Richard J. Bliss
Attorney and director of client relations
Godfrey & Kahn s.c.
Milwaukee
As the economic recovery picks up speed, Attorney Richard J. Bliss says Wisconsin companies need to arise from their shells and rediscover their passions for growth, innovation and risk.
“As we move into 2011, we are going to hear a lot more about austerity. Perhaps shared sacrifice would put a better framework around it, but the facts are the same. As individuals, each of us must continue to keep a tight rein on our family budgets. Even governments are getting the message that no one can forever spend money that isn’t there. Every constituency is going to need to learn the difference between wants and needs. We may not be able to afford all of the latter, much less the former.
“The most important word for 2011, however, must be growth. Austerity is necessary, but growth completes the path to success. We must grow our economy and grow the number of jobs in it. The good news is that the necessary tools are in place here in Wisconsin. We have a highly-skilled and committed workforce. We have a strong business community with deep resources of know-how and business savvy. Our institutions of higher learning are beginning to partner with the business community in ways that would be considered innovative anywhere in the country. And we have well-known public/private partnerships that have demonstrated effectiveness at retaining the key job-creating businesses and attracting and growing new ones.
“Growth doesn’t come from avoiding risk; it results from properly managing risk. Take a chance. Use the resources available in our state. Get on the growth bandwagon. Support the public/private initiatives. Become an investor in their operating plans. Allow your best people to volunteer for their projects. Encourage others in the business community to connect with them and with each other.
“Together we can move past austerity to sustainable growth that will benefit our state in 2011 and for years to come.”
