MADISON, WI (Oct. 21, 2009) - Governor Jim Doyle and members of his cabinet are scheduled to meet with business and community leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing northern Wisconsin during the Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit, Nov. 11-12 at Nicolet College in Rhinelander. The third annual summit is the work of seven state agencies to stimulate discussion of key issues to Northern Wisconsin including growing the economy, jobs and workforce development, technology, clean and renewable energy, small business development and invasive species.
“We need everyone with a stake in the future of Northern Wisconsin at the table to lay the critical groundwork required for long-term growth for this area of the state,” Governor Doyle said. “I encourage business leaders, organizations and officials to join my cabinet secretaries and take part in this worthwhile event and become part of the discussion of ideas and creative solutions.”
Thursday morning’s keynote presentation is on leveraging community philanthropy and turning it into an economic development strategy. Don Macke, Director of Practitioner Programs at the Rural Policy Research Institute’s (RUPRI) Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, will give the address for this notable topic.
Worker training, breaking into the export market, funding for clean energy, tourism product diversification and small business development are just a sample of the workshops available to attendees on Wednesday. A roundtable format on Thursday afternoon provides an opportunity to meet with state officials from the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Commerce, Department of Tourism, Department of Transportation, Public Service Commission, Office of Energy Independence, and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Registration and detailed agenda are now available online at www.northwoodssummit.com. Registration for the two-day summit is $69. The Best Western Claridge Motor Inn in downtown Rhinelander is offering a $62.00 per night group rate for attendees.
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