On Wednesday, February 14, 2023, Assembly Bill 986, relating to the Wisconsin Artistic Endowment Foundation and the Wisconsin regranting program, will be up for a committee hearing in front of the Assembly Tourism Committee.  The hearing starts at 1:30 pm in the State Capitol, Room 328 NW and the agenda is here.  

More info about the legislation is here.

We need to make sure that a broad diversity of voices are heard in support of this important legislation.  If you are able to testify at the hearing, contact Create Wisconsin at 608 255 8316 | info@createwisconsin.org.

Create Wisconsin Hosts “Creative Economy Tour” in Ripon and Princeton

with Sen. Joan Ballweg

Highlighting Local Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Opportunity

Create Wisconsin, the state’s community cultural development organization, will host a “Creative Economy Tour” with Sen. Joan Ballweg, 14th Senate District, in Ripon and Princeton on Wednesday, August 31.  Tour hosts also include The Heist, Ripon, and Horseradish Kitchen, Princeton.

Mal Montoya, Board President of Create Wisconsin, stated, “We are thrilled that local, regional, and state leaders are participating in the tour.  This area and the 14th Senate District in general is a prime example of how local business, the creative sector, regional partners, and state agencies can work together to help grow and diversify Wisconsin’s economy.”

The tour will highlight investment in the region’s tourism and entertainment sector.  

Tourism is big business regionally and the state continues to be a premier travel destination. Wisconsin’s tourism industry saw a record-breaking year in 2022. According to 2022 economic impact data, the tourism industry generated $23.7 billion in total economic impact, surpassing the previous record year of $22.2 billion set in 2019. The total economic impact in Fond du Lac County increased by nearly 14% in 2022 over the prior year, from $241 million to $274 million, while Green Lake County experienced a 19% increase, the second largest percentage increase behind Dane County, from $52 million to $62 million.  

Meanwhile, statewide direct visitor spending in the recreation and entertainment sector, including arts and cultural businesses, which had been hardest hit during the pandemic, increased by $330 million in 2022, to nearly $2 billion, or roughly 13% of the statewide total $14.9 billion. 

“Create Wisconsin is pleased to showcase the regional creative economy,” Montoya said. “We are extremely appreciative that Sen. Ballweg is joining us on this tour as a champion for the creative economy, small business, and entrepreneurship.”  Montoya pointed to the Senator’s leadership as chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Tourism and as a member of the Joint Committee on Finance as being instrumental to securing increased tourism and promotion funding of $30 million as part of the recently enacted 2023-23 state budget bill. 

Beth Haskovec, Director of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Office of Rural Prosperity will also participate in both sessions of the tour.  

TOUR SCHEDULE AND PARTICIPANTS (as of 8-28-23)

10 am    TOUR AND ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

• Sam Luna, The Heist, Ripon

• Rachael Avery, Thrasher Opera House, Green Lake

• Mandy Kimes, Ripon Chamber of Commerce

• Ric Damm, Ripon College

• Craig Tebon, Ripon Main Street

• Sam Handley, Green Lake Festival of Music

Noon:   TOUR, LUNCH, & ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

• Matt Trotter, Horseradish Kitchen and Parlor Hotel, Princeton

• Mark Judas, Princeton Chamber of Commerce 

• Katie Menting, Thrasher Opera House, Green Lake

• Lisa Maier, Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce  

• Shane Foreman, 3D Health/Levee Contemporary Gallery, Princeton

• Carson Wegner, emerging entrepreneur

• Greg Wright, Spark Towns

The media is welcome and encouraged to attend.  Contact Anne Katz at Create Wisconsin (608 255 8316 | akatz@createwisconsin.org | for details.

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Register here

Over half of Wisconsin’s cities and villages are communities of fewer than 2,500 residents. Despite their large number, these small communities represent a wide variety of geographic and economic areas within the state. Because of their small size, these municipalities have unique issues and needs that are often very different from those of larger communities.

The eleventh annual series of Small Community Forums will be held in four locations in October and November, to allow residents in these communities to come together, address common issues, network, share best practices, and identify strategies to address shared concerns. Representatives from many state and regional resource partners will be on hand to connect with attendees and provide guidance on specific concerns introduced during the sessions.
These convenings are about sharing ideas, learning and networking concerning the health and future of rural Wisconsin. People interested in small town and rural Wisconsin are invited to attend, including those involved in quality of life issues, business, government, education, the nonprofit sector, civic and community development.

Civic leaders, elected officials, volunteers, business leaders, educators, and local and regional economic development associations are encouraged to participate. Case study presentations and resource discussions will focus on infrastructure, partnership, innovation, inclusion in housing, creative economy, childcare, and workforce development, among other issues.

Other Forums are happening in Orfordville (October 28), Rosholt (November 1), and Washburn (November 3).

The fee for each Forum is $20, which includes materials, morning coffee and muffins, and lunch. Current public health guidelines in each community will be followed.

The 2022 Small Community Forums are made possible through a coalition of statewide agencies and organizations involved in rural community development: Create Wisconsin, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's Office of Rural Prosperity and Wisconsin Main Street Program, Wisconsin Downtown Action Council, Wisconsin Rural Partners, UW-Extension Center for Community and Economic Development, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development.

Contact Anne Katz at akatz@createwisconsin.org with question

It’s every citizen’s right, duty, and priviledge to vote. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. All polls in Wisconsin are open 7 am - 8 pm. Anyone on line when the polls close at 8 pm is still able to vote.

National and statewide races:

• US Senate

• All 8 Congressional seats

• Governor and Lt. Governor

• Attorney General

• State Senate (17 odd-numbered seats)

• State Assembly (all 99 seats)

Go to www.myvote.wi.gov/ for information on the races in your district.

Go to www.wisconsinvote.org/ for candidate information. During election season, Wisconsin Vote, a service of PBS Wisconsin, provides voters with information about candidates and races, election results, and election resources for educators.

Register here

Over half of Wisconsin’s cities and villages are communities of fewer than 2,500 residents. Despite their large number, these small communities represent a wide variety of geographic and economic areas within the state. Because of their small size, these municipalities have unique issues and needs that are often very different from those of larger communities.

The eleventh annual series of Small Community Forums will be held in four locations in October and November, to allow residents in these communities to come together, address common issues, network, share best practices, and identify strategies to address shared concerns. Representatives from many state and regional resource partners will be on hand to connect with attendees and provide guidance on specific concerns introduced during the sessions.
These convenings are about sharing ideas, learning and networking concerning the health and future of rural Wisconsin. People interested in small town and rural Wisconsin are invited to attend, including those involved in quality of life issues, business, government, education, the nonprofit sector, civic and community development.

Civic leaders, elected officials, volunteers, business leaders, educators, and local and regional economic development associations are encouraged to participate. Case study presentations and resource discussions will focus on infrastructure, partnership, innovation, inclusion in housing, creative economy, childcare, and workforce development, among other issues.

Other Forums are happening in Orfordville (October 28), Rosholt (November 1), and Reedsville (November 15).

The fee for each Forum is $20, which includes materials, morning coffee and muffins, and lunch. Current public health guidelines in each community will be followed.

The 2022 Small Community Forums are made possible through a coalition of statewide agencies and organizations involved in rural community development: Create Wisconsin, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's Office of Rural Prosperity and Wisconsin Main Street Program, Wisconsin Downtown Action Council, Wisconsin Rural Partners, UW-Extension Center for Community and Economic Development, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development.

Contact Anne Katz at akatz@createwisconsin.org with question

Date: Tuesday, November 1
Location: Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, 10401 Lystul Rd.
Local host: Rosholt Area Business Association
Register here: https://forms.gle/1vCeUG1hmmH9bS117

Over half of Wisconsin’s cities and villages are communities of fewer than 2,500 residents. Despite their large number, these small communities represent a wide variety of geographic and economic areas within the state. Because of their small size, these municipalities have unique issues and needs that are often very different from those of larger communities.

The eleventh annual series of Small Community Forums will be held in four locations in October and November, to allow residents in these communities to come together, address common issues, network, share best practices, and identify strategies to address shared concerns. Representatives from many state and regional resource partners will be on hand to connect with attendees and provide guidance on specific concerns introduced during the sessions.
These convenings are about sharing ideas, learning and networking concerning the health and future of rural Wisconsin. People interested in small town and rural Wisconsin are invited to attend, including those involved in quality of life issues, business, government, education, the nonprofit sector, civic and community development.

Civic leaders, elected officials, volunteers, business leaders, educators, and local and regional economic development associations are encouraged to participate. Case study presentations and resource discussions will focus on infrastructure, partnership, innovation, inclusion in housing, creative economy, childcare, and workforce development, among other issues.

Other Forums are happening in Orfordville (October 28), Washburn (November 3), and Reedsville (November 15).

The fee for each Forum is $20, which includes materials, morning coffee and muffins, and lunch. Current public health guidelines in each community will be followed.

The 2022 Small Community Forums are made possible through a coalition of statewide agencies and organizations involved in rural community development: Create Wisconsin, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's Office of Rural Prosperity and Wisconsin Main Street Program, Wisconsin Downtown Action Council, Wisconsin Rural Partners, UW-Extension Center for Community and Economic Development, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development.

Contact Anne Katz at akatz@createwisconsin.org with questions.

Register here

Over half of Wisconsin’s cities and villages are communities of fewer than 2,500 residents. Despite their large number, these small communities represent a wide variety of geographic and economic areas within the state. Because of their small size, these municipalities have unique issues and needs that are often very different from those of larger communities.

The eleventh annual series of Small Community Forums will be held in four locations in October and November, to allow residents in these communities to come together, address common issues, network, share best practices, and identify strategies to address shared concerns. Representatives from many state and regional resource partners will be on hand to connect with attendees and provide guidance on specific concerns introduced during the sessions.

These convenings are about sharing ideas, learning and networking concerning the health and future of rural Wisconsin. People interested in small town and rural Wisconsin are invited to attend, including those involved in quality of life issues, business, government, education, the nonprofit sector, civic and community development.

Civic leaders, elected officials, volunteers, business leaders, educators, and local and regional economic development associations are encouraged to participate. Case study presentations and resource discussions will focus on infrastructure, partnership, innovation, inclusion in housing, creative economy, childcare, and workforce development, among other issues.

Other Forums are happening in Rosholt (November 1), Washburn (November 3) and Reedsville (November 15).

The fee for each Forum is $20, which includes materials, morning coffee and muffins, and lunch. Current public health guidelines in each community will be followed.

The 2022 Small Community Forums are made possible through a coalition of statewide agencies and organizations involved in rural community development: Create Wisconsin, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's Office of Rural Prosperity and Wisconsin Main Street Program, Wisconsin Downtown Action Council, Wisconsin Rural Partners, UW-Extension Center for Community and Economic Development, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development.

Contact Anne Katz at akatz@createwisconsin.org with questions.

Create Wisconsin Hosts “Creative Economy Tour” 

State Representative Todd Novak and Local Leaders To Participate

Tour Highlights Strength of Creative Economy Businesses to Local Communities

Mineral Point, WI – Create Wisconsin, the state’s leading community cultural development organization, will be joined by local State Representative Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) in Darlington and Mineral Point on Friday, October 7th, to discuss the positive impact creative businesses have on the local economy, local tourism, and how they effect workforce attraction. 

“I am honored to participate in this tour and hear directly from local small-business leaders of how their businesses impact to their rural communities,” said State Representative Todd Novak. “Creative businesses like these have helped provide a unique identity for our communities in Southwestern Wisconsin.  They play a vital role as hubs for tourism, workforce attraction, and local meeting places for people to gather.”

Representative Todd Novak has co-authored legislation, including 2021-2022 Assembly Bill 422, that would creative a rural creative economy grant program. Additionally, Representative Novak has advocated for additional state investment for the creative economy, including a state investment in the Monroe Arts Center. 

According to the US Department of Commerce’s Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, the value added by arts and cultural activities to Wisconsin’s economy was $9.6 billion in 2020, encompassing more jobs than the state’s beer, biotech, and papermaking industries. As the post-pandemic world takes shape, now is the time for Wisconsin to invest in the creative economy to ensure that the state remains a place where people want to live, work, and play.

“We are thrilled that state leaders like Representative Novak are participating in this tour and learning of the successes and challenges of these local businesses and resources,” stated Anne Katz, Executive Director of Create Wisconsin. “Southwestern Wisconsin is a prime example of how the creative sector can help grow and diversify Wisconsin’s economy and improve community well-being.”

Tour Details

9:00 am: Driver Opera House Center for the Arts, 250 Main Street, Darlington – Tour & Roundtable Discussion

Partcipants:

• Leona Havens, Board member, Driver Opera House Center for the Arts, Darlington 

• Bill Mitchell, President, Rountree Gallery and Wisconsin Arts Board member, Platteville

• Kathy Hennessey, Director, Monroe Arts Center, Monroe  

• Angie Wright, Director of Communications, Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums, Platteville

10:45 am: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, 18 Shake Rag Street, Mineral Point – Tour & Roundtable Discussion

Participants:

• Sara Lomasz Flesch, Director, Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, Mineral Point 

• Mike Christensen, President, Shake Rag Alley

• Ben Brummerhop, Mineral Point Gallery/Chamber of Commerce 

• Carole Spelic and Richard Moninski, Green Lantern Studios, Mineral Point 

• Claire Johnston, Brewery Pottery and Fall Art Tour, Mineral Point 

• Bill Webb, President, Board of Directors, Mineral Point Opera House, Mineral Point 

• Christia Harrington, Theatre Manager, Mineral Point Opera House

The media is welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Anne Katz at Create Wisconsin (608-255-8316) or akatz@createwisconsin.org for details.