University, K-12 leaders to discuss state’s educational assets

UW–Madison has a $4.7 billion impact on the Wisconsin economy, according to a 2003 NorthStar Economics study. How powerful would that impact be if all of Wisconsin’s educational assets joined forces?

On Wednesday, Oct. 20, a distinguished panel of leaders representing Wisconsin’s universities and K-12 schools, local business and government will discuss the value of our educational resources to the state’s economy.

A forum titled Educational Assets: Strengthening Wisconsin’s Economy will be held at the Kohl Center in Madison from 5-7 p.m. Panelists include Paula Bonner, Wisconsin Alumni Association president and CEO; Roberta Gassman, Department of Workforce Development secretary; John Neis, co-founder of Venture Investors Management LLC; Kevin Reilly, UW System president; Dick Vander Woude, Wisconsin Education Association Council; and John D. Wiley, UW–Madison chancellor. The forum moderator will be Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council.

“All Wisconsin citizens need to understand the precious resource we have in our outstanding public education system,” says Bonner. “This forum will bring together leaders in business, education and government for a substantive discussion about how our educational assets strengthen Wisconsin’s economy.”

According to the NorthStar Economics study, UW–Madison contributes nearly $4.7 billion to the Wisconsin economy annually – a 10:1 return on investment – in jobs, tax revenue and other factors. The university creates close to 71,000 jobs in Wisconsin.

Anyone interested in learning more about Wisconsin’s educational assets is invited to attend. A reception at the Kohl Center will follow the forum; the cost is $10 per person.

The forum is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Association, WisPolitics/WisBusiness and the Wisconsin Technology Council. For details or to register by Monday, Oct. 18, visit http://www.uwalumni.com/educationalassets or call WAA at (608) 262-2551.