MADISON, December 11, 2012 – Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today announced the selection of the Fitchburg Technology Campus-Phase II (owned by Ruedebusch Development, LLC) and the DeForest Business Park as “Certified In Wisconsin” development-ready certified sites.
“This certification will help Fitchburg and DeForest attract new businesses to its community by it now having a certified development-ready location,” said Governor Walker. “This site certification tells businesses Wisconsin is working to make it easier to locate, expand or relocate in the state.”
A certified site is a development-ready site that has been reviewed and approved by WEDC as meeting certain development criteria. WEDC is utilizing Deloitte Consulting to evaluate sites that are determined ready for development and meet certification requirements. WEDC is expected to certify approximately 30 development-ready sites over the next three years.
“The site certification for Fitchburg and DeForest is a significant economic development tool to accelerate business start-up and growth,” said Reed Hall, interim WEDC secretary and CEO. “One of the keys to attracting new businesses to Wisconsin, or encouraging existing firms to choose the state as the site for significant expansion, is the ready availability of developable properties.”
Deloitte Consulting reviewed several elements of the site that included site size, availability of utility and transportation infrastructure, physical and technical condition, environmental assessments, quality of labor force and support by local communities. The certification provides businesses, consultants and developers with detailed information about the site.
WEDC, Fitchburg and DeForest will market the certified site through the Locate in Wisconsin website, www.LocateInWisconsin.com.
About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), formed in 2011 as a public-private entity, leads economic development efforts for the state and nurtures business growth and job creation by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. In addition to Wisconsin’s strong legacy industries of agriculture and manufacturing, recent growth has occurred in water technology, renewable energy, bio-sciences, health care, and food processing. In 2012 Wisconsin was ranked No. 20 in Chief Executive Magazine’s “Best States for Business” and No. 17 as a top state for business by CNBC. WEDC partners with 650 economic development organizations throughout Wisconsin to serve businesses looking to start, grow or relocate. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation, and international business development. Visit inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.
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