Thursday
February 12, 2004
7:30 – 8:30
Registration, Coffee, and Networking / View Exhibits
8:30 – 9:15
Governor Jim Doyle
Governor Doyle will address the Governor's Conference on Economic Development for the second time. Since his inauguration on January 6, 2003, his administration has focused on job growth and job creation. His emphasis has been on growing Wisconsin's economy by building on the State's strengths in agriculture and manufacturing, creating an environment hospitable to innovation, producing the best educated workforce in America, and promoting entrepreneurship. Governor Doyle will update attendees on his economic development efforts, and successes, in the first year of his administration.
9:15 – 10:15
Richard Thieme
Responding to the Challenge of the Future:
One Size Doesn't Fit All
According to this internationally known writer and speaker, the challenges faced by businesses and government in Wisconsin in 2004 have all been faced before. There is nothing new under the sun, but anxiety caused by transforming technologies, global terrorism, and a dampened business climate can prevent us from seeing that clearly. The kinds of creativity, common sense wisdom, and innovative responses that have characterized Wisconsin in the past are exactly what we need to face the future. When we give it some thought, our destinations are obvious despite the diversity of our points of view – it's really just a matter of going.
This keynote address will spell it all out in a dynamic, challenging, but ultimately reassuring way. Richard Thieme knows from years of experience what it takes, and knows that we have what it takes to get it right.
10:15 – 10:45
View Exhibits
10:45 – 11:45
Re-inventing Yourself
Wisconsin business leaders in the travel and manufacturing sectors share their thoughts on how the world has changed and how their companies have been transformed.
Timothy E. Hoeksema, Chairman, President, and CEO, Midwest Airlines, Inc.
Patrick C. Mackey, President, Mercury Marine
11:45 – 1:00
Luncheon
Comedy of Roger Radley
1:00 – 1:30
Wisconsin Updates
Cory Nettles, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Michael Armiak, President, Forward Wisconsin, Inc.
1:30 – 2:30
Ross DeVol, Milkin Institute
Regional Competitiveness – How Can Wisconsin Prepare?
As an expert on the dynamics of comparative regional growth, Mr. DeVol will discuss our region's position and strategies for enhancing our competitive position in a rapidly changing world. Mr. DeVol will review the strengths and weaknesses of Wisconsin and the Midwest, and share what he views as the key indicators. How does technology, research and development, international trade, human capital and skills training, entrepreneurship, and financing impact regional economies? Learn how Wisconsin can position itself more competitively.
2:30 – 3:00
View Exhibits
3:00 – 4:00
Wisconsin's Competitiveness in Manufacturing
and Technology – Panel Discussion
Moderator: Mark Sabljak, Publisher, The Business Journal
Ross DeVol, Milkin Institute
Carl Gulbrandsen, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
John Byrnes, Mason Wells
Mary Jurmain, Realityworks, Inc.
Mr. DeVol will be joined by three individuals who will share their perspective on Wisconsin's competitiveness. How will Wisconsin's economy fare? Hear reactions from the vantage point of an entrepreneur, a patent attorney, and a financier.
4:15 – 5:15
WEDA Annual Meeting and Legislative Update
All are welcome to attend the WEDA Annual meeting which will include an update on WEDA's legislative initiatives, and the election of the Board of Directors.
5:30 – 7:00
Reception |
