Dan Ariens appointed to Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation board
Dan Ariens, president of Ariens Company, has been appointed by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) board. The newly-formed public-private organization will replace the Wisconsin Department of Commerce later in 2011.
“I plan to work closely with Secretary of Commerce Paul Jadin and the legislative members on the board to provide a perspective that spans four generations of family-business ownership in the state of Wisconsin,” said Ariens.
The WEDC is part of Walker’s effort to restructure the Department of Commerce to more effectively and efficiently help the private sector create jobs.
“This government-business relationship is a refreshing, common-sense approach that will allow focus on the things that can truly move us forward in creating jobs,” added Ariens. “With the regulatory functions moved to other departments, the new organization will be more singularly focused on economic development for both existing companies in the state, as well as new businesses.”
Ariens plays a leadership role in the Wisconsin business community, serving on several boards of directors for educational entities, for-profit companies and non-profit economic development groups in the state, including the NEW North (18-county regional economic development board) and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC). He also holds a position on the Executive Committee of the Green Bay Packers’ board of directors. This is Ariens’ second gubernatorial appointment. He was a member of Governor Jim Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force 2007-08.
“I have always been proud to have a manufacturing heritage grounded in Wisconsin,” said Ariens. “My family has been involved with business development in northeast Wisconsin since 1893. I’m honored that Governor Walker has given me this opportunity to be an advocate for job creation, and I am looking forward to participating in this new chapter of economic development for the state.”
