Helping connect businesses with the perfect site
In a perfect world, new development projects would enjoy fast turnaround times, quick approvals and low risk. Welcome to a perfect world, brought to you by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) Certified Sites Program. WEDC worked with Deloitte Consulting to create consistent standards for industrial site certification in Wisconsin. Certification criteria were developed based on representative needs of advanced manufacturing projects. WEDC’s thorough review process produces detailed documentation about a site’s price, availability, utilities, access and environmental standing, allowing investors to make informed decisions.
Benefits for communities
For all Wisconsin properties that have been designated as Certified Sites, WEDC provides a high-profile, multi-pronged marketing strategy, marketing the sites to national site selection consultants to complement the local community’s own marketing efforts for the site. Components of this strategy include:
- Exclusive billing on LocateInWisconsin.com, WEDC’s one-stop site selection resource listing available sites and buildings throughout the state, along with demographic information
- A unique landing page for each Certified Site with links to all site-related documentation and mapping
- WEDC assists in soliciting earned media for all new sites being certified, as well as development on the site
Benefits for site selectors
- Development-ready certification allows for fast-track construction for major relocation or expansion projects.
- Accelerated due-diligence and fewer unknowns create investment confidence.
- Favorable, stable conditions spur cooperation and collaboration with project stakeholders.
“The Certified In Wisconsin® Program is one of the best state-level programs in the U.S.”
WEDC sponsors the Certified Sites Program to enhance the state’s appeal to companies not currently located here. Working with WEDC, communities can obtain Certified Sites designation for properties at a much lower cost than they would pay to pursue the designation on their own through an independent consultant.
Wisconsin has 21 certified sites, with 29 development projects completed or underway that are expected to create more than 2,600 jobs and generate more than $472 million in capital investment.
SUBMITTING YOUR SITE FOR CERTIFICATION
General Timelines
- March: Applications available
- Early April: Applications due
- April through May: Reviews and identification of sites to inspect
- April through June: Arrange and conduct site inspection visits; issue feedback letters
- June through August: Certification takes place
SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT CERTIFIED SITES
For all Wisconsin properties that have been designated as Certified Sites, WEDC provides a high-profile, multi-pronged marketing strategy, marketing the sites to national site selection consultants to complement the local community’s own marketing efforts for the site. Components of the strategy include:
- Exclusive billing on Locate in Wisconsin.com, WEDC’s one-stop site selection resource listing available sites and buildings throughout the state, along with demographic information
- A unique landing page for each Certified Site, with links to all site-related documentation and mapping
- WEDC assists in soliciting earned media for all new sites being certified, as well as development on the site.
Have questions?
If you have questions regarding the Certified Sites program, please review these frequently asked questions..