MADISON Wisconsin has made enormous progress in the last few years with 170,000 new jobs and a 40 percent increase in exports. Following are comments from business leaders highlighting the success of the state’s efforts:
Harvey Stower, Mayor, City of
The grant that the City of
Much of the grant was used for demolition of a huge, vacant locker plant in the center of town. A classic new fire hall stands there now. The Commerce grant also paid for the demolition of the old outdated fire hall and city shop, and a one-block long creamery building next to the
Finally, through a process of “friendly condemnation”, we were able to purchase an old gas station and house on our main street, which had been the major “gripe” in the city.
Jason Scott and the Department of Commerce have been first class to work with. The project and the process represent the best of the state and local cooperation.
Kenneth LeVake, Vice-President Administration, Jenkins Research & Mfg., Corp
When Jenkins Research & Manufacturing Corporation was awarded the Wisconsin Technology Zone Tax credit by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and was submitted through the Capital Ideas Technology Zone three years ago, the company was starting to recover from a big down turn in business.
With the designation as a Wisconsin Technology Zone business, along with the financial assistance of the $90,000 of tax credits awarded, it enabled the company to qualify and procure additional low cost financing through MG&E’s Shared Savings Energy Program for the acquisition of much needed equipment.
The acquisition of this new equipment resulted in significant improvement of energy efficiency and helped create 15 new jobs and retain five jobs over the last three years. This enabled Jenkins Research & Manufacturing Corporation to keep up with the expanding growth of our technological medical device manufacturers and high tech customers.
Dr. Fred Robertson, CEO, TomoTherapy Inc.
The Technology Development Loans that TomoTherapy Inc. has received from the Department of Commerce have helped fuel our company in the production and delivery of TomoTherapy(r) Hi-Art Systems.(r) The two $500,000 loans that TomoTherapy received over the years are not only helping the state economy with employment opportunities, but also ensuring that cancer patients worldwide receive the best and most precise radiation treatments. No matter how you look at it, it’s a win-win situation.
R. Kim Wilde, Village Administrator,
The Brownfield Grant we received for the Stokely site redevelopment project played a critical role. Undoubtedly without the grant the project would not have happened in this location, and very possibly not at all.
Raymond T. Riddle, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Standard Imaging, Inc.
StandardImaging is proud to be a Middleton and
The financial assistance provided by the Department of Commerce helped Standard Imaging accelerate both the hiring of additional professionals and the purchasing of key capital equipment. With support for participation at international trade shows, it has also allowed the company to increase its worldwide presence. Eachis key to the continued growth, competitiveness and success of the company.
Small medical device companies in the state face many challenges. For companies like Standard Imaging, the support from Department of Commerce is invaluable.
Greg Santaga, President, Hattiesburg Paper Co., LLC
I would like to thank Governor Doyle and the Department of Commerce for the EDZ Tax Credit. The money from the tax credit will be put back into the company and help to increase our investment in people and equipment for our Hattiesburg Paper Co- North Operations facility.
Mike Figgins, Senior V.P. for the North Region, 84 Lumber
84 Lumber Company would like to thank Governor Doyle and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce for their extremely important grant to our McFarland project. Our partnership with Commerce has enabled us to take advantage of rail access and other benefits of the McFarland location, something we wouldn’t have been able to do without Commerce’s grant.
Stephan Pfeifer, President and CEO, Marine Travelift, Inc./ExacTech.
This award will allow us to invest in ExacTech and Marine Travelift infrastructure to provide a competitive manufacturing climate that is world-class, in addition to generating high quality jobs.
