Wisconsin Businesses and the United Nations, UNite

Two weeks ago, Wisconsin businesses that wanted to find out more information about working with the United Nations, were invited to Milwaukee to have a conference with U.N. officials on how to access U.N procurement opportunities. This forum with the U.N. occurred on April 5th where Wisconsin companies could attend speaker sessions from various U.N. Division leaders in the morning and then schedule meetings with U.N representatives in the afternoon to discuss the companies interest and market potential. The leaders from the U.N. Procurement Division, World Food Program, Children's Fund, and Development Program divisions were speaking and meeting with interested Wisconsin businesses. Wisconsin companies of these industries were asked to attend: Aviation, Food Services, Agriculture, Water/Sanitation, Information Technology, Construction, Security/Saftey, Transportation/Storage, Office Equipment/Supplies, Vehicles, Medical Equipment/Pharmaceuticals. This networking event was hosted the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to help tie Wisconsin businesses to the U.N. and other international markets to help grow Wisconsin companies which will help develop and improve various U.N. countries.

https://wedc.org/blog/wisconsin-businesses-invited-learn-united-nations-procurement-opportunities-first-ever-event-milwaukee/

Chr. Hansen To Wisconsin

Just recently, Chr. Hansen, a global bio-science company that develops natural solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, just announced that they will be boosting their North American presence after acquiring a manufacturing facility in Wisconsin. This decision to boost North American presence is a result of the increasing interest from US consumers pressuring food and drink companies to convert to natural colors in their products. This facility will house production, research, warehouse, quality assurance labs, and other business functions which will create more jobs for the state of Wisconsin. Jacob Vishof Paulsen, acting Executive Vice President of Natural Colors Division, said this about the investment, "This is the largest single investment for Natural Colors in recent years and demonstrates our commitment to the important North American market," he also stated, "Having the whole chain gathered in one place will allow for a fast and agile response to customer needs, supporting Chr. Hansen’s current and future business demands for the next decade – with room to grow.”

Reference: http://fdiforum.net/mag/chr-hansen-expands-natural-colours-production/

High foreign investments = Wisconsin’s economy goes up

                 

Irish Dairy Board acquired Thiel Cheese & Ingredients, many questioned that decision and wondered how it benefits Wisconsin. This means better access to markets and opened doors to market investments. This also created jobs and expanded supply chains. In 2010 Wisconsin foreign direct investments went from $16 billion to $19.8 billion in exports.

Build. Produce. Grow.

This is a big move for Wisconsin because this will show Wisconsin’s strength and hopefully attract other investments. Don’t assume foreign direct investments are only about money, mainly it is all about opportunities with getting Wisconsin’s name out there, improving supply chains and little things within the supply chain like distribution centers.  Funding must come from somewhere to improve those little things, so gaining investments from all over the world will not only help Wisconsin’s economy but help expand Wisconsin’s exports internationally.

http://www.businessnorth.com/businessnorth_columnists/foreign-investment-helped-wisconsin-s-economy/article_366aa130-9985-5890-a7f8-4626866195c5.html

Why Wisconsin? A look at foreign companies expanding and investing in Wisconsin

As a home-grown Wisconsinite, I have always been very proud of my home, which to me is Wisconsin itself. Up until this semester, I have never thought of the different global companies that call Wisconsin their home as well. Even though their headquarters may not be in Wisconsin, they saw the growth potential in Wisconsin and settled on bringing their company to the state. One company that recently decided this move was IKEA, who is building a store in Oak Creek near Milwaukee. They are the next to be added to the list of FDI companies in Wisconsin which totals 880 companies. These 880 companies employ almost 100,000 people throughout the state. A foreign company is almost in every county in the state.

But why do they invest here instead of a larger state and economy, like New York or California? The beauty of Wisconsin is in the littler and more special things. For example, an Italian shipyard company has invested $100 million in improving their shipyards in the cities of Green Bay, Marinette, and Sturgeon Bay. This company also brings technology to the shipyards and has grown employment in these areas. Shipping across the great lakes is still a big industry so it is nice to see a foreign company investing in us so they can gain profit from this also. 

Wisconsin has much to do to grow their FDI, but a way we can help is to reach out and network with foreign companies to help convince them to see the advantages of investing in the great state of Wisconsin. 

https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/crossroads/2016/08/13/bousquet-ward-foreign-direct-investment-helps-power-states-economy/88692074/