Centrally located in the USA’s leading manufacturing and agricultural region, Wisconsin is one of the best places in the country to do business. For generations, business leaders have recognised the advantages of Wisconsin’s location.

Wisconsin is also a place of abundant natural beauty, diverse recreational activities, world-class educational institutions, high-quality health care and unsurpassed economic opportunity.

With 15,000 inland lakes, two Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, three National Park Service properties and 57 state parks and forests, Wisconsin is blessed with stunning natural resources. Wisconsin is one of the top tourist destinations in the mid-west, popular with visitors during all four of its distinct seasons.

HERITAGE
Wisconsin’s towns and cities have a long history of supporting arts and cultural activities, offering visitors a variety of performing arts, events and historical sites, many stemming from the state’s settlers’ European heritage. The state also boasts top-flight professional sports teams, world class entertainment and exceptional restaurants and nightclubs.

ECONOMY
Well-known as “America’s Dairyland”, Wisconsin ranks at or near the top in a number of food production categories, including milk, cheese, cranberries, ginseng and beer.

But that is just a sample of Wisconsin’s strong economic performers. The state is also a leader in water technology, energy systems and manufacturing, and boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. A skilled workforce, evolving business policies and a commitment to cutting-edge research have led to the success of businesses in Wisconsin. The state is home to companies like Harley-Davidson, Rockwell Automation, GE Healthcare and Kohler. Also, the state is home to The Global Water Center – where innovative technologies are being developed to address water-related issues affecting lives throughout the world.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Wisconsin offers a number of tax incentives for corporations and other businesses to locate or expand their operations within the state. Incentives available to businesses include manufacturing exemptions and tax credits. A business-focused network of over 600 regional and local organisations provides additional support and services. Local governments have created tax incremental finance (TIF) districts.

Businesses locating operations within a TIF district benefit from infrastructure financed by tax increments. The state also has innovative programmes to assist start-ups, from tax credits for investors in new companies to technology development loans for high-technology start-up businesses.

WISCONSIN OUTLOOK
A national survey of CEOs in Chief Executive magazine ranked Wisconsin as the 17th best state for business, an unprecedented gain from 41st in 2010. In addition, Site Selection magazine has placed Wisconsin as 13th in its study of the top 25 business climates.