Forward Janesville - TheReport - Spring 2016

WORKING FOR YOU The Forward Janesville Quarter in Review Led a diverse delegation of more than 40 business and civic leaders to Washington, D.C., meeting with a number of national leaders. Over 400 attendees representing FJI member businesses helped congratulate and celebrate the accomplishments of the 15th Annual Awards Luncheon Honorees. Nine individuals, businesses and organizations were honored for their contributions and involvement in the Janesville business community. FJI Vice President Dan Cunningham met with members of the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Advocacy Committee about ways the two organizations can work together to strengthen each other’s government affairs programming. Announced the Forward Janesville 2016 Annual Dinner keynote speaker: Mr. Dick Leinenkugel, President of Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls, WI. The Janesville Conference Center will be transformed into a Leinie Lodge on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, for more than 700 attendees to celebrate our great business community. Developed comprehensive state and federal legislative agendas which address state and federal taxation, transportation funding, workforce development, and making government programs more efficient and user-friendly. Both agendas are available at www.forwardjanesville.com. Provided multiple opportunities to build your business relationships: Business After Five’s were held in January at Blackhawk Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing Facility and in February at Whiskey Ranch. Also in February, Associated Bank hosted our quarterly Nothing But Net Speed Networking session. Be sure to visit www.forwardjanesville.com to watch for future opportunities. Continued discussions with local businesspeople and industry stakeholders about how to mitigate the impact of construction once the I-39/90 project hits full stride in the coming years. Celebrated Forward Janesville President John Beckord’s 15-year anniversary with the organization. President John Beckord participated in a series of meetings with General Motors representatives about the pending sale and redevelopment of the plant. The Rock County Development Alliance launched a one-stop talent recruitment and retention portal called Jobs In Rock County . Check it out at www.jobsInRockCounty.com . Forward Janesville added two new board members. Lynn Gardinier from Baker Tilly and Oakleigh Ryan fromWhiton House Consulting are great additions to the leadership team. The Forward Foundation Board has formed a standing committee to encourage implementation of the ARISE Plan for downtown redevelopment. The ARISE Implementation and Promotion Committee will bring together representatives from the City of Janesville, the Downtown Development Association and Forward Janesville for the purpose of incrementally implementing the ARISE plan. FJI Goodwill Ambassadors presented a $900 contribution to the GIFTS Men’s Shelter during the January Awards Banquet. Launched in 2015, the Ambassador Grant Program is designed to assist non-profit organizations who are members of Forward Janesville. The program is fully funded by the Goodwill Ambassador volunteers. Questions or comments? As always, please feel free to contact John Beckord at 608-757-3160 anytime. 6 • W W W . F O R W A R D J A N E S V I L L E . C O M