On September 26, Governor Doyle unveiled his new economic development plan for the state - appropriately named the 2005 Grow Wisconsin Agenda. The plan includes many positive proposals to enhance the state's economy and it builds upon the successful Grow Wisconsin plan that was introduced two years ago. Generating the most excitement among the Forward Wisconsin Board of Directors and staff is a proposal within the plan to increase state funding to Forward Wisconsin by $590,000 in 2006-07.

We're looking forward to working with our four legislative board members, their colleagues in the Legislature and Governor Doyle in making this additional funding for Forward Wisconsin a reality. We're all excited about how these additional resources could be used to attract more businesses, jobs and investment to the state. In addition, the new funding would be doubled by the private sector because, as a public-private partnership, we are required to raise matching private sector funding before we can receive any state funding. We applaud Governor Doyle's support and thank him for including us in his economic development plan.

The additional proposed funding would bring the total annual state investment in Forward Wisconsin to $910,000; it would get our “buying power” back to what it was when we started in 1984, given the inflation rate over the past 21+ years. Since 1984, Forward Wisconsin has traditionally received $500,000 in state funding, but with the tight state budgets of the past few years, the last time we were at that level was in 2001. In short, we see the proposed increased funding as critical to extending Wisconsin’s business marketing efforts to bring more economic development to the state and making Wisconsin more competitive with other states, regions and countries.

Thank you for your continued support,

Forward Wisconsin is pleased to announce that the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics has become a President’s Level supporter of our organization. UW Hospital and Clinics has invested $20,000 in Forward Wisconsin’s marketing program after receiving a request as part of our current capital campaign.

“I am delighted that UW Hospital and Clinics has agreed to join Forward Wisconsin as an investor and appreciate their commitment to marketing Wisconsin’s business climate,” Forward Wisconsin President Pepi Randolph said. “Obviously, the UW Hospital and Clinics is a tremendous state asset and having their support lends enhanced credibility to our business attraction outreach efforts.”

UW Hospital and Clinics is a 471-bed facility that ranks among the finest academic medical centers in the United States. UW Hospital and Clinics offers more than 800 active medical staff and more than 80 outpatient clinics and features six intensive care units (trauma and life support, pediatric, cardiac, cardiothoracic, burn, neurosurgery) with 74 total beds. Frequently cited in publications listing the nation's best health care providers, UW Hospital and Clinics is recognized as a national leader in fields such as cancer treatment, pediatrics, ophthalmology, surgical specialties and organ transplantation.

Pat Richter, former UW-Madison Athletic Director and football star, shared his thoughts on building a successful organization during remarks at Forward Wisconsin's Annual Meeting Reception. Pat paralleled his experiences of taking over a struggling athletic department with jumpstarting a business organization and told the crowd that there is no substitute for hard work and commitment to a common goal. He also shared some stories from his early days of being athletic director and from his experience as an Oscar Mayer executive.

The Forward Wisconsin Annual Reception took place September 27 at American Family Insurance in Madison and marked our 21st year of marketing the State of Wisconsin to business.

To view a copy of our 2005 Annual Report, go to the "Quick Click" below. If you prefer to receive a hard copy, e-mail your request to info@forwardwi.com