Ask me why I'm going to Germany.

Yes, it's partly because I can celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Wisconsin-Hessen sister-state relationship and the 20th anniversary of the fall of The Wall.

Yes, it's partly because the delegation going with me includes the likes of ambassadors Tom Loftus (Norway) and Rick Graber (Czech Republic), as well as Roberta Gassman, secretary of Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development, and other distinguished leaders from business, academia, and non-profits.

But mainly it's because Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich are rolling out a long red carpet to showcase their bright green economic growth that includes cutting-edge high speed rail technology, advanced water systems, large-scale solar and bio-gas facilities and new directions in environmental and economic cooperation.

I'm going because I want to help Wisconsin look beyond the traditional approaches and solutions of the past to new strategies and policies that let us achieve the environment, quality of life and healthy business climate we deserve. I expect to capture, study, learn and bring back lessons on energy, transportation, manufacturing and higher education that are keys to the emerging green economy.

Where are we going? Here are a few stops:

Cutting-edge high speed rail stations, technology and systems: The largest employer in Germany and a major economic driver is the Deustche Bundesbahn (German National Railroad). Every 500 million euro (roughly $680 million) invested in the network expansion creates approximately 12,500 jobs during the construction phase and roughly 2,500 to 3,400 jobs from related business and service providers. We will get behind-the-scenes tours of high-speed rail stations, construction, maintenance, control and virtual training centers.

Cleantech exchange program: We will study green building design and offshore wind generation that will provide up to 15 percent of German power by 2020.

Reliable and environmentally friendly energy and water resources management: Wisconsin values balanced and diverse energy investments. So we'll get to see examples of that with a large solar farm and a bio-gas facility that feeds refined biogas into the German natural gas grid. Another highlight will be a presentation on Bavaria's water resources management, one of the most advanced water systems in the world.

New directions in environmental governance: What sets Germany apart is its "can-do" attitude and demonstrated ability to bring all the players to the table. Germany's National Association of Manufacturers and the Federal Environmental Ministry work together to address issues like climate change, set meaningful environmental goals and provide flexibility and incentives for superior environmental performance. We know some of this because we borrowed similar ideas 10 years ago to help set up our bi-partisan, groundbreaking Green Tier law that was championed by Sen. Mark Miller and Sen. Neal Kedzie and signed by Governor Jim Doyle.

So why am I going to Germany? Because in the midst of economic turmoil comes opportunity. By learning from German successes and encouraging our own policymakers, businesses and other stakeholders to rethink the traditional approaches and solutions of the past, we can go in a bold new direction -- one that results in new green job growth and investment to help sustain Wisconsin's future economy.

-- Imes is executive director of Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, a statewide coalition based in Madison. The March 21-29 program is sponsored by WisBusiness.com, GKA Research, Ernst & Young and Cultures Venture International.

Labels: John_Imes

When it comes to Wisconsin's business climate, critics' obsession with the tax code and regulations not only hurts the state's image, but it doesn't tell the real story. Wisconsin is a leading destination for business.

Our state's talent pool, superior work ethic and quality of life, the research and development capabilities of the UW System, fast-growing export markets, not to mention abundant clean water, clean air, reliable energy supply, good roads and infrastructure -- all of those position Wisconsin for success in a high-end economy.

And with new economic development tools like the Enterprise Zone program, we're able to compete and work with companies like Mercury Marine, Oshkosh Corporation and Republic Airways. All have recently announced plans to retain or add jobs and build new plants and equipment in Wisconsin.

Still, the toll from the Great Recession of 2008-2009 will require new directions and bold and persistent actions.

One area where Wisconsin is poised to be a global leader is the emerging green economy that includes renewables and biofuels, energy efficient manufacturing, high-speed rail, and green urbanism. Wisconsin can have a business climate that attracts clean jobs and investment while pursuing our competitive advantage. For example:

• * New North's work to establish a wind energy manufacturing cluster, Milwaukee's effort to create a hub for clean water technology and the Capital Region's focus on the cutting-edge technologies, greater security and high-paying jobs of the future "bioeconomy" are good examples of key regions helping brand the state as a great place for green job growth.
  
• * Tough regulatory climate? Wisconsin's innovative Green Tier law offers a better way for industry and small businesses to make environmental improvements and reduce costs while receiving incentives such as fast-track permitting, one-stop approvals and lower fees.
  
• * Wisconsin companies are also leading the response to concerns about climate change. Quad/Graphics, Johnson Controls, Miller Brewing and other innovators are setting goals and making investments in technology, practice and mindset to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Fast growing Orion Energy Systems of Manitowoc is a leading provider of energy-efficient lighting technologies and other solutions that can reduce energy use by 50 percent or more. And by combining reduced energy use with new sources of clean energy, Wisconsin can dramatically reduce emissions while continuing to add new jobs, growth and investment.

Wisconsin has a great heritage of entrepreneurship -- think Sam Johnson of SC Johnson, Ken Hendricks of ABC Supply and Harry Quadracci of Quad/Graphics -- all Wisconsin originals who had a passion for business, took risks and created thousands of jobs. Who will step up and showcase our state as an innovator and build on that legacy?

The angst over Wisconsin's business climate reminded me of a story Harry Quadracci once told about his early obsession with the tax code and the extraordinary time and effort he would take to find every angle and loophole. After many fits and starts, his accountant called and said he had found the perfect solution; in fact, the company would not have to pay any taxes at all! Harry was very excited to hear this and wanted to know what they needed to do. The accountant said it was very simple -- just make no money.

Quad/Graphics began in 1971 with Harry, 11 associates and a second mortgage on a house. Today, Quad is one of the state's most successful companies with 12,000 employees and over $2 billion in sales. The company also ranks among the best places to work with nationally recognized health and wellness programs, employee stock ownership, on-site child care and recreational facilities, and award-winning environmental stewardship, all incorporated into a fun, high-performance workplace.

As we emerge from the Great Recession, let's not forget all this state has to offer. The leaders who go beyond the bottom line and provide inspiring examples of how business can be wildly successful while taking better care of their customers, employees, communities and our natural environment. Indeed, isn't that what business is all about?

-- Imes is a nonprofit leader and small business owner in Madison and worked for Quad/Graphics for 11 years.

Labels: John_Imes