Forward Janesville - TheReport - Fourth Quarter 2018

FJI Charts the Future BY LAURA BARTEN Forward Janesville’s 100th anniversary is about so much more than looking back, it’s also about looking ahead with vision in order to build a legacy. That sentiment was ever-present as the Forward Janesville Board of Directors underwent an intensive strategic planning process from March through May 2018. Janesville has undergone some tremendous change in recent years and we can’t wait to be a part of the next few years of rapid growth and development. Here’s to Forward momentum and the next 100 years! e x p e r i e n c e t h e p o w e r o f c o m m u n i t y *Economic vitality is more than the unemployment rate and/or new jobs. Economic diversification, livable wage rates, and neighborhood security are all an important part of our local economy. THANK YOU • We want to extend our sincere thanks to all members for educating us throughout the visioning process. In addition to the primary research and interviews we conducted, this year’s Membership Matters visits were invaluable in helping us determine the way forward. We have an incredibly talented group of members. Going forward, we want to leverage this resource and build connections even further. We have set up a dedicated email address for sharing your vision and ideas for our collective future. Help us build our legacy. Email us at membershipmatters@forwardjanesville.com. We want to hear from you! MEMBERSHIP Members are the heart of all we do. • Create value • Build community • Leverage talents WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT • Coordinate stakeholders • Attract, educate, and retain • Build sustainable model LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN NEARLY 20 YEARS Wisconsin average 3.3% National average 4.4% 25TH IN US FOR SMALL CITY JOB CREATION AND GROWTH Milken Institute AA RATING 2017 S&P ranking for capacity to meet financial obligations 30.2 MILLION Total 2017 public works and infrastructure projects $25.5 MILLION Value of 2017 residential permits for additions/new construction CONNECTED: 4 major airports and metropolitan areas within 90 minutes COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP • Culture of collaboration • Shared values • Problem solve for mutual wins JANESVILLE WISCONSIN COMMUNITY OF CHOICE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • Expand the definition* • Develop an economic blueprint • Share objective measurement GOVERNMENT RELATIONS • Identify advocacy issues • Advocate for interests • Share information readily 6 • W W W . F O R W A R D J A N E S V I L L E . C O M