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Sometimes called the “Silicon Valley of Water,” Southeastern Wisconsin’s water cluster strength is not only its technology companies but its unique academic research and talent development programs. Just as Stanford University took innovative ideas and research and nurtured them into global technology leadership, Wisconsin’s colleges and universities are helping to reshape our water technology cluster.

Associated Bank is proud to sponsor the Economic Development Regions section of WisconsinBiz. Born in 1970 as an association of strong community banks, we have maintained a strong regional character throughout our history. We recognize and understand the differences in the business and financial needs of companies and communities in the various regions of our state. These needs are also reflected in the priorities of regional economic development organizations. For example, Grow North is focused on improving the fundamental economic drivers of growth, such as enhancements to transportation infrastructure and broadband access. Milwaukee 7 – among many other projects – is targeting national and international prospects to bring additional business into the state.

American fashion, music and culture may be all the rage among young people in Shanghai, Mumbai and countless cities across the globe, but when it comes to population growth, we're far from number one.

Fusion Integrated Solutions Draws Upon State REsources to Expand Services
Fusion Integrated Solutions, LLC, based in Milwaukee, is an engineering consulting and design firm that designs automation components and production processes for manufacturing operations, energy generation plants, airports, correction facilities, universities and water treatment plants. CEO Seaphes Miller started the company in 2004 in Ohio and moved it to Wisconsin in 2006 when merging it with a family member's information technology firm because of the open business environment here. Today, the firm has 75 employees in four offices: two in Wisconsin
and one each in Illinois and Ohio.

It probably won’t surprise you that Wisconsin trails most other states across the nation in business
startup activity. According to the Kauffman Foundation, which studies and promotes entrepreneurship, Wisconsin ranked #40 in 2011.

One of the challenges businesses face when seeking business development assistance is that they often don't know what resources...

Wisconsin’s long-held reputation as a state that is unfriendly to business is changing—and for good reason. Our state is one of only a few nationally with a balanced budget, and we are taking decisive steps to ensure Wisconsin remains a national leader in worker productivity, even as our economy evolves. Meanwhile, we’ve adopted pro-business policies designed to create a world-class business climate that encourages business startup, growth and attraction.

There's no question that there's been a notable push for economic development in Wisconsin. The state wants businesses to not only survive, but thrive. With growth comes success, but also greater risks. After all, the more companies have, the more they must protect. Surprisingly, 50 percent of small to medium-market businesses are still lacking the vital data protection of a formal disaster recovery plan.

John Rupcich, a Cardinal Stritch University MBA graduate, doesn't mind when people refer to him as “quirky.” In fact, he embraces it. His so-called quirkiness actually is key in his approach to business and in the success and growth his company has experienced – even during tough economic times.

“We have significantly diversified the company,” said Roadrunner CEO Mark DiBlasi. “Our customer base needs a carrier that provides multiple services.”