Wired Wisconsin: Tech sector in Wisconsin continues to grow

Contact: Thad Nation

414.412.7814

Supporting Tech Industry Key to Furthering Job Creation and Economic Development

MILWAUKEE – The 2010 Greater Madison Area Directory of High-Tech Companies put out this week by Madison Gas and Electric’s (MGE) Economic Development Unit shows that approximately 4,000 high-tech jobs have been added to the region since 2005 despite a troubling economy.

“The regional job growth in high-tech industries shows how important it is for Wisconsin to continue to promote technology as a means of economic development,” said Thad Nation, Executive Director of Wired Wisconsin. “By positioning our state as a national leader in adopting and expanding the use of new technologies, we can help these high-tech companies grow and flourish.”

The directory also shows that technology-related jobs account for 10% of the Madison region’s total employment. According to the directory, the key areas of job growth include biotechnology, telecommunications, and scientific research and development among a list of twelve industry clusters.

“Our coalition is working hard to rally support for policies that encourage investment and growth in the tech sector,” Nation said. “Passing legislation that modernizes telecom rules in Wisconsin will only add to this positive trend of high-tech job creation.”

The coalition has been actively seeking support for SB469/AB696—companion bills that if passed will enable all telecommunication companies to compete under the same standards as well as create an even stronger technology environment in Wisconsin that attracts investment, economic growth, and sustained job creation for our residents.

Wired Wisconsin will continue to educate consumers, businesses, and policy makers on the importance of supporting legislation that encourages tech innovation and development as well as job creation in Wisconsin.

The complete report is available from MGE at, http://www.mge.com/ecodev/business/htd.htm.