Insight on Business

October 2012 Insight on Business

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UP FRONT Regional Roundup » By Rashmika Nedungadi Envisioning strong growth Shawano entities take job creation into their own hands WHEN THE ECONOMY IN Shawano County was declining and job rates were dwindling, the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce kicked into gear. Collaborating with Shawano County Economic Progress, Inc. (SCEPI), the Shawano business community banded together to create a plan that would bring Shawano County to the forefront of Wisconsin business. In May 2012, the two organizations announced the "Shawano Country Vision 2017," an economic development campaign aimed at creating 1,000 jobs in Shawano over a five-year period. The idea for the Shawano Country 14 n Face T ime » "If we're successful we should create an environment for 1,000 jobs or more. Steve Sengstock, executive director of SCEPI 19 n Connections » 22 " Vision began two years ago when the country was in the midst of a recession. Leaders in both SCEPI and the Shawano Country Chamber realized that area businesses were faltering and were not being given the tools to pull themselves up again. With that in mind, the two organizations kicked off the project with a feasibility study funded by a capacity building grant from the Fox Valley region. They hired a firm that interviewed 83 business and community leaders in Shawano about whether they felt the five-year plan was a good idea, and if funds could be raised to support it. Overwhelmingly, the answer to both questions was "yes." Nancy Smith, executive director of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, says she' with the team. "We have an oversight council to oversee the expenditures of the plan and determining the priorities. ... Bob Nueske is chairperson. We've s impressed "In a nutshell, it's all about jobs. And we can't wait around for the feds or state to do some- thing. We have to do it ourselves." –Steve Sengstock, executive director of SCEPI 12 | INSIGHT • October 2012 got leadership from Charlie's County Market, ThedaCare, Wisconsin Film & Bag… there are some big players with lots of business acumen, and I'm very pleased to have their leadership in this." Since the plan officially began, the effort has raised more than $800,000, and has gained support from more than 70 businesses, community organizations, municipalities and individuals. Steve Sengstock, executive director of SCEPI, hopes this trend will increase as the plan moves forward. "More will be happening as we get into 2013. If we're successful we should create an environment for 1,000 jobs or more, $1.27 million. According to Dan Miller, campaign " he says. The fundraising goal is co-chair, Shawano Country Vision 2017 will begin operating in early 2013. www. insightonbusiness.com

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