The Southwest Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Coalition serves six counties and builds partnerships with adjacent communities as needed. The coalition provides regional coordination for local economic and community development efforts and implements regional development strategies.
The coalition's committees are known as teams and include:
Contact: Barb Daus, daus@uwplatt.edu, 608.342.1282. SAT leads coalition activities and provides communications for coalition activities.
Contact: Anna Schramke, anna.gcdc@tds.net, 608.328.9452. This team addresses entrepreneurism, retention, attraction and business capital strategies, with a focus on the region's leading cluster, agri-business. Thanks to work by the FAT Team, the region was designated by the state in 2003 as a Agricultural Development Zone, providing tax credits for development projects by agricultural and food processing businesses.
Contact: Kevin Bernhardt, bernhark@uwplatt.edu, 608.342.1365 or Kevin Raisbeck, kraisbeck@swtc.edu, 608.822.3262, ext 2511. Also promotes agricultural education.
The Rural Business Enhancement Center, with funding from the US Department of Agriculture, assists businesses and entrepreneurs with in-depth,comprehensive business and technical analysis, concept development, project management and general business management to further the comparative advantages of high-growth industries in Southwestern Wisconsin and the Tri-State area. The Center will provide assistance through the services of its business development professionals or by awarding grants to firms and individuals for the purpose of contracting third-party service providers,such as consultants and attorneys.
Value-added agricultural products, specifically food, fiber and energy, will be an emphasis; however requests for assistance from other industries are encouraged. Proposals for grants of $30,000-$60,000 will be preferred,although requests for greater or lesser amounts will be considered.
Contact: Robert Borremans, r.borremanns@jobcenter.org, 608.224.5139 or Sarah Burgert, sarah.burgert@ces.uwex.edu, 608.328.9440. This team addresses workforce strategies and is a partner in developing regular forums for employers and human resources professionals.
Contact: Kathy Kopp, director@platteville.com, 608.348.8888. MATT addresses quality of life and regional identity or branding strategies.
Contact: Eileen Nickels, nickels@mhtc.net, 608.348.6035 or Jerry Wehrle, jjwehrle@chorus.net, 608.723.4922. This team is tasked with communicating the region's message to leaders and representatives at the federal level, the state capital at Madison, and adjacent regions.