Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Governor Walker to Lead Trade Mission to United Kingdom

Madison – Governor Scott Walker will lead a trade mission of economic development officials to London in February as part of the state’s efforts to encourage companies in the United Kingdom to invest in Wisconsin.  Governor Walker made the announcement today at a meeting of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
 
“There are many reasons why international companies seeking to expand or relocate should consider Wisconsin, and we are proactively making that case around the world,” Governor Walker said. “Wisconsin companies already have great success exporting their goods and services overseas, and that success has helped grow the state’s economy.  Attracting foreign investment is the logical next step of expanding on that international success.”
 
The trip, which will take place from Feb. 9 to 13, will focus solely on attracting foreign direct investment to Wisconsin. Governor Walker and leaders from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will meet with UK business executives about establishing new operations in Wisconsin, and providing additional capital to established state businesses to expand their Wisconsin operations and create jobs.
 
During the trip, Governor Walker, WEDC Secretary and CEO Reed Hall and other key WEDC leaders will have face-to-face meetings with high-level business leaders from the United Kingdom.  The state delegation will specifically focus on companies that plan to expand in the U.S. in the next 12 to 36 months.
 
The state delegation also will meet with trade-related government officials, business associations, universities and industry clusters that align with Wisconsin’s business strengths during the trip.
 
In addition to ongoing one-on-one meetings with business prospects, other the highlights of the trade mission include an executive roundtable with UK business leaders, and a University of Wisconsin Alumni networking breakfast. 
 
WEDC’s foreign direct investment strategy calls for focusing on attracting overseas companies that best fit into Wisconsin’s growth sectors, such as energy, aviation/aerospace, water technology, agriculture, biotech and medical devices, and food processing and food processing equipment. Emphasizing Wisconsin’s highly developed research and development culture in those growth sectors will set Wisconsin apart from other states, said Katy Sinnott, WEDC’s vice president of International Business Development.
 
“For example, a foreign company who operates in the advanced manufacturing arena may want to come to North America, but they need to develop their product for this market,” Sinnott said. “We believe they’ll find the expertise needed to customize or further develop their product for North American in Wisconsin’s strong R&D culture. We’ll emphasize our strengths, but then use R&D as a key differentiator to tip the scales in Wisconsin’s favor.”
 
In addition to meeting with UK companies about possible investment in Wisconsin, the state delegation also will reach out to executives of Wisconsin companies that already have operations in the UK to enlist their support in the state’s attraction efforts.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Governor Scott Walker Meets with Genus Executives in London

Global company based in UK has strong ties to Wisconsin

London– Governor Scott Walker today met with key executives at Genus plc, a global leader in applying biotechnology to advance the science of animal breeding, and the parent company of Genus ABS in DeForest.

“While the main focus of this week’s trade mission is to encourage UK-based businesses to consider investing in Wisconsin, we can’t overemphasize the importance of companies like Genus that have already done so,” Governor Walker said. “Genus has increased its employment in Wisconsin in recent years and today’s meeting enabled us to thank the company for its  commitment and to see if there are more opportunities for even further investment in our state.”

Governor Walker, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO Reed Hall met with Genus Group Finance Director Stephen Wilson and Non-Executive Director Professor Duncan Maskell in London.

"Genus ABS has a long history of being in Wisconsin, and we value the dedicated and skilled employees we have there,” Wilson said. “They have been a key to our global success and we continue to invest in growing our presence in the state."

Genus plc is headquartered in Basingstoke, UK, and has its laboratories in Madison.  Genus employs more than 2,300 people worldwide and has operations in more than 25 countries.
One of the company’s divisions is Genus ABS, which is based in the Dane County community of DeForest and is the largest dairy and beef genetics business in the world. Genus ABS has strong ties to the University of Wisconsin, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Wisconsin School of Business.

The trade mission to the UK, which ends Friday, is part of the state’s foreign direct investment strategy, which calls for focusing on attracting overseas companies that best fit into Wisconsin’s historic and emerging sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, water technology, agriculture, biotech, and medical devices.

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Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Governor Scott Walker Meets UK Business Leaders at London Briefing

Governor makes the case for companies to consider investing in Wisconsin

London – Governor Scott Walker met in London today with high-level executives from United Kingdom companies to tout the Wisconsin success story and make a strong case for why UK businesses should consider investing in Wisconsin.

During the private briefing, Governor Walker and officials with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) highlighted the opportunities that exist for UK companies in Wisconsin’s historic and emerging sectors of strength, including manufacturing, energy, water technology, agriculture, and medical devices. The event was part of the Governor’s trade mission to the UK, which runs through Friday.

“Today’s meeting enabled us to connect with key decision-makers and gave us the opportunity to make them aware of Wisconsin’s strong business climate, world-class education system, outstanding workforce, and great quality of life,” Governor Walker said.  “For many of these companies, it was their first exposure to Wisconsin, and we made some inroads that could pay dividends in the long run.”

“It was very valuable for us to understand the challenges that UK companies face when expanding abroad,” said Reed Hall, Secretary and CEO of WEDC, who accompanied the governor. “One common concern among all companies in making such a decision is the ability to find a skilled workforce.  The companies we spoke with today were impressed that Wisconsin has invested $150 million in worker training and that the state is working closely with the private sector and schools to better prepare graduates for their futures.”

The briefing was hosted by Financial Times Live, the global conferences and events arm of the Financial Times newspaper, and fDi Magazine, a publication that caters to international corporate decision-makers and investment professionals.  The organizers selected executive level attendees for the event based on their companies’ plans to begin operations or expand in the U.S.

“Financial Times Live and fDi Magazine are delighted to partner with the State of Wisconsin for this special private event,” said Courtney Fingar, editor in chief of fDi Magazine.  “This briefing was a great forum for C-level executives and investors to learn more about the growth opportunities in Wisconsin.”

Governor Walker is leading the trade mission of economic development officials as part of the state’s efforts to encourage companies in the United Kingdom to establish new operations in Wisconsin, or provide additional capital to existing state businesses to expand their operations and create jobs.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Governor Scott Walker Meets with UW, Marquette Alumni in London

Event aims to enlist graduates’ help in sharing the Wisconsin success story

London – Governor Walker today hosted a networking breakfast with about two dozen alumni of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-Milwaukee and Marquette University now living in the United Kingdom to encourage them to assist with the state’s efforts to attract more international investment.

“One of the best ways we can make sure that British companies are aware of all Wisconsin has to offer is to enlist the help of people with ties to our state who are now living and working in the UK,” Governor Walker said. “It was great to connect with these graduates of our outstanding universities and make sure they are aware of the business growth and investment opportunities that exist in Wisconsin.”

“This event was a wonderful opportunity to build rapport and network with expatriates who have a Wisconsin connection,” said Genevieve Waldron, co-chair of the UK chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. “We appreciated being able to hear first-hand from Governor Walker and the rest of the delegation more about how Wisconsin is continuing to build a strong relationship between the state and the UK.”

“As a Wisconsin alumnus who has been living in London for the past five years, I was extremely pleased with the opportunity to meet with Governor Scott Walker and members of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation,” said Belton Flournoy, chair of the UK chapter of the Marquette Alumni Association. “It was great to hear about the progress Wisconsin is making as a state and the governor’s plans for its future, and to have the opportunity to network with other alumni in London.”

Governor Walker was joined by Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), who is UW-Madison alumnus and past chair of the UW Alumni Association. The event was part of the governor’s weeklong trade mission to the UK, which ends Friday.

The networking event is one of  several components of WEDC’s “You’re Welcome in Wisconsin” initiative, which reaches out to those with ties to Wisconsin and now living out of state and asks them to consider coming back to Wisconsin, growing their businesses here and/or investing in Wisconsin companies.  Governor Walker held a similar alumni event in Tokyo in September 2013.

The mission is part of the state’s foreign direct investment strategy, which calls for focusing on attracting overseas companies that best fit into Wisconsin’s historic and emerging sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, water technology, agriculture, biotech and medical devices, and food processing. In addition to meeting with UK companies about possible investment in Wisconsin, the state delegation is reaching out to executives of Wisconsin companies that already have operations in the UK to enlist their support in the state’s attraction efforts.    

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Governor Scott Walker Meets Top UK Officials in Visit to Parliament

London – Governor Scott Walker met today with top British government officials to discuss ways to strengthen economic ties between Wisconsin and the United Kingdom.

During a visit to Parliament, Governor Walker met with John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons.  The Governor was also a special guest for the weekly Prime Minister’s Question Time in the chambers of the House of Commons.

“Both culturally and economically, Wisconsin has much in common with the UK, and these meetings provided us with the opportunity to further strengthen the already close relationship that exists between the two governments,” Governor Walker said. “Both sides shared stories about their successes and continuing challenges, and we look forward to further discussions on how Wisconsin can work together with the UK on initiatives that will benefit all of our citizens.”

Governor Walker also met today with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who much like the U.S. Secretary of Treasury, oversees all economic and financial matters in the UK. During the meeting at 11 Downing Street, the two discussed the business climate and economic conditions of both the Wisconsin and the UK and shared ideas on how each is working to continue to improve their respective economies.

On Tuesday, the Governor met with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Chief of Staff Edward Llewellyn at 10 Downing Street.

The meetings are part of the Governor Walker’s trade mission to encourage companies in the United Kingdom to establish new operations in Wisconsin or provide additional capital to existing Wisconsin businesses to expand their operations and create jobs.  In addition to meeting with government leaders and UK companies about possible investment in Wisconsin, the state delegation also is reaching out to executives of Wisconsin companies that already have operations in the UK to enlist their support in the state’s attraction efforts. 
 
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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Governor Walker Addresses Prestigious UK Policy Institute

Speech at world-renowned think tank focuses on global partnerships

London – Governor Scott Walker discussed the importance of forging strong global partnerships during a formal address today at Chatham House, an independent policy institute based in London that is considered one of the most prominent think tanks in the world. 

In his evening address, which is part of a weeklong trade mission to the United Kingdom, Governor Walker emphasized how international partnerships can fuel business growth and build prosperous local economies. He also outlined how such mutually beneficial partnerships can be developed within the global community. 

“We live in a global economy, so I am thrilled to be here to talk about how we can work together to become more free and prosperous nations,” Governor Walker said.  “We have a strong bond with the UK, and a major part of that bond is trade and investment.  Our trade relationship with the United Kingdom is also part of the Wisconsin Comeback.  For the first time since 2007, the U.K. has returned as a top 5 market.  In 2014, Wisconsin exports to the U.K. increased by nearly 25 percent.  At the same time, imports from here to Wisconsin have gone up by more than 16 percent.  This is good news for either side of the pond, and we want to build off of it throughout 2015 and beyond.”

Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs Center, strives to be a “world-leading source of independent analysis, informed debate and influential ideas on how to build a prosperous and secure world for all.” Founded in 1920, Chatham House engages governments, the private sector, civil society and its members in open debate and confidential discussion on the most significant developments in international affairs. Each year, the institute runs more than 300 private and public events. 

Governor Walker is leading the trade mission of economic development officials as part of the state’s efforts to encourage companies in the United Kingdom to establish new operations in Wisconsin, or provide additional capital to existing state businesses to expand their operations and create jobs.  In addition to meeting with UK companies about possible investment in Wisconsin, the state delegation will reach out to executives of Wisconsin companies that already have operations in the UK to enlist their support in the state’s attraction efforts. 
 
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Thursday, February 12, 2015

Governor Scott Walker Visits UK Manufacturers

Meeting with companies including Fords, Ariens, GSK, focus on growing Wisconsin business in a global economy

London – Governor Scott Walker today met with executives at UK-based Fords Packaging Systems Ltd., the world’s leading supplier of aluminum capping systems to the food and beverage industry, to discuss possible investment opportunities in Wisconsin.

“Today’s meeting provided us with an opportunity to not only talk about the many reasons why it makes good business sense to establish operations in Wisconsin, but also to focus specifically on the state’s strengths in the food and beverage industry,” Governor Walker said. “Fords already has strong partnerships with packaging and equipment manufacturers around the world. We would like them to take a look at Wisconsin as well.”

Governor Walker, along with Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), and the rest of the state delegation visited the Fords manufacturing facility and new research and development center in Bedford, about 50 miles north of London. The visit was part of a weeklong trade mission to the UK that ends Friday.

In addition to Fords CEO Laura Whincup and other company officials, the Wisconsin delegation met with Richard Fuller, Member of Parliament for Bedford; Dave Hodgson, Mayor of the Bedford Borough; and Mark Oakley, Head of Economic Development at the Bedford Borough Council. 

“I am pleased that Governor Walker has chosen to visit Fords Packaging during this exciting time of growth,” Whincup said. “Fords has supported the world’s food and beverage market for more than 90 years and we export 90 percent of our products throughout the world, with the USA representing our single largest market. I look forward to strengthening our presence in Wisconsin, and continuing our investments and growth plans within the USA. The governor made a strong case for attracting UK business to the state of Wisconsin and I believe that Fords has a bright future there.”

Fords, founded in 1924, is the world’s leading manufacturer of foil capping presses and specialized sealing machines with market-leading contact induction sealing technology. Fords supplies the dairy, food and beverage and health care industries in 76 countries. Some of its key customers include Nestle, Yoplait, General Mills and others.

Governor Walker today also visited the UK manufacturing facility for Ariens Co., a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of snow blowers and other outdoor power equipment.

On Wednesday, Governor Walker met with Sir Andrew Witty, the CEO of London-based GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies with 99,000 employees and commercial operations in more than 150 countries. The governor and other members of the Wisconsin delegation briefed Witty and other GSK executives on the state’s research and development in the field of bioscience, and the state’s overall positive business climate.

The trade mission is part of the state’s foreign direct investment strategy, which calls for focusing on attracting overseas companies that best fit into Wisconsin’s historic and emerging industry clusters, such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, water technology, agriculture, biotech and medical devices.

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Thursday, February 12, 2015

Wisconsin Hosts UK Business Networking Event in London

About 100 business leaders learn more about opportunities in the state

London – Governor Scott Walker joined about 100 business executives, government leaders, and economic development officials from the United Kingdom at a networking event in London today to discuss why UK businesses should consider investing or establishing operations in Wisconsin.

“To encourage British companies to invest in Wisconsin, we begin with personal connections among key decision-makers and build upon those relationships over time,” said Governor Scott Walker. “This is why our face-to-face meetings here in the UK are so important—both in our one-on-one meetings with executives and at larger events such as this.”

During the networking event, Governor Walker and members of the Wisconsin delegation talked with business leaders about the state’s outstanding workforce and strong business climate. The event specifically focused on the state’s key industry clusters, including manufacturing, energy, bioscience and water technology.

“There is no substitute for face-to-face interactions with top executives, site selectors and key other decision-makers, and today’s event provided us with the opportunity to do just that,” said Jim Paetsch, vice president of corporate relocation, expansion and attraction for Milwaukee 7, who is part of the delegation. “To have our message delivered directly by Wisconsin’s chief executive, Governor Walker, makes our value proposition all the more compelling.”

The event was co-hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation; British American Business, a transatlantic business organization; and London & Partners, London’s official convention bureau.

Jeffries Briginshaw, managing director of British American Business, said attendees were anxious to learn more about the investment opportunities that exist in Wisconsin.

“At a time of American economic resurgence, we are delighted to be partnering with Wisconsin to get specific on the exciting prospects awaiting investors to that state,” he said. “We were particularly pleased to be hosting Scott Walker, who is leading a very strong Wisconsin visiting delegation to the UK.”

The trade mission, which ends Friday, is part of the state’s foreign direct investment strategy, which calls for focusing on attracting overseas companies that best fit into Wisconsin’s historic and emerging industry clusters, such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, water technology, agriculture, biotech and medical devices.

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Ed. note: Walker did run into a bit of difficulty at the Chatham House event.  The opposition research group American Bridge issued this email:

London Falling: Walker Stumbles Across The Pond
For the pack of GOP presidential hopefuls, this was the second calamitous London trip in as many weeks. Last week found New Jersey Governor Chris Christie repeatedly putting his foot in his mouth during what was supposed to be a lay-up of a foreign visit.

Likely as a result of Christie's Britain implosion, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker chose to take a different approach while across the pond this week, dodging questions on evolution and foreign policy. What better way to honor President Lincoln's birthday than by being proof positive of his famous adage: "Better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt."

Governor Walker somehow managed to do both -- remain silent on the tough questions, but remove all doubt that that plan was utterly foolish. Rather than spell it out for you ourselves, we're going to take a page out of Walker's book and "punt on that one." See for yourself what the headlines had to say about Walker's trip to Britain:american bridge scott walker graphic