OCE is a Regional Economic Development Partner

UW-Platteville's Office of Continuing Education (OCE) is a founding member of the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Coalition (the Coalition or SWREDC), formed in 2001 with representatives from Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, UW-Platteville, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, and economic development partners throughout the region. OCE serves on the Coalition's Strategic Action Team, Workforce Action Team, Annual Conference Planning Team. OCE coordinates conference marketing, registration, and fiscal management.

Vision Statement

The Southwest Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Coalition forges regional connections and facilitates the development of partnerships to gain recognition and resources for regional development. The Coalition has a successful track record of Building Economic Strengths Together.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Coalition was formed as a result of consensus reached at the conclusion of the first annual Southwest Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Conference, held in Fennimore in April, 2001. Conference participants agreed that: "Creating and sustaining employment/jobs and increasing the ability of Southwest Wisconsin to compete in the state, national, and international arenas requires many people, agencies, government units working together."

What is the purpose of the Southwest Wisconsin Economic Development Coalition?

The Coalition exists to:

• support existing regional community/economic development initiatives
• facilitate new initiatives that address regional community/economic development challenges and opportunities
• educate regional stakeholders on community and economic development issues, resources, and initiatives

What geographic area is involved in Coalition activities?

Coalition activities and initiatives are usually focused on a 6-county region, including Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette and Richland counties. Projects supported by the Coalition serving particular industries - such as dairy producers or arts entrepreneurs - may include adjacent counties, or extend to eastern Iowa and northern Illinois.

Who belongs to the Coalition?

Representatives from a wide range of collaborators work on regional initiatives, including the following list of partners. Other businesses, agencies, and organizations work on specific projects.

• University of Wisconsin -Platteville
• Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
• Blackhawk Technical College
• Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
• Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
• Southwest Wisconsin Community Action Program
• Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board
• UW-Extension County Offices
• Economic Development Corporations
• Chamber of Commerce representatives
• Elected official representatives
• Community members

How is the Coalition organized?

• SWREDC is an umbrella organization made up of volunteers committed to regional collaborations and economic development.
• Coalition action teams, task forces, and partnerships are formed to assist in identifying regional opportunities and responding to challenges related to economic and community development.
• Action teams are usually led by one or two champions who can mobilize resources to address issues or spearhead economic development projects that allow the region to access resources

What has the Coalition accomplished in the region?

The Coalition initiated or supported the following activities:

• Regional Economic Development Conferences (2001-2005)
• Developed Dairy Modernization Group as an industry cluster
• Supported development of the Arts Build Economic Development project
• Two Tri-State Dairy Summits - one in Platteville, one in Fennimore
• State of Wisconsin designation of Southwest Wisconsin as an Agricultural Zone,
• Business luncheon series sponsored by Workforce Development Board/Job Centers.
• Southwest Wisconsin Community Action Program started Jobs & Business Development
• Agricultural appropriations bill included rural business enhancement funding to utilize the region's assets and comparative advantages within strategic, high-growth clusters.
• Formed regional branch of Madison chapter of Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
• Economic development resource map
• Funding and promotion for Community Development workshop facilitated by Ernesto Siroli
• Young Professionals group working in Platteville (people from other locations can join)
• Regional Tourism initiatives
• Enhanced responses to existing activities

When and why does the Coalition meet?

Members of the Coalition's Strategic Administrative Team meet quarterly. Action Teams come together at the Annual Conference, where they report on their activities and seek input and assistance. Participants also present issues and opportunities for discussion and possible action.

When do the Action Teams meet?
The leaders and participants of the action teams set their meeting schedule and agenda, and keep Coalition members updated through email messages, distributed by the Chair, Strategic Action Team.

How do I get involved?

To learn more about the Coalition, and find out how you can get involved, please contact:

• Barb Daus, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, UW-Platteville and Chair, Strategic Administrative Team, at daus@uwplatt.edu or by phone at 608-342-1282
• Marian Maciej-Hiner, Director of Continuing Education, UW-Platteville and Member, Strategic Administrative Team, at maciejhm@uwplatt.edu or by phone 608-342-1302

Continuing Education | UW-Platteville