1. 1 “Navigating the Course to Development and Prosperity” June 10, 2010

2. 2 Partners Alliant Energy Blackhawk Hills Resource Conservation and Development Area (IL) Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (IA) East Central Iowa Intergovernmental Association (IA) Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative (WI) Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Southwestern Wisconsin Workforce Development Board University of Wisconsin-Platteville

3. 3 A Region with Many Strengths 14 counties 584,681 people A favorable “crossroads” location Food & agricultural strength Rich manufacturing legacy Excellence in education & health Scenic landscapes— a river runs through it! The RiverLands Region

4. 4 A Region with Many Opportunities and Challenges Many of the Region’s workers commute, but 93% stay in the Region. The Region’s income is sliding relative to the three states Job growth lags behind The RiverLands Region

5. 5 Purpose Work together to :  Craft a regional strategy  Build robust regional governance – a regional roundtable to guide us in implementing our regional strategy and to serve as a leader in thinking and acting as a region  Deliberately pursue and invest in innovation  Create an entrepreneurial climate and grow entrepreneurs

6. 6 RiverLands Assessment Engaged the RUPRI Center Identify the economic assets that distinguish the region Identify what the region does best in the global economy

7. 7 5 Key Strengths Identified RiverLands Strategic Opportunities Food and Agriculture Tourism Manufacturing Business services Innovation and Entrepreneurship

8. 8 Today’s Agenda Biomass and Renewable Energy Initiatives Regional Food Systems Opportunities for Partnership

9. 9 Conclusion Good News!  Region has financial and human wealth to accomplish its goals Doing so will require the best possible partnership between public and private leaders from all corners of RiverLands

10. 10 RiverLands Let’s get started…