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Now is the time to challenge accuracy of national broadband map

The value of reliable and fast broadband service is a fundamental building block of both economic development and workforce attraction.

The 7 Rivers Alliance has worked with state and regional groups for the past few years helping to both identify areas of need and find ways to apply for grants and funding.

Now is a critical time for our region and for the state. The 7 Rivers Alliance needs your help to challenge the new Federal Communications Commission broadband service location and availability maps. The need for accurate data pinpointing where broadband service is available, and where it is not available, has never been greater. 

I’m asking our partners in municipalities, community organizations, business groups, chambers of commerce, education advocates, healthcare organizations, and trade groups to promote this initiative widely so the region can obtain the support necessary to help expand opportunities for residents.

The new National Broadband Map provides information about the internet services available to individual locations across the country, along with new maps of mobile coverage, as reported by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the FCC’s ongoing Broadband Data Collection.

The FCC map will help determine how much federal funding states will receive to shore up gaps in internet service. You can find out How to Use the FCC’s National Broadband Map on this link. As part of the mapping process, states, residents, cities, counties, businesses, etc. have the ability to challenge the accuracy of these maps.

The FCC Broadband Fabric data map shares where internet coverage areas exist, the technology internet is delivered by (fiber/wireless/satellite/etc.) and where service gaps are perceived. However, metrics used are showing areas covered that might not be covered.  That means that the maps could be inaccurate in certain areas.

This map from the FCC will determine how much funding Wisconsin receives, and that difference will have a direct negative impact on the dollars we receive. It will also have a direct impact on the funding that our counties receive.

Please share this information with your coworkers, neighbors, and friends and encourage them to go to the website to check to see what buildings are shown as covered. We need them to share their stories, challenge areas “served” that are not, and make sure their voices are heard. 

Below is a video to explain the challenge process.

Link to FCC challenge video: https://lnkd.in/g2Zz2SUD

Here is a link to the FCC’s process on How to Submit a Location Challenge in addition you will see on this page several Articles in this section that you can look to for additional materials.

Here’s how to view the map:

1. Point your browser to: https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home#/  

2. LOCALITY: Type in the address and select from the auto-generated location options.

3. When the map renders, verify that the locator dot is centered on the correct rooftop

4. If not, click on the “Location Challenge” link in the upper right corner of the map and type in the contact information and select the appropriate Challenge Type and any documentation if available.

5. Click Submit.

6. SERVICE AVAILABILITY: Check the Provider, Technology, and Speeds available at this address.

7. If any information is incorrect, click on “Availability Challenge” and select any of the providers that are incorrect.

8. Enter Challenge or Feedback, the contact information, and you may either describe your experience or upload a documentation image or file.

9. Click Submit.

Time is of the essence. All challenges must be submitted by Jan. 13. 

It’s critically important that the FCC hears from as many people as possible. Now is not the time to sit back and think someone else will take care of it. Please weigh in and be sure that your location is part of an accurate, national map.

Chris Hardie
CEO
 

LADCO promoting development properties 

The La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO) is a not-for-profit, member-driven, economic development organization which has been operating for more than 50 years to assist businesses and our partners in growing the economy of La Crosse County and the surrounding area. One of LADCO’s roles is to facilitate real estate solutions within the La Crosse County region. Below are a few featured properties within the Coulee Region. If you’d like more information, please follow the links or contact Tim Kabat, at tim@ladcolax.com or at (608) 784-5488.

River Point District, La Crosse, WI

Housing and Commercial Developers Wanted! Situated in Downtown La Crosse, adjacent to the La Crosse and Black rivers, bring your expertise, innovation and inspiration to an exciting, new neighborhood rich in opportunities. A development at River Point District gives you lasting impact in a progressive, sustainable neighborhood and a significant presence in a vibrant, forward-thinking city.

Your smart investment brings solid benefits:

  • The entire development is within an already-established Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) district.
  • River Point District is located in a designated Opportunity Zone. You can receive special tax incentives including temporary tax deferral, step-up in basis and permanent exclusion from taxable income of capital gains.
  • River Point District is a turnkey, shovel-ready property, with property engineering and infrastructure provided by the City of La Crosse. You can start your River Point District project immediately. For more information, contact Julie Emslie at the City of La Crosse at emsliej@cityoflacrosse.org or at (608) 789-7393.

2700 Midwest Drive, Onalaska, WI

A landmark Class A office building located off I-90 in the Onalaska/La Crosse corridor. Beautiful setting with a treelined entrance. Grand two-story lobby to greet guests. Three floors of high-quality office arrangement featuring executive offices and open office areas on all floors. Training & presentation areas as well as sunlit cafeteria and patio. For more details, please view the Property Listing. These opportunities don't come often! For more information, contact Chuck Olson at Coldwell Banker River Valley Realtors, chuck@cbrivervalley.com or (608) 780-1666.

Bluffview Business Park, Holmen, WI

Commercial/Industrial sites in the Village of Holmen. 7+ Acres on Main Street, 3.95 Acres on Gaarder Road and 10+ Acres at Rivers Drive. For more details, please contact: Chuck Olson at Coldwell Banker River Valley Realtors.

 

Lakeview Business Park – West Salem

The Lakeview Business Park is a unique high-end commercial and industrial development in West Salem, Wisconsin.
The park features low utility and tax rates, an attractive, professional design, and comprehensive transportation access, including Interstate Highway and rail service.
Also, fiber optic communications and three-phase electric infrastructure are available at this site.
In addition, the West Salem area boasts a high quality of life, with short commutes, affordable housing, and abundant recreation.
For more details, please view the Site Details.
Property Contact Josh Miller at Cedar Corporation 


Main Street Bounceback grants a success

By Missy Hughes

As we look ahead to the New Year, we’re also looking back on the completion of one of Wisconsin’s most successful small business development initiatives – the Main Street Bounceback grants.

When Governor Evers created the program in the spring of 2021, the idea was to help communities build thriving downtowns by providing $10,000 grants to businesses and nonprofits that moved into empty storefronts.

The governor initially provided $50 million in federal recovery funds, or enough to assist 5,000 businesses. As demand for the grants surged, he increased funding to cover another 2,500 businesses, then 2,500 more – bringing total funding to $100 million for 10,000 grants.

With the program set to end on Dec. 31, WEDC staff and our regional partners are closing in on assisting  nearly 7,800 businesses in all 72 counties.

Gaining so many new small businesses in less than two years is impressive enough. But what makes these grants unique are the impacts they’re having on communities and on the business owners – and the lessons we’ve learned making these investments.

From Washburn on Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin to Prairie du Chien along the Mississippi River in southwestern Wisconsin and all points in between, local leaders tell us these grants are bringing excitement to downtowns by filling in the gaps between stores, encouraging people to linger, shop, dine, and spend in their own communities.

For the business owners, the grants have often provided that last little boost that allows them to realize their dreams. One of my favorite examples came last fall, when Governor Evers and I were visiting some of the first Bounceback businesses to open in Fond du Lac.

Monica Lara spotted us walking along Main Street and burst out of her store, with her Bounceback check in hand, so she could personally thank the governor and take a picture with him. Just this month, I stopped back at her store, Argentum et Aurum, and found that not only was her custom jewelry business booming, but she’s planning to expand.

We’ve heard many stories like Monica’s, and we’ve seen what businesses like hers mean to a community.

One unexpected result of the Bounceback program has been that more than half of the grants have gone to women-owned businesses – and over a third of the grants have gone to businesses in rural communities. From these results, we’ve learned that when resources are available, underrepresented entrepreneurs in every part of our state are ready to jump in and succeed.

Another key lesson from the Bounceback grants is how important it is to invest in all our communities.

A recent survey found Wisconsin ranked first in the nation in the share of federal recovery funds allocated to business and second in the share dedicated to economic development. Many of these funds went directly to small businesses, often in relatively small amounts.

What we discovered from the success of the Bounceback grants is that you don’t have to spend big to show big results. That’s because, as one store owner told me, “Small businesses know how to stretch a dollar.”

Our state will reap the benefits of the Main Street Bouncebacks for years to come as these businesses celebrate each New Year and our communities continue to flourish. And at WEDC, we’ll keep the spirit of the Bounceback grants alive by continuing to invest in our small businesses, supporting our communities, and making sure all Wisconsinites have the chance to fulfill their dreams.

Missy Hughes is Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the state’s lead economic development organization.


DEED announces round of broadband funding 

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to award $67.6 million in broadband grants across the state.

This new grant round comprises $25 million in state funding and $42.6 million from the federal government. It further accelerates the Border-to-Border program in pursuit of Minnesota's 2026 goal that all homes and businesses have access to broadband with download speeds of at least 100 megabits per second and upload speeds of at least 20 megabits per second.

Eligible broadband providers can use grant funding to reimburse up to half the cost of broadband infrastructure deployed. Funding for a single project is capped at $5 million. Applications must be received by March 2, 2023. Grants will be awarded in early summer.

"Broadband access and adoption are critical for workers, education, healthcare and our business community," said DEED Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon. "We are working hard to provide this resource across the state and to all Minnesotans."

On December 8, 2022, Governor Walz announced $99.6 million in broadband grants for 61 projects in 48 counties, expected to connect to more than 33,000 Minnesota homes and businesses to high-speed broadband. It was the largest single investment in broadband in Minnesota history; before then, DEED had awarded nearly $130 million in Border-to-Border grants to connect more than 57,000 homes and businesses around Minnesota to high-speed broadband since the program's inception in 2014.

"Public-private partnerships like the Border-to-Border program are a proven, effective way to make high-speed, high-quality broadband available to more Minnesotans," said Bree Maki, Executive Director of DEED's Office of Broadband Development. "Earlier this month we awarded grants to dozens of projects to benefit 33,000 Minnesota homes and business, and this new grant round will further extend that impact."

Requirements and application materials for this competitive grant program are available on DEED's website.



Area agencies receive Iowa tourism grants

The Iowa Tourism Council rewarded several area agencies with grants as part of the 2023 Iowa Tourism Grant Program.

Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce in Decorah earned a $10,000 Iowa Tourism Grant for the "Print Marketing Partnership Pilot - Maximizing Local Assets and Improving the Visitor Experience".

 Northeast Iowa RC&D earned a $10,000 grant for "Revitalization of the Northeast Iowa Tourism Association Website, Travel Guide, and Visual Media Library".

 Winneshiek County Development & Tourism's $10,000 award was for "Meteors and 6-Foot Sea Scorpions: Using the Decorah Crater to Promote Tourism in Northeast Iowa".

 The Iowa Tourism Office announced $299,200 in Iowa Tourism Grants to 33 organizations around the state.

 The program funds tourism-related marketing initiatives, meetings and events that benefit both local economies and the state's economy with awards ranging from $2,500-10,000 with a 25% cash match.

 

 

Governor's Business Plan Contest now open

 

The 20th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2023 competition until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2023.   

The Wisconsin Technology Council produces the contest to encourage entrepreneurs statewide in the startup stages of tech-based businesses. It links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice and mentoring, management talent and possible sources of capital.

Over time, the contest has led to valuable exposure for each year’s top business plans while spurring company and job growth in Wisconsin. In 2022, finalists shared in about $125,000 in cash and service prizes. The contest’s major sponsors include the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.

For their initial entries, contestants will submit a 250-word idea abstract online at govsbizplancontest.com. Contestants will also find business plan templates, startup information, networking contacts and technical resources from a mix of state and national resources on the website.

Contestants who advance to subsequent contest rounds will expand their plan in stages. About 80 volunteer judges drawn from finance, sales, marketing, research and technology sectors across Wisconsin and beyond will score the entries and provide feedback on submissions.


 

Winona presenting comprehensive plan reports

 

All who live, work, and play in Winona are invited to give input on the Interim Report of the City of Winona Comprehensive Plan Update. The Interim Report is the result of more than a year of community engagement, with input from more than 2,500 community members and counting.

The Comprehensive Plan Update is an overarching plan that sets specific, achievable goals that the city and community can work toward over the next 20 years. The Comprehensive Plan Update covers 12 topics, including land use, housing, economic development, transportation, downtown, and more.

 The Comprehensive Plan Update project is being led by a steering committee of 12 Winona residents appointed by Mayor Scott Sherman, along with city staff and consultants from HKGi and Engage Winona. In addition, more than 100 city residents participated in subcommittees to create the goals and strategies in the Interim Report.

 There are several ways to review and give input on the Interim Report. In partnership with the City of Winona and other community partners, Engage Winona is hosting a series of community open houses in December and January. You can also read and comment on the Interim Report online and participate in an online survey. For those who prefer, printed copies of the report will be available at City Hall in the Community Development department on the second floor.

Attend an open house

Engage Winona is hosting open houses at a variety of dates and times. Attendees will be able to view posters with summaries of the plan’s goals, and leave written comments. Attendees are welcome to come and go anytime during the open house hours. Feel free to attend the session that best meets your needs. 

  • Wednesday, January 18, 4:30-6:30pm: Winona Senior High School, 901 Gilmore Ave.

  • Tuesday, January 24, 5-7pm: City Hall, City Council Chambers on third floor 

    • Spanish and Hmong interpretation available at this session 

 Take the online survey

An online survey is available from December 1 - January 25. Here is the link to the survey: https://engagewinona.questionpro.com/winona3


 

La Crosse Center wins building award

 

The La Crosse Center received a 2022 BUILD Wisconsin Award for its recent renovation and expansion project.

The original building was more than 40 years old and long overdue for major renovations.

Designed by ISG Architects, the two-year project expanded the sports, entertainment, and event center into 120,000 square feet of multipurpose space.

The updated lobby now offers a more inviting place for visitors to gather, complete with high ceilings, large windows, and a mural highlighting two of La Crosse’s main attractions, Grandad Bluff and the Mississippi River.

The refurbishment targeted areas, such as the Riverside Ballroom, roof-top terrace, atrium, meeting rooms/office spaces, and pre-function area which now features full-height windows around the perimeter and showcases beautiful Mississippi River views.

Kraus-Anderson completely renovated the existing arena— replacing all of the seating; installing a higher quality sound system, ADA-compliant platforms and railings; and upgrading and enlarging the dressing rooms, locker rooms, restrooms, and concession stands.


 

2023 WEDA Governor's Conference Feb. 1-3 

The 2023 WEDA Governor’s Conference on Economic Development is Feb. 1-3 and  will feature industry thought leaders and practitioners who will cover today’s challenges and opportunities as we explore community revitalization, data driven talent attraction, transportation, early childhood care, housing, and entrepreneurship. The Governor’s Conference is WEDA’s largest educational and networking event of the year. The packed agenda has something for everyone as we focus on advancing economic prosperity across Wisconsin.  

 In addition to a wealth of networking opportunities and dynamic speakers, the conference qualifies for the following key continuing education credit certifications: EDFP, CEcD and AICP. CLICK HERE to view the Conference Agenda and speaker information.

 CONFERENCE RATES:

  • Full Conference: WEDA Member – $349; Non-member – $449

  • Thursday Only: WEDA Member – $249; Non-member – $349

  • Friday Only: WEDA Member – $99; Non-member – $199

We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 Governor’s Conference on Economic Development. Don’t Miss out…

*** REGISTER TODAY***


Free webcast training series offered

The JAN Webcast Series is a monthly virtual training series presented by JAN staff and guest speakers. Webcasts include practical guidance and information about navigating the accommodation process, applying and leveraging the title I employment provisions of the ADA, and job accommodation situations and solutions.

 JAN webcasts are available at no cost to anyone who would like to attend.

All webcasts are presented at 2:00 p.m. Eastern on the second Thursday of each month so 1:00 p.m. Central Time unless otherwise noted.

 ASL interpreting and real-time captioning are provided.

 1 HR Certification Institute (HRCI) continuing education unit can be earned after attending.

 Register to attend every webcast in the series or only the topics that interest you.

 The 2023 webcast series includes a variety of ADA and accommodation topics, including:





Briefly speaking:

 

  • Minnesota’s minimum-wage rates will be adjusted for inflation on Jan. 1, 2023, to $10.59 an hour for large employers and $8.63 an hour for other state minimum wages.  The current large-employer minimum wage, $10.33, will increase by 26 cents to $10.59. Other state minimum wages, including the small-employer, youth and training wages, as well as the summer work travel exchange visitor program wage, which are all currently $8.42, will increase by 21 cents to $8.63. These increases are both 2.5 percent.
  • The Harmony City Council voted Dec. 13 to continue the Harmony Home Rebate program. The program began in 2014 and 19 new living units have received rebates.  The EDA recommended that the maximum rebate amount be increased from $12,000 for properties valued at $250,000 or more to $20,000 for properties valued at $500,000 or more.

  •  The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), has announced the Midwest dairy companies that, through a competitive review process, will be receiving a combined $1 million in Dairy Industry Impact grants. One of the recipients was CROPP Cooperative in La Farge which will engage in collecting data to compare micro-fixing production lines. By being able to test out this type of production at scale, CROPP Cooperative will be able to provide proof of concept data to other processors.
  • Driftless Wisconsin, a tourism promotion organization representing Crawford County, Vernon County and the Kickapoo Valley, was awarded a $7,841 JEM (Joint Effort Marketing) Grant for 2022 by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The funds were used to leverage a $31,000 advertising campaign inviting visitors to “Come Out and Play!” in the heart of the Driftless area.

  • Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) was appointed to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Board of Directors. The Board provides WEDC with strategic leadership and operational oversight, representing statewide public and private economic development interests.

 

  • The Wisconsin North Central Minority Supplier Development Council (NCMSDC) has been awarded a $1.61 million grant through the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The funds will be used to create Wisconsin’s first business center aimed at helping minority-owned businesses. The business center will be operated through NCMSDC, and will be located in its office at 9300 W. Heater Ave., on Milwaukee’s far northwest side.

 


 

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