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Summit
II Highlights About the Speakers News Releases Program Schedule Announcement Briefing Papers Feedback Steering Committee Summit Archive |
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Wisconsin's Economy at the Crossroads:
Building Higher Paying Jobs for the Future
November
26-27, 2001
Midwest Express Center, Milwaukee
About the Speakers
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Phil
Albert Phil Albert currently serves as Acting Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. He holds a bachelor's of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Economics and Business Administration. Phil has previously served as Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Development and he held a number of high-level administrative posts in what had previously been known as the Wisconsin Department of Development. |
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Bryan
Albrecht Serving as the Division Director for Career and Technical Education at the Department of Public Instruction, Bryan is responsible for state and national leadership in education and workforce training initiatives. Bryan serves on many boards and executive councils that govern Wisconsin's workforce education initiatives. He has written a variety of publications on school to work and skill standards development. He has been recognized as the outstanding State Director for School to Work by Jobs for the Future and as a Distinguish Technology Educator by the International Technology Education Association. |
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Lynn
Allen-Hoffmann, Ph.D. Stratatech Corporation is a Delaware corporation with technology and products at the cutting-edge of tissue engineering and biotechnology. The Company is located in the University Research Park in Madison, WI. Stratatech is focused on commercializing the patented NIKS™ human skin cell line discovered by Lynn Allen-Hoffmann, Ph.D. Dr. Allen-Hoffmann also serves as a Professor for the University of Wisconsin Medical School, Department of Pathology. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) received a patent on the NIKS cell line in 1999, and Stratatech is the exclusive licensee (or owner) of this and all follow-on patents. |
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Dean
Amhaus On April 2, 2001, Dean Amhaus became President of The Spirit of Milwaukee, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Milwaukee's brand image through educating the public about greater Milwaukee's many cultural, educational, historical and scientific institutions, and encouraging increased use of these wonderful Milwaukee assets. Previously, Dean served for nearly two years as the President of Forward Wisconsin, a unique public-private promotion group whose job is marketing outside Wisconsin to attract new businesses, jobs and investment to the state. Prior to his position with Forward Wisconsin, Dean was the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Commission, the chief executive officer responsible for the two-year planning of programs and activities related to a yearlong 1998 statewide celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Wisconsin's Statehood. Dean was with the Wisconsin Arts Board from 1990 - 1996; first as Deputy Director for one year, followed by a five-year stint as Executive Director. He worked in Washington, D.C. from 1982 - 1990 in the areas of government relations, event management and corporate fundraising. Schooled in Wisconsin, Dean received his M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and his B.S. in Business from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville following graduation from Cudahy High School. |
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Harry
J. Argue, CAE Harry Argue became the Executive Vice President/CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association in June 1990. The Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state's largest financial institution in Wisconsin and represents 98 percent of the nearly 360 financial institutions in Wisconsin. Argue is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served as 1996-97 State Association Division Chairman for the American Bankers Association. For 12 years, Argue was the Executive Vice President for the North Dakota Bankers Association and also worked as the Director of Communications for the Nebraska Bankers Association. |
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Tony
Báez Luis "Tony" Báez is the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Milwaukee Area Technical College. MATC is one of largest multi-campus community and technical colleges in the country. This past year, its annual headcount was approximately 64,000. As Chief Academic Officer, Tony supervises nice academic deans, as well as other top administrative and support staff, an all the academic programs of four campuses. The college offers over 150 technical diploma and associate degree programs and others that transfer to four-year colleges/universities. There are over 600 full-time and close to 1,000 part-time faculty. Tony attended the University of Puerto Rico from 1966-1969. He has a bachelor of science degree in curriculum development, a master's equivalent in Foundations of Education, and a Ph.D. in Urban Education - specializing in bilingual education and legal issues in the education of minority students from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Tony received the University of Wisconsin's Distinguished Dissertation Award for his doctoral dissertation. |
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Tom
Barrett Currently serving in his fifth term representing Wisconsin's 5th District, Congressman Tom Barrett was born on December 8, 1953 on Milwaukee's west side, Barrett grew up in the city, attended Marquette University High School and went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in economics in 1976. He earned his law degree with honors from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1980, Barrett clerked for Federal Judge Robert Warren, then went on to private practice, specializing in business law at the Milwaukee firm of Smith & O'Neil from 1982 to 1985. Barrett was first elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1984, and he was elected to the State Senate in 1989. As a State Senator, Barrett wrote Wisconsin's health care power of attorney law. He also penned legislation that brought enhanced 911 emergency service to Milwaukee County, and he sponsored the state law requiring background checks prior to the purchase of handguns. In 1992, Barrett won 69 percent of the vote in his successful bid to represent the Fifth Congressional District. The Fifth District includes the northern half of Milwaukee, and the communities of Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Shorewood, Wauwatosa, and Whitefish Bay. He was reelected in 1994, 1996, and 1998, and he was elected to a fifth term in 2000, with 80% of the vote. |
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Spencer
Black Representative Spencer Black is serving his ninth term and was elected as the Minority Leader of the Assembly in May of 2001. He is generally considered to be the Legislature's leading environmental advocate. Representative Black has been a leader in a number of other policy areas including consumer protection, health care, higher education and senior citizen issues. Representative Black attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has two graduate degrees: M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning and M.A. in Public Administration. He previously worked as a high school teacher, as Curator of Education of the State Historical Society and as conservation representative for the Sierra Club. |
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Sidney
H. "Skip" Bliss Skip Bliss is the President and CEO of Bliss Communications, Inc., Janesville, Wisconsin, a communications company consisting of daily newspapers in Janesville, Monroe, and Marinette, WI; Ironwood, MI; Weekly papers in Delevan, WI and a Shopper in Janesville, WI. Bliss Communications, Inc. also owns AM and FM radio stations in Janesville, West Bend, Wisconsin Rapids, and Racine, Wisconsin. Skip holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Milton College. He is a member of Shaw Newspapers Board of Directors, Inland Press Association (past president), Wisconsin Newspapers Association, Wisconsin Foundation of Independent Colleges, Rotary Club, Employers Health Cooperative, Newspaper Association of American-Public Policy Committee, Fontana Community Church, Board of Directors of Forward Janesville, Inc., and Ducks Unlimited. |
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Mike
Borden J. Michael Borden has an impressive history leading Wisconsin businesses. He serves as President and CEO of several companies. He serves on a myriad of corporate boards including Catholic Mutual Funds, Colman Group, Jordan Controls and SSI Technologies and is the Director of the Employer's Health Cooperative and Competitive Wisconsin. Additionally, Mr. Borden is equally impressive with his volunteer efforts. He has received gubernatorial appointments to several advisory boards, appointed by the President to the Small Business Administration National Advisory Council and served both on the Federal Reserve Bank and National Leadership Institute advisory boards. He currently chairs the Workforce Investment Council, which is responsible for coordinating the Workforce Investment Act. |
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Nan
Brien Associate Director of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, Nan has been instrumental in directing Council's activities as the lead state agency for the national I Am Your Child campaign, promoting experiences and environments that foster optimal early childhood brain development for each child. The Council, with other agencies, has developed a brochure, a parent educator manual, a TV series, training manuals with companion CD-ROMs, and a middle/high school curriculum. In collaboration with DHFS, DPI, and DWD, Brien conducts train-the-trainer programs for agency personnel from throughout the state each year - with new information and materials. Brien has done similar trainings and presentations in Alaska, Texas, Minnesota, and Missouri. Brien has an undergraduate degree in biology and a master's degree in immunology. |
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Mark
Bugher Mark became the Director of University Research Park in the fall of 1999. He manages and directs all activities for the Park, a 250-acre research park owned and operated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The goals of the Park are to encourage faculty startup companies, build an asset for the University and enhance economic development. As the Director, he serves on the Council for Technology Transfer, which facilitates the movement of technologies from campus to the private sector. Mark was appointed by Governor Tommy G. Thompson to serve as Secretary of the Department of Administration (DOA) in 1996. As Thompson's top Cabinet Member, he was the chief architect of the $41 billion biennial state budget, which established the fiscal and program priorities for all of the state government. Prior to his DOA appointment, Mark served as Secretary of Revenue (DOR) beginning in October 1988. Before joining the Thompson Administration, Mark was home secretary for U.S. Congressman Steven C. Gunderson in Wisconsin's Third Congressional District. He also served in various local government capacities in Eau Claire County, including election for three terms on the Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors. He is a licensed real estate broker. |
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Elizabeth
Burmaster Elizabeth "Libby" Burmaster was elected to the nonpartisan constitutional office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction in April 2001 with 60 percent of Wisconsin's statewide vote. Libby earned bachelor's and master's degrees from UW-Madison and has worked in education for 25 years as a public school teacher and principal. As a third-generation Wisconsin teacher, she came up through the ranks, bringing to the office of state superintendent experience as both a teacher and administrator at every level-elementary, secondary, and high school. She taught music in Madison elementary and secondary schools before becoming choral and drama director at Madison East High School. Libby also served as Marquette Middle School assistant principal, Madison school district fine arts coordinator, and Hawthorne Elementary principal. Before being elected state superintendent of public instruction, Libby successfully served for nearly a decade as principal of one of the state's largest high schools, Madison West High School. A National School of Excellence, Madison West produces more National Merit Scholarship finalists than any other school in Wisconsin. As state superintendent, Libby serves on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Wisconsin Technical College System Board, Educational Communications Board, Very Special Arts Wisconsin, and Governor's Work-Based Learning Board. |
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Daniel
Burrus Daniel Burrus is considered one of the world's leading technology forecasters, and is the founder and CEO of Burrus Research Associates, Inc., a Wisconsin based research and consulting firm that specializes in global innovations in science and technology. Over the past two decades he has established an exceptional record of accurately predicting the future of technological change. He has helped hundreds of clients, including many companies from the Fortune 500, develop successful competitive strategies based on the creative application of leading-edge technologies. Burrus is a successful entrepreneur who has founded and managed five Wisconsin based businesses. He publishes a variety of technology publications, including the Technotrends Newsletter®, and is the author of six books including his highly acclaimed book, Technotrends, which has been translated into over a dozen languages. He has appeared on programs such as Larry King, PBS, and CNN Special Reports, and is quoted in publications like Fortune and Industry Week. The New York Times has referred to him as one of the top three business "gurus" in the highest demand as a speaker. |
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Tim
Christen Tim Christen is the Chief Executive Officer of Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP. With revenue of $100 million, Virchow Krause is America's 14th largest CPA and consulting firm. In August 2000, VK was recognized, as America's fastest growing accounting and consulting firm. Virchow Krause provides a wide range of industry specialized services including accounting, tax, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, investment advisory, insurance, valuation and information technology. Tim has previously held positions as Managing Partner of the Firm's Madison and Milwaukee offices and currently chairs the Firm's Executive and Compensation committees. |
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Chuck
Chvala Chuck Chvala was first elected State Senator for the 16th District in 1984 after serving one term in the State Assembly. Chosen by his colleagues as Senate Democratic Leader in 1995, he was elected and served as Senate Majority Leader from 1996-1998 and again from 1999 to the present. Senator Chvala was responsible for bringing Senate Democrats into the majority in two separate elections and sets the legislative agenda for Senate Democrats. Senator Chvala is chair of the Senate Organization Committee and is a member of the Joint Committee on Employment Relations, Joint Committee on Legislative Organization and the Joint Legislative Council. In the current legislative session Chvala authored, and the Senate has passed, legislation commending UW-Madison Professor James Thomson, his research team and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation for their pioneering work in embryonic stem cell research and calling on the federal government to designate the University of Wisconsin Madison as a National Center of Excellence in Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Chvala has also authored legislation passed by the Senate to accelerate the public-private Biostar project on the campus of UW-Madison, increase venture capital available for biotechnology startups throughout Wisconsin and earmark funding to promote Wisconsin's leadership role in the biotechnology field to attract new businesses and good paying jobs. In addition to his legislative duties Senator Chvala is a practicing attorney and businessman. |
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Jeffery
A. Crawford As Attorney General for the Forest County Potawatomi Community, Jeffrey A. Crawford provides business, regulatory, and compact counsel. Since 1997, he has been responsible for intergovernmental affairs, project development, contracts, environmental issues, complex negotiations, litigation management, attorney supervision, budgets and compliance. Crawford serves on the boards of Milwaukee World Festivals and the Menomonee Valley Partners. He has been honored with the Business Journal's "40 Under 40" Award. Crawford, a member of the Forest County Potawatomi tribe, is married to Mary Beth. They have three children, Nathan, Maria and John. |
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Tim
Cullen Timothy F. Cullen is chairman of the board of United Government Services, LLC (UGS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cobalt Corporation. He is also a vice president of Cobalt Corporation. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in political science at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1966. Cullen attended graduate school at Northern Illinois University. He served in the United States Army Reserve from 1966 - 1972, and was honorably discharged. Cullen began a career in public service with election to the Janesville City Council in 1970. From 1971 - 1974, he served on the staff of the late Congressman Les Aspin. In 1974, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate. He served as Senate Majority Leader from 1982 - 1986. He served as Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services from 1987 - 1988, serving in Governor Tommy Thompson's first cabinet. This was the largest state agency with 11,000 employees. He joined BCBSUW in 1988, as Vice President of the company's Southwestern Region. He was President of United Government Services, a Blue Cross division, from 1991-1998; and has been Chairman of the Board of United Government Services, LLC, from 1999, to the present. |
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Russell
R. Cunningham Jr. Rusty Cunningham is beginning his fifth year as editor of the La Crosse Tribune. He has served as a reporter and editor for the Tribune's parent company, Lee Enterprises, for nearly 23 years. He received the Leadership Award from the Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce in 1999, and recently partnered with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Workforce Connections and others to develop a regional economic summit in La Crosse entitled, "The Next Coulee Region Economy." The Tribune provided extensive coverage of the local economy in the weeks leading up to the economic summit. |
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Jon
B. DeVries, AICP Jon is a Principal in Andersen's Real Estate Consulting Group with over 26 years of experience in real estate feasibility analysis. Jon joined Andersen in the Miami office in 1993 and moved to the Chicago office in 1995. Formerly, for seven years, he was senior vice president and director of research for Goodkin Research Corporation, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Specialty areas of research include the following: Masterplanned Communities; Office and Industrial Development; Resort and Retirement Residential; Retail Centers and Urban Mixed Use; and Area Redevelopment. As senior analyst with Bell & Gardner, Inc., in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Jon completed site-specific feasibility studies in 13 states. Jon began his development planning career by founding the nation's first 501(c)3 neighborhood housing corporation in Winston-Salem in 1974. For his efforts, he was nominated to the National Commission on Neighborhoods and received the American Institute of Planners "Citizen Planner of the Year Award" in 1977. Jon holds a B.A. in American History from St. Olaf College, a Master of Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he specialized in economic development, and a Masters from Union Theological, New York, where he was a Rockefeller Fellow. Jon was a Wilson Fellow at Columbia University and studied land use planning in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Florida Atlantic University. |
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Brian
Doudna Brian Doudna is currently the Executive Director of the Portage County Business Council. This countywide Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce was created in 1995 and serves the communities of Portage County including Stevens Point and Plover. In addition, Brian also serves as the Executive Director of the Portage County Business Council Foundation. This Educational Foundation coordinates workforce development efforts in Portage County with programs designed to benefit area residents of all ages. Brian graduated from UW-Madison in 1990 with a degree in Economics. |
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Brian
Dunsirn Brian Dunsirn, Chairman, Dunsirn Industries Division of Avery Dennison. Founding Dunsirn Industries in 1987, Brian has lead the organization to $70 million in revenue with over 400 employees nationwide, providing paper and film converting and distribution. Brian became a senior executive of Avery Dennison Corporation in 2001 after the sale of Dunsirn Industries. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Cardinal Stritch University and has done graduate work at the University of Phoenix. He holds several director positions for businesses and organizations and currently serves as Chairman of the Wisconsin Young Presidents Organization. |
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Margaret
Farrow Margaret Farrow, Wisconsin's 42nd lieutenant governor, has dedicated more than 25 years to public service as an elected official. As part of the administration of Governor Scott McCallum, Farrow chairs the Governor's Work Based Learning Board, co-chairs the Governor's Task Force on Invasive Species, and serves on the Wisconsin Women's Council. She is the governor's designee to the Council on Workforce Investment. She is the vice chair of the Aerospace States Association. As lieutenant governor, Farrow travels throughout the state to listen to citizens and businesses representatives, and works on a number of issues, particularly those pertaining to education and to partnerships between state and local governments. |
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Jeffrey
Finkle Jeffrey Finkle has served as President and CEO of CUED-IEDC since 1986. Upon joining CUED, Mr. Finkle began transforming the Council into the largest economic development membership organization in the nation. He also engineered CUED's financial turnaround and significant growth in membership and staff. In addition, he led CUED's efforts in promoting and establishing multi-lateral partnerships among regional and national economic development organizations around the globe. He is considered a national expert in the field of economic development and regularly directly assists communities with their design and evaluation of revitalization strategies, development financing, and economic development programs; he has been helping communities grow for more than 17 years and continues to be a leader within the economic development community. He also serves as the Executive Director of the National Association of Installation Developers. Prior to joining CUED, Mr. Finkle served as the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development's Deputy Assistant Secretary of Community Planning and Development for program management. He graduated with a B.S. in communications from Ohio University in Athens and did post-graduate work in business administration at Ohio State University. |
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James
L. Forbes For the past 22 years, James Forbes has worked for Badger Meter, Inc. in a variety of management positions. He has served as General Manager, Vice President, President, President and CEO and currently is the Chairman and CEO. He served in the US Air Force as a Pilot from 1954-1957. He then went on to University of Wisconsin Law School where he graduated in 1960. Mr. Forbes is a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association and the Wisconsin Society of CPAs. He has served as a director for Badger Meter, Inc.; Bradley Center Sports & Entertainment Authority (past chairman); Cobalt Corporation; Greater Milwaukee Committee (chairman); Journal Communications, Inc.; Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (past chairman); Sensient Technologies Corp.; United Way of Greater Milwaukee (Director 1986-1992); and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. |
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Lance
Fors Dr. Lance Fors, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Third Wave Technologies, founded the company in 1993. He received his Ph.D. in molecular biology from the California Institute of Technology in 1990 and was a post-doctoral fellow there, both under the direction of Dr. Leroy Hood, one of the world's leading scientists in molecular biology and genome research. Prior to attending college, he pursued a career on the professional tennis circuit and as a teaching pro. In the eight short years since its founding, Third Wave has become a leading provider of genetic analysis products used in the discovery and validation of the genetic basis of disease and the delivery of personalized medicine. The company has discovered and commercialized simple, low-cost DNA and RNA analysis products that are enabling fundamental changes not only in disease discovery, diagnosis and treatment, but also in drug discovery and patient safety. Third Wave has doubled its number of employees every year since its inception and currently employs roughly 300 people at four locations in the Madison area. The company made its initial public offering on February 9, 2001. Dr. Fors is the principal investigator on more than $5 million of research grants and an inventor on many of the patents awarded to Third Wave. He serves on the board of the Governor's Scientific Advisory Board and the Madison Repertory Theatre Company. |
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George
Franco George Franco is the Chairman & CEO of National Financial Corporation (NFC), an information technology company that specializes in the development of solutions for the financial services industry. An authority on the delivery of financial products and services to low-income consumers, Mr. Franco is Chairman of The Council on Financial Access in the New Economy. Mr. Franco is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Advisory Council where he is the principal organizer of the National Practitioner's Forum on Financial Access for Low-income Consumers in the 21st Century. Mr. Franco is an elected member of the Board of Directors of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce based in Washington, D.C., an organization that represents the interests of over 1.4 million Hispanic-owned businesses. He is Chairman and CEO of Infinity Media Productions and Executive Producer of "Avante's Today." Avante's Today airs on NBC affiliate WTMJ-TV. This show highlights people and events within the Hispanic Community that are making Milwaukee one of the best places to live, work, and play. Avante's Today is a strategic partnership with Wisconsin's largest media communications company, Journal Communications, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, a statewide Hispanic business association. Also in Infinity Media Productions portfolio is "Avante: Leaders in the New Economy." This show highlights economic growth and success in the New Wisconsin Economy and airs on ABC affiliate WISN, Channel 12. Most recently, Mr. Franco was elected to serve as Chairman of the HCCW. |
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Scot
Gray Gray took over The Business Council (TBC) as the executive director in September 1999, and since has grown TBC's membership to 70 due paying members, established a host of corporate relationships, and implemented program strategies that connect Black firms to the global marketplace. Previously, Mr. Gray worked as the director of business development for the Northwest Side Community Development (NWSCDC) for four years. In this capacity, he was instrumental in getting Villard Avenue designated as a Business Improvement District (BID), facilitated commercial development projects, started an MATC Learning Center for small businesses, and helped assist numerous customized training projects for employers. Mr. Gray received his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Southern Mississippi. |
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Gary
Green Gary Green is a professor of rural sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Green received his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and taught at the University of Georgia for eight years. Over the past eight years at the University of Wisconsin, his research and teaching has focused on community, economic, and workforce development issues. He is currently studying the role of community-based organizations in providing job training. Green also has been involved in workforce and community development issues in international settings, such as Ukraine and New Zealand. Starting in 2003, he will become the editor of Rural Sociology. |
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Mark
Green Rep. Mark Green begins his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives with a striking record of achievement compiled during his first two years in Congress. Of 26 proposals Green introduced during the last Congress, nine were passed by the full House and five were signed into law - a nearly unparalleled record of success for so junior a member. Among his leading legislative measures were a bill to make Wisconsin's "Two Strikes, You're Out" law for child sex offenders a federal law, two housing proposals designed to help disabled individuals and law enforcement officers buy their own homes, and a bill requiring Internet disclosure of lobbying reports. As a member of the House Budget Committee during the last Congress, Green also helped craft revolutionary budget plans that protected Social Security and paid down a record amount of national debt, while setting enough money aside for a responsible tax cut package. On the Wisconsin front, Green helped lead the fight for reforms to the nation's antiquated milk pricing system and introduced a bill to exempt from the capital gains tax farmers who pass on their farm to a family member. This sesssion Green will continue to serve in the House Leadership as an Assistant Majority Whip. Prior to his election to Congress in November of 1998, Green served for six years in the Wisconsin state Assembly, where he chaired both the Assembly Republican Caucus and the Assembly Judiciary Committee. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School. Wisconsin's 8th congressional district covers 13 counties in the northeastern part of the state. |
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Steve
Gunderson Steve Gunderson is a Senior Consultant and the Managing Director of the Washington office of The Greystone Group, a Michigan-based strategic management and communications consulting firm. Steve's areas of expertise include strategic planning and communications, with a strong knowledge of public policy. The Wisconsin native began his work with Greystone following 16 years in the U.S. Congress from which he voluntarily retired in 1996. During his tenure, Gunderson was a recognized leader on agricultural, education, employment policy, health care and human rights issues. Representing the largest dairy production district in the nation, he had risen to become Chairman of the Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Sub-Committee during the 104th Congress where he led efforts to enact the most comprehensive reform of dairy policy in our Nation's history. He was also a co-founder of the Tuesday Lunch Bunch, the group of moderate Republicans, which become a key force in Congressional policy formation. In 1996, Gunderson joined his partner Rob Morris in writing "House and Home," published by Dutton, Inc. of New York. Today, they both serve on the Board of Directors of the Human Rights Campaign. Yet this bridge to common understanding is displayed by Gunderson's active role in his church, The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, where he serves as President of the Church Council. Steve was born and raised in the western Wisconsin community of Osseo. He graduated from UW-Madison and he was elected to three terms in the State Legislature before Congress. |
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James
S. Haney A native of Amery, Wisconsin, Jim Haney has a background in both the public and private sectors. He was an aide to Wisconsin's Governor Warren Knowles and served as assistant to the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations, and Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue under Governor Lee Dreyfus. With a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he practiced law and then served as Public Affairs Director for the Bergstrom Paper Company in Neenah. Jim was also District Manger of Public Affairs for Wisconsin Bell before he joined Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. In June of 1985, Jim Haney became the President of WMC, which is often referred to as "the state's largest and most influential business and industrial organization, representing over 4,500 members statewide." |
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Wayne
Harris Wayne Harris is currently serving as President of Forward Wisconsin. He holds a bachelor's of science degree in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Illinois. Wayne began a long association with McDonald's Corporation in 1972 and, over the next 28 years, he rose through the management ranks and eventually became an owner of numerous McDonald's franchise operations. In 2000, he sold his restaurants and became active as an investor and corporate officer in several Madison area technology and start-up firms. |
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James
Harsdorf James E. Harsdorf was appointed in March 2001 by Governor Scott McCallum to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Harsdorf has been a dairy farmer since 1970 and still operates his farm in Beldenville, Wisconsin with the help of his wife Lanette and his four children. Harsdorf obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota. He was part of the UW River Falls Academic Staff in 1975-1976. Harsdorf served in the State Assembly in 1977-1980, and in the State Senate in 1980-1988. In addition, Harsdorf served on the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in 1986-1996, chairing the Board in 1993-1996. Harsdorf is very involved with his community having served on the River Falls Area Hospital Board, the Board of Hastings Co-op Creamery, and the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin Board. He is a Farm Bureau member, Holstein Association Member, WCCO radio Ag. Advisory Member and a Pierce County 4-H Dairy Coach. |
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Tom
Hefty Thomas R. Hefty is president, chairman and chief executive officer of Cobalt Corporation. Under Hefty's leadership since 1986, Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin (BCBSUW) and United Wisconsin Services were merged in 2001 to form Cobalt Corporation. Previously, he served as Wisconsin's Deputy Insurance Commissioner; Assistant General Counsel for Sentry Insurance Group; and as an Attorney in the Bureau of Competition of the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C. In addition to his law degree from the University of Wisconsin, Hefty holds a Master's degree in health care economics from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. |
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Rebecca
Heidepriem Rebecca Heidepriem was appointed by Governor Scott McCallum in September 2001 to serve as Wisconsin's first Secretary of Electronic Government and Chief Information Officer. As E-Government Secretary, Heidepriem leads the Department of Electronic Government, with 350 employees and a $137 million annual budget. The department's business units include the state telecommunications system, the equivalent of the fourth-largest telephone company in the state, as well as Wisconsin's second-largest data center. The department also houses experts in technology research, planning, development, and maintenance. As Chief Information Officer, her responsibilities are to manage, plan, and coordinate the State of Wisconsin's $400 million annual investment in information technology. She also manages the state's Internet portal, wisconsin.gov, which provides easy access to online information and services for citizens, businesses, and other governments. Secretary Heidepriem is a nineteen-year veteran of Xerox Corporation, where her duties included managing operations, training, and sales. Her business experience at Xerox is diverse and includes managing a 300-person outsourcing organization, developing the Xerox Leadership Academy, and leading the company's top-ranking sales team. Secretary Heidepriem is a native of South Dakota and a graduate of the University of Iowa. |
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Neil
P. Heinen Neil Heinen is the Editorial Director for WISC TV, the CBS affiliate in Madison, WI, a position he has held since 1992. He started with the station as News Assignment Manager in 1987. Prior to that he worked as a reporter, anchor and assistant News Director for WIBA AM and FM in Madison. Heinen has served on the Board of Directors of the National Conference of Editorial Writers and currently serves as Chairman of the Futures Committee. He is also the associate editor of The Masthead, the journal of the National Conference of Editorial Writers, and is the senior political writer for Madison Magazine. He is a member of the faculty of the Human Issues Department of Edgewood College and fellow at the College's Center for Democracy in Action, a member of the steering committee for Leadership Greater Madison, vice-chair of the Wisconsin State Bar media relations committee, and is a member of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council. He is also the media coordinator for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He has won numerous professional and community awards including the 1995 Rev. Martin Luther Kind, Jr. Humanitarian Award, 1996 Robert H. Wills Freedom of Information Award and the 1998 National Association for Community Leadership Distinguished Leadership Award. He was born in Milwaukee in 1951, is a graduate of Marquette University High School in Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin. He lives in Madison with his wife Nancy. |
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William
R. Hendee, Ph.D. William R. Hendee received a Bachelor of Science degree from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, and was awarded a doctorate in physics by the University of Texas. In 1991, Dr. Hendee joined the faculty of the Medical College of Wisconsin as Senior Associate Dean and Vice President. His faculty appointments are professor and vice chair of radiology with professorships in biophysics, radiation oncology and bioethics. He is also a professor in bioengineering at Marquette University. In January 1995, he assumed additional responsibilities as Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Hendee is certified in Radiologic Physics by the American Board of Radiology and in Health Physics by the American Board of Health Physics. He has been a Director of the American Board of Health Physics, chairman of the Diagnostic Physics Examination Committee for the American Board of Radiology, and is currently a Director and Vice President (President Elect) of the American Board of Radiology. He is past president of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, the Society of Nuclear Medicine, the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering and the World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering. He is currently Secretary of the National Patient Safety Foundation. Dr. Hendee has authored or co-authored over 360 scientific articles and 24 books. His research interests are in diagnostic imaging with an emphasis on visual perception and cognition and on technology assessment and error reduction in healthcare. In his position at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Hendee is responsible for intramural and extramural responsibilities related to the College's biomedical research programs. Among these responsibilities are Director of the Office of Research, Technology and Informatics; Director of graduate programs in Medical Informatics and Healthcare Technologies Management; Executive Vice President of the Medical College Inc.; Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Chair of the Medical College Committee of IRB Chairs; and Chair of the TechStar technology transfer initiative of Southeastern Wisconsin. |
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Ken
Hendricks As CEO of ABC Supply Company, Beloit, Hendricks shows an entrepreneurial spirit that buoys his community through difficult times. He was a successful roofing contractor until 1982, when he formed American Builders & Contractors Supply (ABC) Company. The company distributes roofing, window and siding products. It does $1.4 billion in sales, has 216 wholesale centers around the country, and has been called "the biggest small company in America." Hendricks has renovated 670,00 square feet of plant and office space, and has purchased manufacturing, retail and hospitality real estate in Beloit when the local economy was experiencing double digit unemployment. |
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Dale
Hopkins Dale Hopkins has over 30 years of work experience in the area of workforce development. He is currently the Executive Director/CEO of the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin, Inc. The Board administers funding, operates employment, training and educational programs for employers as well as youth and adult job seekers. This board is a private not-for-profit organization serving six counties in south central Wisconsin. |
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James
Hubbard Mr. Hubbard is a Human Resource professional with 30 years of experience with Brunswick Corp. and 12 years with Mercury Marine. Responsible for all Human Resource strategies and policies. Involved with business expansion planning, staffing at all levels of the company from senior executives to production workers. Mr. Hubbard has a MA degree from the University of Illinois in Labor & Industrial Relations and a JD from University of Santa Clara, California, specializing in Labor & Employment Law. Mercury Marine has 6200 employees in 72 facilities in 39 countries world-wide 3300 employees are located in the 13 Wisconsin facilities. |
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Peter
R. Hughes Mr. Hughes is the Vice President for Marketing, Planning and Community Services at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. He came to Gundersen Lutheran in December 1997, from the W.A. Foote Memorial Health System in Jackson, Michigan where he held the position of Vice President for Marketing and Business Development. Mr. Hughes has been a healthcare executive since 1983. His academic background includes a B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Evansville (1973) and a M.A. in Sociology from the University of Cincinnati (1978). He has also completed doctoral work in Sociology (ABD) and master's work in Community Planning. He is also a graduate of the Ohio State University Executive Management Program for Healthcare Executives (1990). Mr. Hughes has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Michigan, School for Health Policy and Management (1990-1997), Slippery Rock State University, Department of Health Administration (1986-1990) and as a guest lecturer at the Pennsylvania State University (1988-1990) in the School of Health Policy. |
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Prudence
Pick Hway Prudy Hway has been the President and CEO of Pick Heaters since 1994. She previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer from 1990 - 1994. Ms. Hway is the third generation to run this small privately held industrial manufacturing company located in West Bend. Pick Heaters manufacturers direct steam injection liquid heating systems for the process industry including food, chemical, pulp, paper and general industrial applications. Prior to joining Pick Heaters, Ms. Hway spent 17 years in general management and executive search consulting throughout the United States. Ms. Hway has a BA from Northwestern University and an MS from UW - Madison. |
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Scott
Jensen Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in a special election in January of 1992. Since his election, Scott has served as Caucus Chairman for the Assembly Republicans from 1992-1994, Assembly Majority Leader from 1994-1996, Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee on Finance in 1997 and Speaker of the Assembly from November of 1997 to the present. In 1995, Scott was named National Republican Legislator of the Year by the National Republican Legislators Association. Speaker Jensen has been a constant critic of government waste, identifying over half a billion dollars in unnecessary state spending between 1992 and 1996 as founder of Wisconsin WasteWatchers. Scott was able to get nearly $100 billion of these savings passed into law. More recently, Scott led the charge to lower Wisconsin's tax rate. As Co-Chairman of the budget-writing Joint Committee on Finance, Scott was able to gain approval for a state budget including $1.3 billion in income tax cuts. In the spring of 1998, he pledged that each year, as long as he is Speaker of the Assembly, the Wisconsin Assembly will vote to cut taxes for Wisconsin citizens. Before his election to the Assembly, Scott had served as Chief of Staff to Governor Tommy G. Thompson from 1990-92, Director of the Assembly Republican Caucus from 1987 through 1990 and Director of Government Relations for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce from 1984 to 1987. Scott is a graduate of Drake University and earned his Masters in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. |
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Stan
Johnson Stoughton 6th grade teacher Stan Johnson was elected to a three-year term as president of the Wisconsin Education Associate Council in April 2001, and assumed office August 1. Johnson was a driving force behind WEAC's Great Schools effort. He chaired the 1999 statewide task force of WEAC members who developed Great Schools, a long-term statewide effort that seeks to engage communities in efforts to define and create the public schools they want. All WEAC activities revolve around Great Schools. Johnson grew up in Chicago and attended Chicago public schools. He earned a B.S. in elementary education and an associate degree in radio and television from Milton College. Johnson has taught in Stoughton Public Schools for 25 years. He is a language arts teacher and has also taught 2nd, 3rd, 7th grades, social studies, and math. He coached varsity football, girls' basketball, and both boys' and girls' track. Johnson has been an active association leader at the local, state, and national levels throughout his career. He has chaired WEAC's Minority Affairs Committee, and served as WEAC's vice president from 1995 to 2001. Nationally, Johnson was chair of the National Education Association's Public Relations Committee, vice president and president of the NEA's Board of Directors Black Caucus, and has served on the NEA's justice for All Task Force, which concentrates on African-American members' concerns. Johnson has been in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and Who's Who in American Teachers. |
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Tommie
L. Jones, Jr. Tommie L. Jones Jr., an undergraduate student at UW-Whitewater, is the first African American student regent to serve on the board. Entering his senior year in Fall 2001, he plans to graduate with a major in political science and a minor in race and ethnic studies. Jones is the outgoing president of the UW-Whitewater student government and works as a student assistant in the Office of Human Resources and Diversity. A member of the UW-Whitewater Gospel Choir, Jones has been recognized many times for his student leadership and involvement, including being twice awarded the UW-Whitewater Outstanding Student Involvement Award. |
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Shelley
Jurewicz Shelley Jurewicz is executive director of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM), a service of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). YPM is a membership organization for young professionals dedicated to improving metro Milwaukee's ability to attract and retain talent. Her guidance of the initiative, which started in August of 2001, has resulted in membership exceeding 500 young professionals representing over 80 businesses and organizations. Prior to YPM, Jurewicz served eight years as executive director of MMAC's Business Performance Network, a service providing area professionals opportunities to learn from the best and each other. |
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Mary
Jurmain Ms. Jurmain is president and CEO of BTIO Educational Products, Inc., Eau Claire. She and her husband Rick Jurmain invented the Baby Think It Over infant simulator and began marketing it in 1994. The product has helped more than one million teenagers experience the virtual reality of parental responsibilities. Previously, Ms. Jurmain coordinated activities of a subcontractor team designing medical facilities for a U.S. space station, and has worked as teacher and librarian in the United States and Mexico. Her company's infant simulator was awarded Fortune magazine's Product of the Year (1994) and Parenting magazine's Parenting Achievement Award (1996). |
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Gordon
Kacala Gordon Kacala is the Executive Director of the Racine County Economic Development Corporation. The Corporation is responsible for a full-range of economic development and community development activities. Recent initiatives include: an economic adjustment strategy designed to address changing economic conditions and their effect on the local economy; a technology assessment study designed to measure the appropriateness of the County's technology infrastructure; and, the development of a new technology development center designed to meet technology training, new business and technology transfer needs in the community. Overall, Kacala has over 24 years of experience in community and economic development ranging from neighborhood development; urban and rural economic development; and regional planning. Kacala holds a BA in Sociology and a Masters Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. |
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Erica
Kauten Since 1995, Erica Kauten has been the State Director of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and director of the UW-Extension Division of Business and Manufacturing, where she directs business and industry outreach efforts at the UW-System's thirteen SBDC sites. Kauten has extensive experience in economic development. As Assistant Vice Chancellor at UW-Platteville, she created the Management Resources Program, which combined faculty expertise from the College of Engineering and Business Departments, and she expanded faculty use of distance learning technologies. She directed economic development activity in 32 counties as Economic Development Manager for Wisconsin Power & Light Company, and she coordinated a statewide marketing effort in northern and western Wisconsin as Western Regional Manager for Forward Wisconsin. In addition, as the Economic Development Coordinator for Chippewa Valley Technical College, she directed customized labor training to business and industry. Kauten currently serves on the following boards and councils: Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Northwest Wisconsin Manufacturing Outreach Center, Department of Workforce Development Childcare Council, Wisconsin Housing Economic Development Authority, and the Small Business Lender Advisory Council. She was principal investigator of several distance education research projects, including a $1.2 million distance education grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She has a BA in German from UCLA and an MS in Education from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. |
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James
N. Keyes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Johnson Controls, Inc., Wisconsin's largest public company and an international Fortune 500 company. A native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Mr. Keyes graduated from the Marquette University College of Business Administration with a Bachelor's degree in 1962. One year later, he earned his MBA degree from Northwestern University. He then returned to Marquette for two years as an instructor, followed by a year with the accounting firm of Peat, Marwick & Mitchell. In 1966, Mr. Keyes joined Johnson Controls as a systems analyst and rose within the company through a number of administrative positions. He served as Manager of Systems and then Corporate Controller and Treasurer. After being named Vice President of Finance in 1977 and Chief Financial Officer a year later, he became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and was elected to the Board of Directors in 1985. He assumed the position of President in 1986, Chief Executive Officer in 1988 and was named to his present position in 1993. Mr. Keyes is only the sixth CEO of Johnson Controls since its founding in 1885. Mr. Keyes serves as a director of LSI Logic, Pitney Bowes and the Chicago Federal Reserve Board. He is active in industry organizations, serving on the Executive Committee of the Manufacturers Alliance and is the past Chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers (1999-2000). Johnson Controls was founded in 1885. It has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has over 110,000 employees in 500 locations worldwide. |
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Michael
Klonsinski Michael Klonsinski is the executive director of the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Since the early 1980s, Mike's professional focus has been on the application of technology for business advantage - particularly manufacturing. His background in industry, government, and the service sector give him a unique perspective on the linkages between technology and business development. Mike began his professional career with Texas Instruments as a manufacturing manager responsible for cost and quality improvements in the production of radar systems. In this capacity, he applied information technology advances and quality improvement processes to streamline production, reduce costs, and improve on-time delivery. As Director of the State of Texas' Office of Advanced Technology in the early 1990s, he led two distinct strategic initiatives: (1) programs to promote new technology business growth and (2) programs to increase the adoption of new technology and techniques in existing industries. It was in this role that Mike started the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center - the largest state-based manufacturing extension program in the country. In 1997, Mike returned home to Wisconsin to direct the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership - a non-profit that provides affordable consulting services to small manufacturers. In the past four years, WMEP has helped over 900 Wisconsin manufacturers and delivered over $161 million in customer reported improvements. WMEP is recognized as a leader in applying lean manufacturing techniques to small manufacturing operations. |
| Gene
E. Kussart Deputy Secretary Wisconsin Department of Transportation Gene E. Kussart was appointed Deputy Secretary on April 15, 2000. Prior to this appointment, Gene was Special Assistant to the Governor for Building Tomorrow's Workforce where he was responsible for coordinating the State's response to the skilled worker shortage. Gene has been the Executive Assistant to the Secretary at WisDOT from 1997 to 1999, at the Department of Health and Family Services (1991-1997) and the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations (1989-1991). For ten years, from 1979 - 1989, Gene worked with U.S. Representative Thomas E. Petri. For the last eight years he was the Congressman's chief of staff. Gene has held the very prestigious position of President of the Administrative Assistants Association of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Association is the professional organization representing the chiefs of staff to Members of Congress. Former President Lyndon B. Johnson headed the predecessor organization when he was a legislative aide. Gene holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Valparaiso University. |
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Paul
V. La Schiazza SBC Ameritech Wisconsin President, Paul V. La Schiazza is a 22-year veteran of the Company. An Indianapolis native, La Schiazza began his telecommunications career in 1979 with Indiana Bell immediately upon graduating from Purdue University with a B.S. in Industrial Management. Prior to his appointment as SBC Ameritech Wisconsin President in March 2001, La Schiazza served in San Antonio, Texas, for one year as Vice President of SBC Regulatory and Managing Director for Regulatory Operations. As leader of the regulatory team for SBC Corp., Ameritech's parent company, La Schiazza was responsible for ensuring the development and coordination of consistent regulatory policy and strategy across SBC's 13-state region. La Schiazza previously served for three years as Vice President for Regulatory Affairs at Ameritech Michigan, from October 1996 through December 1999. In that position, La Schiazza led a team of managers and attorneys who developed and implemented regulatory strategy for the company. He began his career working in a variety of positions in Ameritech companies in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan in product management, marketing, engineering, installation and maintenance, central office maintenance and regulatory. La Schiazza currently sits on Purdue University's Krannert Graduate School of Management's Alumni Board of Directors. |
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Shirley
Lanier Shirley Lanier is the President and one of the founding members of Legacy Bancorp. Legacy Bancorp is the Holding Company of Legacy Bank; a newly chartered Community Development Bank located in the heart of Milwaukee's Central City. She holds a BS from the University of Buffalo, NY. She is the recipient of numerous civic and business awards and commendations including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. She currently serves on the Board of The GMC; MMAC; YMCA; Alverno College, the MVP and the PIC. Prior to the formation of Legacy Bank, she has worked in Advertising; Television Production/on-air talent; has successfully began and managed several small businesses. |
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Avrum
D. Lank Avrum D. Lank is a senior journalist and financial columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He also provides content for the paper's web site jsonline.com and appears on WTMJ-TV. His primary areas of interest are trade and economics, taxation and securities laws, corporate and personal finance. Lank joined the Journal Sentinel at its creation in April 1995. Prior to that he had been a reporter, editor and columnist for the Milwaukee Sentinel since 1974. He was appointed associate business editor in April 1987 and business editor seven months later. He resigned that post in June 1993, to become a columnist. Prior to joining the Sentinel, he worked for the Binghamton (N.Y.) Sun-Bulletin, the Troy (Ohio) Daily News, the Staten Island Advance and The Associate Press. The Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Newspapers Association and the Journal Sentinel staff have honored his work. He was a Jefferson Fellow of the East-West Center in Honolulu in 2000, traveling to China, Korea, Japan and Malaysia to study globalization. In 1998 he was an Asia Pacific Journalism Fellow of the East-West Center to study the Asian economic recession, traveling to Singapore and Taipei. He has also reported from Japan. He was awarded National Press Foundations Fellowships in 1997 to study Social Security and in 1999 to study the financial markets. Also in 1999 he was a fellow at the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism at the University of Maryland to study the impact of the global economy on local markets. He earned a B.A. in economics from Antioch College, Yellow Spring, Ohio, in 1971, and a year later was awarded a master's degree in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. |
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CorDell
Larkin CorDell Larkin began his career in executive search in 1997. He has served clientele ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to venture backed start-ups, and is Roberts & Ryan's practice leader for the areas of e-busi |