Neenah – The Northeastern Wisconsin Economic Development Partnership announced today that Governor Jim Doyle awarded the Partnership a $380,000 grant from the Department of Commerce.
Kathi Seifert retired Executive Vice President for Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Bob DeKoch, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Boldt Company, co-chairs of the group, accepted the check on behalf of the Partnership.
“We are starting to reap the rewards of regional partnership,” said DeKoch. “By tearing down the walls of parochialism, business and community leaders are now beginning to understand how business development in a city like Neenah benefits the region as a whole.”
The Governor made the announcement at Alta Resources in Neenah, referring to the company’s expansion project currently underway, as a true success story for Northeastern Wisconsin.
“We’re happy to be able to host Governor Doyle at Alta Resources to have him make this announcement,” said Jim Bere, CEO at Alta. “Today’s grant announcement by the Governor is not only a win for Alta it’s a win for the entire region. These funds will further enable Northeastern Wisconsin to work together as a region to not only attract new companies but help existing businesses expand and retain jobs in the region.”
The funds awarded by Governor Doyle from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce will help leverage a matching $380,000 from the private sector. The partnership will use the funds for the administration and operation of the organization. Efforts are already underway to:
· Brand the region – The Partnership is working with a professional marketing organization to develop a regional brand.
· Market the region – The Partnership is coordinating outreach to companies and site selection consultants outside the state to attract investment to the region.
· Build a network – The Partnership is developing relationships with business executives and other community leaders to identify opportunities and threats to economic development in the region.
· Expand the availability of risk capitol –The Partnership is establishing an angel investment network in the region.
“We all share a deep belief in the potential of Northeastern Wisconsin as a leading economic engine of our state,” said Kathi Seifert. “With the support of Governor Doyle and collaboration with local business, economic and social leaders, we can move our region forward to help attract and retain businesses, encourage business expansion, recruit top talent to the region and further strengthen the capabilities of our workforce.”
“By coming together this group of leaders is creating a unified voice for this region that will be heard not only across Wisconsin but throughout our country,” Governor Doyle said. “The partnership will pull what are often conflicting efforts together and ultimately, drive toward improved regional cooperation and collaboration. The State of Wisconsin is proud to an active member of this effort.”
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.
Counties represented by the partnership include Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Waupaca, Brown, Shawano, Oconto, Marinette, Door, Kewaunee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, Florence, Menominee and Waushara.
For More Information
Joshua Morby (608) 343-4100
