[Blogger's note: This could directly impact all of Wisconsin's ability to support manufacturing in this State. Special thanks to John Nicols for publishing this.}
John Nichols Posted: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 5:15 am
http://host.madison.com/ct/article_7883767a-9bdd-11de-91f0-001cc4c002e0.html
Wisconsin officials have seemed for too long to be at war with this state's rich industrial legacy.
It is as if they live in a fantasy world that imagines this Great Lakes state will somehow become the next Silicon Valley.
But when state officials make policies that aim in the direction of fantasy-island developments rather than taking necessary steps to retain existing industrial jobs and to attract news ones, they undermine Wisconsin's future.
That is what Department of Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi and his aides appear to be doing with their scheming to redevelop the Hoan Bridge/794 corridor in a manner that would decimate roughly two-thirds of the port of Milwaukee.
The port, still one of the largest and most well-situated on the Great Lakes, provides crucial support to our manufacturing base - not only in Milwaukee but all of southeastern Wisconsin, which remains one of the nation's great centers for small and medium-sized factories.
But the port could be seriously undermined as a support for Wisconsin's manufacturing sector if Busalacchi and the Doyle administration get their way.
According to documents obtained through an open records request initiated by Milwaukee County Supervisor Patricia Jursik, Busalacchi's DOT has commissioned - at a cost of $225,000 - a study by the HNTB planning group of strategies for the demolition of the Hoan Bridge and the development of a condo and entertainment complex.
"While new condominiums, a marina and a 'Navy Pier'-like entertainment dock may sound glamorous to some, we should not underestimate the potential loss of two-thirds of our port," says Jursik. "Taking action against our heavy manufacturing base would have a wide impact on both commerce and families. This is a threat of epic proportions against economic development in Wisconsin. Let's instead get on with re-decking the Hoan Bridge, to continue providing seamless ingress and egress for our industrial port and south shore communities."
Jursik's right.
And she is not just standing up for her district and Milwaukee County.
She really is taking a stand in defense of Wisconsin manufacturing - and for the family-supporting jobs that our factories provide.
John Nichols is associate editor of The Capital Times. jnichols@madison.com
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Focus on Energy, WMC Announce Energy and the Bottom Line Conference & Expo
Madison, Wis. (August 6, 2009) - Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) have partnered to present the second annual Energy and the Bottom Line Conference & Expo on August 25, 2009 at the Kalahari Resort & Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
This year's conference will focus on best practices and proven strategies businesses can take to cut energy bills and improve their bottom lines. Attendees will hear from energy efficiency experts, attend informative sessions on saving money through energy efficiency and renewable energy and network with fellow attendees and exhibitors. Attendees will also learn about available funding to help pay for projects, Focus on Energy services, new technologies and more. A number of Wisconsin businesses will also share how adopting energy efficiency and high performance standards have helped them succeed in today's tough economic times.
For registration information, visit:
http://www.wischamberfoundation.org/WCS/pdf/energyconference.pdf.
Attendees can save $25 by registering by August 17.
This year's conference will focus on best practices and proven strategies businesses can take to cut energy bills and improve their bottom lines. Attendees will hear from energy efficiency experts, attend informative sessions on saving money through energy efficiency and renewable energy and network with fellow attendees and exhibitors. Attendees will also learn about available funding to help pay for projects, Focus on Energy services, new technologies and more. A number of Wisconsin businesses will also share how adopting energy efficiency and high performance standards have helped them succeed in today's tough economic times.
For registration information, visit:
http://www.wischamberfoundation.org/WCS/pdf/energyconference.pdf.
Attendees can save $25 by registering by August 17.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
National Manufacturing Survey Finds Economic Optomism (madison.com)
A new national survey of manufacturing executives found that most believe the U.S. economy would improve over the next six months, even as nearly half expected their own firms’ performance to decline. Overall, the survey found medium and large manufacturers were much more optimistic than small ones, which disproportionately made up the 12 percent of survey respondents who said their firm was in danger of failing. A majority of all executives cited customer demand as the top challenge to growth, followed by access to credit over the next 12 months.
• A majority expected to cut costs over the next 12 months, including operational (80 percent), supplier (65 percent) and labor (51 percent), while 66 percent planned to look for tax advantages and 65 percent planned to increase the diversity of their product or customer base.
• Despite cost pressures, many were still investing in their companies, including 51 percent for quality improvement systems, 48 percent for research and development and 40 percent for capital improvements. Only 36 percent and 31 percent were investing in skills training and green programs, respectively.
The June telephone survey of 300 executives by KRC Research for accounting and consulting firm Baker Tilly Virchow Krause also found that views reported by Midwest executives aligned closely with national results. The survey had a margin of error of 5.7 percentage points.
For additional information on the survey or to request the full report, click here.
To see the full original article at madison.com, click here.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Continental Mapping Consultants Awarded Tennessee DOT Contract (Press Release)
Company: Continental Mapping Consultants, Inc.
Industry: Photogrammetry & Aerial Surveying
Location: Sun Prairie, WI, United States of America
Sun Prairie, WI-- Continental Mapping Consultants was recently awarded a contract for on-call photogrammetric mapping services by the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Design Division. The award is for two years and is the result of successful relationship building with TDOT and the successful completion of the qualifications-based selection process.
Continental Mapping has a growing reputation for providing high-accuracy photogrammetric mapping services to departments of transportation and other government and private clients across the country. Tennessee is the 12th state DOT that Continental Mapping has performed photogrammetric mapping services for, and is also the firm’s 3rd state master services agreement signed in the past 12 months.
"We are honored to be selected by TDOT, and look forward to working with them on innovative solutions to their photogrammetric mapping and geospatial data development needs” said David Hart, President of Continental Mapping Consultants, Inc.
With three offices located in Madison, Wisconsin, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Portland, Oregon, Continental Mapping was founded in 1999 in Wisconsin and specializes in providing photogrammetric mapping and other geospatial data development services to clients with demanding specifications, like the US Army Corps of Engineers, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, state governments, and many private engineering and survey companies.
Ben Redding (bredding@continentalmapping.com) Phone: 608.834.9823
Click here to read the story in the Sun Prairie Star.
Click here to see the full press release from Continental Mapping.
Click here to go to the Continental Mapping web site.
Industry: Photogrammetry & Aerial Surveying
Location: Sun Prairie, WI, United States of America
Sun Prairie, WI-- Continental Mapping Consultants was recently awarded a contract for on-call photogrammetric mapping services by the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Design Division. The award is for two years and is the result of successful relationship building with TDOT and the successful completion of the qualifications-based selection process.
Continental Mapping has a growing reputation for providing high-accuracy photogrammetric mapping services to departments of transportation and other government and private clients across the country. Tennessee is the 12th state DOT that Continental Mapping has performed photogrammetric mapping services for, and is also the firm’s 3rd state master services agreement signed in the past 12 months.
"We are honored to be selected by TDOT, and look forward to working with them on innovative solutions to their photogrammetric mapping and geospatial data development needs” said David Hart, President of Continental Mapping Consultants, Inc.
With three offices located in Madison, Wisconsin, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Portland, Oregon, Continental Mapping was founded in 1999 in Wisconsin and specializes in providing photogrammetric mapping and other geospatial data development services to clients with demanding specifications, like the US Army Corps of Engineers, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, state governments, and many private engineering and survey companies.
Ben Redding (bredding@continentalmapping.com) Phone: 608.834.9823
Click here to read the story in the Sun Prairie Star.
Click here to see the full press release from Continental Mapping.
Click here to go to the Continental Mapping web site.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership Featued at July Meeting
The company spotlight for our July meeting was Intense Engineering. Kent Chase, MSME, Princiapl, provided the overview of their company. Intense Engineering provides technical assistance and product design to efficiently and effectively transform technologies into products. Their work involves transferring technologies and emerging products out of the laboratory environment into the world of manufacturing production and out in the marketplace. A substantial portion of their work comes through the University of Wisconsin, and they work in partnership with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation to utilize patented technolgies and get them out of the realm of R&D and into a commercialized product. Kent described a variety of clients with a wide range of where their prodcuts were in the development and commercialization process, as well as their financial capacity.Questions about Intense Engineering can be sent to Kent Chase via e-mail by clicking here, or by phone at (608)209-6745 .
Presenters for this meeting were Senior Manufacturing Specialists Rick Ray and Wil Cox from the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP). WMEP enhances the success of Wisconsin's small to mid-size manufacturers by providing real-world knowledge in continuous improvement, business strategies and best practices. WMEP is also a strong advocate of manufacturing and provides information to those focused on the success of Wisconsin manufacturing.
WMEP is Wisconsin's market leader in providing high-quality, high-impact solutions that deliver top and bottom-line results in lean manufacturing, growth services, quality systems, and supplier development. In addition to offering the hands-on manufacturing and business expertise of our consulting staff, WMEP has established working relationships with other organizations to provide a breadth of resources. One of their more recent areas of expertise is in the area of marketing and sales plans. They also utilize a system called "Eureka! Winning Ways" to help manufacturers identify and evaluate growth options.
As a non-profit entity, WMEP offers affordable consulting services in these areas and more. They charge for their services, but are able to charge a significantly lower rate due to federal and State funding. Performance ratings by the companies they assist are directly tied to their funding. Companies using their services complete a survey after each project to help ensure that WMEP assistance was efficient and effective.
WMEP has worked with several Sun Prairie area companies including Pro-Active Engineering and Thermal Spray Technologies.
For additional information on WMEP, contact either Rick or Wil through the means listed below.
Rick Ray
Senior Manufacturing Specialist
(608) 225-8238
Wil Cox
Senior Manufacturing Specialist
(608) 335-3203
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Deloitte Presents Overview of Sales & Use Tax and R&D Tax Credits at June Meeting
Preseters for our June 18th meeting were Ms. Ruth Kallio-Mielke and Ms. Renise Cohen from the Multi-state Tax Office of Deloitte Tax LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They provided a two-hour Q & A session on two very difficult topics.Ms. Cohen provided an overview of Sales Tax applications. One of the key points made in her Sales and Use Tax presentation was making sure companies properly define qualified activities as research and development. Another was how to define exactly when a product is a prototype versus a product manufactured for sale. She provided an excellent overview of some of the nuances of when to charge sales tax and when it needed to be paid. She also facilitated a great discussion on the recent changes in tax law regarding the application of sales tax to software depending on whether it was "customized" or not.
Ms. Kallio-Mielke then discussed the availability of R&D Tax Credits, noting that there were both federal and State programs and that they were somewhat different. Their presenatation on R&D tax credits emphasized the need to document failures in product development, which can help greatly in qualifying for a credit.
Our thanks go out to both Ruth and Renise for a great presentation, and for making the trip all the way over from Milwaukee for an early meeting with us.
For additional information our presenters can be contacted at:
R&D Tax Credit Questions (State or Federal)
Ruth Kallio-Mielke, Director
Deloitte Tax LLP, Milwaukee
rkallio-mielke@deloitte.com
(414) 977-2557
Sales Tax Questions
Renise Cohen, Director
Deloitte Tax LLP, Milwaukee
recohen@deloitte.com
(414) 977-2521
To visit the Deloitte Multi-State Tax Office on the web, click here.
R&D Tax Credit Questions (State or Federal)
Ruth Kallio-Mielke, Director
Deloitte Tax LLP, Milwaukee
rkallio-mielke@deloitte.com
(414) 977-2557
Sales Tax Questions
Renise Cohen, Director
Deloitte Tax LLP, Milwaukee
recohen@deloitte.com
(414) 977-2521
To visit the Deloitte Multi-State Tax Office on the web, click here.
Links to addtional online resources on this topic have been added to this blog for your use.
The group did not do a company spotlight as it was decided that this time would be best used to allow the presenters additional time to answer questions. This practice will be picked up again next meeting.
Special thanks to Ron Pulvermacher of Matrix Product Development for sponsoring breakfast for this meeting.
UPDATE: The WI sales tax exemption for R&D equipment and supplies was passed with the Budget Bill, albeit with a 2012 effective date.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
SBA Recovery Capital Loan Program Available Starting June 15, 2009
SBA America's Recovery Capital (ARC) Loan ProgramIf your small business is stressed meeting expenses during these economic times, the U.S. Small Business Administration has a new loan program designed just for you.
SBA’s America’s Recovery Capital Loan Program can provide up to $35,000 in short-term relief for viable small businesses facing immediate financial hardship to help ride out the current uncertain economic times and return to profitability. Each small business is limited to one ARC loan. These SBA loans are made by SBA participating commercial lenders, not the SBA.
ARC loans will be offered by some SBA lenders for as long as funding is available or until September 30, 2010, whichever comes first. SBA Participant Lender Fact Sheet
About the ARC Loan Program
About the ARC Loan Program
ARC loans can be used to make payments of principal and interest, in full or in part, on one or more existing, qualifying small business loans for up to six months. ARC loans provide an immediate infusion of capital to small businesses to assist with making payments of principal and interest on existing debt. These loans allow borrowers to redirect cash flow from making loan payments to investing in their businesses, to help sustain the business and retain jobs. For example, making loan payments on existing loans with proceeds from an ARC loan can allow a business to focus more funds on core operations, such as buying inventory or making payroll.
ARC loans are interest-free to the borrower, carry a 100 percent guaranty from the SBA to the lender, and require no fees paid to SBA. Loan proceeds are provided over a six-month period and repayment of the ARC loan principal is deferred for 12 months after the last disbursement of the proceeds. Repayment can extend up to five years.
ARC loans are interest-free to the borrower, carry a 100 percent guaranty from the SBA to the lender, and require no fees paid to SBA. Loan proceeds are provided over a six-month period and repayment of the ARC loan principal is deferred for 12 months after the last disbursement of the proceeds. Repayment can extend up to five years.
The best candidates for ARC loans are small businesses that in the past were profitable but are currently struggling, yet have been making loan payments or are just beginning to miss loan payments due to financial hardship.
ARC loans are made by commercial lenders who are SBA participants. The SBA will pay these banks a monthly interest rate throughout the term of the loan. Lenders can find more information here. Non-SBA lenders can easily become SBA participants by working with their nearest SBA district office. Businesses interested in applying for an ARC loan should first contact their current lender.
ARC loans will be offered by some SBA lenders for as long as funding is available or until September 30, 2010, whichever comes first.
May Meeting Features ProActive Engineering and UW Small Business Development Center
This month's company spotlight was on Pro-Active Engineering in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
A brief overview presentation was provided by President Toby Klusmeyer, P.E. Pro-Active Engineering is a custom electronics design and manufacturing company specializing in specialized circuit boards and electronic components. Design services include electronic and software design, establishment of design requirements, and design validation. Specific manufacturing services include development of quick-turn prototypes, volume production, and low or no-cost tooling. They also provide PCB design services, and custom product development. For more information on Pro-Active Engineering, go to:
Our presenter for our May meeting was Mr. Neil Lerner from the University of Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC provides multiple resources to small businesses, including specialized course work, the Wisconsin Business Answer line, CEO peer learning program, leadership solutions for owners and managers (e.g. Covey seven habits for managers), and business counseling. For more information on the UW Small Business Development Center, call 608-263-7680 or go to:
EDC Hosts “Wind Power Happy Hour” (Press Release)
More than 60 Attendees Come to This First Time Event to Learn More About the Wind Energy Supply Chain Here in Wisconsin
The Sun Prairie Economic Development Council (EDC) hosted what was billed as a “Wind Power Happy Hour” on Thursday May 21st. The purpose of the event was for attendees to learn more about how area manufacturers and other private companies can be a part of the supply chain for wind turbine projects. More than 30 companies were represented, in addition to local governments, utility professionals, and renewable energy interest groups. The event was sponsored by Palmer Johnson Power Systems, Sun Prairie Water and Light, Wave Wind LLC, WPPI Energy, and the Sun Prairie Economic Development Council.
The event kicked off with a presentation from Mr. Jerry Murphy, Executive Director for the New North, Inc., an 18 county regional partnership for economic development in Northeast Wisconsin. Mr. Murphy has led an effort by his organization to establish a Wind Energy Supply Chain Directory. The initiative, referred to as “Wisconsin Wind Works,” is intended to 1) provide comprehensive solutions to the Wind Industry’s needs, 2) connect the Wind Industry to capable vendors and suppliers, and 3) maximize connectivity within the industry cluster to encourage innovation and collaboration.
The directory was initiated with the idea that it would be limited to the geography of the New North region, but it was quickly determined that there was tremendous benefit to opening the directory to all qualified Wisconsin companies. The Wisconsin Wind Works Directory targets the following classifications of companies:
• Construction and Installation
• Distribution of Materials (Wholesale)
• Education/Training
• Manufacturer/Service
• Manufacturer
------Machinery and Equipment
------Machining, Fabrication/Tooling
------Metals – Foundries, Forges
------Plastics and Composites
------Other Manufacturing – Controls, Electrical
• Other Services
• Professional, Technical, and Scientific Services
• Public Regulation/Administration
• Real Estate Development/Project Management
• Transportation, Logistics and Warehousing
Sun Prairie’s interest in leading the effort to involve more local companies from Southern Wisconsin stemmed directly from the City’s strategic planning efforts in 2008 where “Renewable Energy” was identified as a growing target sector for economic development. Shortly after recommended strategies were completed, the American Wind Energy Association and the New North hosted a Wind Energy Supply Chain conference in Appleton on March 31st. City Economic Development Coordinator Neil Stechschulte attended the event, and was impressed by the support for building the industry. “Seeing a room full of 625 attendees at the Appleton meeting that included private sector companies, educators, environmentalists, interest groups, and utilities all in agreement that wind energy can help create jobs for Wisconsin was enough for me. I knew that we needed to have this same conversation in our part of the State.” EDC President John Murray stated “This is just one example of how the EDC and the City are working together to implement the strategies for economic development adopted by the City earlier this year. This event was a huge success, and we are already looking forward on how to continue this initiative both this year and beyond.” This potentially includes but is not limited to hosting a monthly networking event, and bringing in speakers on a quarterly basis.
Sun Prairie already had several companies seriously considering participation in the Wisconsin Wind Works Directory, including Palmer Johnson Power Systems (remanufacture of transmission parts), Wave Wind LLC (wind farm development), Marysville Marine (weatherproof hatches), JK Hackl (transportation), and Town and Country Electric (construction). According to a show of hands, at least a dozen other local and regional companies in attendance expressed an interest in being listed as part of the Directory. The Directory now exceeds 200 companies throughout Wisconsin.
Companies interested in learning more about the Wisconsin Wind Works Directory can contact Neil Stechschulte, Economic Development Coordinator at (608) 825-0894 or at nstechschulte@cityofsunprairie.com.
They can also contact the New North directly:
Christine Kaup
Market Research and Development Manager
New North, Inc.
(920) 336-3891
(920) 617-6073
ckaup@thenewnorth.com
For more information about this topic, please contact Neil Stechschulte by calling 608-825-
0894, or e-mail nstechschulte@cityofsunprairie.com.
Additional Resources:
The New North, Inc.: http://www.thenewnorth.com
American Wind Energy Association: http://www.awea.org
Renew Wisconsin: http://www.renewwisconsin.org
The Sun Prairie Economic Development Council (EDC) hosted what was billed as a “Wind Power Happy Hour” on Thursday May 21st. The purpose of the event was for attendees to learn more about how area manufacturers and other private companies can be a part of the supply chain for wind turbine projects. More than 30 companies were represented, in addition to local governments, utility professionals, and renewable energy interest groups. The event was sponsored by Palmer Johnson Power Systems, Sun Prairie Water and Light, Wave Wind LLC, WPPI Energy, and the Sun Prairie Economic Development Council.
The event kicked off with a presentation from Mr. Jerry Murphy, Executive Director for the New North, Inc., an 18 county regional partnership for economic development in Northeast Wisconsin. Mr. Murphy has led an effort by his organization to establish a Wind Energy Supply Chain Directory. The initiative, referred to as “Wisconsin Wind Works,” is intended to 1) provide comprehensive solutions to the Wind Industry’s needs, 2) connect the Wind Industry to capable vendors and suppliers, and 3) maximize connectivity within the industry cluster to encourage innovation and collaboration.
The directory was initiated with the idea that it would be limited to the geography of the New North region, but it was quickly determined that there was tremendous benefit to opening the directory to all qualified Wisconsin companies. The Wisconsin Wind Works Directory targets the following classifications of companies:
• Construction and Installation
• Distribution of Materials (Wholesale)
• Education/Training
• Manufacturer/Service
• Manufacturer
------Machinery and Equipment
------Machining, Fabrication/Tooling
------Metals – Foundries, Forges
------Plastics and Composites
------Other Manufacturing – Controls, Electrical
• Other Services
• Professional, Technical, and Scientific Services
• Public Regulation/Administration
• Real Estate Development/Project Management
• Transportation, Logistics and Warehousing
Sun Prairie’s interest in leading the effort to involve more local companies from Southern Wisconsin stemmed directly from the City’s strategic planning efforts in 2008 where “Renewable Energy” was identified as a growing target sector for economic development. Shortly after recommended strategies were completed, the American Wind Energy Association and the New North hosted a Wind Energy Supply Chain conference in Appleton on March 31st. City Economic Development Coordinator Neil Stechschulte attended the event, and was impressed by the support for building the industry. “Seeing a room full of 625 attendees at the Appleton meeting that included private sector companies, educators, environmentalists, interest groups, and utilities all in agreement that wind energy can help create jobs for Wisconsin was enough for me. I knew that we needed to have this same conversation in our part of the State.” EDC President John Murray stated “This is just one example of how the EDC and the City are working together to implement the strategies for economic development adopted by the City earlier this year. This event was a huge success, and we are already looking forward on how to continue this initiative both this year and beyond.” This potentially includes but is not limited to hosting a monthly networking event, and bringing in speakers on a quarterly basis.
Sun Prairie already had several companies seriously considering participation in the Wisconsin Wind Works Directory, including Palmer Johnson Power Systems (remanufacture of transmission parts), Wave Wind LLC (wind farm development), Marysville Marine (weatherproof hatches), JK Hackl (transportation), and Town and Country Electric (construction). According to a show of hands, at least a dozen other local and regional companies in attendance expressed an interest in being listed as part of the Directory. The Directory now exceeds 200 companies throughout Wisconsin.
Companies interested in learning more about the Wisconsin Wind Works Directory can contact Neil Stechschulte, Economic Development Coordinator at (608) 825-0894 or at nstechschulte@cityofsunprairie.com.
They can also contact the New North directly:
Christine Kaup
Market Research and Development Manager
New North, Inc.
(920) 336-3891
(920) 617-6073
ckaup@thenewnorth.com
###
0894, or e-mail nstechschulte@cityofsunprairie.com.
Additional Resources:
The New North, Inc.: http://www.thenewnorth.com
American Wind Energy Association: http://www.awea.org
Renew Wisconsin: http://www.renewwisconsin.org
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Wind Power Happy Hour to be Held in Sun Prairie
Thursday May 21, 2009
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The Cannery Grill
315 E. Linnerud Dr.
Downtown Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Presentation on the Wisconsin Wind Energy Supply Chain Directory project with networking to follow. Qualified companies interested in being part of this directory will be able to sign up at this event. No charge for the event for attendees who have RSVP'd, $10 at the door day of event. Contact Neil Stechschulte at (608) 825-0894 or by email by clicking here if you have any questions, or to RSVP (May 19th deadline) . Sponsored by Wave Wind LLC, WPPI Energy, Sun Prairie Water and Light, and Palmer Johnson Power Systems, and the Sun Prairie Economic Development Council.
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The Cannery Grill
315 E. Linnerud Dr.
Downtown Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Presentation on the Wisconsin Wind Energy Supply Chain Directory project with networking to follow. Qualified companies interested in being part of this directory will be able to sign up at this event. No charge for the event for attendees who have RSVP'd, $10 at the door day of event. Contact Neil Stechschulte at (608) 825-0894 or by email by clicking here if you have any questions, or to RSVP (May 19th deadline) . Sponsored by Wave Wind LLC, WPPI Energy, Sun Prairie Water and Light, and Palmer Johnson Power Systems, and the Sun Prairie Economic Development Council.
Monday, April 20, 2009
April Meeting Discusses Stimulus Package, Next Meeting Scheduled for May 21st
Our last meeting was held on the morning of Thursday April 16th at City Hall in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin due to a scheduling conflict at Market Street Diner. We had 11 attendees from six companies. Intense Engineering once again had the most attendees with three. We had several other RSVP's but the late notice due to the Easter holiday resulted in conflicts for several other attendees. Sounds like we could have a record crowd at our May meeting!
Company Spotlight
Services and Products include:
Phone: 608-834-1661
Address: 13 North Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
e-mail: Click here
Web: http://www.matrixpd.com/
Summary of Presentation Topic: Stimulus Package Q&A
Amy Young Cumblad, Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Liaison to the Office of Recovery and Reinvestment
Ms. Young Cumblad clarified that there really was no master list of projects to be funded, and that the Office of Recovery of Reinvestment is still very much in the process of determining how funds will be distributed--including through which programs. In addition, a large amount of the funding will be targeted towards public sector projects in infrastructure and weatherization to help create jobs. There currently is not any significant funding for the operation of private sector businesses. Private businesses wanting to take advantage of funding will likely have to be part of a larger project that is more directly connected to funding opportunities. Many of the energy related initiatives are efficiency based. Direct manufacture of energy related equipment is not directly part of the stimulus package funding.
One attendee noted that there was not a lot of specific program information yet on the Office of Recovery and Reinvestment website. However, there is an overview of relevant programs, and this will continue to be expanded as new programs unfold. Attendees were encouraged to check back often or to call for assistance.
Attendees were also reminded that there are existing programs ranging from grants and loans to tax credits that might be suited for projects with substantial investment or job creation.
For additional information, Ms. Young Cumblad can be reached through the following means:
Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Phone: (608) 266-2688
E-Mail: Click here
Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment
http://www.recovery.wi.gov/
Finally, attendees were encouraged to go through their local economic development offices for assistance in identifying potential resources to assist with business development projects.
Company Spotlight
Services and Products include:- Radio Frequency Identification (RFD) Tags and Readers
- Electronic Design Services
- Custom Design and Manufacture
- USB to RS485 converter
- Octopus + Cartridge Identification (Guaranteed Loyalty)
- WYZE-TEMP® Wireless Sensor
Phone: 608-834-1661
Address: 13 North Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
e-mail: Click here
Web: http://www.matrixpd.com/
Summary of Presentation Topic: Stimulus Package Q&A
Amy Young Cumblad, Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Liaison to the Office of Recovery and Reinvestment
Ms. Young Cumblad clarified that there really was no master list of projects to be funded, and that the Office of Recovery of Reinvestment is still very much in the process of determining how funds will be distributed--including through which programs. In addition, a large amount of the funding will be targeted towards public sector projects in infrastructure and weatherization to help create jobs. There currently is not any significant funding for the operation of private sector businesses. Private businesses wanting to take advantage of funding will likely have to be part of a larger project that is more directly connected to funding opportunities. Many of the energy related initiatives are efficiency based. Direct manufacture of energy related equipment is not directly part of the stimulus package funding.
One attendee noted that there was not a lot of specific program information yet on the Office of Recovery and Reinvestment website. However, there is an overview of relevant programs, and this will continue to be expanded as new programs unfold. Attendees were encouraged to check back often or to call for assistance.
Attendees were also reminded that there are existing programs ranging from grants and loans to tax credits that might be suited for projects with substantial investment or job creation.
For additional information, Ms. Young Cumblad can be reached through the following means:
Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Phone: (608) 266-2688
E-Mail: Click here
Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment
http://www.recovery.wi.gov/
Finally, attendees were encouraged to go through their local economic development offices for assistance in identifying potential resources to assist with business development projects.
Friday, March 20, 2009
First Meeting of the East Side High Tech Breakfast Network Held
Some Appreciation to Get Us Started
Special thanks to Lynne Chase (Market Street Diner) and her husband Kent (Intensive Engineering) for their efforts to get this meeting off the ground.
Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in the discussion. We had 11 attendees from 8 different companies. A great start for our first session!
Finally, thanks to Market Street Diner for the coffee, juice and pastries that made it a little easier to get up in the morning.
Recap
Our first meeting was held on the morning of Thursday March 19th at Market Street Diner in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. We had hoped that this would simply serve as a networking event that would allow participants to share information as they deemed appropriate. Truthfully, we didn't know what sort of reaction we would get to our concept. Participants quickly endorsed the idea of getting together on a regular basis, and even took it one step more and wanted us to provide some additional substance to each meeting. Based on direct input from our first attendees, we will be holding future meetings on a monthly basis--starting with the third Thursday of every month. One participating company will provide a 10 minute overview of their products and services to help familiarize the rest of us with their business. A speaker or speakers on a topic of choice by participants will be arranged for as requested by the group.
Starting next month, we'll be building a list of attendees with full contact information, so the conversations you start here can continue.
Participant Challenge
Bring a co-worker, a partner, a client, a customer, a supplier, or just someone you think would be interested in attending to the April meeting.
RSVP or Questions
Please give me a call at (608) 825-0894 or send me an e-mail if you plan on attending the April meeting. Looking forward to seeing everyone again next month.
Special thanks to Lynne Chase (Market Street Diner) and her husband Kent (Intensive Engineering) for their efforts to get this meeting off the ground.
Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in the discussion. We had 11 attendees from 8 different companies. A great start for our first session!
Finally, thanks to Market Street Diner for the coffee, juice and pastries that made it a little easier to get up in the morning.
Recap
Our first meeting was held on the morning of Thursday March 19th at Market Street Diner in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. We had hoped that this would simply serve as a networking event that would allow participants to share information as they deemed appropriate. Truthfully, we didn't know what sort of reaction we would get to our concept. Participants quickly endorsed the idea of getting together on a regular basis, and even took it one step more and wanted us to provide some additional substance to each meeting. Based on direct input from our first attendees, we will be holding future meetings on a monthly basis--starting with the third Thursday of every month. One participating company will provide a 10 minute overview of their products and services to help familiarize the rest of us with their business. A speaker or speakers on a topic of choice by participants will be arranged for as requested by the group.
Starting next month, we'll be building a list of attendees with full contact information, so the conversations you start here can continue.
Participant Challenge
Bring a co-worker, a partner, a client, a customer, a supplier, or just someone you think would be interested in attending to the April meeting.
RSVP or Questions
Please give me a call at (608) 825-0894 or send me an e-mail if you plan on attending the April meeting. Looking forward to seeing everyone again next month.
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