The document outlines the evolution and achievements of Washington County's Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in 2009 and 2010, including $300,000 in gap funding for local businesses and various initiatives aimed at business retention and growth. It highlights strengths such as committed leadership and a diverse business community, while also acknowledging challenges like economic uncertainty and funding limitations. The EDC's future focus includes a three-year strategy to enhance business support and foster entrepreneurship in the region.

1. Stepping Up to the Next LevelEvolving Washington County’sEconomic Development Mission

2. Evolution of Washington County EDC

3. 2009 HighlightsProvided $300,000 in gap funding to Washington County businesses via the County’s Revolving Loan Fund

4. Kesslers Diamond Center, Germantown

5. Matenaer Corporation, West Bend

6. Pouch Converting Technologies, Richfield

7. $5.4 million in new investment

8. Business mentoring & networking program

9. County-wide business retention survey of over 700 local businesses

10. 10 business opportunities & issues seminars

11. Promotional video “Business Ready, Life Ready”Outcomes Since Hiring New Executive DirectorForged the first countywide program anywhere in the state for allocating Recovery Zone Facility Bonds to private businesses

12. Conducted 79 in-person meetings and outreach

13. Secured $100,000 in gap funding for a Germantown manufacturer

14. Finalizing $25,000 in a training grant for a Richfield company

15. Developed a “next level” solution for upgrading EDWC information technology to meet organization’s more intensive IT needs2010 Committee ActivityCommitteesSample 2010 WorkAgribusinessBusiness retention & expansionExecutiveMarketingMember / Investor relationsHealthcareRevolving loan fundWorkforceDevelop specific tactics for new 3-year strategyBusiness mentoring programWebsite revamp / upgradeCap extension for RLFHealthcare seminar seriesMiddle skills programValue-added agricultural opportunities

16. Fresh ObservationsStrengthsWeaknessesCommittee structureExperienced & committed leadership on Board & committeesSolid foundations provided during start-upResponsive and proactive orientationInnovative and open-source in approachGoals difficult to measure…accountabilityRisk of losing purpose in trying to be “all things to all people”Some businesses have difficulty articulating a value propositionNarrow funding streams

17. Fresh ObservationsOpportunitiesThreatsRich in social capital

18. Widespread support for utilizing competitive power of a county-wide approach

19. Diverse & strong business community

20. Job creation by existing businesses

21. Part of Milwaukee region

22. Workforce; UW-WC, MPTC

23. “Bullwhip Effect” (WSJ 2/27/10) ParochialismLingering economic uncertaintyRegulatory climatePending labor shortagePublic sector budget shortfalls and structural challengesMidwest identity among young workers (Richard Florida)

24. Who makes up our business community?Source: www.youreconomy.org

25. Who’s creating the jobs?Milwaukee MSAWashington CountySource: www.youreconomy.org

26. Rethinking Economic DevelopmentGraphic thanks to Edward Lowe Foundation

27. Existing business developmentTargeted business attractionQualified start-up / small business supportNext Level Focus for EDWC“Delivering higher levels of meaningful results through focus on three core economic development functions”

28. Forging an Entrepreneurial Approach

29. Step 1: Develop a 3-Year Strategy

30. Step 2: ID and Exploit Select Niches

31. Step 3: Deepen our B2B ToolboxSingle point for addressing your business development needs:Experienced consulting for entrepreneurs & businesses to facilitate development projectsLiaison to government, education and NGO development and workforce solutionsIncentive negotiation & financial packagingGap financing (local, state, & federal support)Project management (currently special purpose)Public relations

32. B2B Today: Gap FinancingWashington County revolving loan fund (RLF)Tax increment financing (TIF)State loan fundsState tax creditsTax exempt bond funds (RZFB, Midwest Disaster Area, Revenue and Industrial bonds)SBA 7(a) / 504 guarantees, ARC, linked deposit fundsVenture and angel equity investmentGrants (planning, training, & special purpose)Federal: SBA, EDA, HUD, EPA, USDA, Export-Import BankSale leasebacksTax abatements (unconstitutional in WI)Utility rate incentives and grant programs

33. B2B Products: Economic GardeningEconomic GardeningEconomies are driven by entrepreneurs

34. Information, infrastructure, connections

35. Sophisticated corporate tools

36. Cutting edge consulting

37. Focuses on 80/20 rule: strategy, market dynamics, marketing, teams, finance

38. Innovation & open source

39. Niche-focusedOur Futures are Shared…Thank you EDWC investors. YOU are the key to our success today and tomorrow. Not yet an investor? Join a team of people and businesses growing Washington County’s economy. We invite you to sign up today. The next generation is counting on you!Economic Development / Washington County2151 North Main Street | West Bend, WI | 53090(262) 335-5769 | info@businessreadywi.orgwww.businessreadywi.org