A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of Greater     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 April 24, 2004 - Attitude Key to Progress By Deb Cleworth, Daily Tribune Staff The Community Progress Initiative launched this week is intended to make positive changes in the Wisconsin Rapids area. But not everyone wants to accept change. That could be one of the tallest hurdles for organizers over the next three years. "We have been very blessed for generations to have a solid economy," said Thomas "Gus" Mancuso, a resident for 25 years and principal at Lincoln High School. "Change forces us out of our comfort zone." The point right now is to be flexible, he said. Residents who have lost their jobs said attitude is a critical factor in making changes in the community and on the job front. Like hundreds of others in the community, Wayne Hilgart, 45, of Rudolph lost his job at Stora Enso North America. That was two years ago this month, and he co-owns two companies: Centralcom, which specializes in electronic security systems, and WKLM, a real estate business. "In my opinion, starting new businesses and revitalizing (the community) goes to the limit of the imagination," Hilgart said. "You've got to look at what potential is out there for new business and new needs that people may not know exist. "You've got to look outside the box." Getting out of the box is what can present a challenge to some people.
		Copyright © 2004, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome