Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/119013
w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m regional roundup UPFRONT Tim Reis of the Manitowoc Company and co-chair of the manufacturing cluster. The manufacturing group focuses heavily on plastics and metal supply, given that the two industries have a strong presence in the cluster���s footprint, he says. While the action plans are being developed, Loden says one idea from the tourism group is already being launched ��� a ���stay-an-extra-day��� initiative. The idea is to promote events and local attractions across the region to entice people who travel, for example, to Manitowoc for an event to stay an extra day, then visit an attraction or event in Door County. ���If the initiative is successful, it has the potential to bring in an extra $7 million to the economy,��� Loden says. Since its launch, Loden says the Lakeshore Industry Cluster Initiative has been embraced well by local communities and businesses. She���s been pleased with the participation of the 25 to 50 businesses showing up at the mapping sessions to share thoughts. ���The mapping sessions were wonderful. Someone might say, ���We need X��� and a representative from another business would raise his hand and say ���We do that.��� It is a great way for businesses to learn about the capabilities of other local businesses,��� Loden says. Loden says the program works in concert with the New North, but pointed out that various areas of the county have specific clusters. For example, the Lakeshore group is looking at energy, because it has so many companies involved in that industry. ���That���s not something that would work across the entire New North, but it works for us,��� she says. ���But there are things we have learned that we can pass up to them. It���s really an initiative that grows from the ground up.��� While the initiative is up and running, there���s still plenty of time for other businesses and organizations to get involved, Loden says. At any point in the process, new people are welcome to get involved since that helps grow the knowledge pool. �� Highway 41 Corridor Brown, Calumet, Outagamie, Winnebago, Fond du Lac Counties Developer proposes downtown Green Bay apartment complex Downtown Green Bay may soon be home to a seven-story residential building. T. Wall Enterprises of Madison got the go-ahead from the Green Bay Redevelopment Authority to take a closer look at building a project worth up to $10 million at the corner of North Washington and Main streets. The complex would include 84 market-rate apartments, 7,000-square-feet of first floor rental space and two levels of indoor parking. T. Wall Enterprises also has a planning option at a site just north of West Mason Street on the west bank of the Fox River. Austin Straubel project moves forward An effort to bring a Federal Inspection Station (FIS) to Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay is gaining momentum. More than 1,300 letters of support for the project, which includes building a new 20,000-square-foot facility at the airport large enough to accommodate international commercial air traffic, have been presented to U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble, who will share them with U.S. Customs & Border Protection and the Federal Aviation Administration when discussing the facility. Funding for the facility is available through the FAA, Ribble says. Development in the New North By Mar yB eth Mat zek For links to economic development groups in the New North, visit www.thenewnorth.com/communitiesmap ���However, you aren���t just handed the funds; you have to make your case, show there���s support, as well as convince customs to staff it to clear international charter arrivals,��� he says. Letters of support came from individuals, businesses and organizations, along with airlines and tour operators. The State of Wisconsin and Brown County have already authorized spending $175,000 each to develop the FIS plans. Before construction can begin, U.S. Customs must commit to staffing the facility. If the FIS is added to the airport, the county estimates 46 new jobs in the airline and tourism industries will be created and the center will have an annual estimated economic impact of $2.5 million. Thrivent assets increase to $82 billion Thrivent Financial for Lutherans��� assets under management grew 8.4 percent to $82.2 billion in 2012. The company credited its growth to strong sales to existing members in its core business, including life, health or short-term disability insurance and annuities. Growth for the Minneapolisbased fraternal benefits society continued a four-year streak despite a membership base that now totals about 2.5 million, down from just under 3 million in 2002 when Aid Association for Lutherans in Appleton and Lutheran Brotherhood merged to form Thrivent. FVTC wins national grant Fox Valley Technical College is one of four community colleges nationwide to receive a $10,000 [continued ] �� A p r i l 2 013 ��� Insight | 11