Northeast Wisconsin Economic Development Partnership: Northeast Wisconsin Economic Development Partnership Launches

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Josh Morby, (608) 343-4100

Green Bay – The kick off for the new Northeast Wisconsin Economic Development Partnership occurred today at an economic development conference in Green Bay.

The Northeast Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Partnership represents a strong collaboration between 18 counties and business leaders, economic development groups, and educational institutions that have come together to launch a cooperative regional economic development effort.

“We all share a deep belief in the potential of Northeastern Wisconsin as a leading economic engine of our state,” said Kathi Seifert, recently retired Executive Vice President for Kimberly-Clark Corporation. “This new group has come together to collaborate on a regional basis to help attract and retain businesses, encourage business expansion, attract top talent to the region and further strengthen the capabilities of our workforce.”

The conference today featured the release of the NorthStar Economic Opportunity Study for this region, which reveals the state of business and economic development in Northeast Wisconsin and recommends methods to spur continued growth.

“The conclusions of this report show that we need to think of ourselves as a regional force and embrace an even broader spirit of collaboration,” said Bob DeKoch, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Boldt Company. “It will take the public and private sector proactively working together to produce the job growth and economic results we need to move our region forward.”

The event today featured a keynote address by Gov. Jim Doyle discussing why businesses should invest in regional cooperation.

“By coming together, you are creating a unified voice for this region that will be heard not only across Wisconsin but throughout our country. Your partnership will pull what are often conflicting efforts together and ultimately, drive toward improved regional cooperation and collaboration,” Governor Doyle said. “Today represents a new day for the economic health of this region and I am pleased that the state will be a partner with you to help brand and market Northeast Wisconsin for continued economic growth.”

Conference sponsors for the launch of the Northeast Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Partnership included the Northeast Wisconsin Chambers Coalition, the Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance, The Boldt Company, the Bay Area Workforce Development Board, and the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board.

Counties covered by the report include Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Waupaca, Brown, Shawano, Oconto, Marinette, Door, Kewaunee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, Florence, Menominee and Waushara. Additional information and a copy of the report can be found on the web at: www.newep-launch.com.