Don't Call it a Comeback...Sun Prairie Still Has a Lot Going On (City of Sun Prairie)

A lot has happened since the first of the year, and even though I haven't been on here in a while there has been a lot going on in Sun Prairie.  Here are some of the economic development news stories so far in 2012...
 
Aug. 25th - New owner serves classic fare, atmosphere at Prairie Diner (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Aug. 20th - Continental Mapping Provides Survey and Mapping Services for Remediation of EPA Superfund Site (Directions Magazine)
 
Aug. 20th - Longevity in Business: Jacobson Bros. Meats & Deli an 80-year family tradition (Madison.com)

Aug. 18th - New Coffee Shop OK'd (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Aug. 17th - Kobussen named Contractor of the Year by trade publication (Sun Prairie Star)

Aug. 17th - New business aims to get Sun Prairie dancing (Sun Prairie Star)

Aug. 16th - New Woodman's store opens ahead of schedule in Sun Prairie (Madison.com)

Aug. 21st - Chamber Thanks Corn Fest Volunteers (Sun Prairie Star)

Aug. 13th - USW Members at Veyance Technologies Ratify New Four-Year Contract (PR Newswire)
 
Aug. 10th - Fisher-Barton unit expanding in Sun Prairie (Business Journal Serving Greater Milwaukee)
 
Aug. 10th - City sets Heritage Week festivities (Sun Prairie Star)

Aug. 10th - Slice of Sun Prairie Preview (Video from WISC-TV)

Aug. 3rd - City lists Heritage Days activities, events to mark city's 175th (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Aug. 12th - City of Sun Prairie Announces Revamped Website (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jul. 31st - Pizza Ranch plans approved by council (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jul. 16th - New traffic signals operational July 20 (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jul. 16th - Advance Auto Parts opens on July 20 (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jul. 16th - Sun Prairie teacher attends C-SPAN conference (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jul. 3rd  - Tuesday market sprouts on Main (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 28th - Flags of Freedom competition turns 40 (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 27th - Chamber Hosts Business Park Networking Event, Revenue Secretary Chandler (Video from Chris Mertes: Segment 1 of 4, Segment 2 of 4, Segment 3 of 4 and Segment 4 of 4)

Jun. 21st - Governor proclaims June 19 as Sun Prairie Day (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 21st - Concrete work at night authorized at Costco site (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 20th - Two Sun Prairie companies receive Dane County Small Business awards (Sun Prairie Star)

Jun. 19th - City Council Approves Amendment to TIF 7 (City of Sun Prairie)

Jun. 19th - Sun Prairie Student Among State Wisconsin YES Youth Business Plan Finalists (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 15th - B's Jewelers, Divya Salon relocate and expand (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 14th - Downtown Block Party offers fun for the whole family (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 13th - Sun Prairie High School student attending Business World (Sun Prairie Star)

Jun. 11th - Council Approves Prairie Lakes Plan for New Commercial Buildings (Sun Prairie Star)

Jun. 10th - Panda Garden Named Top 100 by Chinese Restaurant News (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 9th - Local food hub gaining interest (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 8th - Dane County Dairy Breakfast Set for June 9th (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 7th - Sun Prairie Youth Earn Volunteer Scholarships from Summit Credit Union (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jun. 1st - Sun Prairie Business & Education Partnership Seeks Business Partners (Sun Prairie Star)
 
May 30th - Sun Prairie Frontier Employees Donate to Ronald McDonald House (Sun Prairie Star)
 
May 24th - Sun Prairie's 2012 Leadership Class Graduates (Sun Prairie Star)
 
May 22nd - City markets retail sites at ICSC Convention in Las Vegas (Sun Prairie Star)
 
May 19th - New business provides sport enjoyment for kids (Sun Prairie Star)
 
May 17th - City of Sun Prairie gets $42,000 grant for bike trail connection (Sun Prairie Star)

May 13th - Mayor Pledges to Support Regional Economic Development Initiative (Sun Prairie Star)
 
May 11th - AWEA's Jeff Anthony to speak at Wind Power Happy Hour May 21st (Sun Prairie Star)
 
May 8th - Staff attends Presentation from Briggs & Stratton CEO Todd Teske (City of Sun Prairie)
 
May 6th - Region needs to act now on economic growth (Madison.com)
 
May 5th - City Approves Wal-Mart Development Agreement (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Apr. 29th - Sun Prairie UPS Store nears 15th anniversary (Sun Prairie Star)

Apr. 27th - Last Famous Footwear Employees Are Let Go (City of Sun Prairie)
 
Apr. 26th - Time to live up to the Region's potential (Madison.com)
 
Apr. 25th - Goals for Regional growth outlined (Madison.com)
 
Apr. 21st - Council Approves Prairie Athletic Club Pool Expansion (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Apr. 19th - Sun Prairie Utilities Hosts Chamber Luncheon (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Apr. 19th - Record Number of Sun Prairie DECA Students Compete at International Event (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Apr. 17th - Members of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants read to Sun Prairie students (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Apr. 13th - All new Sir Hobo's Restaurant open for business (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Apr. 12th - Delta Airlines Expands Service at Dane County Regional Airport (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Apr. 12th - Staff attends "Economic Development & Public Power" Seminar at WPPI Energy (City of Sun Prairie)
 
Apr. 9th - Sun Prairie's Deka Systems certified for WEDC Qualified New Business Venture Tax Credit (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Apr. 7th - Council Approves Costco Development Pact (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Apr. 6th - Prairie Flowers & Gifts Moves to New Downtown Location (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Apr. 4th - Department of Workforce Development Hold Job Fair for Famous Footwear employees (City of Sun Prairie)

Apr. 1st - Ben's Auto celebrates 60 years in business (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Mar. 30th - Denver flight added by United at Dane County Regional Airport (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Mar. 29th - Sun Prairie Culinary Students Place 3rd in ProStart Competition (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Mar. 29th - Wind Power Happy Hour Returns Apr. 4th (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Mar. 29th - Staff Presents at ICSC Wisconsin Idea Exchange (City of Sun Prairie)
 
Mar. 26th - Frontier Airlines Expands Madison to D.C. Service at Dane County Regional Airport (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Mar. 24th - Xplosion softball tournament may be coming to Sun Prairie (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Mar. 21st - City Staff Meets With Wisconsin Wind Works Alliance Advisory Team (City of Sun Prairie)
 
Mar. 1st - District outlines work readiness programs at chamber luncheon (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Feb. 27th - Harms Insurance Group grows into new space at Liberty Square (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Feb. 23rd - New Perspective Groundbreaking Ceremony (City of Sun Prairie)
 
Feb. 16th - Downtown Business Improvement District Hold Annual Meeting (Video by Chris Mertes: Presentation Video 1 of 3, Presentation Video 2 of 3, and Presentation Video 3 of 3)
 
Feb. 3rd - Wisconsin State Superintendent Tony Evers to Visit Sun Prairie High School (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Feb. 2nd - Groundhog Day Prognostication Coverage (Sun Prairie Star) and  Video from Chris Mertes
 
Jan. 26th - Planning for the City's 175th Anniversary Gets Underway (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jan. 24th - City Issues RFP for St. Mary's/TIF 9 Outlots (City of Sun Prairie)
 
Jan. 18th - Sun Prairie office space a prize in State Business Plan Contest (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jan. 18th - QBE gives $75,000 to United Way of Dane County (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jan. 15th - Local business donates to 23 food pantries across Wisconsin (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jan. 14th - THRIVE Study Identifies Key Regional Growth Sectors (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jan. 12th - Sun Prairie DECA Clubs Host District Competition (Sun Prairie Star) and the 2012 Chapter Recruitment Video
 
Jan. 12th - New space helps Kicks Unlimited expand programs (Sun Prairie Star)
 
Jan. 1st - City Departments Reorganize Into Economic & Community Development (City of Sun Prairie)

*************
Blogger's Note:  I'm sure I missed some things, so I will be adding and editing for a while I'm sure.  Let me know if I missed anything.  In any case, its been a pretty busy year and good things are happening.   I'll try to keep up with posts a bit better for the rest of 2012.

Thrive Identifies Target Clusters for Growth Opportunities (Madison.com)

Thrive Identifies Target Clusters for Growth Opportunities

Legacy targets are transitioning sectors with historical influence and "next generation" potential:
Advanced Manufacturing; and Agriculture and Food Systems.

Leading targets are mature sectors with strong opportunities for growth: Health Care; and Life Sciences.

Emerging targets are sectors with the potential to create further economic opportunities: Design and Technology (technology and software; design and communications; direct-to-consumer and specialty retail).

In addition, Travel and Experience was identified as an opportunity area, rather than a formal target.

Link to Full Article: http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/thrive-identifies-target-clusters-for-growth-opportunities/article_d8704d40-2a94-11e1-877c-001871e3ce6c.html

Blogger's Note: See how these compare with the target sectors the City identified in its 2008 Strategic Business Development Plan: http://www.cityofsunprairie.com/admin/images/3df9393303.pdf

3rd Annual Sun Prairie Real Estate & Development Tour Scheduled for Oct. 26th (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

The 3rd Annual Sun Prairie Real Estate & Development Tour is scheduled for Wednesday Oct. 26^th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.   

Area Realtors and developers are strongly encouraged to bring along any prospects or clients they think might be interested in opportunities in Sun Prairie. 

A coach bus will leave from City Hall at 2:00 p.m. and begin a two-hour driving tour of available commercial and industrial buildings and sites throughout Sun Prairie, with a couple of stops at some key properties for brief presentations by their owner or developer.  At 4:00 p.m. we will adjourn to Buck & Honeys for some closing remarks from the City about upcoming projects and some hospitality.  The bus will return the group back to City Hall by 5:30 p.m.

There is no charge for the event for anyone who RSVP’s before Oct. 21^st. Seating is limited, and we are anticipating a full bus, so RSVP right away to Neil Stechschulte at (608) 825-0894 or nstechschulte@cityofsunprairie.com.

Stechschulte to Participate in Panel Discussion on Economic Development at WPPI Energy Event on September 15th (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Stechschulte to Participate in Panel Discussion on Economic Development at WPPI Energy Event on September 15th

City of Sun Prairie Economic Development Director Neil Stechschulte will participate in a panel discussion at WPPI Energy's Annual Meeting on  September 15, 2011.  Representatives of the 51 member communities and partners will gather to hear presentations on infrastructure and technology, energy policy, economic development, and an update on what's new at WPPI Energy.  Stechschulte will cover keys to Sun Prairie's economic development successes along with representatives from fellow WPPI Energy members Sturgeon Bay and Slinger. Contact Kelly Simonsen, Marketing Manager for WPPI Energy with any questions at ksimonsen@wppienergy.org or 608-834-4519.

Blogger's Note: This is a chance for member communities to learn from one another, and to encourage WPPI Energy to continue to grow its economic development program. 

If You Were to Make a Monopoly Board For Sun Prairie, What Would You Put On It? (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

I was actually saving this for a strategic planning exercise with the City Council, but I don't think we're going to have time to work on it this fall. So I'll throw it out to you folks. Imagine the folks at Hasbro decided to do a Sun Prairie based version of their game "Monopoly." You have been hired by the company as a consultant to help create the board by researching and answering the following questions...

1) What developments, buildings, subdivisions, neighborhoods, or stores should go with which colors and why? What balance of commercial, residential, industrial, mixed use, etc. would you recommend for the board?

2) What would you put on the board in place of the railroads? (We'll just skip the utilities, since Sun Prairie Utilities already runs the Water Works and Electric Company for us.)

3) Instead of "Community Chest" and "Chance" cards, what would you call the cards in this game?

4) Instead of "Jail" and "Free Parking," what would put on these squares?

5) Instead of "Luxury Tax" and "Income Tax" what would you place on these spaces?

6) What game pieces would you use that would be good representatives of Sun Prairie?

7) Would you change the pricing of the game to better represent a Sun Prairie version of the game? If so, how?

8) Is there anything specific about Sun Prairie's development community that you couldn't fit on the game board, or just weren't sure what to do with?

9) If you did a board for Sun Prairie in 2003, 2011, and 2020...would they look differently? If yes, explain how?

10) If you were to add a new wrinkle to the game to make it more reflective of Sun Prairie, what would you add or change to the traditional Monopoly rules?

Some things to keep in mind....

1) Remember there is an inherent value associated with each color block that increases as you go around the board, so choose and place your properties accordingly.

2) Remember that your replacement for Chance and Community Chest should present opportunities and rewards, as well as risks and penalties.

3) Remember that certain properties will have an existing value in Sun Prairie's existing real estate market, and a potential future value depending on the types of development that may occur there, and when it might occur--much like building houses and hotels on the less expensive properties potentially bringing a faster pay off, but not as much as other properties that are more expensive. Make sure to explain if you place something on the board for its current value or its projected value.

Send me your ideas, and I'll post the best ones back on this blog.

Blogger's Note: All names, characters, images, trademarks and logos associated with the board game "Monopoly" are protected by trademark rights, copyrights and other rights owned by Hasbro or its subsidiaries or by Hasbro's licensors, licensees, suppliers and accounts. The use of such names, characters, images, trademarks and logos associated with the board game "Monopoly" here in this blog are solely meant for the purposes of facilitating a public discussion of economic development in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin and is not meant to be used for any commercial purpose.

Our View: The Little City That Could - Sun Prairie Defies the Odds (Sun Prairie Star)

Our View: The Little City That Could - Sun Prairie Defies the Odds

Link to Full Article (Editorial): http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=8181

Blogger's Note: Thanks to Editor Chris Mertes for the nice write up. For the record...luck has nothing to do with it, and a heck of a lot of time and effort from a lot of people goes in to making good projects happen. I'm not sure we're defying the odds so much as our local economy is simply catching up to the under-served market demands of our community.

Council to Focus on Economic Development at Aug. 30th Strategic Planning Session (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Council to Focus on Economic Development at Aug. 30th Strategic Planning Session

The Sun Prairie City Council is using fifth Tuesday's in a month during 2011 to strategically discuss a series of topics. The next session is on August 30th, and the current plan is for the Council to have a discussion on Economic Development in the City. While a formal agenda has not been set, potential topics in no particular order could include but are not limited to:

• Defining economic priorities and related progress indicators
• Evaluating the City's competitive position in attracting new employers
  
• Revisiting target economic sectors
• Reviewing the City's adopted Strategic Business Development Plan
• Prioritizing community areas for new development and redevelopment
• Identifying potential financial resources to invest in targeted public and private projects
• Enhancing business retention efforts
• Discussing branding and marketing strategies
• Evaluating new initiatives to encourage more business start-ups
• City relationship with local business and partners
• Allocating budget and staff resources for 2012
  

Additional details regarding the time and location of the meeting will be posted when finalized.

Have another topic or idea that should be part of the discussion? Send it to nstechschulte[at]cityofsunprairie.com.

Mayoral Priorities Outlined (Sun Prairie Star)

Mayoral Priorities Outlined (Submitted to the Star by Mayor John Murray)

Link to Full Article: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=7550

Excerpt from the Article:

"A focused economic development strategy. Sun Prairie is competing against other cities and regions for job growth and retention. I have proposed beefing up our Community Development Authority into a more robust marketing and economic development entity. By working with the Chamber, the Business Improvement District and other business and civic groups, we can retain and grow our local jobs and increase tax base."

Blogger's Note: Obviously excited to have the Mayor list this as a priority. Mayor Murray was the public sector co-chair for the Ad Hoc Committee that developed our current Strategic Business Development Plan in 2008-2009. This plan identified preliminary target sectors in two groups:

Immediate Sectors

• Finance and Insurance
• Information Technology
• Light Manufacturing
• Warehousing & Distribution
• Food & Beverage Processing

Emerging Sectors

• Healthcare
• Biotechnology
• Agricultural Technology
• Renewable Energy
• Continuing Education
• Hospitality & Tourism

My guess is we're going to start with that document and try to focus it even further. Marketing and retaining these sectors will probably be up for discussion with the Council at their upcoming Strategic Planning discussion, as well as what sort of resources the City may need to allocate to this effort. Sounds like a good move to me.

Sun Prairie Hosts Regional Economic Development Professionals Meeting (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Economic Development professionals from the 8 county THRIVE region met at Wisconsin Distributors in the Sun Prairie Business Park on March 24th for their first meeting of 2011. Hosts were Neil Stechschulte, Economic Development Director for the City of Sun Prairie and Shane McPeak, Human Resources Director for Wisconsin Distributors. Mr. McPeak provided a brief overview of Wisconsin Distributors' operations in Wisconsin. Mr. Stechschulte gave a brief presentation on economic development activities in Sun Prairie.

Special guest for this meeting was Mr. Larry Schwenn from Wisconsin Business Development Inc., who came and presented on their 504 loan program, as well as some other forms of assistance that WBD can provide.

THRIVE's Brad Elmer also provided an overview of their pursuit of Economic Development District status and the creation of the EDA required Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy planning document.

Betsy Lundgren of THRIVE provided a sneak peak at the proposed updated to THRIVE's website, which will feature images and testimonials from area companies that help showcase successful companies doing business in the Madison region. It will also feature direct links to the Capital Connections Inventory, the Located in Wisconsin buildings and sites database, and the region's retention program called Business Link.

THRIVE's Jenn Post Tyler then facilitated an open forum for attendees to provide general project updates for anyone who had something to share.

The group meets quarterly to share information and to network. The next meeting is tentatively set for June 2011.

Economic Development Blogging for Business in Minutes - Free Webinar from GIS Planning (City of Sun Prairie/GIS Planning)

Does blogging create results? Does it take too much time? Can any economic developer do it?

Neil Stechschulte, City of Sun Prairie, WI (pop. 29,134), gives the answers to how he set up his blog in one morning that has generated thousands of visits from all 50 states and 88 countries. He will also discuss his innovative new "Project 365" to promote positive local business news. Learn how to set up a blog with free software, and gain content ideas and marketing tips to reach the right audience.

Sign up now for this free webinar on Wednesday, March 23 at 1 PM Eastern/10 AM Pacific.

This free webinar is being hosted and facilitated by GIS Planning.

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/408057130