As reported in a recent story by Doris Hajewski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, two Minnesota firms are opening offices in Eau Claire, moves that could bring up to 90 jobs to the State.

Genesis10, a technology firm in Woodbury, Minn., has already opened its Eau Claire location that will add 40 jobs.  RAI Stone Group, a Minneapolis financial services firm, plans make the move to Wisconsin in August, bringing as many as 50 jobs over the next 3 years.

Wisconsin state leaders have been working to create an environment that welcomes technology industry growth.  In February, Gov. Jim Doyle and the Legislature expanded the state investment tax credit.  Wisconsin doubled the cap on the amount of credits that a qualified business may use to $8 million, raised the cap on eligible angel investments to $4 million and tripled the total credits available each year to $37 million.

Wired Wisconsin supports creating a favorable environment for high-tech job creation and industry development within the state. The fact that high-tech companies are choosing Wisconsin over other states shows that the right investments—even in troubled times— can pay dividends.  Wisconsin needs more proactive thinking on high-tech job creation in other sectors.