WIN eNewsletter – April 2006

Welcome to the Wisconsin Innovation Network (WIN) eNewsletter for April 2006, a periodical of news, events and programs focused on the needs of new and growing technology-based businesses in Wisconsin.  We hope you find the information contained in this publication useful. Please visit http://www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com, and click on “Events Calendar” for a full listing of community events in your area. 
      
The Wisconsin Innovation Network has chapters in the Chippewa Valley, the Lake Superior Region, Madison, Milwaukee and Northeast and Central Wisconsin. WIN is a non-profit subsidiary of the Wisconsin Technology Council, which works with organizations such as those listed (left) to enhance Wisconsin's technology development climate.  Questions or comments?  Contact Sally Muller

2006 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference set for June 8-9 in Milwaukee

Nationally known speakers from the worlds of small-business growth, entrepreneurism, angel capital and venture capital will keynote the fourth annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference, June 8-9, at the Milwaukee Hyatt Regency. This year’s conference will also feature many other panel discussions, a seminar for prospective angel investors, the winners of the Governor’s Business Plan Contest and the “Seize the Day” award for entrepreneurship. To make a “Seize the Day” nomination, click here. 

WIN members may attend at a discounted price of $100; non-WIN members at $150. Registration fees include all conference sessions in addition to two luncheons, a dinner and a reception.  For more information, or to register, click here.  

My-oh! My-oh! A look back at BIO ’06!

The Wisconsin Technology Council and the Wisconsin Innovation Network helped set the stage for Wisconsin’s impressive showing at BIO ’06 through the “Discovery Theatre,” where 15 live presentations were made during the peak hours of the convention in the Wisconsin Pavilion.  Gov. Jim Doyle and UW-Madison scientists and stem cell pioneers, Jamie Thomson and Gabriella Cezar, were among those who spoke in the Discovery Theatre. 

You may now view all those presentations by clicking here.  Also, please click here for news stories and columns about BIO ’06 and Wisconsin’s presence.

2006 Governor’s Business Plan Contest down to top two-dozen tech plans

The 2006 class of the Governor’s Business Plan Contest has named its Top 10 (percent)!  Drawn from a pool of 188 entries, about two-dozen contestants have moved on to the final round of the contest, during which they will write full, 20-page business plans and compete for more than $100,000 in cash and “in-kind” prizes.  The finalists, who hail from all regions of the state, will submit their plans on May 3, which marks the beginning of the final round of judging. 

Click here to read more about the Governor’s Business Plan Contest and here to join us at the Entrepreneurs’ Conference June 8 where the grand prize winner will be announced.
      
It’s not too late to participate: the contest continues to seek sponsors. To learn more, go to www.govsbizplancontest.com and find out how you can help encourage Wisconsin entrepreneurs in the creation, start-up and early-growth states of their high-tech businesses.

“WIN-Centergy” joins the growing WIN family

Amidst the excitement surrounding Wisconsin innovation and entrepreneurship on display at BIO ’06, the Wisconsin Innovation Network announced the formation of a new chapter in central Wisconsin called “WIN-Centergy,” which draws its name from a regional economic development effort involving four counties.  WIN-Centergy joins WIN-Chippewa Valley, WIN-Lake Superior, WIN-Madison, WIN-Milwaukee and WIN-Northeast as the sixth WIN chapter in the state.

Click here to read more about WIN-Centergy.

Save the dates! Small Business Times Expo and Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium

May 3-4:  Small Business Times Business and Technology Expo

The Small Business Times Business and Technology Expo is shaping up to be twice as big as last year’s inaugural event.  Please join us at Wisconsin State Fair Park May 3-4 for the expo, which will include the Tech Council’s co-sponsorship of the second annual “IQ” award for small business innovation, to be announced over lunch Thursday, May 4.  While you’re there, remember to visit the Tech Council staff at booth No. 408. 

Click here for more information or contact Sally Muller at for a free ticket to the event.  

October 30-31:  Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium

While you’re clicking through your calendar, also add the date for the 2006 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, which will be held Oct. 30-31 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison. Look for a repeat of two acclaimed features from the 2005 conference – the “Venture Readiness” workshop and the “Elevator Pitch Olympics,” in which entrepreneurs made brief presentations to a panel of investors. 
In combination with the Entrepreneurs’ Conference, the Early Stage Symposium gives entrepreneurs access to leading experts in capital investment, business growth strategies and innovation experts, and uses a “hands-on” approach to improving participants’ business models.

For highlights from last year’s conference, click here.

Angel investment growth revealed in Wisconsin

While Wisconsin ranks in the middle of the 50-state pack by some investment indicators, its supply of angel capital is growing, according to a report commissioned by the Wisconsin Technology Council. “Risk Capital in Wisconsin: A Progress Report” is the last of four updates on the Tech Council’s 2002 report, “Vision 2020: A Model Wisconsin Economy,” which set goals for the growth of the state’s tech economy.

The report by NorthStar Economics, Inc., in Madison charted three pockets of angel investing:

    •  Wisconsin’s angel networks invested nearly $5.6 million in 20 deals involving start-up companies in 2005, up from nine deals totaled $3.4 million in 2004. Total network deals (19) in all of 2002 and 2003 were $3.2 million. 

    •  Data reported to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce due to the enactment of a statewide tax credit program for early-stage investments revealed 40 deals worth $15.5 million in 2005. Less than $2 million of that total overlapped with the network deals. 

    •  Data voluntarily reported by six private law firms to the Wisconsin Angel Network, a project of the Tech Council, revealed $66.6 million in 43 individual deals. This was the first time such data has been available in Wisconsin.

Discounting overlap between the angel network deals and the Commerce data, total investing activity from those two sources alone was $19.6 million. Even if there was a complete overlap in individual angel investment data between the Commerce data and the data collected by WAN, individual angel investing activity in Wisconsin exceeded $51 million in 2005.

To view the full report, click here.  For more information and related stories, click here.

Upcoming WIN events

Wisconsin Innovation Network events focus on the needs and challenges faced by new and growing technology-based businesses in Wisconsin. Over time, WIN events have effectively assisted companies in the areas of capital, networking, information, and business consultation referrals. Watch for e-mail notices about upcoming WIN meetings in Chippewa Valley, Central Wisconsin, the Fox Valley, the Lake Superior Region, Madison and Milwaukee and other special events around the state.

If you have questions, contact Sally Muller, program director, at 608-442-7557 ext. 22 or 1-888-443-5285.

Global health issues and the Wisconsin Perspective
WIN Madison – April 25, 2006 – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tom Loftus – a Sun Prairie native, former U.S. ambassador to Norway and the former executive assistant to the head of the World Health Organization – will discuss emerging world health trends and how that affects Wisconsin researchers and companies.  The event will take place at American Family Insurance in Madison at a cost of $25 to WIN members.  For non-WIN members, the cost is $35.  There is no cost for WIN corporate members.  Lunch is provided with registration fee.  For more information and to register click here.  
        
Wisconsin's emerging bio-based economy: Opportunities for entrepreneurs
WIN Milwaukee – May 8, 2006 – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 
 
Speakers will include Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Masood Akhtar, Center for Technology Transfer and We Energies.  The event will take place at the Milwaukee Hyatt at a cost of $25 to WIN members.  For non-WIN members, the cost is $35.  There is no cost for WIN corporate members.  Lunch is provided with registration fee.   For more information and to register click here.    

Wisconsin and the World: Emerging Trade Opportunities for Tech Companies
WIN Madison – May 11, 2006 – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Join us for a panel discussion featuring the directors of Wisconsin's trade offices in China, Mexico, Brazil, Europe and Japan.  Commerce Secretary, Mary Burke, will provide an overview and Mary Regel, head of Commerce's international division, will also take part.  Learn about growing markets, specific services offered through Wisconsin's trade offices--and how to navigate doing business abroad.  One-on-one meetings with trade representatives can be arranged following the meeting from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The event will take place at the Sheraton Inn in Madison at a cost of $25 to WIN members.  For non-WIN members, the cost is $35.  There is no cost for WIN corporate members.  Lunch is provided with registration fee.  For more information and to register click here. 

WIN-Centergy – May 16, 2006 – 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Join us as new chapter of the Wisconsin Innovation Network (WIN)---WIN Centergy---will be launched May 16 featuring Joe Kremer, director, Wisconsin Angel Network..  The event will take place at the Country Springs Hotel, 1501 N Point Dr; Stevens Point at a cost of $10.  Hors d'oeuvres to be served.  For more information and to register click here. 

Wisconsin’s emerging bio based economy:  Opportunities for entrepreneurs
WIN Northeast – May 18, 2006 – 4:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Hear about Wisconsin's bio-based economy from Masood Akthar, Center for Technology Transfer and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.  The event will take place at the Fox Valley Technical College – D.J. Bordini Center at a cost of $5 to WIN members.  For non-WIN members, the cost is $10.  There is no cost for WIN corporate members.    For more information and to register click here. 

Tech Bytes

Innovative History; Inspiring Future:  Wisconsin’s technology and entrepreneurial milestones

Wisconsin has a rich history of innovation, especially when it comes to technology that has improved lives while enhancing commerce.  The Tech Council has captured more than 100 key events, spanning Wisconsin’s territorial day to the present, in a wall-sized poster that was released at BIO ’06.  To view the online version of the timeline click here, or to order a copy for $12 (includes shipping and handling) email Gina Leahy.


Wisconsin Angel Network, Wipfli, UW Entrepreneurship Association host Tim Keane in Madison

The Wisconsin Angel Network, Wipfli and UW-Madison Entrepreneurship Association hosted angel network leader Tim Keane in Madison April 13th to discuss how entrepreneurs can raise capital from early-stage investors. Keane is director of the Marquette Golden Angels Network and entrepreneur-in-residence at Marquette University. The presentation was videotaped and, using using Sonic Foundry’s Mediasite equipment, is available for on-demand viewing by clicking here.   
 

Wisconsin Technology Council keeps lawmakers informed

The 2005-07 legislative session, which saw the introduction of a number of comprehensive economic development plans, could end on an even more successful note with the passage of four key pieces of legislation that have the backing of the Wisconsin Technology Council.  Those four include:  Senate Bill 338, the so-called “self-dealing legislation,” Assembly Bill 297/Senate Bill 152, the so-called “Education Tax Credit” legislation, Senate Bill 372, which would provide necessary start-up funding for the Bio-Medical Technology Alliance in Milwaukee, and legislation that would provide a remedy for a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that puts at risk companies involved in the production of components, including those in high-tech industries such as biotechnology.

To learn more about this legislation click here.

“Family Day” set at UW-Madison ag research station
 
All-America Selections, a non-profit group that tests new flowers and vegetables for home gardens, recently awarded UW-Madison’s West Madison Agricultural Research Station garden with the top garden it its size category -- one of only three U.S. gardens recognized by the group.  The garden will also host “Family Day,” its annual free horticultural field day event, April 29, at  8502 Mineral Point Rd.

For a listing of other events in your area, click here.

Benefits of WIN membership

Your membership with the Wisconsin Innovation Network is rewarding. It includes:
•      Discounted registration at conferences.
•      WIN luncheon, event and sponsorship opportunities.
•      Your subscription to the WIN eNewsletter.
•      Free subscription to WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com daily updates.
•      Subscription discounts and/or advertising opportunities for publications such as the Wisconsin Technology Network, WisBusiness.com, The Business Journal, the Small Business Times and the Capital Region Business Journal.
•      Access to other WIN members and their expertise.
•      Opportunities to be listed in our online Resource directory.
•      Monthly educational and networking events.
•      Discounts from selected vendors. For example, the Tech Council and Aberdean Inc., a Madison-based IT consulting and management firm, have reached an agreement to provide strategic technical services consulting to eligible WIN members at a discounted rate. Dependent upon your membership level, eligible WIN members may be able to receive up to a 25 percent discount for technical services. Some complimentary services are also expected to be available. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Eric Steffen at Aberdean (608) 204-9620 or eric.steffen@abedean.com
 

Wisconsin Technology Council Newsroom

Wisconsin Technology Council Newsroom
The Wisconsin Technology Council News Room provides “real-time” news about the Tech Council, its subsidiaries and affiliates, and their efforts to assist in the development, growth and success of technology-based businesses in Wisconsin.

Be sure to also visit these news sources:
•      The Wisconsin Technology Network, which reports on life sciences, biotechnology, and information technology in Wisconsin along with clusters and corridors throughout the Midwest http://www.wistechnology.com/
•      WisBusiness.com http://www.wisbusiness.com/
•      Small Business Times http://www.smallbiztimes.com/
•      The UW Business News Wire www.corprelations.wisc.edu/buswire/
•      The State Science and Technology Institute Weekly Digest, which lists funding opportunities, state and federal program changes, congressional activities and the latest studies and reports. http://www.ssti.org/
•      The Capital Region Business Journal, distributed monthly in south-central Wisconsin. www.madison.com/crbj/
•      The Business Journal, www.bizjournals.com/
•      Corporate Report/Wisconsin, www.crwmag.com

Thank You!

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