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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 3/14/11 |
In the News Archive - Year:
September 29, 2003 We must all work as partners, chancellors sayCommentary by: At the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, we consider ourselves part of the same team. The shared goals we strive to archive are clear: enriching the quality of life and strengthening the economy of the Fox River Valley and Northeastern Wisconsin. As partners, we have much we can point to with pride:
Yes, we have achieved much through collaboration and cooperation. But, working together, we must do much more to help position the region for a leadership role in the 21st century economy. This challenge goes far beyond the boundaries of our campuses. We must partner with community leaders, business and industry, labor, K-12 school districts and many others to develop a shared vision for the region and then make sure we're all moving in the same direction. Look around the country. You soon will notice that, even during the economic slowdown, regions working together toward common goals are the most likely to prosper. This region always has been an economic engine for the state. It has been home to some of the world's most successful companies. The work ethic of the people who live here is second to none. Our many family-owned businesses are a testimony to the high level of entrepreneurship in our region. A thirst for learning is fueling unprecedented demand at our universities and colleges. But to success in the 21st century, we must recognize and build on our assets and tear down any barriers that may have hindered us in the past. Our universities must work in partnership with the business community to create the well-paying, family-supporting jobs that are the foundation of the new economy and then educate the people needed to fill them. We must work together with our elected officials to make sure the region gets its fair share in Madison when it comes to support for higher education and business development programs. We ask the members of our legislative delegation to take a step back and consider how a regional approach will benefit their districts and constituents. We also ask them to consider the high cost of needless political bickering. Across Wisconsin, much attention is being paid to building the state's economy. Gov. Doyle recently announced a job growth and business development plan that features a combination of public and private investments. In October, the University of Wisconsin System will host the fourth statewide Economic Summit in Milwaukee. And in upcoming months, alliances of news media, business, and education and research organizations will hold public forums related to economic development across the state. All of this tells us that Wisconsin is a state ready to take on a leadership role in a challenging time of economic transition. Our region, all pulling in the same direction, must be at the leading edge of this transition. As chancellors of the region's two major public universities, we realize we cannot chart the course for our institutions without your input and support. We want to hear your ideas on how, together, we can move our region and its economy forward. Don't hesitate to tell us when you think we're doing something wrong. And let us know how we can continue to strengthen the connections between our campuses and the communities we serve. You can contact us at shepardb@uwgb.edu or wellsr@uwosh.edu. |
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