Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Madison–Today Governor Scott Walker announced the appointment of three board members to the WEDC, which will replace the Wisconsin Department of Commerce later this year. Governor Walker appointed Dan Ariens of Green Bay, Lisa Mauer of Wauwatosa, and Don Weber of La Crosse. The WEDC will takeover the programs currently in the Department of Commerce and reorganize them to effectively and efficiently help the private sector create jobs.
“These individuals have extensive private sector experience in the manufacturing and healthcare industries and an outstanding passion for civic involvement,” said Governor Walker. “We need aggressive advocates for economic development who have our communities’ best interests in mind when letting the world know that Wisconsin is open for business. The WEDC, its operation and its board will play a key role in ensuring our state has a business climate that allows the private sector to create 250,000 new jobs by 2015.”
Dan Ariens’ great-grandfather founded Ariens Company, a U.S. manufacturer of lawn tractors, zero turn mowers, electric riding mowers, and snow blowers. Ariens Company is based in Brillion, Calumet County. Dan joined the company in 1983 and became President and CEO in 1998. He currently serves as a member of the Northeast Wisconsin Regional Economic Development, the YPO/WPO Young Presidents’ Organization Intercontinental Chapter, and Chief Executive Officers Organization. In 2007 Dan received the Eli Whitney Productivity Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, was a Midwest finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst & Yount, and in 2008 he received the Bert Grover Child Advocacy Award from the Wisconsin Association of School Board Administrators. Dan graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He resides in Green Bay with his wife Julie. They have five children.
Lisa Mauer is the Chairman, President and Owner of Tool Service Corporation and the Chairman and Owner of Tool Fabrication Corporation and Fluid Service Corporation in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County. These companies serve a diverse customer base in metalworking, woodworking and plastic industries, make special cutting tools and perform on-site cradle to grave fluid management services. Additionally, Lisa serves on the Board of Directors for the Independent Business Association of Wisconsin, is a Corporation Board Member of the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and is on the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of Acuity Insurance. In the past she served on the Board of Directors of the Wauwatosa Economic Development Corporation, was the past president of the Wisconsin Industrial Distributors Association and a small business advisory council member to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. She received a degree in business administration from UW-Madison.
Don Weber is the founder and CEO of Logistics Health Incorporated, a company that provides cost-effective, innovative healthcare solutions to government and commercial organizations and now has more than 900 full-time employees. Don was a founder and past president of National Health Screenings, which focused exclusively on health assessments and employee screening services. In 2004 Don was named Wisconsin Entrepreneur of the Year by the Wisconsin Entrepreneur’s Conference. In 2006 he was named La Crosse Tribune’s Person of the Year for his involvement with the Board of Directors for the Family & Children’s Center, Viterbo University, and Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse. He grew up on a rural farm in Wisconsin, joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served active duty in the Vietnam War—where he was awarded the Purple Heart and two bronze stars.
The announcement of these appointments comes on the heels of good economic news shown by updated revenue projections, an announcement about jumping seventeen spots in a business ranking, three major bond agencies affirming the steps Governor Walker took to stabilize the state’s rating, and the Legislature introducing a bill to improve businesses’ ability to access resources by promoting venture capital investment.
