A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News November 3, 2005 - Cluster key to Community Progress Initiative By Ann Lepak for the Daily Tribune Editor's note: The Daily Tribune will regularly run columns updating Community Progress Initiative activities and the work of its industry clusters in local communities. As part of the Community Progress Initiative, I have had the privilege to be involved with several industry clusters and make new business contacts. Simply being involved in the initiative has opened discussion between many local businesses. Industry cluster members are working hard to bring local businesses together for the greater good of our community. Here's how: Members are identifying what types of products and/or services are being purchased outside of our south Wood County area and are researching ways to bring that business back to our community. Clusters have organized tours of local companies to learn more about business operations in our community, and open communication for potential working relationships. They've also organized tours in other regions of the state to draw upon the experience and success of others. When a product or service has been identified, clusters work together to identify a need. The appropriate businesses then take the lead to pursue ideas, with help along the way from others. For example, Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance provides information and resources from other areas, accountants assist with business planning, attorneys help with contract language, and area business people assist with determining the feasibility of identified projects. Community members are working hard to develop the Wisconsin Rapids -central Wisconsin area, and the initiative is not limited to those already involved. This is a community wide effort, and everyone is welcome to attend any meetings of interest to them. If you would like to get involved after attending a meeting or two, please join the industry clusters of your choice. There are seven: Cranberry/Agriculture; Downtown Revitalization; New eConomies; Paper and Forestry Products; Small Business Development; Tourism; and Workforce Education and Training. To learn more about the Community Progress Initiative and Industry Clusters, please visit http:progressinitiative.com or contact Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance at 423-1830. Ann Lepak is a member of the Paper and Forestry Product Industry Cluster.
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