REMEMBER THAT “ A GREAT VISION WITHOUT GREAT PEOPLE IS IRRELEVANT”! (Jim Collins). Staff the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. {WEDC} and other Commercial-connected units of State Government with very able, highly motivated, experienced people who can effectively deal with the private sector and want to see big results!
UNDERSTAND FOCUSSED “STRETCH TARGETS” ENDURE LONG TERM THROUGH MULTIPLE SHORT TERM GOVERNORSHIPS AND ACROSS EACH AND EVERY ADMINISTRATION! And yes, “Before a man (woman) can do a thing, there must be things he will not do” (Mencius). “Stretch Targets” cannot be just one of many state priorities. To enact top priority matters very effectively and in a radical turn around, some functions must be downsized or eliminated. To focus on economics and good jobs long term (and K-12 education), the State must with difficulty say NO to other good and attractive causes/functions, and venerable, traditional state departments and operations. No state has the resources to do ‘everything’ well!
DO THE PREP WORK WHEN WISCONSIN FINALLY GETS SERIOUS! “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war” (Sun Tzu). For dramatic economic growth, corresponding revisions/adjustments and readiness of local and State environmental regulations, and assurance of other common sense regulations in labor law, commercial codes, and credit laws must be expeditiously realized. This does not mean lesser environmental or labor protection standards. Rather, from the start, the keys are clarity, practicality, and fair, expeditious enforcement. Strengthen Wisconsin institutions. (Why have the headquarters of half the major insurance companies left the State? Even though the UW-Madison is sixth nationwide in research dollars, why is it 46th in business sponsored research {National Science Foundation} and according to Milliken Institute { 9/2017} # 40 in Best Universities for Tech Transfer and last in the top 50 in business spinoffs?) Competitive overall tax policies are critical. For example, Colorado has established a single sales factor for multistate corporations which allows companies to pay taxes based solely on their sales in the state. Maximizing the quality of health while minimizing the costs to the state is crucial. (Why is the State in the middle of the Opioid Heartland, #49 in Medicaid spending on kids? {Kaiser State Health Facts}, #50 in Black single teenage births?) Likewise, transportation and energy systems should be improved where needed. Building the fastest, most secure internet systems for companies and citizens throughout the State will be a major plus for both productivity and quality of life. What companies need in order to invest and grow in Wisconsin are strong institutions, a transparent, and consistent, welcoming environment with sufficient incentives. (See also below.) {If a Wisconsin locality does not desire economic growth or is not ready for development, go elsewhere. Clear early YESes and NOs to prospective companies for their increased business activity are both part of the needed attraction!}
RECOGNIZE LIMITED STATE RESOURCES WILL NOT DO IT. RATHER AN ALL COURT 20- YEAR PRESS IN AN INTEGRATIVE STATE EFFORT WILL! Not only the obvious government agency links with the private sector (Commerce, Agriculture, etc.) but other agencies with significant impact on businesses (Work Force, Health, Attorney General, Tourism, the UW System, ) must be mobilized into the team effort for maximum business support. Use all of the GOOD State as well as private resources for the effort!