- Assessing the Economic Worth of a Clean Lake Puts the Cost of Improving Water Quality in Perspective
Officials in Delavan, Wisconsin have set aside funds for maintaining the water quality of their local lake, thanks largely to a study conducted by UW-Whitewater economists. Capitalizing on a major Delavan Lake rehabilitation effort completed in 1992, researchers assessed the value of the cleaner, healthier lake to its surrounding community. They proved that, beyond the obvious environmental benefits of the rehab, the entire region enjoyed economic gains in the form of increased property values, tourism, jobs, and retail spending. The well-publicized findings now serve as a tool for local, state, and national officials who make decisions about investing resources in lake quality protection.
- Facilitated Community Innovation Spurs Economic Development
Community centers face obstacles to growth and sustainability as development draws consumers and businesses away, but intervention can reverse this economic decline. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Whitewater (UWW) has developed a Facilitated Community Innovation process that provides a new model for revitalizing business communities. Based on market research and implemented under the guidance of a trained consultant, the process builds a core image for a community in efforts to make it a desired destination for consumers, companies and residents.
- Small Business Development Center state network counseling services retain and develop Wisconsin’s businesses
The UW-Extension Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network provides one-to-one business counseling to help entrepreneurs and established businesses become more profitable, retain jobs and better compete in today's global market. Businesses receiving SBDC counseling increased sales by $113 million incrementally, created 1452 new jobs and retained 601. These businesses generated $ 4.6 million in state tax revenues, and obtained $1.7 million in financing, according to a recent survey.
- Wisconsin Unions Address Diversity and Succession Planning
Impact Summary: Sixty-seven active union members have engaged in focus groups to address the need for diversity and succession planning in their unions. These participants, along with members of their unions and institutions which supported the project, have worked together to identify and recruit potential new union leaders and mentors.
