Alliant Energy: To host economic development workshops

Media Contact: Nancy Craig (319) 786-4788

Event will focus on winning site selection projects

MADISON, WI – October 7, 2009 – Alliant Energy will be hosting economic development workshops on Winning Site Selection Projects: Preparing the Community, Planning and Targeting. The one-day economic development workshops are targeted at elected officials, economic development professionals and boards, and community and business leaders.

The featured speakers will be Robert Pittman and Jennifer Tanner, Senior Principals of Janus Economics. The speakers will provide an overview of economic development and community development-readiness. Best practices covering topics such as the relationship between community and economic development, Target Industry Analysis, the site selection process, responding to RFIs, and marketing will be explored. Participants will receive a detailed 40-page handbook.

”Through the workshop experience, we hope that economic development board members and elected community leaders will gain an appreciation of the criteria site selection consultants use to choose one location over others. Attendees will have exposure to the skills needed to prepare their community and to use site selection as a mechanism for economic growth,” said Diane Ramsey-Director of Economic Development and Community Relations, Alliant Energy. “The speakers together have more than 35 years experience in the fields of site selection, real estate and community and economic development. We’re excited to bring this level of expertise to our local leaders.”

Workshops will be offered on Wednesday, October 21 at the Holiday Inn-Madison at the American Center, in Madison, Wisconsin and on Thursday, October 22 at the Newton Club at the Iowa Speedway, in Newton, Iowa. Early-bird registration is available through October 9 online at midwestsites.com at a cost of $45 per person. A reduced rate is available when registering more than one person per organization.

“One of the most significant ways we can help communities succeed is through partnership, resource development and education,” Ramsey added. “The workshop promises to be an information-packed day where city leaders can connect with one another, share ideas and leave with practical advice on improving their communities and attracting new business. I hope many community leaders will participate.”

For more details and to register, visit http://www.midwestsites.com or contact Shelly Turner via e-mail at: shellyturner@alliantenergy.com