Today's idea for a stronger economy: Focus on Innovation

On each of the last 13 days before the Nov. 2010 election, I'm offering a new idea, thought or comment on how we can better position Wisconsin for brighter day of economic prosperity and job growth.  

11 Days until Election Day - Focus on Innovation
When it comes to investing to grow our economy, common sense tells us we need to consider the potential for a small business to become a big business, providing many more jobs.  That is the thinking behind a growing strategy in economic development called ‘Economic Gardening’.  EG focuses resources on companies with at least ten employees already, and with the strongest potential to employ 50 or 100 or more employees within a few years.  Leaders for economic development in places like Mauston and Sauk County are implementing EG programs and I will monitor those pilot programs as we consider broadening EG.