Forward Janesville - TheReport -Second Quarter 2022

WEDA awards James Otterstein its highest honor for exceptional work in economic development Rock County is also very fortunate that one familiar face is still with us. In recognition of his more than two decades of exceptional service, Rock County Economic Development Manager James Otterstein was honored with the prestigious Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) Frederick C. Pearce Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of economic development in Wisconsin. Otterstein, who was also named one of the top 50 economic development officials in the nation in 2018, is widely recognized for his innovative approach to economic development to drive business growth, job creation, and improved quality of life. “Successful economic development requires a heavy dose of public and private sector alignment, so I want to thank the Rock County Board of Supervisors, County Administration, my teammates, and all of the stakeholders that support economic and workforce development activities throughout Rock County.” Otterstein played a major role in guiding the Rock County through the closure of the General Motors Janesville plant and worked closely with key partners to help diversify, reposition, and revitalize the area’s economy. Said WEDA President & CEO Mary Perry, “WEDA is thrilled to celebrate James’ exceptional achievements in economic development and his career-long commitment to promoting opportunities for growth and prosperity in Rock County and across Wisconsin. He sets an outstanding example for our entire industry.” Economic Development Council for approximately five years, working on many types of projects and initiatives. I then took the opportunity to lead and reinvigorate an economic development organization for a San Antonio suburb, Converse, Texas, for the past three and a half years,” Kuborn said. As executive director of the City of Converse Economic Development Corp., Kuborn managed strategic planning and grant and incentive programs, as well as overhauled digital and other communications systems. Impressively, Kuborn helped bring in $63 million in capital investments and 500 new jobs to Converse during 2019-21—no easy feat during a pandemic. “Jimsi has a proven track record of economic development,” said Deputy City Manager Ryan McCue. “We are thrilled to have her on the team.” Said Kuborn, “I am pleased to be in Janesville! Thank you to all who have reached out to share a warm welcome. Like many I know in economic development, it is not a career we were aware of in college, it was a path that came along as our career developed. What I love about economic development is how it makes generational changes to a community creating a prosperous business climate that attracts, retains, and grows businesses.” Before her role in Converse, Kuborn served as Vice President of Investor Relations at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council in Rockford, Illinois, and Director of Marketing and PR for the Chicago Opera Theater in Chicago, Illinois. Mike Payne, PE, City of Janesville Director of Public Works The new City of Janesville Director of Public Works Mike Payne may look familiar to many, and with good reason. Payne has been a City of Janesville employee for more than two decades now. “I’m very grateful to be selected as the new Director of Public Works. I’ve served this community in five different positions over the last 22 years, most recently as City Engineer. I’ve spent my entire career working in the public works sector,” said Payne. Throughout his time with the City, Payne has been involved in various public works projects, including the renovation and construction of public buildings and various transportation projects. Prior to working for the City, he was a Project Engineer for a consulting firm in Beloit, where he was primarily responsible for the construction management of DOT projects. In his new role, Payne will manage the six divisions the Department of Public Works comprises: Building, Planning, Engineering, Parks, Operations, and Water & Wastewater Utilities. “I’ve worked closely with four different Public Works Department directors during my time in Janesville,” he said. “I now have the opportunity to use what I’ve learned to continue our strong tradition.” Payne received his bachelor 's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. His professional credentials include licensing as a Professional Engineer and a Wisconsin Certified Public Manager. He is also a graduate of the University of Virginia's Leading, Educating, and Developing Program and the Leadership Development Academy of Rock County. "Mike brings a professional lifetime of public works experience," said City Manager Mark Freitag. "We are excited he’s taken on this new responsibility as he continues his service to Janesville." Added Payne, “I look forward to continuing the strong relationships that have been established in the community, many of which are based on robust public-private partnerships, and to many more exciting years of projects, collaboration, and community service!” Belated Congratulations "I started my career in the real estate sector, progressing into marketing, business development, assisting small start-up businesses, and then eventually recruited into economic development. I have been an ED professional for approximately nine years. I am now a self- proclaimed economic development geek.” • Jimsi Kuborn "Successful economic development requires a heavy dose of public and private sector alignment, so I want to thank the Rock County Board of Supervisors, County Administration, my teammates, and all of the stakeholders that support economic and workforce development activities throughout Rock County.” • James Otterstein “I’m very grateful to be selected as the new Director of Public Works. I’ve served this community in five different positions over the last 22 years, most recently as City Engineer. I’ve spent my entire career working in the public works sector.” •Mike Payne