EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND LOCAL WISDOM MUST INFORM THE PROCESS

Based on the decision to, “…compile a county-based assessment of needs, challenges, resources and opportunities,” Mark O’Connell identified a list of counties for the group’s consideration. (See Figure 1) Dale Knapp, Director of Forward Analytics at the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA), then developed a key data sheet for each of the nine counties identified. (See Example in Figure 2)

Figure 1

Figure 2

The group then used the WCA Forward Analytics data to identify areas where we need more information and to develop possible questions for discussions with local officials and other community leaders. (See Figure 3)

Figure 3

In early November, the Wisconsin Counties Association facilitated the convening of two independent virtual meetings with elected leaders and economic development professionals from Dodge and Portage to talk about the work CWI and others were doing; to hear what leaders in Dodge and Portage were doing; and to explore whether or not opportunities existed that might warrant further discussion.

Dodge County Zoom Participants

• Russell Kottke, Chair, Dodge County Board
• David Frohling, Dodge County Board
• Jim Mielke, Dodge County Executive
• Nate Olson, Planning & Economic Development, Dodge County
• Mark O'Connell, Executive Director, Wisconsin Counties Association
• Dale Knapp, Director, Forward Analytics
• Bob Borremans, Wisconsin Rural Partnership
• Paul Scharfman, President & CEO, Specialty Cheese Company
• Jim White, Professor, Agriculture Economics, UW-River Falls
• Jim Wood, Strategic Counsel, Competitive Wisconsin, Inc.
• Kennan Wood, President, Wood Communications Group

Portage County Zoom Participants

• Al Haga Jr., Chair, Portage County Board
• Chris Holman, Portage County Executive
• Todd Kuckkahn, Executive Director, Portage County Business Council
• Mark O'Connell, Executive Director, Wisconsin Counties Association
• Dale Knapp, Director, Forward Analytics
• Paul Scharfman, President & CEO, Specialty Cheese Company
• Jim White, Professor, Agriculture Economics, UW-River Falls
• Jim Wood, Strategic Counsel, Competitive Wisconsin, Inc.
• Kennan Wood, President, Wood Communications Group

From CWI’s point of view, all of the conversations were cordial, informational and helpful. In keeping with the groups original intent, the conversations touched on three main informational areas.

Local elected officials and economic/ community development professionals shared their thoughts about immediate and short-term needs, challenges and opportunities.

Mr. O’Connell and Mr. Wood commented on the importance of attracting people, jobs and capital to rural areas and about emerging opportunities and possibilities that might be relevant to the current challenges and opportunities.

Mr. Scharfman and Professor White provided specific examples of how rural areas might attract private equity capital.