WEDA Spring 2002 Conference

8:00 a.m.

Registration, Coffee, and Networking

8:45 a.m.

Introductions:

Craig Carlson, Executive Director, Eau Claire Area Industrial Development Corporation

Welcome:

"Setting the Bar of Excellence in Education"

Dr. Charles W. Sorensen, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Stout

On December 4, 2001, the University of Wisconsin-Stout received the prestigious 2001 Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award in the education category. UW-Stout was one of the three first-ever chosen in this category. This accomplishment doesn't’t surprise anyone since UW-Stout has also led the way in many areas, especially technology. Chancellor Sorenson will set the stage with his observations on our exciting future in a wired world.

9:15 a.m.

General Session:

"Learn the Language and Infrastructure of Telecommunications"

Presenter: John Weiss, Associate Professor, Telecommunications Dept, UW Stout

Learn all you need to know about the terms and technology of telecommunications. John Weiss, Department Chair of UW-Stout’s Telecommunications Department, will explain everything an economic development professional or community leader needs to know on the subject. His introductory session will set the stage for the sessions to follow.

10:15 a.m.

Break

10:30 a.m.

General Session:

"Community Telecommunications Assessments - From Initiation to Implementation"

Presenter: Kathleen McMahon, Principal, Applied Communications

Kate McMahon will discuss the benefits of a telecommunications assessment as an economic development tool. She will detail the process from beginning to end and discuss the techniques used in conducting an assessment. In addition, case studies will be used to highlight successful strategies used by communities to improve their "telecommunications readiness" once the assessment has been completed.

12:15 p.m.

Lunch (Updates by Janet Swandby and James Hough)

1:15 p.m.

General Session:

"Understanding Municipality Telecommunications Regulatory Issues"

Presenter: Anita Galucci, Partner, Boardman, Suhr, Curry & Field, LLP

Local municipalities play a critical role in the regulation of telecommunications providers in their communities. Anita Galucci will discuss this authority and the more recent role that many municipalities are pursuing - as a provider of telecommunications services. She will also sort out the many state and federal legislative initiatives.

2:30 p.m.

Break

2:45 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions A & B
Participants select one session to attend.

Concurrent Session A:

"City-Owned Telecommunications Opportunities-Two Models"

Presenters: Dave Waffle, Administrator, City of Reedsburg and Dan Dasho, Shawano, General Manager, Shawano Utilities

Although their experiences are somewhat different, Dave Waffle and Dan Dasho each are experienced in creating a municipal telecommunications utility. Hear what they've learned and where they are taking these businesses in the future.

Concurrent Session B:

"On The Competitive Edge: Southeast Wisconsin Technology Audit"

Presenter: Paul Schumacher, President, Business Internet Strategies

To be ready for a technology driven future, three southeastern Wisconsin counties: Racine, Kenosha, and Walworth have taken the first critical step. They have implemented a study to establish a baseline of data relating to Internet connectivity and usage among businesses and residents. Hear what they learned and what their next steps will be.

4:15 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Smart House Tours

Tour a "smart house" - one that is wired for everything you can imagine. Whether it is heating, lighting, security, or working out of your home, this house is on the leading edge. There are a limited number of slots for two tours. First tour begins at 4:15 p.m.

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Thursday Night Reception