At this year's Conference, you'll learn about key factors shaping our emerging and converging world and how you can address the resulting local impact. Learn how your community can survive the debilitating effects of a merger or acquisition, how Wisconsin's shifting demographics are impacting worker availability (and what you can do about it), and how any locality can take advantage of the state's emerging organic industry. You'll also hear the surprising results of the first-ever statewide analysis of the local financial impact of Tax Increment Finance Districts. Don't miss it!

Friday, February 8, 2008

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast Buffet

New WEDA Members: Please join the WEDA Board of Directors for new member orientation

Ballrooms A&B
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. How to Survive a Plant Closing or Downsizing
  • Karen Knox, SWTC President
  • James Schneider, Consultant

This session provides a case study you can learn from-how Platteville handled and survived the loss of 620 jobs when the city's largest employer closed its plant 10 years ago. You'll also hear the surprising results of a just-completed survey that reveals how plant employees coped with losing their jobs and what their lives are like today. Presenters include Dr. Karen Knox, President of Southwest Tech, and James Schneider, President of Blue Chip Training and Marketing, who was Director of the Grant County Economic Development Council at the time of the Platteville plant closing.

 Hall of Ideas
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Tools You Can Use

TIF Impact on Real Estate Values

  • Mark Skidmore, Professor, Michigan State University
  • David Merriman, Professor, Institute of Government and Public Affairs, University of Illinois-Chicago

Download David Merriman and Mark Skidmore's Presentation (165 Kb)

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has been broadly used by local governments throughout Wisconsin as a mechanism to promote real estate development. How effective have they actually been at stimulating growth in real estate values? The surprising answer to that question will be provided in this session by Mark Skidmore, a Michigan State University professor who recently completed a comprehensive research project involving all Wisconsin TIF districts.

WI Economic Development Portal Overview

  • John Fischer, Outreach Program Manager, UW-Extension, Continuing Education

This session will also include an overview of the new Wisconsin Economic Development Portal Website.

 Hall of Ideas
11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Forward Wisconsin Update
  • Mickey Judkins, Administrator of the Division of Export and Investment, Department of Commerce
 Hall of Ideas
11:30 - 11:35 a.m Conference Wrap-Up
  • Kristen Fish, 2008 WEDA President
 Hall of Ideas

Questions? Call the WEDA office at
608-255-5666