Signals Focus -- 6.28.07

Governor Doyle to lead trade mission to Japan and China

Governor Doyle will lead a delegation of Wisconsin business and governmental leaders to China and Japan from September 7 to 18, 2007. The trade mission will provide participants with opportunities to meet with potential distributors, customers, and key business and government officials. The mission will be in Tokyo from September 7 to 11, 2007 to coincide with the U.S. Midwest - Japan Conference, which promotes bilateral trade between our region and Japan. Then, the mission will travel to Shanghai, Beijing, and Ningbo, China from September 12 to 18, 2007. China is Wisconsin's fastest growing export market and the third largest export market overall. For 2006, Wisconsin exports to China totaled $870 million, representing a 29% increase over 2005. Japan is our fourth largest export market with $739 million exported there in 2006. Find out more here.

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Ready Set Go! Positioning your small community for success.

Alliant Energy is offering a highly-interactive, one-day economic development workshop for elected officials and community and business leaders in smaller communities. The program will be held on October 2, 2007, at UW-Fond du Lac. Through an interactive process, workshop attendees will look at the challenges and trends facing smaller communities; evaluate their community; and determine actions to shape a thriving future for their community.

The workshop facilitator will be David Beurle, founder and managing director of Innovative Leadership Australia, a company specializing in rural leadership and innovative rural community economic development. Beurle’s mission is to bring the tools and skills necessary for success to the people who care the most — those who choose to make rural communities and regions their home. He will share his passion for teaching communities how to reinvent themselves and create vibrant and prosperous regions.

Welcoming remarks will be given by Barb Swan, executive vice president and general counsel–Regulatory and Government Relations, or John Kratchmer, vice president – Customer Operations for Alliant Energy, who will provide updates on the energy industry and what’s happening at Alliant Energy. They will specifically address plans for new generation and the company’s commitment to economic development. Time will also be allowed for questions and answers.

The early registration fee is $25 per individual, including lunch and workshop materials. Receive a discounted rate of $20 if two or more individuals register as a community team. For more details and to register, click here or send e-mail to julieruehle@alliantenergy.com.

Free Marketing Assistance Available

Are you interested in developing a formal Marketing Plan for your small to medium-sized business?  If so, junior and senior marketing students from Marian College may be willing to write one at no cost to you.

As an assigned class project for their Marketing Management course, teams of three to four students are required to write a Marketing Plan for a local business or organization.  Several volunteer organizations are needed to participate from the Fond du Lac area (preferably within 15 minutes of the Marian College campus.)  There is no cost to the business except for the time needed for three two-hour meetings to talk with students between the beginning of October when the project starts and the end of November when the written plans are due.  In return, you will gain new insights into your business and receive a formal copy of their Marketing Plan.

If you would like your business or organization to be considered for this project, call Bill Albrecht, at (920) 923-8107.

The mission of Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, a county-wide private/public partnership, is to improve the economic well being of the businesses, communities, and residents of the county via business attraction activities, existing business development, entrepreneurial services, community preparedness and consultation and workforce development.