A REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT As the regional economic development organization, the Waukesha County Center for Growth (WCCG) plays an important role in the sustained prosperity for Waukesha County residents. WCCG is responsible for business retention and attraction, talent solutions and managing the GROW Fund. A regional perspective for this work is critical to continued business growth. Through business retention visits, WCCG uncovers the challenges that employers face. The most prevalent issues are worker retention, training and attracting talent. We understand that reliable workers need access to transportation, childcare and affordable housing. Attracting talent new to the region requires these elements and ensurance that there is a robust job market offering opportunities for career advancement. These factors impact where employers decide to expand or locate. WCCG’s business attraction work consistently demonstrates that access to workforce is the top priority when choosing a site for a new facility. Companies focus on the number of potential employees within a 60-minute drive time radius, training options and the upcoming talent pipeline. The benefits of a county-wide economic development effort are regional as well. For example, income generated by workers in Butler will be spent on housing, groceries and entertainment in Butler, Waukesha, Pewaukee, and other communities. The taxes generated from the new real and personal property of a corporate headquarters that selected a site in Sussex will benefit Sussex schools, police, fire and parks, while the new jobs will generate new wages for residents of Oconomowoc, Elm Grove, Mukwonago, etc. Finally, solutions to the challenges faced by current and prospective employers often can only be found regionally. These problems are too big for one municipality to handle on its own. We are all interconnected. Talent attraction, transportation, housing, and childcare solutions require us to work together to develop solutions that fit our region. Collaboration is critical to the continued economic prosperity of Waukesha County. • THERESE THILL Executive Director, Waukesha County Center for Growth WAUKESHA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. | WAUKESHA.ORG 22
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