Skyward, Inc.: More New Wisconsin Jobs – “Buy Wisconsin First” Initiative Launched by Skyward

Contact:
Carolyn Weiland
Skyward, Inc.
5233 Coye Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
800-236-7274

www.skyward.com

NEWS – For immediate release.

STEVENS POINT – A challenge has been issued to all Wisconsin based organizations and school districts to create new jobs and retain good jobs by buying Wisconsin first. This challenge is a direct result of a software reporting test conducted by Skyward, Inc. of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Skyward found, by using its new reporting system that only 52% of their spending was directed at Wisconsin based firms.

“We immediately decided that this was not right. We put in place plans to increase our spending in Wisconsin. Our immediate objective is to go from 52% to 60% – an increase of 8%,” stated owner and CEO Jim King.

An eight percent increase in Wisconsin spending by Skyward will result in over $640,000 more being spent in the state next year. That equates to the possibility of generating over four new Wisconsin jobs. (This number is based on an independent study conducted by Skyward. The study illustrated that approximately $150,000 of revenue is needed to create a job.)

Jim King then called on several of his customers and asked them to test the system and report on their results. The Buy Wisconsin First initiative was born.

The Buy Wisconsin First initiative will be launched July 2004 when Skyward supplies their Wisconsin financial software customers (about 250 school districts in Wisconsin) with a new report. This free report will enable schools to determine how much of their discretionary spending is going to Wisconsin firms. Skyward is also challenging all businesses and organizations in Wisconsin to aim for higher state-based spending.

“If every one of our 250 financial users increased their Wisconsin spending by a mere two percent (2%), I am predicting that it will create enough new Wisconsin revenue to add almost 200 jobs in Wisconsin,” expressed King.

Jim King then went on to add, “imagine, what state organizations, municipalities, and the private sector could do if they all increased their Wisconsin spending by a mere two percent.”

Skyward, Inc., is the developer of PaC School Management Systems, an integrated student and financial management software system, for administrators, educators, and families. Skyward, Inc., based in Stevens Point, Wis., has provided schools, both public and private, with powerful administrative solutions since 1980. Skyward’s 24 years of experience and exclusive concentration in the K-12 community makes it an industry pioneer in the education market. All Skyward software is 100% made in the USA.

Jim King is available for comment on this innovative approach for creating jobs. He can be reached by email: SkyComm@skyward.com.