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10 | I nsIgh t • M a r c h 2 0 14 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m UP FRONT R e g i o n a l R o u n d u p » 1 1 F a c e T i m e » 1 5 C o n n e c t i o n s » 1 8 "We can share elements of a unified approach by using the same playbook, from a local, regional and state economic development perspective." – Pat O'Brien, president of the Milwaukee Development Corp. and Milwaukee 7 Region Y e s , W I s c on sI n I s a m I x e d bag of bustling metro areas and productive farming and manufacturing landscapes. But even in our rich diversity of complex economic development, new growth and innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum. at least not anymore. e executive directors for each of the state's eight regional economic development organizations are now joining hands to work together in a recently-formed peer-to-peer group called the Regional Leadership council (RLc). For the first time, the regions are looking beyond their own fence lines to glimpse the successes and challenges found in neighboring regions. e RLc is a formal way for all eight regional directors to align interests to advocate for state funding to propel the regions forward. once operating independently in separate silos, the RLc is forging new strategic alliances around opportunities to maximize growth and leverage scarce funding resources, in spite of the challenges and the individual identities of each area. each region is in varying stages of development, says Jerry murphy, executive director of new north, Inc., and chair of the RLc for a one-year term. some areas are new, others are mature, and they range from rural to metro. "e RLc glues us all together B y A m y S p r e e m a n Pieces of eight Regional Leadership Council aligns state's economic climate to provide a more unified landscape with one voice," murphy says. Liaison for hire In the past several months, the regional relationships have solidified into a cohesive plan for unifying the economic landscapes with one voice that speaks of common goals. Because each region is in varying stages of development from new to mature and from rural to metro, finding those synergies is this year's strategic directive. By summer, the RLc hopes to hire a liaison to assess best practices in each of the regions. a $50,000 capacity-building grant request has been submitted to the state to make that happen. "We are looking for someone with significant experience in economic research and workforce development and familiar with our approach to economic development and the state's extended enterprise," says Paul Jadin, president of the madison Region economic Partnership, whose diverse industry involves a strategy around competitiveness, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and diversity. Eight regional organizations Charter Member Based in New North, Inc. Jerry Murphy, Appleton Executive Director Grow North Sarah Kapellusch, Rhinelander Executive Director Centergy, Inc. Peggy Sullivan, Wausau Executive Director Madison Region Economic Paul Jadin, President Madison Partnership (Formerly THRIVE) Prosperity Southwest Ron Brisbois, Executive Director Fennimore 7 Rivers Alliance Vicki Markussen, La Crosse Executive Director Momentum West Russ Korpela, Eau Claire Executive Director Milwaukee Development Corp. Pat O'Brien, President Milwaukee and Milwaukee 7 Region RLC at a Glance: