ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Here are some of our many recent accomplishments:

  • Created and launched strategic economic development marketing campaign for business recruitment and retention.  Materials developed also used for employee recruitment by Portage County businesses. Other initiatives included full-page advertising in Stevens Point Area Visitors Guide (distribution 52,000), urban maps, and monthly lists of those relocating to area.

  • Conducted surveys of members to identify issues that are affecting them and impacting their business. 

  • Facilitate municipality meetings with representatives from Portage County, City of Stevens Point, Village of Plover, and Village of Amherst to provide a forum for working together on economic development issues.

  • Sponsored the Business Owner Solution Conference with area Chambers & UWSP.

  • Supported the Stevens Point Public School District referendum for $26.4 million over 3 years (2007-2010) and the resolution regarding school funding reform.

  • Participation in regional efforts through Centergy: economic development forum which brought Governor Doyle and his cabinet to Central Wisconsin; launched the Wisconsin Innovation Network (WIN) – Centergy Chapter; created website www.centergy.net to be regional economic development portal; presentation of an economic development opportunity study developed by area chambers and Northstar Economics at the 2006 Centergy Economic Development Forum.

  • Participated in Central Wisconsin Days in Madison featuring over 100 business, government, and economic development professionals meeting with administrative and legislative leaders.

  • Provided site tours and demographic information to development professionals from Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, and Milwaukee as well as to those from out of state.

  • Held legislative forums regarding state budget, 715 area code, economic development and business issues.

  • Established a Young Professionals of Portage County group to increase workforce retention in our area.  Over 200 have expressed interest and participated since the launch in February 2006.

  • Supported UWSP Master Plan to encourage future growth and coordination with community development.

  • Advocated for Wisconsin’s prosperity by supporting MSTC and the Wisconsin Technical College System’s new initiative, Next Generation Workforce, in the 2009-2011 state budget.  Supported MSTC at North Central WI Higher Learning Accreditation session.

  • Candidate forums were held for county executive and mayoral elections encouraging business and community members to gain information and vote.

  • From 2005 member survey results, PCBC began to research the possibility of creating an association health plan to control escalating health care costs.  A new health insurance plan was developed and available to members January 2007. 

  • Established public / private funding partnership to continue and promote economic growth in Portage County.

  • Established a Wisconsin Entrepreneurial Network Outreach Center at the Portage County Business Council to support activities of the Department of Commerce and assist start-up, high growth, and established businesses.

  • Secured revolving loan funds by working with four companies (three from Portage County and one from the City of Stevens Point).