Conservatively Speaking

One of the most important duties I have serving as your Governor is to provide you directly with updates related to the operation of our state government. I also frequently provide updates on Facebook (Governor Scott Walker) and Twitter (@govwalker).  Please feel free to share this update with your family, friends, and others who may be interested in state government operations.

In Wisconsin

This week, I joined the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to unveil a marketing initiative to brand Wisconsin’s business climate and promote the benefits of starting, expanding, or locating a business in Wisconsin. 
 
We’ve encouraged job growth by changing the regulatory environment, holding the line on taxes, and controlling government spending.  As a result, our image improved as a business-friendly state, which was shown from rankings released by Chief Executive Magazine and CNBC.  The In Wisconsin marketing initiative takes the next step by actively promoting the state’s benefits directly to business leaders.
 
The In Wisconsin brand centers on the state’s pioneering spirit and heritage of innovation. The participating companies include: Organic Valley (La Farge, Wis.), the nation’s largest organic dairy farmer cooperative; Rockwell Automation (Milwaukee, Wis.), a global leader in the advancement of smart manufacturing; Schneider National (Green Bay, Wis.), one of the world’s largest transportation and logistics companies; Trek (Waterloo, Wis.), world-renowned manufacturer of bicycles and related products; and Virent (Madison, Wis.), a company using naturally-occurring renewable resources to replace crude oil. Additional companies will be added during the ongoing campaign.
 
Wisconsin’s unique combination of economic assets includes a concentration of industry clusters with worldwide market significance —water, biosciences, and renewable energy/clean technology—and its investment in education that fuels cutting-edge research and a skilled workforce. The state also offers businesses low operating costs and a highly responsive network of economic development partners throughout the state.
 
In Wisconsin is designed to engage business leaders and entrepreneurs by directing them to online videos that detail each company’s strong state ties.
 
As part of the initiative, WEDC established inwisconsin.com as its new web address and is building a robust website to serve businesses looking to start, grow, or locate in the state.

Second Annual Governor's Small Business Summit

Last year, in an effort to improve communication between government and small business owners, we held the first ever Governor’s Small Business Summit at Lambeau Field.  After the successful first summit received positive feedback from attendees, we’ve decided to make it an annual event.  This year, Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and I will be hosting the event at the La Cross Center on November 8th. 
 
More details about the event will be sent out in the near future.

Just Ask the Governor

Each e-update, I will answer a question submitted by a recipient of the previous e-update or from someone who contacts my office directly. 
 
Question:  I have a question regarding the notes about Japan investing in Indiana’s businesses and your thoughts on promoting this through the Midwest.  Shouldn’t you be promoting US firms investing in the Midwest instead?
 
Answer:  Yes.  Each and every day I focus on how to grow jobs in Wisconsin.  First and foremost, it’s important to keep existing jobs here.  Second, it’s important to convince Wisconsin-based employers who may have footprints in other states that future expansions should take place in our great state and not elsewhere.  Lastly, I look for opportunities to attract new job creators to our state.  I will continue to recruit jobs first and foremost from Wisconsin and U.S. based employers, but if a company that is based in another country is interested in hiring hardworking Midwest employees I want to make sure they consider Wisconsin for their jobs.

It has been a pleasure communicating with you. It is an honor to serve as your Governor and represent the residents of Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Governor Scott Walker