Wisconsin Economic Summit II Planned for Milwaukee in November
By Kevin Boatright

Commitment to addressing Wisconsin's economic challenges remains strong-which is why excitement is building for Wisconsin Economic Summit II, scheduled for Nov. 26-27 at the Midwest Express Center in Milwaukee.

"Last year, leaders of business, government and education came together to discuss, to connect with each other, and to outline an agenda for growth," say Summit co-chairs Jay L. Smith, president of the UW System Board of Regents, and Katharine Lyall, president of the UW System.

"That agenda had a tremendous, positive influence on the recently concluded state budget process. Just as important, the conversations and connections begun in Milwaukee are still going on around the state."

The first Wisconsin Economic Summit, held last November, was a timely beginning to a thoughtful debate about the future direction of the state. Other outcomes included a collection of white papers on key topics, a variety of useful proposals in the post-Summit report to the governor, a CD-ROM and website, and ongoing activity by regional groups.

Most important, the Summit led to a heightened awareness of the many economic challenges facing Wisconsin-and the need to take action. Some of those challenges have become headlines during the current economic downturn, including Wisconsin's image, the difficulty of attracting and keeping college-educated people, and the state's modest growth rate in median household income.

Summit II details will be available on the UW System website as the date approaches, including program, registration and hotel information. Gov. Scott McCallum will address the meeting, as will legislative leaders from both parties. Keynote speakers are being selected now, along with regional panelists and other presenters representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Goals for Summit II include reporting on progress made since 2000, creating new working groups around the concept of industry clusters, and making the state's economic development a central issue in next year's political races.

"With the 2002 race for governor in full swing," say Smith and Lyall, "it's possible the Summit will be a defining moment in the campaign leading up to the election. If so, that will be good for the UW System but even better for Wisconsin."

Online: www.wisconsin.edu