Office of Business Development

Department of Administration

Joe Knilans – Director

Nancy Mistele – Director

Business Ombudsman… and so much more!

Advocate for business interests within government;

Seek to understand your problems and work with agencies on solutions;

Gather your ideas on how best to support your business, improve process and reduce the regulatory burden…

Office of Business Development

‘Concierge Service’ for business

Who we help? Business Owners & individuals Chambers, Associations & municipal leaders

What we do? Troubleshoot & problem solve issues with government Provide information on available resources Gather your ideas for Regulatory Reform

Office of Business Development

How can we succeed? By being known to business across Wisconsin.

Outreach with business owners, trade associations, Chambers of Commerce, etc.

Presented at > 400* events in 60 plus Counties

Met with over 9,000* business owners

> 400* requests for assistance from Wisconsin businesses Received 50* regulatory reform ideas; currently under review

*Stats as of 1/2015

Small Business Regulatory Review Board est.2003

“To create more jobs, employers told us they also need help cutting through the red tape of government. The Review Board has the authority to review every rule… work to remove antiquated and unnecessary regulations that pose a threat to creating new jobs.”

- Governor Scott Walker

Empowered to review existing rules and propose changes to reduce burden on business

Encourage partnership between small business and state agencies; advocate for realistic rules & regulations

Agencies required to submit economic impact analysis of all proposed rules on small business.

Enforce agency compliance with Regulatory Flexibility Act

Laws & Rules

• The Legislature passes the laws

• The Agencies write the rules. May take months or years.

• The Walker Administration requires rules be reviewed to ensure original intent of law is clearly defined

• Many laws & rules on the books may not have had that due diligence review; are in need of reform

• Ultimately, it’s the interpretation of rules that generate problems; there isn’t always a single, definitive interpretation that is easy to apply, follow or understand.

Be empowered to seek reform

Who better to provide input on how to guide regulation? Those who ‘walk the walk’…. That’s you!

It’s easier to fix issues before they become an adopted rule than it is to repair problems and/or unintended consequences

Know your legislators – offer your opinions and suggestions

Know what’s happening that affects your industry. Comment on proposal in pre-drafting comment periods; attend public hearings to voice your opinion on proposed rules before they become final.

Alternately, present ideas, suggestions and comments on rules that need reform. (Contact the Office of Business Development.)

Regulatory Reform led by Governor Scott Walker

“For too long, the overregulation of business has stifled job growth within our state and repelled job creators from others. The common sense reforms contained in our proposal will take the power of regulating…. and put it back where it belongs – in the hands of the people.”

- Governor Scott Walker

Executive Order #61 (2012)

Good start…low hanging fruit

Regulate the hole size in cheese? Really?

Swiss Cheese And the importance of industry knowledge….

Your input is essential. Provide suggestions for an administrative code that truly works!

2015 Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Semi-Annual CEO Survey…

Top Business Concerns Facing Your Company:• Labor Shortage • Health Care• Regulation• Taxes • Economic Slowdown • Energy

91% of CEOs surveyed said Wisconsin is headed in the right direction

90% of the Business leaders rate Wisconsin’s economy as “moderate to strong” .

“The shortage of qualified and/or willing workers is getting worse and is holding back Wisconsin’s economy”.

Semi-annual survey 6/15/2015

Additional Resources

• wedc.org• Mfg Tax Credits and other Economic Development Resources• Inwisconsin.com/why-wisconsin/cost-of-doing-business

• Dwd.wisconsin.gov • Fast Forward Workforce Training Grants (skills gap)• DVR Entrepreneurial support services for disabled

• DVA – Veterans Entrepreneurial Support

• doa.wi gov • WBE/MBE/DVE – Supplier Diversity Programs• Vendornet – Doing business with Wisconsin• Wisbuild – State construction project

WI Workforce Incentives

WISCONSIN FAST FORWARD (Law effective March 2013)• Implement an enhanced Labor Market Information System (LMIS).• Address Wisconsin’s skills gap through employer grants for customized skills

training to fill current job openings and ongoing skill requirements.• http://wisconsinfastforward.com

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION• OJT: Custom work / training program; DVR pays 50% of salary/fringe ≥ 90 days• TWE: Work experience; DVR pays wages for 90 days• LTE Program: For public agencies; DVR pays wages for 6 months• Place and train: customized (business designed) training • http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/publications/dvr/pdf/dvr_17248_p.pdf

Worker’s Compensation & Unemployment Insurance

WI: $1.8 billion-dollar-a-year system, frequently recognized as a national model. Worker’s Compensation: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/ Submit suggested law change: wcadmin@dwd.wisconsin.gov Info on WC Advisory Council http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/councils/wcac/

UI benefits intended for employees who lose employment through no fault of their own. To receive benefits, claimants must have a proven work history with a UI employer. Up to 26 weeks/benefit yr. Min $54/Max $370.

Submit law change ideas: UILawChange@dwd.wisconsin.gov

UI Advisory Council http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uibola/uiac

SBDC (FREE) Business Answerline

• Wisconsin Business Answerline (800) 940-7232 • M-Th. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. REAL LIVE PERSON!

SBA - Federal Office of Advocacy

SBA Regional Advocate: Henry Sanders

608-441-526 henry.sanders@sba.gov

Apply to Serve on Council or Commission

walker.wi.gov/governor-office/apply-to-serve

How you can help us, help you!

• Submit your ideas on regulations in need of reform. A truly effective administrative code depends on input from those who see, firsthand, the problems current laws & rules impose on business!

• Make referrals of OBD…..

“I believe that smaller government is better government. But I also believe that in the areas where government does play a legitimate role, we should demand that it is done better.”• - Scott Walker

Office of Business Development

Joe KnilansDirector

Office of Business DevelopmentWisconsin Dept. of Administration

Phone: (608) 267-7394E-mail: joe.knilans@wisconsin.gov

Nancy MisteleDirector

Office of Business DevelopmentWisconsin Dept. of Administration

Phone: (608) 267-7873Email: nancy.mistele@wisconsin.gov

Small Business Regulatory Review Board Members

Steve Davis —Co-owner of Ardy & Ed’s Drive-in, Oshkosh

Erich Korth —Vice President of Transport Repair Specialists Inc., New London

Thomas “Cap” Wulf —President/CEO of Wulf Bros. Inc., Sturgeon Bay

Jim Ring —President/CEO of Park Towne Development Corp., Madison

Minoo Seifoddini —President of Custom Service Plastics, Lake Geneva

Guy Wood —Tender Care Transport, Inc., Eau Claire-Chippewa Falls

Adam Neylon —State Representative and Chairman

Howard Marklein —State Senator and Vice Chairman

Website: smallbusiness.wi.govEmail: SBRRB@wisconsin.gov