New Wisconsin coalition forms in support of Foxconn

La Crosse group not official member yet 

About 150 business groups in Wisconsin are supporting the plans for a Foxconn factory in the state.

Several chambers of commerce, including the one in La Crosse, are backers of the new Wisconn Valley Jobs Coalition.

The La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO) is not an official member of the coalition, yet.

LADCO executive director Jim Hill says not all of Foxconn’s suppliers have to be close to the plant and not all of them want to be close.

“Some suppliers are going to think the interstate system is a very good artery into the Foxconn Southeast Wisconsin facility,” Hill said, “and will want to be 200-300 miles away.”

Hill likens the situation to the auto industry, which brings parts from all over North America to make cars in Detroit.

The coalition is trying to get the state Senate to approve the $3-billion incentive package to help bring Foxconn to Wisconsin.

Other local chambers of commerce from Tomah and Prairie du Chien have announced their support of Foxconn.