The Wisconsin Supplier Network (WSN), an online directory that connects new and existing businesses in Wisconsin with buyers, suppliers and service providers, is now live.
WSN serves both suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Wisconsin-based suppliers get free access to be listed on the WSN website. Suppliers can also view any requests for proposals (RFPs) that have been posted to the site. For OEMs seeking suppliers of services, solutions or products, WSN helps you localize your supply chain to reduce time to market and increase efficiency with the help of the directory’s robust keyword search.
WSN is supported by WEDC and replaces the former Wisconsin Supply Chain Marketplace, which was started as a partnership between WEDC and The New North, the regional economic development organization covering the 18 counties in northeast Wisconsin. The initiative was intended to support supplier diversification by developing supplier resiliency to help offset the cyclical nature of national defense spending.
Due to the tremendous positive response and desire to offer the directory on a statewide scale, New North and WEDC worked together to expand the platform to support all Wisconsin regions in facilitating supplier and buyer connections while helping diversify new growth in key driver and emerging industry sectors.
The new site will feature a number of improvements, including better quality data, easier user interface and integration with third-party platforms, such as those of OEMs, to streamline supplier evaluation for the procurement process. WSN will also serve as a key asset for business attraction, expansion and retention efforts by WEDC and its partners, and WEDC will leverage WSN in industry cluster development.
“We want to do everything we can to make it easy for businesses in our state to grow,” says WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “The Wisconsin Supplier Network will help companies—whether they’re new businesses, existing businesses looking to expand, or out-of-state businesses looking to come here—make the connections they need with suppliers and service providers.”
Keeping buyers and suppliers in the loop
WSN also serves as a communications platform. Any WSN user can sign up for Wisconsin Supplier Network News, a bimonthly newsletter that includes information and alerts on new business opportunities, supplier development resources and advanced manufacturing initiatives.
WEDC has also developed a the Industry Resource Center, which provides information on advanced manufacturing resources to support productivity, growth and competitiveness for Wisconsin manufacturers.
All company information that was included in the former Wisconsin Supply Chain Marketplace directory has been imported into the new Wisconsin Supplier Network. Participating companies have been sent email communications with information on how to claim their company’s profile on the new WSN site. If you missed this communication or cannot find it, please contact Sharon Berge at WEDC. Once a supplier has claimed their company’s profile, they are strongly encouraged to review their information, complete any missing information, and take advantage of the opportunity the new directory offers to showcase the company’s products.
“WSN is one example of the resources available to manufacturers as they look to increase productivity, accelerate technology adoption and compete globally while responding to rapidly evolving market trends and customer needs,” said WEDC Director of Business and Investment Attraction Jela Trask. “WEDC takes a holistic approach in working with partners to ensure Wisconsin is manufacturing-ready by supporting small and midsize manufacturers in leveraging technology and talent development opportunities.”
The new website was developed by DataChat, a Madison-based data democratization company that uses advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to allow users to gain insights from data by simply holding a conversation in DataChat’s engineered natural language. This will be another unique feature in facilitating supplier and buyer connections on WSN.
Businesses can create a free profile at wisconsinsuppliernetwork.com. For questions about the new site and its functions, please contact Sharon Berge.
