January 23, 2008

KABA Supportive of Expanding the State's Economic Development Programs
New initiatives provide additional tools to start, grow, and attract companies

Kenosha Area Business Alliance

Governor Doyle will outline a series of economic development initiatives that his administration will focus on over the next year during Wednesday evening's State of the State address. The Governor's economic development proposals are focused on providing support to assist manufacturing firms with efficiency improvements and providing incentives to spur additional investment in research and development capacity.

"We applaud these new economic development initiatives and feel that they are extremely important as we seek to continue to improve Wisconsin 's competitiveness and grow our economy," commented Todd Battle, the President of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Kenosha County 's economic development organization and employers association (pictured left).

"The emphasis on supporting manufacturing investment by streamlining tax credit programs and focusing on lean manufacturing principles is critically important," he noted.

" Additionally, the Innovate Wisconsin program, which aims to encourage additional research and development spending in the state, is welcome news as the intensity of our innovation economy continues to accelerate," commented Battle. "Innovate Wisconsin will provide an incentive for Wisconsin companies to invest additional resources into research and new product development."

"The emphasis on providing tax credits and exemptions for investments made in Wisconsin start-ups is also important for expanding angel and venture capital investments."