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Department of Commerce and Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN) Announce Appointment of Kathy Collins as New Regional Director
For Immediate Release: September 15, 2009 MADISON - Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Richard J. Leinenkugel and UW-Extension's Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Executive Director Kim Kindschi today announced the appointment of Kathy Collins as the WEN Regional Director in Madison. "Commerce and WEN are working together to ensure a seamless transition so that Kathy Collins can continue her fine work in helping to build Wisconsin's technology base," said Secretary Leinenkugel. "I am confident that she will help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into vibrant businesses and direct technology projects toward our agency for funding." "Kathy Collins has been working with WEN and the WEN Technology Team since this entity was created," said Kim Kindschi. "We are very excited to have her join us and have no doubt that she will be a tremendous asset to the business community and other economic development partners in her region and throughout the state." "With her knowledge of Commerce programs, other state and federal financing programs and Wisconsin's angel and venture investors networks, she can connect start-up companies with the assistance they need to grow and to commercialize their ideas," said Gayle Kugler, WEN state director at UW-Extension. "She is a great fit!" Kathy Collins has worked with hundreds of companies over the past ten years as the technology and financial development manager in the Commerce Division of Business Development. She has served as the primary statewide liaison for early stage technology businesses and worked with key entrepreneurial assistance providers and angel and venture capital investors to facilitate strategic alliances, promote entrepreneurship and encourage technology transfer. Prior to coming to Commerce, she was a banker for 15 years. WEN provides resources, education, support and systems to turn great ideas into viable, job-creating businesses. The network's technology centers are located at UW-Eau Claire, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Madison and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. The network also comprises over 100 partners including regional economic development groups, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and other economic development corporations. WEN provides tools for survival and growth to entrepreneurs in all stages of their business development, by bringing together a wide array of resources, programs and services. As WEN regional director, Collins will work primarily with technology-based entrepreneurs and help guide them through a strategic growth process. She can be reached at kcollins@bus.wisc.edu/608-262-8082. -30- |
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