Business Development Innovation

Research & Advanced Manufacturing initiatives are cross-pollinated with Centergy’s four focused industry sectors of Medical Sciences, Alternative Energy/Paper Products, Agriculture/Food Processing, and New Technology Business Development/Entrepreneurship

Research

1. Support existing and new research companies, centers, and projects that will enhance and increase research activity and make it a major economic driver in Central Wisconsin.

2. Form Centergy Research Alliance to network researchers in the region, to increase technology transfer to regional businesses, connect sources of new ideas and technology developed in the region and state, and promote research as an economic enterprise.

3. Increase activity in Wisconsin Innovation Network – sponsor one event per year.

4. Host semi-annual Economic Updates through local research organizations.

5. Support the enrollment of Centergy partners in Innovation Masters Course through Wisconsin Innovation Science Center and the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Network.

Advanced Manufacturing

1. Seek new resources and business development opportunities for manufacturing companies.

2. Develop manufacturing consortium, similar to goldcollarcareers.com or newmanufacturingalliance.com to address labor shortage and promote manufacturing careers through educational institutions and through workforce transition training programs.

3. Nominate manufacturers for various State of Wisconsin awards.

Medical Sciences

1. Build economic activity in medical research, medical education and training, medical supplies and medical software/bioinformatics.

2. Participate in WI Biotechnology and Medical Device Manufacturing Association.

3. Partake in BIO-2009 in Atlanta with Department of Commerce, other regional entities, and local partners.

Alternative Energy Production, Paper/Wood Products

1. Support and invest in research, technology transfer and businesses that will make Central Wisconsin a player in the alternative fuels energy market.

2. Support and invest in value-added products that enhance and grow the existing world-class paper making assets and labor pool in the region.

3. Build upon the Paper Science and Engineering Program and WI Institute for Sustainable Technology through UWSP.

4. Expand “Converting Influence” initiatives in Northeastern WI to Central WI paper related companies.

5. Mirror the State of WI Office of Energy Independence goal of generating 25% of our electric power and transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025, capturing 10% of the emerging bio-industry and renewable energy market by 2030.

Agriculture and Food Processing

1. Support “buy-local” campaign with major regional employers and food coops.

2. Assist in developing new markets of regionally grown crops such as potatoes, dairy, cranberries, and ginseng to develop new markets.

New Technology Business Development/Entrepreneurship

1. Grow the existing Finance/Insurance/Real Estate sector with focus on “Information Systems” spin-offs.

2. Expand the sources of risk capital in the region.

3. Improve business climate in Central Wisconsin to encourage the development of entrepreneurial activity.

4. Establish regional approach to seek state, federal, and private economic development and grant funding for new business development.

5. Explore the formation of a regional angel investment network (Centergy Investment Partners, Inc.).

6. Support the collaboration of local communities revolving loan funds to include Centergy region and Adams County.

7. Create Business Resource Guide to be marketed through the chambers/Centergy’s website.

8. Enroll Centergy as an active WEN Partner to aid in resource identification.

9. Sponsor a regional business plan contest, winners advancing to State’s competition.

10. Promote entrepreneurial education courses offered by local chambers/EDCs.

11. Develop prospect protocol with chamber directors for combined project submittals.

12. Launch Executive Pulse throughout the region to assist in identifying business trends realized through formal business retention visits established under the chambers.

13. Collaborate with existing I&E Clubs to host annual regional event.

14. Host Location One Information Systems for available sites/buildings on Centergy’s website.