UW SYSTEM PRESIDENT RAY CROSS TO SPEAK AT

UW SYSTEM PRESIDENT RAY CROSS TO SPEAK AT
SAUK COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FORUM NOVEMBER 12

     BARABOO, WISCONSIN; October 20, 2014 - How to develop, keep and attract a talent pool in Sauk County will be the focus of the Sauk County Development Corporation’s (SCDC) Fall 2014 Leadership Forum on Wednesday evening, November 12, 2014 at the University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County, 1006 Connie Road in Baraboo.

     University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross will serve as the event’s keynote speaker.  Cross will discuss the UW System in the 21^st century and the UW’s plan to pair education with changing talent needs.  Cross comes to his UW System role with a combination of public and private sector experience, including as a design engineer, small business owner, consultant, faculty member and higher education leader.

     “Our past Fall Leadership Forums have been great events for our community leaders to gather and hear powerful speakers explore how the economic landscape is changing and what we need to do to prosper,” explained Roger Friede, Jr., SCDC Board President. “This year, with Ray Cross as our featured speaker, we will hear his vision for this world-class institution and how that will impact our future here in Sauk County.”

     The forum will begin with a social hour and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7:00 p.m. In addition to Ray Cross’ keynote address, an interactive discussion will take place between a panel of local experts and the audience about the economics of talent.

     “The economic success of Sauk County rests on the skills and talents of our people,” Friede said. “It is absolutely imperative that we take this challenge seriously. Bright, educated and engaged people are the lifeblood of every successful organization. Without these people, our businesses will not be able to thrive.”

    The mission of the Sauk County Development Corporation is to promote and retain the diverse economic vitality of Sauk County and its individual communities. SCDC was incorporated in February 1976 in response to the closing of the Badger Army Ammunition Plant, which resulted in massive layoffs and double-digit, county-wide unemployment.

     “I see SCDC’s role in Sauk County today and in the future as more than just an agency that handles inquiries about what buildings or building sites are available in the county’s industrial parks,” explained Friede, who is currently leading the organization in a strategizing and visioning process. “Our role needs to be that of a facilitator.  We need to be the organization that provides the forum that brings together the economic stakeholders of Sauk County to collaborate in growing our economy.”

     IF YOU GO:  The cost to attend SCDC’s Fall 2014 Leadership Forum is $15.00 per person.  Reservations can be made by contacting Gina Templin, Sauk County Development Corporation, at gtemplin@scdc.com

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