Dept. of Commerce: Governor Doyle certifies EcoCombustion Energy Systems Corporation as Qualified New Business Venture

Contacts: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

MADISON—Governor Jim Doyle announced today that EcoCombustion Energy Systems Corporation, Kaukauna, Outagamie County, has received the Qualified New Business Venture certification from the Department of Commerce (Commerce) for developing a process that converts the energy from animal waste to steam and electricity. Commerce certified the company as eligible for up to $625,000 in investor tax credits.

The company’s certification by Commerce makes investors in EcoCombustion Energy Systems Corporation eligible for a 25-percent tax credit on the amount they invest in the company.

“My administration is committed to helping businesses with their efforts to support new economic development opportunities,” Governor Doyle said. “EcoCombustion Energy Systems Corporation is built on a foundation of innovative technology and strong leadership. I am very excited to support a company that represents the future of Wisconsin’s economy.”

EcoCombustion Energy Systems Corporation was founded in 2004 to develop a system that converts the energy contained in animal manure to steam and electricity. These generated products allow farm industries to use them as a source of heat and electricity for other operations. For additional information about the company, visit http://www.burnmanure.com.

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked aggressively to help Wisconsin’s businesses grow and create and retain jobs in the state. Governor Doyle’s budget last year created some of the strongest economic development tools in the nation to help businesses create jobs and get people back to work. Wisconsin now has powerful new tax credits to help manufacturers create and retain jobs, new tools to help investors create start-ups, and new incentives to spur research and development.

Earlier this week, Governor Doyle signed the CORE Jobs Act to build on the Governor’s Accelerate Wisconsin plan by creating and expanding a number of tax credit programs for angel and venture capital investments. The bill also strengthens successful programs for manufacturing, research and development, and worker training. In addition, the Governor signed two bills to expand the successful Enterprise Zone program to help create and retain jobs.

For additional information about the Qualified New Business Venture program, please visit http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/bd/BD-Act255-QNBV.html.