MaryBeth Matzek

With consumers and businesses relying more than ever on electricity, the market for generators has never been better. And Kohler Power Systems is developing unique, reliable products to meet the growing need. “We’ve seen increased global demand for backup power generators, and Super Storm Sandy, Hurricane Katrina and recent ice storms have created problems maintaining reliable power on an aging U.S. power grid,” said Vito Minneci, vice president of marketing for Kohler Power Systems. “Power failures are increasing in size and severity at the same time we rely on electricity to power computers and other electronic devices. It’s a major part of our daily lives.”

The right name can make all the difference. That's what the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is discovering. The economic development group formerly known as THRIVE changed its name during 2013 and is already seeing results.

Jagemann Stamping Company has changed a lot since its founding in 1946. Back then, employees of the Manitowoc company used hand-fed single operation presses to make short-run orders. Today, the company uses state-of-the-art equipment to fulfill precise orders – many of which are for the automotive industry.