EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- Six Wisconsin technical college presidents in Western Wisconsin will sign a pact Friday, Sept. 17, in Eau Claire to foster partnerships that will attract advanced technology companies to this area—including nanotechnology firms—as part of an ambitious new plan that will help facilitate cooperation in economic development.

 A recent study by Nanoveritas, a Minneapolis firm, recommended that Western Wisconsin must work to develop their infrastructure in order to establish a "pure play" nanotechnology industry. In response, the western technical colleges in the state system have decided to build cooperation and share resources to help advance new initiatives in this region. 

 The presidents are Dr. Hank Hurley of Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC), Dr. Bill Ihlenfeldt of Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), Adrian Lorbetske of Nicolet Technical College, John Clark of Mid-State Technical College, Lee Rasch of Western Wisconsin Technical College, and Robert Ernst of Northcentral Technical College.

 The Educational Partnership for Regional Development pact that the technical college presidents will be signing tomorrow outlines opportunities for them to work together:

 • Developing collaborative, state-of-the-art courses, certificates, and programs to meet emerging education and training needs

• Fostering partnerships that will develop advanced technology industries

• Developing and refining processes and partnerships to share risks and advancements

• Stimulating the development of the IQ technology corridor

 "This commitment will take us to a higher level of existing collaboration," said WITC President Dr. Hank Hurley.  "One of the key roles of the technical colleges will be to bridge the gap between advanced technology and its application into existing businesses throughout our communities.  It's important that these business owners have access to resources to help them identify areas where they can integrate advanced technology, like nanotechnology, into their businesses to stay competitive." 

 The pact is one step the college presidents said they are taking to support the statewide development of an “IQ Corridor”— a Wisconsin Technology Council description for the concentration of global advanced technology companies that the council projects will develop between Minneapolis and Chicago in the coming years. 

 No news conference is planned for the signing tomorrow, however interested reporters can obtain interviews at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 17 in the RCU Conference Center at the Clairemont Campus of Chippewa Valley Technical College, or contact Sarah Ashenbrener at 800.243.9482, ext. 2224, for follow-up information and pictures. 

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