Governor Doyle Addresses Northwoods Economic Development Summit

Also Signs Law to Extend Snowmobile Speed Limit


 


RHINELANDER – Governor Jim Doyle today addressed the First Annual Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit in Rhinelander.  The summit brought together stakeholders from across the region to discuss new opportunities for the economy of Northern Wisconsin, and to explore new ways that the state can partner with businesses and local communities.


 


“Northern Wisconsin is incredibly important for Wisconsin and its economy,” Governor Doyle said.  “This region has some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful areas and is rich with the natural resources that make us who we are in this state. But for Northern Wisconsin to succeed in the future, we must diversify the broader economy by strengthening the region’s manufacturing and seizing new opportunities to convert natural resources into renewable energy and high-paying jobs.” 


 


Governor Doyle detailed some of the major development efforts already in place, including renewable energy investments, the Internet Equipment Tax Credit and Exemption Program, New Market Tax Credits, and the Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative.  These initiatives are helping Northern Wisconsin invest in the technology they need to grow, while leveraging private investment and preserving and enhancing the quality of life in the Northwoods. 


 


Governor Doyle also announced nearly $9.7 million in economic development awards that will invest in northern Wisconsin businesses, provide opportunities to expand into new industries, and create over 470 new jobs for this region. 


 


These awards include:


·         A $500,000 Community Development Block Grant in Stratford, Wisconsin that will create 395 jobs at A & B Process Systems;


·         Technology Zone tax credits totaling $138,000 for the beverage company Clearly Superior, that will create 15 jobs in Superior; and 


·         A $7.5 million Industrial Revenue Bond award to support an expansion project at Schuette Incorporated in Rothschild, that will create 60 new jobs. 


 


Governor Doyle pledged the continued support of the Department of Commerce, under newly appointed Secretary Jack Fischer. 


 


Governor Doyle also signed a bill into law that will protect visitors and residents, while ensuring that northern Wisconsin is a premier destination to visit and raise a family for years to come.


 


Assembly Bill 526 ensures recreational safety in northern Wisconsin, by renewing the 55 mph speed limit, for snowmobiles traveling during hours of darkness. 


 


Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Dean Kaufert and Chuck Benedict, and Senators Jon Erpenbach and Robert Cowles, for their work on this bill.