WisBusiness.com: Wis. Early Stage Symposium Welcoming Companies

By Brian E. Clark
WisBusiness.com

Companies preparing to compete for private equity capital are still welcome to participate in the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, set to run Wednesday and Thursday at the Monona Terrace Convention Center.

The gathering is being sponsored by the Wisconsin Technology Council, Wisconsin Innovation Network, Wisconsin Angel Network and Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network.

Tom Still, president of the technology council, said Monday the symposium has room for company representatives to participate in the training and “elevator pitch” legs of the event and attend a number of panel discussions.

In addition, the symposium will include a Thursday seminar on the work of the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority, which is authorized by federal and state law to oversee the issuance of federal income tax-exempt bonds by private non-profit healthcare and educational institutions in Wisconsin.

In 2004, WHEFA authorized nearly $1 billion in bond financings.

Presenters will include: WHEFA board chairman John Noreika; WHEFA executive director Larry Nines; attorney Bill Flynn of Reinhart, Boerner Van Deuren; and Donna Gissen, vice president for planning and government affairs at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Since its first financing was closed in 1979, WHEFA has issued more than 500 bonds for more than $10 billion. More than 180 health and education borrowers have been able to access the capital markets at federally tax-exempt interest rates.

As the state looks at offering tax-exempt financing to stimulate and support its economy and its 501c3 institutions, Still said additional legislative eligibility could be given to WHEFA. Sectors and potential borrowers could include home health providers, applied research and new product development organizations, associations and consortiums involving 501c3 partners, and cultural facilities.

Purposes for which borrowed funds could be utilized could be expanded to include working capital — to the extent permitted under federal law.

Certain projects perceived to be beneficial by the state, such as investment in information technology, could be enhanced by legislation which offered a state tax exemption for such purposes.

All of these initiatives would result in more effective access to capital, thus strengthening these important economic sectors, Still said. Similar legislative initiatives, in full or in part, are in place in Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan.

To register, go to www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or call Sally Muller at 608-442-7557.