The executive director of the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has been elected to the board of directors of Centergy, a Central Wisconsin economic development group.

Paul Fowler, serving as WIST’s first executive director, “will bring a valuable, new perspective to the business group,” said Centergy executive director Barb Fleisner. A native of the United Kingdom, Fowler has had a dozen years’ experience in contract research and development of new products and opportunities from bio-based materials.

“The institute’s goals are a good match for Centergy,” Fleisner added, “as WIST seeks to develop sustainable solutions for business and industry, transferring new technology from the university to the private sector in order to help grow the economy.”

Reflecting the shared goals of the two organizations, Fleisner was named to WIST’s 12-member advisory board earlier this year.

Centergy was formed in 1989 as the Central Wisconsin Area Economic Development Council. Comprising a varied range of businesses, organizations and individuals, the group serves as a central resource and unified voice that strives to encourage business cluster development, support and attract local businesses, achieve growth for higher education facilities and improve life for Central Wisconsin residents.

WIST was formed at UW-Stevens Point in 2009 to offer research, laboratory services and outreach education to help businesses and organizations make sustainable use of natural resources. Major research emphases include biofuels development and non-food, industrial uses of forest and agricultural resources.

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