WWII stories saved through joint university-state effort
WWII veteran Ruben Hale, Milwaukee. Photo by JIM GILL
Marshalling the skills and strengths of three organizations, a three-year project spearheaded by Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) has brought the stirring stories of Wisconsin's World War II veterans and the service of state workers and families on the home front into contemporary life.
The "Wisconsin World War II Stories" effort marries the production prowess of WPT with the scholarly support of the Wisconsin Historical Society and the extensive military archives of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
For many members of what has been called the "greatest generation," memories of the life-altering experiences of the war were tucked away when soldiers came home, munitions plants shut down, and America shifted its pace. Stories of valor and bravery remained untold until four television broadcasts brought them to nearly 250,000 statewide viewers. Another program on postwar experiences is scheduled for fall.
The project also enlightens future generations about the battle against tyranny through extensive educational resources at wisconsinstories.org. Further archival material soon is to be housed permanently at the DVA and will be readily available for any requestor. —Moira Harrington
For more information: Executive Producer Carol Larson, larson@wpt.org, (608) 263-6370
Network supports small-business success
Entrepreneurs now have increased access to resources needed to turn ideas into commercial successes.
The Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN), which debuted June 1, is expected to assist more than 10,000 people and add $500 million to the state's economy the first year. WEN, part of Wisconsin Act 255, underlines Gov. Jim Doyle's commitment to entrepreneurship.
"WEN changes the way Wisconsin assists entrepreneurs," explains Erica Kauten, state director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). "The University of Wisconsin-Extension is taking a leadership role in pulling this collaboration of partners together into what entrepreneurs will perceive and experience as a single, seamless resource. The WEN partners are joined together through a mutual intake, needs assessment and tracking process."
Wisconsin ranks low in new business formation and currently lacks mechanisms for identifying high-growth firms and opportunities. Studies indicate seven of every 100 adults in Wisconsin are engaged in trying to start a new firm, but only 25% make contact with an entrepreneurial support organization and 35% don't even know help is available.
WEN's four regional hubs and up to 50 intake centers throughout the state will provide easy access to information and resources. WEN streamlines the process of identifying marketable ideas from the state's universities, colleges and existing businesses.
The four key WEN partners are the UW-Extension, WiSys Technology Foundation, Wisconsin Technical College System and Ag Innovation Center.
The four newly appointed regional directors, employed by UW-Extension, will add high-end services of technology transfer and business development for those firms with the capacity and intent to really grow. The directors and their locations are:
- Pat Dillon, UW-Eau Claire
- Ayla Annac, UW-Madison
- David Linz, UW-Milwaukee
- Kurt Waldhuetter, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay
—Leah Call
For more information: www.wenportal.org, (608) 263-0398, info@wenportal.org