I am delighted to introduce the new look of "The Flash" monthly newsletter. I hope you'll find it visually-appealing and informative. I welcome your comments and thoughts about the new look.

We are (finally!) heading into summer with June upon us. It is the last month of our fiscal year and it will be a busy one that includes a major industry marketing event and extensive planning for the coming year.

Later this month, the Forward Wisconsin Board of Directors will be meeting to approve our 2005-06 budget and marketing plan - and we will be finishing the year strong with a large Wisconsin marketing effort at BIO 2006 in Philly. I appreciate your ongoing support and interest.

For the sixth straight year, Wisconsin will showoff its biotech industry assets at the world's largest life science event. BIO 2005 will take place from June 19-22 in Philadelphia and the Badger State will send several dozen representatives seeking business investment, direct sales and strategic partnerships.

Forward Wisconsin has helped facilitate a working committee for the past several months - made up of industry, economic development and educational leaders - that is spearheading the state marketing effort. The initiative includes a 14-space Wisconsin exhibit pavilion.

If the number of CEO appointments scheduled on the annual Chicago marketing mission are any indication, Wisconsin economy is back as strong as ever after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Forward Wisconsin's May 10-12 prospecting event generated over 60 face-to-face meetings with business executives interested in Wisconsin - nearly double the 2002, 2003 or 2004 totals.

Thirteen Wisconsin officials pitched in to make the appointments. The Forward Wisconsin team members are primarily economic development professionals from across the Badger State interested in both promoting Wisconsin and their region or community.

The appointments were the result of a three-month effort that included obtaining a qualified mailing list of Chicago area CEOs in targeted industries, and sending a personal invitation letter from Forward Wisconsin Chairman Governor Doyle to over 3,500 business executives. The letters were mailed in April to generate interest in scheduling meetings and were followed by an intensive phone initiative that secured appointments during the two-day trip.

Senator Jeff Plale has been appointed to the Forward Wisconsin Board of Directors - but that isn't anything new or maybe it is now that he is in the Senate. The South Milwaukee Democrat served previously on the Board and Executive Committee for several years when he was in the Assembly. Welcome back to the Board, Senator Plale!