Regional Update March, 2017

Over the last few months we’ve focused on the progress being made with our regional talent initiative.  Things are still moving ahead with almost all the initiative teams meeting. I thought I’d shift direction this month as we’ll be coming up shortly on Momentum Wests second anniversary of the launch of the Gold Shovel Ready Program.

The Momentum West Gold Shovel Ready Site designation is designed to identify both publicly and privately owned sites throughout the Momentum West region which are suitable for development. The goal of this program is to gather uniform site information to increase the quality of site documentation, as well as the overall number of sites that are ready for development. Momentum West actively markets these sites to regional, national and international site selectors.

IF YOU’RE A PROPERTY OWNER, WHY SHOULD YOU PARTICIPATE?

The Gold Shovel Ready designation will identify your property to developers, site selectors and companies looking for suitable expansion locations. Knowing this information up front helps brokers, site selectors, developers and companies expedite their search, allowing these particular sites to stand out against the competition.

HOW DOES THIS DIFFER FROM THE STATE OF WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SITES PROGRAM?

This designation is not meant to replace or compete with the State of Wisconsin Certified Site Program, but rather to provide a scaled-down alternative for smaller sites or those that cannot

meet the criteria of the State program. Momentum West will market the Wisconsin Certified Sites within the region at no charge as part of the Gold Shovel Ready marketing.

IS THERE A COST TO PARTICIPATE?

The cost to apply is $500 for the first year per listing. One business park is considered to be one listing even though it may include several contiguous development lots.

HOW WILL THIS BE PROMOTED?

Through this program, sites will be promoted directly to developers and real estate professionals. Designated sites will automatically be entered into the State of Wisconsin’s online property database and be featured on Momentum West’s website. Advertising campaigns, newsletters, direct

marketing and other communication efforts throughout the year will promote Gold Shovel Ready sites to real estate brokers and site selectors.

HOW LONG DOES THE DESIGNATION LAST?

Momentum West’s Gold Shovel Ready Site designation is valid for one year. At the end of year one, the information must be validated or updated and designation can continue for a fee of $150.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

Visit www.MomentumWest.org for the full list of criteria and submission instructions.

The Momentum West Annual Meeting is fast approaching.  This year we are pleased to announce that Janet Ady from Ady Advantage will be the keynote speaker.  The event is March 8^th at Bills Distribution in Menomonie, from 11:30 – 1:30pm.  There are sponsorship opportunities available, but a special thanks to our title Sponsor Bremer Bank and Gold level sponsors Ruder Ware, Xcel Energy, Market & Johnson, Security Financial and Westconsin Credit Union.  Additional sponsors include Cedar Corp, Royal Credit Union, Manpower, AgStar and Hoeft Builders.