MADISON, Wis. May 16, 2013 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is seeking Wisconsin companies to participate in a global trade venture to South America September 8-17. The goal of this trip is to assist small to medium-sized companies from Wisconsin export products and services to this exciting market.

The trade venture will focus on Bogotá, Colombia; Santiago, Chile and São Paulo, Brazil. Trade venture participants benefit from market briefings and can contract for product specific market assessments and business development meetings in those countries. Companies offering manufactured, agricultural or service products for export are strongly encouraged to participate.  International business service providers seeking to further their market knowledge and contacts are also welcome. Grant funding is available for qualifying companies.

WEDC is partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to recruit and support agriculture companies, and the Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLG) as logistical organizers of this multi-state trade venture.

Wisconsin companies shipped over $1.23 billion in products in 2012 to Colombia, Brazil and Chile, making up over six percent of total exports. There are similarities in terms of the industry sector and product opportunities between the three countries.  Young and growing populations, an expanding middle class, stable economic and political climate, significant investment in infrastructure and a preference for US made products make these economies the strongest in the region and offer the best opportunities.

For more information on the trade venture to South America, contact Mark Rhoda-Reis, WEDC Market Development Director, 608-210-6757, Mark.RhodaReis@WEDC.org, or Ashwini Rao, DATCP International Economic Development Consultant, 608-224-5119, Ashwini.Rao@wisconsin.gov.

Learn more about the trade mission at www.inwisconsin.com/southamerica.

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Madison, Wis. May 13, 2013 – Governor Scott Walker announced today that five inner-city Milwaukee entrepreneurs will get startup business model training, mentorship, and funding through a seed accelerator program.  The new program, called “Revolution Labs,” is being launched with support by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) through Governor Walker’s Transform Milwaukee initiative.

“Revolution Labs addresses the significant need to develop successful startups in the community in order to reduce unemployment and create an entrepreneurial culture,” said Governor Walker.  “This program will connect five startups with an experienced team of Milwaukee-based entrepreneurs to provide hands-on business model training and mentorship.”

Revolution Labs will be managed by VETransfer, a nonprofit organization that currently runs the VictorySpark accelerator program for veteran entrepreneurs.  WEDC and WHEDA are each providing $50,000 to launch the program.  VETransfer will provide its nationally recognized program, support the administration of funding, provide mentorship, and offer dedicated space and access to the collaborative community of start-ups at its Milwaukee location.

“WHEDA is delighted to invest in Revolution Labs as part of Transform Milwaukee, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to work with emerging startups to revitalize the economy of Wisconsin’s first-class city,” said WHEDA Executive Director Wyman Winston.  “The entrepreneur seed accelerator will cultivate new companies, new job generators, and begin the process of creating economic prosperity in Milwaukee’s inner city.”

The pilot program is slated to run June 1 through August 31 with an initial class of five startups from the inner-city of Milwaukee.  The VETransfer team is joined by co-founder Justice Shorter, a Marquette University graduate with a specialization in entrepreneurship and president of her own startup company which provides consulting services for non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses.  The team is working with its connections in the community, including local minority chambers of commerce, to recruit applicants to the program.

“We believe the best method for changing the economic situation in the inner-city of Milwaukee is to increase the number of high quality startups,” said Shorter.  “A recent study of the Goldwater Institute found that for every one percentage point increase in the rate of entrepreneurship in a state, there is a two percent drop in that state’s poverty rate.”

Revolution Labs will implement a curriculum designed around the Lean Startup methodology developed by entrepreneur Steve Blank.  The program teaches best practices in launching a business and emphasizes performance milestones throughout the program.  Founders will have occasional opportunities to present their startups to potential investors, including a “Demo Day” event near the conclusion of the program.

Each startup that successfully completes the program will receive a $10,000 grant after making a final presentation to Revolution Labs’ managing directors and submitting a grant request form.

“WEDC is excited to support the first local seed accelerator program designed specifically for Milwaukee’s inner city,” said Lisa Johnson, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.  “Revolution Labs is a vital component to advance a culture of entrepreneurship and opportunity for long-term business creation and job growth in the community.”

“Transform Milwaukee is about fresh hope for good jobs in a renewed urban economy.  It’s about transforming Milwaukee into a new generator of small business and employment success, knowing as we do that many of Wisconsin’s companies started as one man or woman’s raw idea while sitting at their kitchen table or garage workbench,” explained Eloise Anderson, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF).  “Mentoring and supporting entrepreneurs is about believing in the American dream and backing it with more than just talk.”

The seed accelerator model for entrepreneurial development is designed to increase the outcomes for sustainability and growth of startup companies.  In a seed accelerator, classes of entrepreneurial teams enroll in a defined program over a certain period of time.  Participants are provided with small amounts of financing, experienced hands-on mentorship, educational programming, visibility to investors and other resources, along with processes for market and customer validation, and for developing and testing the commercial viability of an idea.

More information about Transform Milwaukee is available here.

About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development. Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.

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Madison, Wis. May 7, 2013 – Chief Executive magazine today announced Wisconsin ranks 17^th on its “Best/Worst States for Business 2013” survey, the third consecutive year Wisconsin has improved its position among the nation’s best states for business.  Wisconsin improved three places from 20^th in 2012, and it recently saw the largest gain of any state in the history of the survey, moving 17 places from the bottom 10, from 41^st in 2010 to 24^th in 2011.

“Since taking office in 2011, my number one goal has been to help the private sector create jobs by establishing a favorable climate for economic growth,” Governor Scott Walker said.  “This three-year increase in ranking continues to show our economy is better off than it was a few years ago, and Wisconsin is on track to becoming one of America’s best states for business.”

Chief Executive magazine notes Wisconsin is moving in a positive direction declaring “Gov. Walker’s reelection was positive signal business leaders were seeking.”

Below is an excerpt from the report:

More and more states are getting the pro-growth message. Wisconsin governor Scott Walker’s position is typical of this new thinking.  “I’ve never seen a store get more customers by raising its prices, but I’ve seen customers knock down doors when they cut prices,” he says.

Read the Full Report: Chief Executive’s Best/Worst States for Business 2013

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NOTE: Go to end of story to watch video of each company.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. May 7, 2013 – Three Wisconsin companies were recognized today with the Governor’s Export Achievement Award to highlight their growth in global business development.

Prolitec in Milwaukee, Johnsonville Sausage in Sheboygan Falls and Power Test in Sussex were presented the Export Achievement Award at the 49th annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee.

“These three Wisconsin-based companies have achieved extraordinary results in international markets, maintaining a commitment to Wisconsin’s economic and job growth opportunities,” Governor Walker said. “All three companies have contributed to Wisconsin’s success in expanding our global business footprint.”

The Governor’s Export Achievement Awards highlight businesses that have achieved significant growth or implemented innovative strategies. The award is promoted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

About Prolitec
Prolitec produces computer-controlled scent delivery systems to enhance indoor air quality by creating attractive interior atmospheres or extend brand identity and eliminate odors. Clients served include retail stores, shopping malls, hotels, spas, fitness centers, casinos, assisted living communities, hospitals, clinics, theatres, airports, cruise ships, commercial buildings and offices, parking garages, and compaction centers. The company serves over 40,000 installed locations in 73 countries.

The firm began its push into international markets in late 2008, starting in Canada, select European countries, and Japan. By the end of 2010, international exports had grown to be about 20% of the firm’s overall business. In 2011 exports doubled and they increased a further 60% in 2012. Prolitec credits the ExporTech program of WMEP and WEDC with helping craft sales plans that anticipated exports accounting for roughly 65% of total company sales by the end of 2013.

About Johnsonville Sausage
Johnsonville Sausage started as a butcher shop opened by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer in 1954. Today, Johnsonville is the most popular brand of sausage in the United States and is available in 30 additional countries. The company employs approximately 1,400 people worldwide (920 in Wisconsin).

Johnsonville’s global expansion began in the 1990’s at the request of a customer who grew up in Kenosha but wanted to enjoy Johnsonville Sausage while living in Hong Kong. Johnsonville’s sausage is now exported to more than 30 countries including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and other Asian markets. Export sales have increased 87% since 2009, with double-digit growth in each of the past three years – 20% of Johnsonville’s total sales growth during this period was due to export sales.

About Power Test
For 37 years, Power Test Inc. has designed, manufactured, and marketed dynamometers, heavy equipment testing systems, and related data acquisition and control systems to manufacturers, rebuilding facilities and distributors in the mining, power generation, marine, trucking, construction and military sectors. These products are used to test vehicle engines, transmissions, hydraulic pumps, motors, cylinders and valves; calculate power output; and diagnose problems.

Infrastructure expansion such as new highways, railroads, airports, and water systems as well as mining and power generation projects are increasing demand for Power Test products around the world. The company’s products have been shipped to nearly 100 countries. Over the past three years Power Test total sales increased by 107% while export sales increased 146%. Export sales now make up 43% of the company’s revenue. Power Test Inc. is highly committed to using Wisconsin companies as primary vendors for the company. Approximately two thirds of all component parts of the Power Test Inc. products come from Wisconsin manufacturers and distributors.

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 About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development. Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.

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MADISON, Wis. May 7, 2013 – The Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) and United Natural Foods, Inc., today held a groundbreaking of the company’s new 425,000 square foot distribution and warehouse facility in the Village of Sturtevant, which is expected to bring 220 new, full-time positions to the region.

Reed Hall, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) secretary and chief executive officer, stated, “This groundbreaking is the culmination of an impressive effort to attract UNFI to the Village of Sturtevant. It reflects on the strong collaboration between local, county, regional and state economic development partners to support business expansion in Wisconsin.”

Situated near Racine, the new facility will serve as a distribution hub for retailers in the Midwest Region of the United States. Strategically, the Wisconsin facility extends the company’s focus on enhancing efficiencies, improving productivity through “best in class” warehousing and inventory control systems, lowering operating costs in its distribution network and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“UNFI is pleased to partner with the State of Wisconsin and the Village of Sturtevant to expand our operations here in the Midwest,” said Sean Griffin, UNFI’s Group President. “We feel Sturtevant is the optimal location for us to better service our customers and increase our operational efficiencies while reducing our costs and emissions. We look forward to growing together with this great community.”

The Village of Sturtevant and Racine County proved successful in recruiting UNFI by meeting all the company’s project requirements: a fully serviced site in the interstate corridor, a ready and available workforce, and a competitive incentive package.

In conjunction with UNFI’s goal of making natural and healthy products available to everyone, the business strives to have the lowest possible impact on the environment. As part of its commitment to Green Initiatives, the Company plans to pursue LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for this distribution facility once operations commence. LEED® is a third party certification program and a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

About United Natural Foods
United Natural Foods, Inc. carries and distributes more than 65,000 products to more than 27,000 customer locations throughout the United States and Canada. The company serves a wide variety of retail formats including conventional supermarket chains, natural product superstores, independent retail operators and the food service channel. United Natural Foods, Inc. was ranked by Fortune in 2006 – 2010 and 2012 as one of its “Most Admired Companies,” winner of the Supermarket News 2008 Sustainability Excellence Award, recognized by the Nutrition Business Journal for its 2009 Environment and Sustainability Award and chosen by Food Logistics Magazine as one of its 2012 Top 20 Green Providers.

For more information on United Natural Foods, Inc., visit the company’s website at www.unfi.com. Click here to read the economic development case study prepared by WEDC of United Natural Foods, Inc.

For more information on Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation go to www.inwisconsin.com, or Racine County programs, contact Jenny Trick at the Racine County Economic Development Corporation at jtrick@racinecountyedc.org, (262) 898-7424.

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MADISON, May 6, 2013 – AptarGroup, Inc., Mukwonago, Wis., has committed to a further investment of approximately $50 million at its 290,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Mukwonago.

The company has already begun with over $3 million in additional research and development expenditures since the program announcement as well as approximately $2 million of investment to upgrade its plant and capacity expansion opportunities.  Additionally, the company is in the process of a worldwide SAP systems upgrade.  Implementation at Mukwonago is to occur during the third quarter of this year.  This will expand the Mukwonago location’s ability to share harmonized system processes and key data on a global basis.

Steve Hagge, President & Chief Executive Officer of AptarGroup commented, “Our facility in Mukwonago has continually been an important location for our regional and global business, not only as a manufacturing plant, but also as a hub for our research and development activities.  Our continuous investment in this facility also recognizes the important contributions made by our employees in Mukwonago to our innovation, quality, and customer service.”

Over the next three years, the company will acquire new manufacturing equipment and invest in research and development to maintain improved efficiencies at its Mukwonago facility. The investment will help retain 424 jobs in Waukesha County. In July, 2012, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) made Aptar eligible for up to $2.3 million in tax credits to support the project.

“AptarGroup’s investment to support its facility in Mukwonago speaks to the commitment by the company to maintain its footprint in Wisconsin as part of its global presence,” said Reed E. Hall, secretary and CEO of WEDC.

AptarGroup is a leading global supplier of a broad range of innovative dispensing systems for the beauty, personal care, home care, pharmaceutical, food, and beverage markets. AptarGroup provides value-added dispensing systems to global consumer product marketers. The company is present in 19 different countries with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia and South America.

About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development. Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.

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MADISON, April 26, 2013 – Infinity Wood Floors, LLC, Crandon, Wis., has firmly established its footing after opening its northern hardwood flooring manufacturing operation in January with strong economic development partner support.

“This region is blessed with a quality work force that has the ability to take northern hardwoods and transform them into world-class flooring products demanded worldwide,” said Infinity Wood Floor President Patrick Tallier. “I have been able to tap into my decades of experience and employ that knowledge right here in my own manufacturing facility in Forest County.”

“Infinity Wood Floors is not only providing jobs as part of its startup, but is directly providing additional economic opportunities for local trucking and logging businesses,” said Reed Hall, secretary and chief executive officer of WEDC. “The company is leveraging the assets of our northern forests and local talent to provide a high quality product throughout the United States and Canada.”

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is providing a $150,000 loan to assist in the expansion. The loan from WEDC is a seven-year loan, with requirements for job creation and job retention. Infinity Wood Floors is also taking part in the export strategy development program called ExporTech™ provided by WEDC in partnership with Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) and the Northwest Wisconsin Manufacturing Outreach Center.

UW-Green Bay Small Business Development Center provided business planning directions and benefited from assistance provided by the Forest County Economic Development Partnership, the City of Crandon and the Small Business Administration.

The nearly $2.4 million investment by Infinity Wood Floors to get the company off the ground earlier this year includes leasing a building in the Crandon Industrial Park, purchasing milling equipment and providing working capital. The company is committed to creating 50 new full-time positions as part of its startup and expansion.

Infinity was started in early 2012 by owner Tallier as a wood flooring marketing company. The company produces solid unfinished strip and micro-beveled prefinished strip flooring from northern Wisconsin species including hard maple, red oak, white oak, yellow birch, red birch, ash, walnut, cherry and hickory.

About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development. Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.

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MADISON, April 26, 2013 – Double K (trade name Hometown Trolley), Crandon, Wis., has completed a 20,000-square-foot expansion of its production area and added equipment that will allow the company to double its workforce.

“We outgrew our old building several years ago, and with our new low-floor models and full electric trolley project, it became clear that to follow through with the growth of our company, our only option was to move into a larger facility to efficiently expand and organize our production process,” said Kristina Pence-Dunow, chief executive officer of Hometown Trolley.

“This is a significant investment by Double K for northern Wisconsin’s economy,” said Reed Hall, secretary and chief executive officer of WEDC. “We are pleased to be a partner to help Double K expand in Wisconsin so it can continue to make trolleys for use in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Central America and South America.”

The project consisted of purchasing an existing 14,000-square-foot building and adding production and office space. Along with adding new equipment, Double K will move its paint booth from the old building to the new building.

This more than $800,000 expansion will allow the company to create 27 new positions at this location.  The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is providing a $200,000 loan to assist in the expansion.

Hometown Trolley produces trackless trolley buses for public and private transportation. Several models are available, including a front engine model named the Villager and a rear engine model, Mainstreet. The newest product will be in high demand for heavy transit areas with major transit agencies. Hometown Trolley is also innovative in providing the flexibility to operate buses on several standard or alternative fuels including diesel, gasoline, compressed natural gas, LP and full electric.

In January, Hometown Trolley was awarded a $2.6 million contract with the City of Alpena, Mich., to build new fully electric trolleys over the next two years. The company is also completing a trolley for delivery to Discovery Coach in Sheboygan

The loan from WEDC is a ten-year loan, with requirements for job creation and job retention.

About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development. Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.

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MADISON, Wis. April 22, 2013 – Wisconsin’s bioscience industry strengths will be on display at the Wisconsin pavilion at the BIO International Convention in Chicago, April 22-25, 2013. More than 50 Wisconsin companies and associations are attending this year’s convention.

This year’s Wisconsin pavilion is coordinated by BioForward, Wisconsin’s association that represents the state’s bioscience industry, which includes 600 bioscience-related businesses. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is providing branding and logistical support to the event. The Wisconsin pavilion promotes the assets of Wisconsin’s bioscience sector using the “In Wisconsin” brand established by WEDC in September 2012, which creates a common platform for marketing the state’s many economic assets.

“The world is paying attention to what we’re doing in Wisconsin,” said Brian Renk, executive director of BioForward. “Wisconsin’s biotechnology industry is diverse and growing. We have some of the strongest international leadership and research and development assets in the world.”

The BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech, offers key networking and partnering opportunities, and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry.

“BIO provides an excellent forum for Wisconsin to brag about our strengths,” said Lisa Johnson, vice president of Entrepreneurship and Innovation with WEDC. “The convention provides business partnering that you rarely can achieve at any other conference. It is also a matching event for young startups—emerging growth companies to interact with the larger life science companies.”

According to the 2012 Battelle/BIO State Bioscience Industry Development report, Wisconsin has one of the nation’s healthiest, fastest growing bioscience sectors over the last several years. The report showed that Wisconsin’s biosciences industry’s 1,366 businesses employed nearly 31,000 people in 2010, with annual average wages ranging from $54,822 in agricultural feedstock and chemicals, to $79,409 in the medical devices and equipment sector.

About BioForward
BioForward is the member-driven state association that is the voice of Wisconsin’s bioscience industry and a state chapter of the national Biotechnology Industry Organization. They advocate actively on their members’ behalf for public policy that supports the industry and provide a variety of opportunities for connections to funding, partners, customers, and employers and employees through events and online resources.

About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development. Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.

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