Contacts: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
MADISON—Governor Jim Doyle today announced that 7 Rivers Alliance, Inc., a regional economic development partnership comprised of La Crosse, Trempealeau, Jackson, Monroe, Vernon and Juneau Counties, as well as parts of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa, has received a $70,000 Regional Marketing Grant from the Department of Commerce (Commerce) to implement a competitive branding strategy developed earlier this year with a $30,000 grant from Commerce.
“We must draw on the resources and talent of all our communities to grow the state economy,” Governor Doyle said. “I look forward to working with 7 Rivers Alliance, Inc. as we invest in west central Wisconsin and drive economic growth in the region.”
The $70,000 investment by Commerce is matched by the 7 Rivers Alliance to promote the region’s advanced agriculture, composites, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare strengths.
Components of the project include:
* Photography to highlight the uniqueness of the area and the people who live there,
* Targeted media buys to build awareness,
* Website development to showcase successful businesses,
* A public relations campaign designed to tell the distinctive story and accomplishments to those outside the region, and
* An e-marketing campaign.
The 7 Rivers Alliance, Inc. is a leadership group that boosts economic growth through collaboration of education, business, government, and other resources in western Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota, and northeast Iowa.
For more information on the 7 Rivers Alliance, contact Vicki Markussen at 608-386-7883.
For more information on Commerce programs and services, contact the Commerce area development manager for your region at http://commerce.wi.gov/BD/BD-AreaDevManagers.html.
