Business leaders in West Central Wisconsin learned how they can benefit from the recommendations of the UW System's "Research to Jobs Task Force" at a luncheon forum in Menomonie on August 19, 2010. Entitled "Research to Jobs - Applying Research to Advanced Innovation and Growth," this event is one of Momentum West's regional seminars held in partnership with the Wisconsin Innovation Network (WIN) Western Wisconsin Chapter. WIN is the membership arm of the Tech Council, the independent, non-profit science and tech policy advisers to the Governor and the Legislature.

The forum focused on the topics of connecting businesses to the research resources available, promoting entrepreneurship and gaining a competitive advantage for students in high-paying jobs through research and development training.

Panelists included Research to Jobs Task Force member Charlie Hoslet, managing director of the UW-Madison Office of Corporate Relations; Randy Hulke, director of the UW-Stout Discovery Center; Brad Slaker, founder and CEO of DesignWise Medical; and Pat Dillon, regional director of the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network. Task force member Tom Still, president of the Tech Council, moderated.

Momentum West will continue this series of quarterly events with WIN-Western Wisconsin chapter with a forum on broadband issues on October 21, 2010 in Baldwin.