FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A LAKE SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY PARK Sponsoring Organization: Wisconsin Innovation Network Lake Superior Chapter

WELCOME TO ASHLAND “LAKE SUPERIOR’S HOMETOWN”

“THE VISION” It is the year Our quality of life and intergovernmental cooperation has strengthened Ashland’s image as “Lake Superior’s Hometown” and its role as a regional “hub” that has led the way in the growth of our industrial, commercial, and service based economy. We strongly support and promote our existing organizations and have laid the groundwork for technology transfer to our designated “Research Park” adjacent to Northland College and the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. Improved housing options have followed increased job growth and retirees continue to return and become part of our quality of life. Redesign and modernization of U.S. Highway 2 has enhanced its proximity to Main Street and the waterfront. The Beaser Avenue upgrade has not only improved access and safety to our schools and Medical Center; it has fostered the linkage of our colleges, school district and Medical Center and integrated a city wide bicycle path and walking trail which includes the most scenic portion of Bay City Creek into a trail system that incorporated the waterfront with the body of the city. We are proud of how we dreamed it, planned it and did it. Author: Dr. Fred Tidstrom

CONSORTIUM Memorial Medical Center Ashland, WI Gogebic Community College Ironwood, MI Northland College Ashland, WI School District of Ashland University of Wisconsin Superior Campus City of Ashland Administration Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Ashland Campus University of Wisconsin Stout Campus

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (Abbreviated) The Lake Superior Chapter of WIN, with support from the City of Ashland and the Oredocker Foundation, initiated a feasibility study with C&S Design & Engineering, Inc. of Ashland, WI, to develop a Technology Park in the Lake Superior Region, located specifically in Ashland, Wisconsin. This planned development would provide a place for technology-based businesses to commercialize their research and innovations. The proposed Technology Park could provide a link between the University Research Park (URP) in Madison, WI, and the Lake Superior region and foster the Wisconsin Idea, which states, “The boundaries of the University are the boundaries of the State.” A Technology Park would provide the Lake Superior region with quality, 21 st century jobs that would help in developing and enhancing the regional economy. Infrastructure, availability, workforce development, and educational institutions would be key parts of the Technology Park, along with networking for financing and business development. This facility would be a great asset to the Lake Superior Region.

Established road (view to west) running through the 40 acre parcel which will serve as the Technology Park in Phase I. View (looking northwest) in the Technology Park - Phase I. EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS

Stock piled top soil in background from when road system was installed. View (looking southeast) in the Technology Park – Phase I.

EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS Farm Road (view to south) which will serve Phase I and Phase II of this project. View (looking southwest) showing the 20 acre parcel available for future development.

 The Binsfield Road Implementation Report, which focused on attracting 21st century, quality jobs associated with transfer of start-up technology innovations from the URP in Madison, was approved by the Ashland City Council in  Initially establish the management board to take responsibility for this project.  Secure financing, grants, and donations in order to purchase the land and begin construction on the first phase of the building project. It is advantageous to have the land paid for before beginning the construction phase. It is important to keep the debt service down on a project of this type.  Proposed location on Farm Road (60 acres) is most desirable. KEY POINTS FROM INTERVIEWS

 Establish a liaison (part time) to aggressively advertise, market, and promote the Lake Superior Technology Park. Secure as many clients as possible in advance.  Start with one building and grow as needed. Be sure to follow the “slow and steady” course.  Make space in buildings flexible to accommodate a variety of potential clients. There seems to be a need to include at least one space with overhead doors and extended clearance.  It is extremely important to collaborate with the City of Ashland, Ashland Area Development Corporation, and Memorial Medical Center, along with Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, Northland College, UW-Superior, UW-Stout, Gogebic Community College, and the School District of Ashland, and be aware of their programs. (CONTINUED)

KEY POINTS FROM INTERVIEWS (CONTINUED)  Need to control cost of space to make it doable for start-up companies. This could be done by establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and securing a 10-year lease from tenants.  There seems to be a number of professional people in the area willing to offer support and to mentor clients.  Stay true to the concept and vision of the Technology Park. Don’t be tempted to allow non- tech companies in the park just to fill it up.

2010 PROGRESS REPORT FOR A LAKE SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY PARK Sponsoring Organization: Wisconsin Innovation Network Lake Superior Chapter

ONE YEAR LATER...

Positive events & actions have started us on a journey of predicting the future by helping create it!

Over the past year we have…  completed presentations to the Ashland City Council, the Ashland Rotary Club, Impact Seven, Inc., the Tri County Medical Society, the Lake Superior WIN Chapter, among other local organizations.  presented the vision for this regional growth possibility to the Secretary of Commerce at Superior Days in Madison, WI.  created a regional “Vision Map” for the 7 th Annual WIN Entrepreneurs Conference in Milwaukee.

Over the past year we have…  created and signed a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) document between P.O.S Leasing, Ashland Area Development Center (AADC), City of Ashland, & WIN-Lake Superior.

Over the past year we have…  taken direction from the Whitewater Feasibility Study by North Star Economics that determined that 40% of technology parks that include a business incubator are successful. Our AADC is a proven business incubator that is in position to grow collaboratively with the proposed Technology Park.  determined that Northland College and WITC are natural partners with AADC to blend an entrepreneurship curriculum with for- profit companies of the proposed Technology Park.

Over the past year we have…  designated WIN-Lake Superior Advisory Board as the “Regional Economic Development Committee” by Ashland’s mayor and City Council, along with the Ashland Area Development Corporation (AADC).  had the surrounding area around the proposed Technology Park improved by Xcel Energy’s new 30 acre development bringing utilities, road upgrades, and other infrastructure to the area.

Over the past year we have…  determined that local companies such as C. G. Bretting Manufacturing Co. and companies in the North Star Manufacturing Alliance have the engineering expertise to advise and assist entrepreneurs in advance manufacturing.  interacted with Impact Seven, Inc. of Almeda, WI, to explore acquisition and marketing avenues to attract entrepreneurs to the region.

Over the past year we have…  contracted with the UW-Superior Small Business Development Center as the fiscal agency for the th Annual Business & Technology Conference with additional support from the Oredocker Foundation.  initiated a first-time participation in the 7 th Annual WIN Entrepreneurs Conference in Milwaukee as a major sponsor.

Over the past year we have…  fostered growth of the newly formed Lake Superior Angel Network.  proposed to the Ashland City Council that the road name be changed from “Farm Road” to “Innovation Way”.

CURRENT SITE CONDITIONS Entryway to Technology Park from the North. Looking south on the newly paved Farm Road (soon to be named “Innovation Way”).

Recently constructed Xcel Energy Services Facility. Stormwater Detention Pond CURRENT SITE CONDITIONS

Xcel’s Entryway located on the East side of the proposed Lake Superior Technology Park. Looking north on Farm Road (soon to be named “Innovation Way”).

CURRENT SITE CONDITIONS Lake Superior Technology Park with newly installed road, curb, water and sanitary sewer system. A pleasant sunset over the Technology Park.

SUMMATION... “We believe that Ashland and the surrounding region is the Lake Superior gateway of the 21 st century with a sustainable future!” WIN Lake Superior Chapter Chairman Dr. Fred Tidstrom

2010 PROGRESS REPORT FOR A LAKE SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY PARK Prepared by: C&S Design & Engineering, Inc. 803 Lake Shore Drive West Ashland, WI Phone: (715)

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