Governor McCallum Includes St. Croix
In Technology Zone
Gov. Scott McCallum announced on June 25th
the formation of the I-94 Corridor Technology Zone. It includes
the counties of Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Polk
and St. Croix. The Technology Zone program brings $5 million
in income tax incentives for high-tech development to the
area.
"Our Build Wisconsin initiative is
firmly based in the concepts of promoting regional cooperation
and developing a technology base," Gov. McCallum said.
"The Technology Zone Program will help this region
generate well-paying jobs through the start-up and expansion
of technology businesses."
The I-94 Corridor Technology Zone offers
the potential for high-tech growth in the computer, electronic
technologies and telecommunications clusters, among others.
The zone designation is designed to attract and retain skilled,
high-paid workers to the area and will foster regional partnerships
to promote the development of a Twin Cities-Chippewa Valley
high-tech corridor.
EDC Executive Director Bill Rubin said,
"St. Croix, Polk, and Pierce Counties are pleased to
join Dunn, Chippewa, and Eau Claire in the formation of
an I-94 Corridor Technology Zone. In the same collective
spirit that brought the three border counties together in
the development of a single application, I believe the 6-county
zone has more in common than first envisioned. The obvious
common threads include a strong educational foundation anchored
by the UW System and the technical colleges in the 6 counties.
In addition, all of the counties share many technology-driven
industries such as plastics, information technology and
computer software, and electronics."
Since last December, St. Croix EDC worked
with Pierce County EDC and Polk County on an application
for 1 of the 8 technology zone designations. Other members
of the application team included UW-River Falls, UW Extension
Service, and the 2 regional planning commissions that serve
this area. The application was given the working name "Border
County Zone" given the adjacency of the Wisconsin-Minnesota
border.
Daryl Standafer represented the County
Board in Menomonie as did Administrative Coordinator Chuck
Whiting. Kelly Dunn represented the EDC along with staff
Bill Rubin and Jacki Bradham.
Each technology zone will have $5 million
in tax credits. The Department of Commerce will certify
eligible businesses for tax credits based on their ability
to create high-wage jobs and investment and support the
development of high-tech industries in the region.
For additional information on qualifying
for the tax credits, contact the EDC offices at (715) 381-4383.
