| OCEDC | Annual Report Index | |
|
Annual Report of the Economic Development Corporation - 2004 |
||
|
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 the calendar year 2004, our organization was involved in the following activities: Entrepreneurial Training: OCEDC, in cooperation with UW-Extension, has developed and implemented a program, entitled Fast Trac, in which participants develop business plans for current or proposed businesses. An 11-week class is offered in the spring and fall of each year 31 business plans completed since September 2002! "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. Initiative received a $60,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce to assist in the development of Cluster based activities Organized and facilitated a First Friday Forum at MATC- Mequon Campus entitled "Industry Cluster Initiative: A New Economic Development Strategy." Over 80 participants attended this forum. 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 163 graduates of the program. Regional Economic Partnership: A consortium of seven Southeastern Wisconsin Counties, 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. Co-sponsored workshop "Using Science & Technology to Accelerate Economic Growth" Provided funding for a position to assist high technology companies apply for federal dollars for research and development Administer Wisconsin Technology Zone Program- $10 million in tax credits for high technology companies in Southeastern Wisconsin Respectfully submitted by Jeff Larson, President Ozaukee County Economic Development Corporation |
||
|
|