What do iconic Wisconsin companies like Kohler, Mercury Marine, Oshkosh Corp. and SC Johnson have in common?
They were founded generations ago by innovators who developed products that forever changed the world.
That same spirit of innovation lives on today throughout our great state – in the classrooms and laboratories at our colleges and universities, in the R&D departments of companies of all sizes and industries and, yes, in the garages and basements of entrepreneurs who are working tirelessly to develop the next game-changing product.
Wisconsin has a long history of curiosity, discovery and invention. We also take great pride in our work and in the exceptional quality of life that fuels our social, cultural and recreational passions.
Celebrating the unique attributes of our state underpins the work the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. performs on behalf of the people, communities and businesses we serve. As the state’s lead economic development organization, WEDC works closely with its more than 600 partners to make sure Wisconsin’s innovators and entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to succeed.
That is why WEDC is proud to collaborate with BizTimes Media on its new print and online publishing initiative – Innovate Wisconsin – that focuses on innovation as a driver of statewide economic development and business growth.
In this publication, you will be introduced to some of the state’s most innovative businesses, entrepreneurs and researchers. You also will learn more about the resources available to help startups and existing businesses in Wisconsin grow, and to assist all businesses in meeting the challenge of attracting and keeping the brightest talent.
I hope you will find inspiration in the stories of those who are leading the way for innovation and whose accomplishments are celebrated in this issue. Likewise, I hope you will utilize Innovate Wisconsin as a resource to help your business succeed – whether you are running a startup with a handful of employees or are part of a Fortune 500 company.
On behalf of the dedicated team at WEDC, we applaud the thousands of individuals and businesses throughout the state that have contributed to the state’s ongoing economic success.
Mark R. Hogan
Secretary and CEO
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
