Contact:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Ethnie Groves, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2156
NEENAH – Governor Jim Doyle announced today a $380,000 grant from the Department of Commerce to the Northeastern Wisconsin Economic Development Partnership (NEWEDP). The Governor made the announcement during a visit to Alta Resources in Neenah.
“Regional cooperation among economic development groups, businesses, and local government is key to the state’s economic success,” Governor Doyle said. “This funding, combined with significant funding from the private sector, will support the Northeast Wisconsin Economic Development Partnership’s ongoing work to create jobs, and make Northeastern Wisconsin a premier destination to expand and recruit new businesses.”
Governor Doyle presented a $380,000 check to the NEWEDP co-chairs Bob DeKoch of the Boldt Company and Kathi Seifert, a retired VP from Kimberly Clark Company. The NEWEDP works to develop regional collaboration, attract and retain business, encourage entrepreneurialism and business expansion, attract top talent to the region, and further strengthen the capability of the region’s existing workforce. The partnership represents 18 counties in Northeastern Wisconsin, and includes business, education, non-profit, and government leaders from across the region.
The partnership is operated by a board of directors.
“The NEW Partnership helps bring together the type of regional cooperation and collaboration that can truly grow Wisconsin’s economy,” said Bob DeKoch, Co-Chair for the Northeastern Wisconsin Economic Development Partnership. “The partnership provides tremendous economic potential for Northeastern Wisconsin, and we thank Governor Doyle for this investment to help us move forward and bring new economic opportunities to the region.”
The Northeast Wisconsin Economic Development Partnership will use the funds for administration and operation costs of the partnership, which plans to do the following activities for the region:
Brand the region by working with a professional marketing organization to develop a regional brand strategy for Northeastern Wisconsin.
Market the region by coordinating outreach to companies and site selection consultants outside the state – attracting investment to the region.
Build a network by developing relationships with business executives and other community leaders to identify the opportunities for and threats to economic development in the region.
Expand the availability of risk capital by working to establish an angel investment network in Northeastern Wisconsin.
“We’ve recognized that what happens in one community affects what happens in the surrounding region, and that economic gains and losses know no political boundaries,” Governor Doyle said. “Through partnerships with local government and business leaders, my Administration is moving Wisconsin forward – creating jobs and attracting and retaining businesses.”
