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'WIN-WIN' Situation Created for Wisconsin Technology Council
The Wisconsin Venture Network (WVN) in Milwaukee has folded into the Wisconsin Innovation Network (WIN) Foundation in Madison, and the combined WIN entity has become a subsidiary of the Wisconsin Technology Council.
Members of both the WVN and WIN approved the merger in separate votes last week. The merger means WIN now is formally a part of the Tech Council and there are two WIN chapters — one in Milwaukee and another in Madison.
The Madison WIN will be administered through the Tech Council, but the Milwaukee chapter will retain a local board of directors and control of its monthly programs. Over time, WIN hopes to form chapters in other Wisconsin cities where technology-based economic development is a priority.
The WIN Foundation was formed in 1984 and has focused on technology-based economic development efforts in the Madison area. It assists companies and individuals in the areas of capital, networking, information and business consultation referrals. WIN programs include the Wisconsin Life Sciences Venture Conference and monthly High-Tech Consortium luncheons. With the assistance of the Milwaukee chapter, WIN and the Tech Council will sponsor the first Entrepreneurs Conference in Milwaukee June 4-5.
Like the WIN Foundation in Madison, the Wisconsin Venture Network (now WIN-Milwaukee) was founded in 1984 and also hosts a monthly luncheon meeting to provide education and networking opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs. With the merger, WIN-Milwaukee expects to offer additional programs, networking opportunities and resources.
The Wisconsin Technology Council is the leading catalyst for the creation, development and retention of science- and technology-based businesses in Wisconsin. It is an independent, nonprofit and non-partisan group that serves as the science and technology policy advisor to Governor Jim Doyle and the State Legislature. With a president and 12-member executive committee managing day-to-day operations, the Tech Council is comprised of three-dozen members who are leaders of high-tech businesses, higher education, venture capital and government.