Members Present: John Richards, Kelly Hibbs, Ed Peterson, Stan Peer

Others Present: Michael Kornmann, John Strochine

Press: Nancy Jappe, Chet Newman

CALL TO ORDER:

Meeting called to order by John Richards at 3:15 pm in Room 165 of the Burnett County Government Center on April 7, 2004.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion made by Ed Peterson , seconded by Hibbs. Motion carried.

VOUCHERS & FINANCIAL REPORT:
No vouchers were submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. ITBEC PRESENTATION BY DAVE DUMKE- COUNTIES ASSOCIATION
Dave Dumke spoke about the benefits and work the northwest ITBEC has been doing.

• Working with the St. Croix Tribe to get them to join as a member
• Discussed the ITBEC web page as a cheaper way to promote the region
• Tourism committee meets monthly
• Partially funding county Discover Wisconsin shows
• Organizing conferences with Canada
• Provides some funding for Superior Days
• Works with businesses that employ disabled employees working with wood products manufacturing.
• Communicates business relations with sister state in Germany; personal connections with Germany are very important as well as Government to Government relations
  Handed out the strategic plan for the South West ITBEC
• Created a new Economic Development Committee that is working on the CN Railroad issue

2. Governor's Conference on Economic Development
Stan Peer highlighted some information that he obtained while attending the conference in February. He heard presentations on the Jobs Creation Act, TIF changes, training funds, venture capital, sales tax reduction, and competition with India/China. Two major speakers included the CEO from Midwest Airlines and the CEO of Mercury Motors. Patents at the UW in Madison were also discussed. Very few are produced here in the state. Venture capital is still needed. Minnesota provides four times as much venture capital.

3. Northwest Planning Commission Report - John Strochine
Strochine reported that the McNally customized labor training grant was denied. Despite being funded in the 1980's, Dept. of Commerce said that they do not grant this kind of training. A company that makes thermocouplers will be moving into the Siren Enterprise Center. The company will have 2 or 3 employees and is shooting for 30.

4. Annual Meeting. Kornmann reminded the board of the annual meeting on April 28th at 11 am at the Pour House

5. Nomination Committee: Richards said that he and Gerber are working on the nominations for the Executive Board.

NEW BUSINESS

1. CEDS. Kornmann asked for updates on the CEDS (Community Economic Development Strategy Plan) Plan. Members indicated a few changes that needed to be made.
2. TIF Law Changes. Kornmann handed out a information sheet on the changes to the TIF law.
3. WEDA Conference. Kornmann informed the board of the spring conference coming up in May.

ADJOURNMENT. Hibbs, seconded by Peer to adjourn at 4:30 p.m.. Motion carried.