State launches online site-finder tool

• Screenshot of site locater

This screen shot shows the building-finder feature of the new, free website the state economic development corporation introduced last week.

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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), together with San Francisco-based GIS Planning, Inc., announced Feb. 9, the launch of a new, free online search tool to make it easy for businesses to find a site within the state and for people to list available commercial space: www.locateinwisconsin.com.

A news release from the WEDC says the site provides “dynamic data and sophisticated mapping technology to attract business and jobs.” It aims to provide business decision makers and others looking for a new location with a one-stop site that includes commercial real estate data, demographic breakdowns, details about the community, lists of buildings available for sale or lease and local workforce facts including education and skills.

The website covers every Wisconsin city and all 72 of the state’s counties.

“Locateinwisconsin.com is a powerful tool that will help both in-state and out-of-state companies find the optimum sites in Wisconsin to grow and develop their businesses,” said Paul Jadin, CEO and Secretary of the WEDC. “It’s an important part of Governor Walker’s and the WEDC’s strategy to attract new businesses to Wisconsin.”

The tool is implemented and directed by WEDC, with support of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association. GIS Planning created the software that powers the new system.

The Geographic Information System (GIS)-powered website is built upon Google Maps technology, offering advanced site selection mapping capabilities. The new website is also integrated with GIS Planning's national site-selection search engine that allows visitors to conduct national searches of cities and commercial properties that match their unique criteria.

“Our technology not only markets Wisconsin worldwide, it also empowers businesses to make an objective decision about the best location for their business in Wisconsin,” said Anatalio Ubalde, CEO of GIS Planning. “Since nearly all initial site selection screening is now done online, the new Wisconsin system certainly makes the state more competitive in its effort to attract businesses and jobs.”

The website includes features and information to serve those who want to submit an available property for a listing on the website.