One strong benefit of our region is the history of our four chambers' economic development divisions working cohesively together. This attribute helps attain Centergy's mission of stimulating measureable economic development in Central Wisconsin by aligning resources, encouraging cooperation among all sectors of our regional economy and promoting the value of doing business in Central Wisconsin. These four chambers are the Heart of Wisconsin Business Alliance, the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Portage County Business Council, and the Wausau Region Chamber.

A recent example of Centergy's work with our local chambers is the launch of a regional business plan contest. While details of this contest can be found at www.centergy.net, it is important to draw attention to resources that are available locally for entrepreneurs. Centergy has identified those resources and encourages entrepreneurial individuals to meet with staff through their local chamber, SCORE and the Small Business Development Center.

The likelihood of success in implementing regional strategies is increased when collaborating with well established organizations, aligning individual initiatives, and leveraging regional assets and resources. While Centergy collaborates with many organizations the involvement of the local chambers is essential.

Value of Local Chambers of Commerce in the Centergy Region

• ✔ Locally based, rapid-response project management
• ✔ Efficient coordination of local talents and resources
• ✔ Early recognition of local entrepreneurial activity and timely, consistent, customized business support
• ✔ Strong knowledge of local existing businesses, allowing for proactive project tracking and development
• ✔ On-the-ground experience with identifying, working, and adjusting development strategies to match local culture
• ✔ Investor/business trust that local interests are being represented

Value of Centergy

• ✔ Critical mass and unified voice to drive economic growth on a regional level
• ✔ New investment attraction within and to the region
• ✔ New talent recruitment to the region
• ✔ Better utilization of talent retention efforts
• ✔ Marketing resources leveraged for comprehensive internal and external marketing efforts under a single, regional brand
• ✔ Political clout through regional legislative agendas

Centergy's board of Directors is comprised of 32 board members of private and public representatives, with the majority of our investment and operation strategy supported by the private sector. We are also guided by an Executive Council of 40 top senior executives who lead organizations located within Marathon, Portage, and Wood Counties. The Council’s purpose is to make sure our plan of work is relevant and meaningful to Central Wisconsin companies and that we execute measurable initiatives.

Our organizational structure is based on committed volunteers believing in the power of regional collaboration. Should you wish to join these ranks, please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 715.843.9563.

Barb Fleissner is Centergy's Executive Director. Previously she was Vice President of Economic Development for the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Director of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Barb currently serves on Governor Doyle's Council on Workforce Investment, and State boards to include Transportation Development Association, Mid-America Economic Development Council comprised of 10 Midwest States, and the Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corp.