The City of Madison is in the process of developing a Strategic Economic Development Implementation Plan to guide our efforts over the next 3-5 years. Four opportunities are being provided to the community to meet with the City's consultant, Mr. Tom Ticknor, to discuss the future of the Madison economy.

• What role should the City of Madison play in promoting business development over the next 3-5 years?
• Based on experiences working with the Ctiy of Madison, are there programs, policies and projects that should be added, modified, or removed from the City's economic development toolbox?
• What positive business experiences have individuals had while working with communities elsewhere that we could/should consider for the City of Madison?

Session #1- Targeted toward any business, non-profit, and the general public Wednesday, November 28, 2007, 6:00-8:00 pm, Alliant Energy Center, Exhibition Hall, Monona Room, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way

Session #2- Targeted toward small businesses, Thursday, November 29, 2007, 8:00-10:00 am, Overture Center, 201 State Street

Session #3-Targeted toward medium and large businesses, Thursday, November 29, 2007, 2:00-4:00 pm, Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Drive

Session #4-Targeted toward "high tech" businesses of all sizes, Thursday, December 6, 2007, 1:30-3:30 pm, MGE Innovation Center, Conf. Room 50, 510 Charmany Drive

Although each session will have a slightly different focus, there is no "right or wrong" session for any particular business or non-profit. If an individual cannot attend the session that is targeted toward her or his business or non-profit she or he should attend the session that is most convenient to her or his schedule.

As an alternative to participating at a session, ideas regarding the questions noted above can be emailed to obr@cityofmadison.com

A draft of the plan will be available for review by the community in February of 2008, with additional opportunities to provide input at that time. If someone would like a copy of the draft plan, she or he should email obr@cityofmadison.com or call Ms Peggy Yessa at 267-8721.

Support for these sessions has been made possible by Madison Gas and Electric.

The City's current economic development plan, Enhancing the Madison Advantage was adopted in 1983.

If someone needs an interpreter, translator, materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access these sessions, call 267-8721 at least three business days prior to the meeting.