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Ozaukee County Economic Development
Corporation
2003 ANNUAL REPORT
The purpose of the non-profit development corporation is to
promote, assist, encourage, develop, and advance business,
prosperity, and the economy of Ozaukee County.
During calendar year 2003, our organization was involved in
the following activities:
Entrepreneurial Training: OCEDC, in cooperation with
UW-Extension, has developed and implemented an entrepreneurial
training program, entitled Fast Trac, in which participants
develop business plans for current or proposed businesses.
25 business plans completed in the first year of this
program!
"The program really gave us an eye-opening look at what was
expected, as well as what we needed to know in order to start
a new business." –2003 Fast Trac Graduate
Industry Cluster Initiative: Joined a tri-county
initiative with Washington and Dodge Counties in order to
facilitate a process that will increase the productivity with
which companies can compete in an increasingly more competitive
global market. This industry lead initiative is a partnership of
key private industry stakeholders, government and educational
institutions. Advanced Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Health
Service Clusters were formed in 2003.
Workforce 2010: A consortium of education, business,
community and government representatives pursuing future
employment needs in the county.
School-To-Work apprenticeship programs - students receive
paid work experience and guided learning opportunities in
computer information technology, manufacturing,
financial services, health, automotive, and engineering
industries.
Since 1994, there have been 149 graduates of the program.
Currently, there are 43 youth apprenticeships; two are
employed by Ozaukee County at the Ozaukee County
Administration Center.
Regional Economic Partnership: A consortium of seven
southeastern Wisconsin counties, the We Energies, the
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, the City of
Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area of Commerce
working together on common economic development issues.
Received $10 million in tax credits for Southeastern
Wisconsin as part of the Technology Zone Program
Co-sponsored workshop "The Race for Talent: Can Wisconsin
Place"
Provided funding for a new regional Internet site for
Milwaukee (www.metromilwaukee.org)
Conducted a survey that identified 575 Information
Technology & Bioscience companies in Southeastern Wisconsin
Clearinghouse: Through the UWEX office, the
corporation serves as a countywide clearinghouse for economic
development information and resources.
Respectfully submitted by Jeff Larson, President
Ozaukee County Economic Development Corporation |