WisconsinBiz

A unique collaboration aims to turbo-charge what is already a strong state industry cluster.

Environmental Stewardship knows no geographic or political boundaries, so when Concordia University Wisconsin’s Office of International Studies and School of Education received a request from a Japanese high school to host an environmental camp focusing on freshwater studies and renewable energy, the University jumped at the opportunity.

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. Fusion primarily works with its clients and original equipment manufacturers to integrate machines and control systems for use in specific production and packaging settings, specializing in the paper and pulp products industry but also in the energy generation, utilities and food and beverage sectors. While Fusion primarily develops and modifies automation processes using original components, the firm occasionally designs and builds customized equipment if an off-the-shelf option is not available.

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.

How economic development partnerships create new opportunities for Wisconsin businesses
One of the challenges businesses face when seeking business development assistance is that they often don't know what resources are available outside of traditional financing or consulting services they may receive from their lenders, accountants or law firms. They may also view state or other public assistance as ineffective or coming with too many strings attached. However, once businesses realize the many forms and sources of
financial and technical assistance available, a whole new world of opportunity opens up.

Communities across Wisconsin share common challenges, working to boost business growth, protect environmental resources, promote public health, and sustain a high quality of life. These communities also share an invaluable resource – the University of Wisconsin System.

Educating people for career success is a vital part of UW System’s mission. Our colleges, universities, and extension networks are also working to create stronger businesses – and new jobs – to employ those UW graduates.

In an economy driven by knowledge and innovation, the University of Wisconsin System is preparing a stronger workforce to fuel business success.

Oshkosh CorporationOshkosh Corporation joined the consortium in 2000. Several areas of their product development activities have benefited including:New product...

Advanced manufacturing is a mainstream concept that represents some of the latest and most innovative technologies that are available. MSOE is no stranger to this concept. In fact, the university was an early adopter of these technologies and helped advanced manufacturing techniques become the new normal in a variety of fields.