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 17, 2005 - Advisor offers praises, views on program 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. Recently, Jim Haguewood, senior partner for ONE Group Consulting, visited the south Wood County area to access the efforts of the Community Progress Initiative, and more specifically, the industry cluster teams. He shared the following observations: A wave of community change has begun in South Wood County. It began with a committed core group of leadership that understands the vision and is willing to apply its influence. • The Community Progress Initiative has been recognized as a model for economic and community development in the state of Wisconsin. The recent Capital for a Day, lead by Gov. Jim Doyle, and the expanding relationship with the Department of Commerce reflects the increased attention. Wood County has definitely become a region of interest and concentration. • An increase in outside investment has been taking place. This can be recognized by the consideration of a Home Depot, private investment in downtown Rapids and expanded cranberry processing by a new facility owner. • The entrepreneurship element of the CPI plan continues to be highly successful with the Boot Camps and the startup Entrepreneur Club. • There is a lack of recognition and understanding of the regional economy and the potential benefits of collaboration with neighboring communities such as Marshfield, Rome, Plover and others. He added these suggestions: • Begin to infuse the concept of regionalization of the CPI program outside of the south Wood County area. • The primary missing element of the CPI program is economic strategic analysis and business opportunity planning. Particularly, the linking of key indicators and measurements to the CPI strategies. This is a critical element for long-term sustainability of a volunteer-based community development strategy and is a good business practice. • The CPI is receiving strong expressions of support from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, so a collaborative relationship with the cluster teams should be created to provide additional resources and networking opportunities. • The community involvement through the cluster work over the past 18 months has provided some important input toward a community branding identity. The improved collaboration between the Heart of Wisconsin Business and Economic Alliance and the Convention and Visitors Bureau will help this process, as the community works toward a unique recognizable image. The Community Progress Initiative has created a strong foundation for community change to occur, he said.
		Copyright © 2005, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome