WITC News and Events

ReBAR helps business remain strong

Expertise, equipment facilities, and training will now be easier for regional business to locate and use through the Regional Business Assistance Resource (ReBAR) directory.

Part of an ongoing effort by the West Central Wisconsin Regional Education Consortium to promote regional growth in business and industry, ReBAR provides seamless access to all the outreach capabilities of UW-Barron County, Chippewa Valley Technical College, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. Made possible through an EDvantage Grant from UW-Extension, the ReBAR directory contains more than 1,000 listings from all partner institutions in the following categories:

Expertise
Specialized Equipment
Meeting Rooms and Labs
Programs and Services

The directory is searchable by information category, subject area, and institution. It can be accessed at www.rebardirectory.com.

"The ReBAR directory provides an excellent portal to information on programs, services and facilities available to the public at area universities and technical colleges," said Linda Clark, Xcel Energy manager for economic development and community services. "What used to be a lengthy and difficult search process involving many phone calls, e-mails and Web site visits will now take just minutes."

Representatives from the six partner institutions began work on the development of the directory in September 2006. As WITC’s representative, Susan Yohnk-Lockwood conducted an extensive inventory of outreach programs and services available through WITC.

"The ReBAR directory represents a continuously expanding strategic tool for regional business to access and benefit," said grant author and UW-Eau Claire continuing education director George Kroeninger. "The resources and supports showcased within the directory will enhance business development in our region and help create a strong foundation for future economic growth."