The event, known as Central Wisconsin Days, is one of several key initiatives created by Centergy, the regional nonprofit economic development corporation serving central Wisconsin. Many businesses, local governments, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, and foundations in our area have come together to encourage Centergy’s efforts to help retain and grow existing businesses, attract new businesses, and enhance the quality of life in central Wisconsin.

As one of the organizers of Central Wisconsin Days, I have seen first-hand the difference it makes when leaders from all sectors of central Wisconsin articulate a unified vision in face-to-face meetings with the governor, his cabinet secretaries and dozens of key legislators.

While there may be a bit of truth in film maker Woody Allen’s famous quote, “80 percent of success is just showing up,” there are bigger factors behind the success of Central Wisconsin Days. First, there is inclusive planning and preparation in the months before the event to ensure we are able to highlight the “right” issues with the “right” people, all within a carefully structured schedule that optimizes the valuable time of our Centergy team members and state government officials.

Second, the issues we highlight are carefully selected to ensure a realistic chance of success. We avoid controversial issues and focus on emerging issues that state policymakers may already broadly support. Our goal is to highlight specific ways these broad policies can result in state support for projects here in central Wisconsin, especially in cases where there are potential federal dollars to be leveraged.

Consider these examples from the 2009 Central Wisconsin Days event:

• Renewable energy projects such as the Rural Alternative Energy Education Center near Marshfield, the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology on the UW-Stevens Point campus, and a proposed bio-refinery research project that may be sited in Wausau.
• Ground-breaking medical science research, such as the “human genome” project at the Marshfield Clinic.
• Infrastructure improvements, including completion of a four-lane Highway 10 in Portage and Wood counties, as well as runway rehabilitation at the Central Wisconsin Airport.

Some of these projects have already been funded with state and/or federal dollars, and others are still in various stages of consideration. But there is no doubt the time and effort of area business and community leaders has been well-spent. Centergy is committed to continue building strong, cooperative relationships with state and federal government officials to achieve more success in the future.

Brad Zweck owns a PR consulting business, Zweck Diversified Communications, and serves as Vice President – Community Development on the Centergy board.