2009 Governor's Conference on Economic Development Exhibitors

Exhibit Booth Layout & Listing

2009 Exhibiting Companies: Registered Attendees

ACT, Inc.

www.workkeys.com
ACT is the leading provider of research and assessments used by business, education, government, and individuals to:

• Assess essential foundational skills
• Measure work behaviors and interests
• Link skills to job requirements
• Improve selection and business practices
• Improve the workforce with the National Career Readiness Certificate

Alliant Energy WEDA Gold Sponsor

www.midwestsites.com
Alliant Energy, headquartered in Madison, is a Fortune 1000 energy-services company. Alliant Energy provides electric, natural gas, water and steam to more than 1.3 million customers in the Midwest. Our Economic Development Department provides professional business expansion and relocation services to a variety of businesses. As part of our commitment to expanding Wisconsin's business vitality, we work confidentially and professionally with key executives to select new locations or expand existing ones.

American Transmission Company WEDA Platinum Sponsor

www.atcllc.com
American Transmission Co. provides the pathway for power into communities in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. ATC owns, builds, maintains and operates the high-voltage electric transmission system that helps to keep the lights on, businesses running and communities strong.

Ayres Associates WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.ayresassociates.com
Ayres Associates is a multi-specialty architectural/engineering consulting firm that has assisted public and private clients since 1959. Corporate headquarters is in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Our staff of 400 people provides services in transportation, civil, structural, wastewater, water resources, and river engineering; architecture; environmental science; surveying; photogrammetry; and geographic information systems.

Business Lending Partners (BLP)

www.racinecountyedc.org
Business Lending Partners (BLP) is a private non-profit, licensed Certified Development Company (CDC). We specialize in processing and servicing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans and other local loan funds. We are the only CDC headquartered in Southeast Wisconsin, and have been in business since 1983.

Center for Community Economic Development WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/
The Center for Community and Economic Development provides education, applied research, and technical support that helps communities to enhance their local economy and quality of life.

Center for Innovation & Business Development: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

http://stti.uwstout.edu/centers/cid.asp
The Center for Innovation & Business Development at UW-Whitewater provides assistance to businesses to advance economic development in the state. Our Wisconsin Innovation Service Center (WISC) provides market research services to assist in commercializing new technologies, conducting customer assessments, identifying market diversification opportunities, as well as other assistance. Our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) office provides Merger & Acquisition help to identify potential targets and assist in making those connections.

Center on Education and Work: UW Madison

www.cew.wisc.edu
The Center on Education and Work (CEW) is a research, technical assistance, and resource provider within the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Established in 1964, the Center has a rich tradition of assisting educators and career development practitioners with program evaluation, qualitative and quantitative research, professional development training, and career resources.

CenturyTel

www.centurytel.com
CenturyTel is a leading provider of communications, high-speed Internet and entertainment services in small-to-mid-size cities through our broadband and fiber transport networks. Included in the S&P 500 Index, CenturyTel delivers advanced communications with a personal touch to customers in 25 states. In Wisconsin, CenturyTel employs 1300 individuals and operates in over 200 communities, including Madison.

Corporate Report Wisconsin: Midwest Business Media LLC InKind Sponsor

www.crwmag.com
Corporate Report Wisconsin investigates trends, airs issues and reports on our state's business developments. Our 30,000 circulation and readership of 90,000 reach CEOs, owners, presidents and executives of nearly every Wisconsin company. CRW advocates a strong business climate, promotes economic development and offers insight to help businesses compete and grow.

Edgewood College

www.edgewood.edu
The Professional Certificate in Economic Development at Edgewood College provides graduate-level courses for entry and mid-career professionals who wish to be leaders in the dynamic field of economic development. The Certificate provides a solid foundation on the processes, systems, challenges, trends, opportunities and factors that define and impact successful and sustainable economic development in neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural regions in Wisconsin. The unique set of courses offered in the program focus on the practical application of economic development theory for the purpose of significantly increasing the capacity of economic development professionals to consistently create sustainable and real value in the communities they serve.

Forward Wisconsin Conference Partner

www.forwardwi.com
Forward Wisconsin, Inc. is the state's economic development marketing organization. Its primary goal is to promote Wisconsin and market the state's resources to recruit New Economy and technology-based businesses and workers. The governor serves as chairman of the board. Other directors include legislative leaders and CEOs from banks, utilities and other private-sector businesses.

GRAEF WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.gasai.com
GRAEF (formerly known as Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer & Associates, Inc.) is a national consulting firm offering diverse, multi-disciplinary and integrated services for the built and natural enviroment. GRAEF will continue to be a quality-driven and customer focused organization. We will collaborate with our clients, formulate effective & efficient solutions, and innovate through an integrated package of visionary and forward-thinking services.

JSD Professional Services, Inc. WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.jsdinc.com
JSD Professional Services, Inc. (JSD) was established in 1998. Today we employ over 60 professional engineers, stormwater management and water quality professionals, planners, landscape architects, land surveyors, construction managers, technicians, CADD specialists, and support personnel. Our qualified staff enables us to provide complete services in planning & development, site/civil engineering, transportation engineering, water resources, landscape architecture, construction services, and surveying & mapping for sustainable developments. Our three offices are located in Verona (Madison Regional Office), Waukesha (Milwaukee Regional Office), and Kenosha (Kenosha Regional Office).

Madison Gas and Electric Company WEDA Silver Sponsor

www.mge.com
Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) is an active development partner with public and private organizations. MGE is an information source for business growth, employment growth, economic and investment trends, and an active advocate and resource provider to the area business community. MGE also has an active history of working with entrepreneurs and supporting business incubators. MGE works closely with business and community leaders to ensure well-planned economic growth and stability.

Marshfield Clinic WEDA Silver Sponsor

www.marshfieldclinic.org
Marshfield Clinic, one of the largest comprehensive medical systems in the United States, is the largest private group medical practice in Wisconsin with 775 physicians and 6,500 additional staff at over 40 locations. The Clinic system sponsors significant research and substantial education programs through Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation and Marshfield Clinic Education Foundation; has a Division of Laboratory Medicine with clients throughout Wisconsin and across the United States; and owns and operates its own health maintenance organization.

R.A. Smith National

www.rasmith.com
R.A. Smith National provides a multi-disciplinary approach to economic development. Our team includes economic development and community planners, transportation planners, GIS and visualization professionals, landscape architects and civil engineers to provide a seamless, integrated approach to economic development.

Red Door Innovation

www.reddoorinnovation.com
RedDoor Innovation®, combines the benefits of a facilitated ideation and innovation center, for the development of breakthrough opportunities that will enable your business to prosper despite the challenging economic times ahead. In an energizing environment — outside the office, free from phones, email and nonstop interruptions — your team will discover practical strategies for the profitable growth of your business. Working with a team of facilitators led by highly original thinker, author and business strategist John Di Frances, you will come away prepared to turn the creative strategies generated into successes.

The Redmond Company

www.TheRedmondCo.com
Planners, architects, project managers - integrated design/build services- all under one roof. The Redmond Company is one of the region's leading design/build firms providing development assistance, design, and construction services. We've been providing an Innovative Approach and delivering Unique Solutions in the financial, retail, commercial, hospitality, and service industries since 1976.

Ruekert/Mielke

www.ruekert-mielke.com
Ruekert/Mielke's economic and financial analysts can help save your community money on municipal programs and projects, through capital planning for growth and development, and equitable, reliable funding sources to support high-quality infrastructure and services.

Transportation Development Assn. of Wisconsin WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.tdawisconsin.org
The Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin is a statewide, nonprofit organization working to promote an efficient transportation system for safe mobility and economic growth.

UW-Madison Office of Corporate Relations WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.ocr.wisc.edu
UW-Madison's Office of Corporate Relations (www.ocr.wisc.edu) is the single, visible point of entry – the “front door” – for business and industry to access the many valuable resources available to them on campus. In less than five years, OCR has facilitated more than 2,000 business contacts, specifically helping companies with:

• Recruitment of UW graduates and student interns
• Executive education and professional development
• Faculty and staff expertise
• Technology licensing
• Global competency
• Entrepreneurship

OCR is committed to helping strengthen the Wisconsin economy. Call toll free at 1-877-OCR-WISC (1-877-627-9472) or email inquiries@ocr.wisc.edu

Via Rail Logistics, LLC WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.viaraillogistics.com
Via Rail Logistics is a site development engineering company which provides services to a broad network of industrial developers, economic development professionals, shippers, and railroads. Via Rail ensures effective client representation acting as a liaison to railroads in an industry that is difficult to navigate. Utilizing their Class I experience, Via Rail assists clients with railroad infrastructure development; performing services from feasibility studies and cost estimates, to railroad approvals and construction documents.

Vierbicher Associates, Inc. WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.vierbicher.com
Vierbicher is recognized as an expert in the planning and economic revitalization of communities. We design new development that creates a special sense of place with special attention to aesthetics, economics, and sustainability. Your project will benefit from our approach to predevelopment planning which expedites design, permitting, and construction schedules, as well as control construction costs and fine-tune the development to maximize benefits and return on investment. Vierbicher delivers creative, yet proven and responsible solutions for our clients by applying the collective expertise and collaborative vision of our planning, community development and engineering teams. Check out our newly designed website at www.vierbicher.com.

Voltedge, Inc.

www.voltedge.com
Voltedge, Inc. is a marketing consultancy specializing in brand strategy, website development and marketing communications. We partner with Ady International Company, a leading site selection consultancy, to uniquely serve the needs of EDOs and utilities' economic development departments. Together we have consulted on dozens of EDO websites, developed branding strategies and websites for numerous EDOs, and provided training and education to hundreds of E.D. practitioners nationwide.

Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands

http://bcpl.wisconsin.gov
The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands provides financing at competitive rates to Wisconsin Municipalities and School Districts through the State Trust Fund Loan Program. Our loans can be used for a wide variety of public purposes including various economic development projects. For current rates please visit our website or contact us at 608-266-0034.

Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corporation WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.wbd.org
Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corporation is a private, non-profit, member-based organization created to assist small businesses gain access to capital, create jobs, and promote community development through long-term, fixed-rate financing at a market-based interest rate. WBD's mission is to provide the knowledge, service and resources that foster economic development solutions to grow jobs, businesses and communities.

Wisconsin Commercial Ports Association

www.wcpa-ports.org
The Wisconsin Commercial Ports Association (WCPA) was created in 2001 by the municipal commercial ports of Wisconsin. Since then, the membership has grown to include privately operated terminals with the commercial ports of Wisconsin and port related service providers including engineering firms, construction companies, state and federal government agencies, port services, other modes of transportation and more. The purpose of WCPA is to provide a medium for exchange of ideas, methods, information, and experiences as they relate to port management; promote and encourage legislation and regulation on all levels for the good of Wisconsin ports and shipping; promote and encourage the public's understanding of the value of shipping and the port to the community; and cooperate with all governmental agencies and industry organizations having a primary goal of "Growing Waterborne Transportation in Wisconsin."

Wisconsin Department of Commerce Conference Partner

www.commerce.wi.gov
The Wisconsin Department of Commerce is the state's primary agency for delivery of integrated services to businesses. Commerce's purpose is to:

• Foster the retention and creation of new jobs and investment opportunities in Wisconsin;
• Foster and promote economic business, export and community development;
• Promote the public health, safety and welfare through effective and efficient regulations, education and enforcement

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.wenportal.org
The Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN) provides seamless access to a statewide network of entrepreneurial resources and expertise to create new ventures, help grow existing businesses, and move forward high-potential entrepreneurs to enable Wisconsin to be competitive in a global economic environment. Resources for current and prospective small business owners include the WEN Resource Connection which connects entrepreneurs with organizations providing business assistance, and various grant opportunities for business plan support and high technology development.

Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority

www.wheda.com
WHEDA is Wisconsin's state housing authority. WHEDA serves Wisconsin residents and communities by working with government agencies, lending institutions, private developers and other community-based organizations to provide creative financing resources and information. Its goal is to stimulate and preserve affordable housing, small business and agribusiness. WHEDA's housing programs receive no state tax revenue assistance.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce InKind Sponsor

www.wmc.org
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is Wisconsin's state chamber of commerce and the Wisconsin manufacturers' trade association. Founded in 1911, WMC is nearing a century of service to state businesses in all sectors including manufacturing, service, healthcare, wholesale, retail, energy, transportation, and technology in addition to local chambers of commerce and specialized trade associations. Representing nearly 4,000 members and 500,000 workers, WMC is also the state safety council and home to many training and educational advancements. WMC's mission is to make Wisconsin the most competitive state in the nation and that is accomplished through promoting worker safety, the development of good jobs and the promotion of a strong state economy. Visit www.wmc.org and www.wmc-foundation.org for more information.

Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership

www.wmep.org
WMEP assists Wisconsin's manufacturers to achieve greater growth, efficiency, productivity and profitability through expert advisory services in Lean Manufacturing, Strategic Planning, Sales and Marketing and Innovation. WMEP's services are delivered by its experienced Manufacturing Specialists who bring an average of 20+ years of manufacturing operations experience to Wisconsin's vital manufacturing sector.

WPPI Energy Inc. WEDA Bronze Sponsor

www.wppienergy.org
WPPI is a regional power company serving 46 municipalities that operate electric utilities. These community-owned utilities purchase all of their electric requirements from WPPI and supply power to nearly 172,000 customers in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and Iowa.

Xcel Energy WEDA Platinum Sponsor

www.xcelenergy.com
Xcel Energy is the fifth-largest combination natural gas and electricity company in the nation with regulated operations in 8 Western and Midwestern states. The company was named to the 2006-07 Dow Jones Sustainability Index which recognizes its standing as an economic, environmental and social leader in North America. Xcel Energy is the nation's leading purchaser of wind energy and the largest renewable energy provider in Wisconsin. It provides a variety of economic development resources for businesses looking to relocate or expand to its service territory in Wisconsin, including five industrial park partnerships. Xcel Energy's Wisconsin headquarters are located in Eau Claire and the company serves 240,000 electric and 90,000 natural gas customers in the state. More information is available at www.xcelenergy.com