire and connect prospective entrepreneurs.
Check Out:
Are you ready to take a step forward?
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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.
New Investor
Baldwin Area Medical Center
Business and Industry
Agstar
Associated Bank*
AT&T
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*
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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January 20, 2016 - Dunn County EDC Annual Meeting
Location: UW-Stout Student Memorial Center
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
January 27, 2016 - Chippewa Valley Rally
February 3, 2016 - Menomonie Chamber Annual Banquet
Location: UW-Stout Great Hall Reception
Time: 5pm-9pm
For more information and to register, visit the
event page
March 3, 2016 - Manufacturing Show
Location: CVTC Gateway Campus, Manufacturing education center
Time: 3-7pm
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and May 3, 2016 - Lean Certification Series (program includes all sessions)
Location: Chippewa Valley Technical College
Time: 8am-4:30pm (each session)
WEDC Canada-Mexico Trade Venture
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) invites companies to participate in upcoming global trade ventures to Mexico and Canada.
Wisconsin's two biggest export markets, Canada and Mexico together account for nearly 50 percent of the state's exports. These two markets are natural first steps for companies that are new to exporting, given their geographic proximity to the U.S., cultural ties and the existence of the North American Free Trade Agreement. In addition, the global trade ventures are designed to help companies that are already exporting further grow their sales in Mexico and Canada.
The global trade venture to Mexico will take place Feb. 21-26, 2016, visiting Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico's two largest cities. The global trade venture to Canada will take place March 13-18, 2016, visiting Toronto, Ontario-Canada's largest city and provincial economy-and Winnipeg, Manitoba-the capital of a province whose economic strengths are closely aligned with Wisconsin's, and whose economy is growing rapidly.
2016 Export Opportunities in Canada
Vancouver, Canada - For retail, food service and ethnic products
February 16-18, 2016 - British Columbia
Early registration is $400 through October 13, 2015
Registration deadline: December 1, 2015
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
Food Show PLUS! Tradeshow Services
SIAL Canada
April 12-15, 2016 - Montreal, Quebec
Early Registration is $225 through December 18, 2015
Registration deadline: January 20, 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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