Let's look at the state of the state -- one letter at a time

By Bud Gayhart

February is the month when Gov. Jim Doyle presents his "state of the state" address. At a recent family gathering, I and others were discussing the upcoming state-of-the-state presentation and debating what we thought would be some of the elements of the governor's address. "What is the state of the state?" was a question asked by one of our group. A small child listening nearby proclaimed, "The state of the state is Wisconsin!" That comment offered some comic relief to our otherwise heavy banter, but the truth of that aside began to gnaw at me.

Looking at Wisconsin as an acronym that represents our state of the state is an interesting exercise.

"W" represents the willingness of Wisconsinites to work hard and create an economy where all residents are provided with equal opportunities.

"I" stands for the innovation that has been the foundation of many of our state-based companies. State businesses like Kohler, Manitowoc Co., SC Johnson, Johnson Controls and Jockey were founded by innovative owners, and these enterprises continue to grow as the result of new innovations.

The first "S" stands for stability, and our economy has been and continues to be one of the most stable economies in the nation. Our diversity of industries and our agricultural underpinnings have positioned Wisconsin as an example to other states.

"C" represents our citizens, many of whom volunteer countless hours to make our communities better places to live.

"O" stands for opportunities that are provided for education, employment and advancement for Wisconsin's citizens.

"N" represents our natural resources, which provide us with unlimited possibilities for recreation and attract thousands of tourists to our state each year.

The second "S" stands for science. We have seen Wisconsin rise rapidly in the ranks as a leader in the development of biomedical devices, equipment and technology.

The second "I" represents ideas offered to solve the challenges faced by all segments of the population. Ideas have generated companies like TomoTherapy, Epic software, Phillips Plastics, Marquette Electronics and others, leading to new job opportunities for thousands of Wisconsin residents.

The final "N" is the most prominent letter as it represents Wisconsin as a national leader. Wisconsin has been a leader in manufacturing (Kohler plumbing fixtures, GE medical equipment, Manitowoc cranes), a leader in biomedical technology (stem-cell research), a leader in agricultural production (cheese, ginseng, cranberries), and a leader in education with a state system of technical colleges and universities that are traditionally ranked in the top 10 nationally.

The state of the state is good and has the potential to be great. There is debate about the magnitude of the state's deficit, and there are differences of opinion regarding budget cuts, possible tax increases and pathways to progress for the future. What is clear is that we need Wisconsin's legislators to represent the best interests of the state in developing a plan for balancing the budget and growing our economy. We need to again set the example for the country in resolving differences through constructive dialogue resulting in effective legislation that will position Wisconsin as a leader in the development of technology, alternative energy, biomedical devices/science, and agricultural applications.

When we look at the "state of the state," we can say with confidence that Wisconsin can be the "state of the states" as we set the standard for others to follow, creating an entrepreneurial environment that will attract other creative thinkers to Wisconsin. We need to get back to our progressive roots, develop a mindset for collaboration and once again make Wisconsin a national leader, admired and copied around the world.

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