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State Unveils Annual Economic Development Program Report
For Immediate Release: October 2, 2008 MADISON - The Department of Commerce today issued the 2008 Annual Economic Development Programs Report, detailing the benefits and results of the state's economic development programs. The report was prepared in response to a 2006 Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) review of Wisconsin's economic development programs. Joint Legislative Audit Committee Co-chairs Sen. Jim Sullivan (D-Wauwatosa) and Rep. Sue Jeskewitz (R-Menomonee Falls) praised the report for its thoroughness and responsiveness. "Openness, accountability, and transparency are the hallmarks of good government," said Sen. Sullivan. "I commend the involved agencies for improving the quality and quantity of available information on these state programs." "The State has taken a great step forward with this comprehensive report on its economic development programs, which includes clear measurements of the benefits of each program," said Rep. Jeskewitz. "I commend the agencies for their hard work and responsiveness, and for completing this report with no additional staff resources." "The involved agencies have worked together to produce a valuable, informative document that helps track our programs and identify ways we can collaborate on economic development opportunities," said Commerce Deputy Secretary Aaron Olver. "We welcome the opportunity to be accountable and open about the programs we administer." The report shows that the state's economic development programs have benefitted businesses and communities across Wisconsin, creating jobs and leveraging public and private investment. As examples, entrepreneurs have been able to start and grow their businesses; manufacturers have upgraded their plant and equipment and trained their workers; businesses and communities have returned contaminated sites to productivity; and communities have upgraded their infrastructure and provided additional low-income housing. The audit required that by October 1 of each year, each agency submit a comprehensive report assessing the economic development programs it administers to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the appropriate standing committees of the Assembly and the Senate. Among the reporting requirements were the establishment of clear and measurable performance goals for each economic development program and the establishment of at least one performance measurement benchmark for each goal. Commerce was given the responsibility of coordinating the information of all entities and for making sure that the information is readily accessible to the public on an Internet-based system. The report identifies and measures the benefit of economic development programs administered by Forward Wisconsin; Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; Wisconsin Department of Commerce; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Wisconsin Department of Tourism; Wisconsin Department of Transportation; Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority; Wisconsin Technical College System; and University of Wisconsin System. -30- |
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