Regional Report: January 2017

5 Jan 2017


Regional Report

REGIONAL REPORT

As we enter 2017, all of us at Momentum West hope you had a safe and prosperous 2016, with more on the horizon in 2017.

2016 was a busy year with work on multiple fronts.  The currently underway Regional Talent Initiative occupied much of our time throughout the year, as did attendance at numerous tradeshows, work on potential new business and industry in the region, transitions in the area of international trade and entrepreneurship offerings, continuation of existing programs such as the Gold Shovel Program, work with our numerous regional partners and many other activities.  I must thank our numerous investors, board, partners and volunteers.  You are the reason we're able to tackle the items we do.  Thank You!

2017 will see many of these efforts continue along with new initiatives.   Our key focus will continue to be the talent effort with the launch of the eight key initiatives this first quarter.  Some of our efforts are as follows:

Business Attraction:

Focus Business Attraction efforts in key sectors such as food and beverage manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, plastics, warehousing and distribution.

Continued focus on marketing to Developers, Site Selectors, Asset Managers; with an emphasis on the Twin Cities metro market and expanded regional/Chicago markets

Participation in state, regional, and national tradeshows with an upper Midwest focus (e.g. MAEDC).  Focusing on relevant clusters while, working with county EDC's to reduce redundancy on attendance.

Familiarity and assets tour will be hosted with an emphasis on workforce, representation of all ten counties, developed industrial land and available property.

Continuation of the Gold Shovel Ready program to identify and market available shovel ready sites to developers, site selectors and brokers.

Talent:

Develop a targeted marketing campaign to communicate the regions unique quality of place assets to students graduating from area universities before they leave the region.

Develop coordinated communications and outreach to area alumni about the benefits of living in the Momentum West region.

Market local job opportunities to out-commuters working in the Twin Cities.

Provide job and support services targeted to traditionally under-represented groups.

Address industry talent needs for targeted industries.

Provide career planning support and skills information to key audiences in collaboration with employers, educational institutions and workforce organizations.

Provide business lead career learning opportunities for young adults.

Raise awareness among job seekers about local openings and among employers about job search practices.

Advocate with the universities and tech colleges along with industry to help companies create internship programs.

Continue the STEM initiative.

Events/Forums:

Continue to host every other month gathering of the regions EDC's to help tie the efforts of the county/city EDC's together.  Momentum will leverage this to make sure we identify common challenges that can be address on a regional level and look for potential efficiencies.

Be a convener of regional focused workgroups, events, and gatherings as needed. Offering of regular forums in partnership with the area EDC's, WEDC, NWITA and others.

Work with the Ignite Wisconsin Board to support regional entrepreneurship in partnership with county EDC's and other regional stakeholders.

Marketing:

Improve communication partnerships for more balanced outreach throughout the region.

Advocate for economic development related issues throughout the.

Enhance website with additional data to better market the region by illustrating the assets/resources of the region.

We'll have our plate full to say the least!