WEDA Wire – September 5, 2024

It’s been a tough decision, but I decided to retire from WEDA this summer. Leading WEDA has been the privilege of a lifetime. Watching my grandchildren grow from birth to the tween years has made me realize it’s time to focus more on my family and finally tackle some things I’ve put on the back burner.

When I took this role, I was determined to shift from a top-down culture to a member-driven one. We’ve turned our financial footing around, created numerous engaged working committees, and now many of you have shown interest in serving on committees and even on our board. We’ve also committed to equity for all our members and partners. These changes have been significant and have helped me decide to pass the torch now.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your dedication to making Wisconsin a great place to live and work, and for all we have accomplished together as a member-led organization. I take immense pride in seeing hundreds of you grow professionally through our economic development courses, conferences, and Academy series.

While I will miss the day-to-day interactions with our treasured members and generous investors, who are the lifeblood of WEDA, I won’t be a stranger. I look forward to seeing you at events next year and continuing our relationship.

As I enter this new chapter, I’m pleased to share that WEDA will be in good hands. We have a solid succession plan: Kathryn Berger will act as interim president and CEO and assist in onboarding our new president and CEO. Kathryn has been an invaluable member of our board, demonstrating exceptional leadership.

In closing, please continue the great work you do in your hometowns and pay it forward. WEDA is member-driven and needs your active participation to keep moving Wisconsin forward!

This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and you all will always hold a special place in my heart—so I’m not saying “goodbye” but rather “see you later.”

As always, have a super great Wisconsin day!

I hope this message finds you well! Fall is almost upon us, and with it, the WEDA Fall Best Practices Conference is just around the corner. This annual event is always an exciting opportunity for us to gather, share insights, and reconnect. I look forward to seeing many of you in Eau Claire from September 25-27!

I have one simple request—please join us and consider inviting a new colleague. Each year, we hear about the value of networking opportunities, and we want to continue fostering those meaningful connections. Help us spread the word and encourage others to experience the benefits of being part of WEDA.

I am also thrilled to announce the launch of ED WOW—Economic Development Women of Wisconsin! This new initiative will provide a space for women in our field to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Our first gathering will be held over lunch on Wednesday at noon during the conference, and I would love to have a great group meet up to kick off the conference activities.

The WEDA Fall Best Practices Conference will feature engaging sessions and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to stay on the cutting edge of our industry, so don’t miss out—register today! I look forward to seeing you in Eau Claire!

Warm regards~Melissa

Dear WEDA Members,

I’m honored to step into the role of Interim President and CEO of WEDA, starting on July 15. For the first three weeks, I had the privilege of working alongside our outgoing President and CEO, Mary, who has been instrumental in making WEDA a leader in economic development. Mary leaves WEDA in a strong position, with a solid foundation, vibrant membership, and outstanding educational and networking opportunities. We are grateful for her leadership and wish her the best in retirement. Thankfully, this is just a “see you soon,” as we look forward to welcoming Mary back as a retired member at future events. 

 As Interim President and CEO, I’m excited to lead our talented team in implementing upcoming programs, advancing strategic partnerships, and setting the stage for our next leader. Our mission remains clear: to elevate economic development across Wisconsin and deliver exceptional value to our members. 

Please join me in thanking outgoing board members Carol Roth and Aaron White for their dedicated service. In addition, we’re thrilled to welcome new board directors Lance Walter, SVP of Marketing at WBD Inc., and Jess Wildes, Assistant City Administrator of West Bend. Their expertise and fresh perspectives will be invaluable as we take WEDA into its second half-century. 

We encourage members to join one of our committees, a great path to board membership. Your participation is key to keeping WEDA strong and dynamic! 

Planning for the 2025 Governor’s Conference (February 5-7, 2025, in Milwaukee) is already underway. The RFP for workshops and presentations is out (due September 20), and the planning committee has met. What session would you like to put together? 

 If you have any questions or want to get more involved, call me at 414.865.9431 or email me at president@weda.org. 

 Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you in Eau Claire! 

By WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes

Fiscal year 2024, which just drew to a close, was a banner year for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and our economy. Over the last 12 months we saw $2.4 billion in planned capital investments by state businesses, $100 million in new funding for entrepreneurs, and more than $33 million to strengthen communities throughout Wisconsin.

Our state is making record investments in our communities, our workers, and the types of innovation that will continue to put Wisconsin in the lead for generations. Businesses can see we’re committed to building an economy for all—where everyone has the opportunity to thrive—and they want to be part of it.

Planned investments by businesses moving to or expanding in Wisconsin reached $2.4 billion in FY24, the highest level since WEDC was created more than a decade ago. The businesses expect to create nearly 5,000 new high-paying jobs when the projects are completed.

We’re seeing growth in every part of the state, such as:

• Kikkoman Foods’ $800 million expansion in Jefferson and Walworth counties,
• Y. McDonald’s $340 million construction in Dickeyville and Kieler,
• Charter Next Generation’s $270 million growth in Milton,
• Kwik Trip’s $95 million investments statewide, including in Deerfield and La Crosse,
• And Sartori Cheese’s $60 million expansion of its production facilities in Plymouth and Antigo, plus many more.

WEDC supported these and other projects with $62 million in performance-based tax credits, which works out to about $40 in business investment for every $1 in state assistance. That’s a solid return for Wisconsin taxpayers.

Those figures don’t include many other major private-sector investments, such as Microsoft’s planned $3.3 billion data center in Mount Pleasant, Eli Lilly’s purchase of Nexus Pharmaceuticals in Mount Pleasant, or Asahi’s purchase of Octopi Brewing in Waunakee—all of which are keeping our state’s economy humming.

While this is great news for the present, we’re also taking steps to ensure the next generation of Wisconsin businesses get the financial backing they need.

In another record, WEDC this spring launched the $100 million Wisconsin Investment Fund—the largest public-private investment partnership in state history. The Fund will initially match $50 million in federal funds with at least $50 million in private money to support cutting-edge businesses.

About one-fourth of the Fund’s initial investments will be aimed at Wisconsin’s biohealth and biotechnology industry. This will build on the $49 million the state will receive for its designation as one of 12 national Regional Technology Hubs by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

However, smart investing also means ensuring Wisconsin is a place where businesses want to locate and grow—and where families want to live, work, and raise their families. Strong communities are essential to those efforts.

In FY24, WEDC assisted a record 131 communities through its Main Street and Connect Communities programs, and provided more than $33 million in grants and other funding support workforce housing, child care, and downtown redevelopment projects.

From Superior to Kenosha and Sheboygan to Hudson, there’s a feeling that Wisconsin is having a moment. What we’re really experiencing though is momentum—because the strategic investments we’re making in our state will propel us forward for years to come.

CEDA Celebrates the Success of Economic Development Across Wisconsin

Finalists for the 2024 Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA) were announced today by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA). The CEDA Awards were established by WEDA to recognize and celebrate businesses, projects, organizations, and communities that are making significant contributions to Wisconsin’s economy.

“The WEDA Community and Economic Development Awards is the state’s leading awards program for the economic development community and was established to recognize outstanding and innovative projects that are driving economic growth and prosperity across Wisconsin,” said interim WEDA President and CEO Kathryn Berger. “The Eau Claire community, which is a tremendous example of economic development success, is a perfect location to serve as the backdrop for the CEDA Awards as we celebrate the impressive achievements of each finalist.”

Three economic development projects or programs were selected in each of the four following CEDA categories: Business Retention and Expansion; Community Impact; Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse; and Talent Attraction, Development, and Retention. The winners in each category will be announced at the CEDA Awards ceremony luncheon, which will be held on Thursday, September 26, as part of WEDA’s Fall Best Practices Conference in Eau Claire, WI.

Listed below are the recently announced 2024 CEDA Award finalists in each category:

Business Retention and Expansion – This award recognizes a single economic development project in which a community successfully mobilized to retain and/or expand an existing business of great importance to the community. Nominations should demonstrate extensive cross-community collaboration, innovation, and responsiveness to the business in bringing the project to fruition.

• Encompass Early Education and Care (City of Oconto Falls)
• STI Holdings Inc. – Stoughton Trailers (City of Stoughton)
• BOH Electronics (City of River Falls)

Community Impact – This award recognizes innovation in community development that promotes and advances health and economic prosperity in Wisconsin communities. Nominations should demonstrate how a program, project, or initiative meet at least one of the following: Development or expansion of the community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem; development of quality placemaking or place keeping initiatives; redevelopment of blighted buildings into a project that has revitalized the community; or development of downtown or main street workforce housing.

• City of Monona
• Gays Mills Uptown Development (Village of Gays Mills)
• Green County Home Construction Cooperative

Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse – This award recognizes innovative real estate redevelopment or reuse projects that demonstrate measurable and quantitative impact on employment and tax base, as well as sustainability measures, such as conservation of energy and water. Nominations should provide details as to why the project will/has served as a catalyst for economic and community development efforts. It should also demonstrate an innovative approach to development.

• Brooke Street Lofts (City of Fond du Lac)
• The District – West Bend
• Market on River (City of Chippewa Falls)

Talent Attraction, Development, and Retention – This award recognizes initiatives or programs that can document successful talent attraction, development, and retention outcomes. Nominations should identify how the program or initiative provided a strategic and innovative approach to meet one or more of following goals: Strengthening the skills of the workforce; talent attraction and retention; integration and alignment of economic and workforce development activities; diversity and inclusion; and addressing barriers to employment such as childcare, housing, and transportation.

• The New North Talent Campaigns (Northeast Wisconsin)
• Growing Lancaster (City of Lancaster)
• Great Pinery Heritage Waterway Trail (Central Wisconsin)

CLICK HERE to read a detailed overview of each nominated projects in all four CEDA categories.

Nominated projects were screened and selected by an impartial panel of judges comprised of key WEDA members and partners. The independent panel reviewed many projects that were submitted for consideration, but the 12 finalists were ultimately selected based on the significant economic impact each project has on its respective community or region.

The 2024 CEDA Awards would not be possible without the support of WEDA’s generous partners and sponsors, including the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation; Alliant Energy; First Ring Industrial Redevelopment Enterprise; Dairyland; Madison Gas & Electric; US Bank; the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute; and Xcel Energy.

As we all know, time flies… and before we know it, the leaves will begin to fall, and the calendar will flip over to 2025. With that in mind, it is not too early to start thinking about WEDA legislative advocacy efforts in the 2025-26 session. More specifically, it is the perfect time to SAVE THE DATE for the 2025 WEDA Legislative Day, which will be held in Madison on Wed., March 26. This FREE, one-day event offers WEDA members a tremendous opportunity to advocate for legislative initiatives that advance economic development and promote growth across Wisconsin.

Please be sure to mark your calendar and plan to attend WEDA Legislative Day on March 26, where you will network with other WEDA members, learn about key WEDA legislative initiatives, participate in policy briefings and advocacy training, and meet with your state lawmakers in the State Capitol to educate them on critical economic development issues.

As you know, public policy decisions made at the Capitol have a significant impact on the Wisconsin economy, so your participation at 2025 WEDA Legislative Day is critical. Registration will open soon, Stay tuned…

WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes announced WEDC is launching a new round of Vibrant Spaces grants for communities to beautify and enhance little-used spaces in their downtowns.

The Vibrant Spaces Grant Program allows municipalities to apply for grants between $25,000 and $50,000. Proposals will be evaluated based on their ability to create visible and pedestrian-oriented public spaces that attract and accommodate groups and activities and benefit nearby businesses and the community.

The application period opens Sept. 16 and the deadline to submit applications is Dec. 9. Awards will be announced in April 2025. Communities that received grants in 2023 are not eligible to apply for this round of funding. Details on previously funded projects can be found here.

More information is available on the WEDC website. WEDC is also hosting an introductory webinar Sept. 13. Details are available here.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM

WEDC also recently announced the creation of a new program that aims to support small businesses in the state of Wisconsin by encouraging initiatives that offer these businesses increased access to capital. The Small Business Development Grant (SBDG) Program will offer financial incentives for communities and organizations to develop innovative programs that directly support small businesses and small business creation. CLICK HERE for more information.

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law the Business Development Tax Credit Modernization Act ( AB 627 – now 2023 WI Act 143 ), which was one of WEDA’s top legislative priorities for the session. The bill modernizes Wisconsin’s Business Development Tax Credit (BTC) to align it with current economic relations. More specifically, the legislation changed the BTC from a job creation-centered incentive to more of a capital expenditure-focused program.

We are pleased to report WEDC has updated the BTC guidelines to reflect the recently passed legislation, which gives businesses more flexibility to respond to current market conditions.

The changes include:

• Allowing businesses to qualify for BTC incentives by making qualified capital expenditures, without any job creation requirements. Previously, in order to qualify for these refundable, performance-based tax credits, an eligible business needed to increase its employee head count in Wisconsin for each year of the contract term. Under the updated program guidelines, businesses can earn tax credits for capital investment as long as they do not decrease their Wisconsin employee head count. This change enables businesses to invest in real property and equipment while maintaining and upskilling their Wisconsin workforce.
• Providing a new incentive to encourage the creation of workforce housing and childcare. A BTC award package can now include tax credits for up to 15% of the value of the capital investments a company makes for these purposes.
• Reducing the minimum amount of capital investment needed to qualify for the BTC Program from $1 million to $250,000, helping make the program accessible for smaller businesses.

The changes apply to any tax credit project certified on or after Jan. 1, 2024.

CLICK HERE to review the new guidelines.

Let’s Make Housing Happen:  Opening Doors for All

October 11 I Fluno Center I University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus

Register today to secure your spot at the 2024 Wisconsin Real Estate and Economic Outlook Conference! Connect with over 150 professionals to explore the most important issues shaping the housing, real estate and banking industries today. Hear from insights and analysis from experts from the public and private sectors who are on the front lines of real estate and housing market research, policy, and practice. This conference typically sells out so register soon if you plan to attend.   Last year’s conference sold out so register soon!

CLICK HERE for more information.

Check out the latest job opportunities in the economic development field on the WEDA Job Board:

• Digital Marketing Director – Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
• Solar For All Director – Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
• Economic Development and Zoning Director – City of Tomah
• Community Development Coordinator – City of River Falls
• Civil Engineer – USDA Rural Development
• Business Development Specialist – Northwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

Please CLICK HERE to view job descriptions.