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m i d -y e a r r e p o r t 2 014 13 according to the Bureau of Economic Advisors. "What this grant does is give us a chance to better align the overall economic strategies of the region," says Katherine Ahlquist, an economic development planner with the ECRPC. "We are already seeing some diversification, and while it's possible there could be an uptick in defense spending, we need to prepare for the future." In addition to the supply chain mapping and direct assistance to select companies directly affected by the cutbacks, the grant will also fund research into the development of an aviation industry cluster at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, as well as the development of an accelerator and growth management program at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Companies receiving direct assistance will get help in several forms from Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, depending on their needs. e range of services covers things such as specific ISO certifications, export assistance or strategic repositioning. Initial planning phases for the work began in May and should be completed by October, Ahlquist says. e different studies and assistance programs should be completed by August 2015. "What we hope to do is take the supply chain we already have, and then position it so that it can serve a more diverse group of industries," Ahlquist says. "It can be frustrating for folks, because a lot of what is happening right now is background work." Diversification will be an important thrust, Ahlquist says. e goal is to help companies discover multiple opportunities for their services. Finding more baskets for the company's eggs is a tough task, Loch says. She is considering bidding for supply projects directly from the government in order to fill unused capacity as she also works to expand the company's presence in private commercial markets. "e federal government is still the largest procurer in the world," Loch says. "ey buy a lot of parts and pieces." The supply chain mapping is one of six projects that will be funded by the grant to cushion the blow of losing an estimated $91 million in earnings from the layoffs that accompanied the cutbacks following the completion of the contracts. Help for contractors For information on financial assistance and how to join diversification initiatives and receive business advisement, companies are encouraged to visit: www.thenewnorth.com/defense GOT DREAMS? Master's of Management Degree We Develop Leaders Who Move the Business World Forward Take the next step in advancing YOUR business career. WWW.UWGB.EDU/MANAGEMENT PHONE: (920) 465-2123 • E-MAIL: GRADSTU@UWGB.EDU "Simply put… the program challenged me to develop foward- thinking solutions, a must in our industry." Randy Van Straten M.S. 2003 Vice President Business Health, Bellin Health Executive Director, Bellin Run