George Reistad Email & Phone Number

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

• As a Business Development Specialist within the Office of Business Resources (OBR), I work with the OBR Manager and staffers to help businesses site, start, and expand within the City of Madison. In my particular role.
• Successfully advocated for a transfer from the Mayor’s Office to the Economic Development Division to more closely focus on economic development and community support programs that provided resources and opportunities.
• Advance food systems economic development projects within the City of Madison and Greater Madison Region o Program Manager - Healthy Retail Access Program: Since 2016, distributed over $1 million to food retail.
• Lead City of Madison-directed efforts to create and launch a guaranteed income pilot program in partnership with key community organizations and stakeholders o Assisted in fundraising for over $1 million ($250k in sole.

Madison, Wisconsin Area

As the Food Policy Director, I worked within the Mayor's administration and was tasked with managing programs, entities, and initiatives that included, but were not limited to:- Madison Food Policy Council- Healthy Retail Access Program- SEED Grants- Double Dollars Program- The Gardens Network

Madison, Wisconsin Area

Coordinated implementation of USDA's Conservation Stewardship Program - Lead WI efforts to promote farmer sign-up, appropriations, implementation, and media coverageWorked with other WI sustainable agriculture advocates, NPO, and agency partners to advance a state sustainable agriculture policy agenda - Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Program - Farm-to-School.

Madison, Wisconsin Area

Developed an urban agriculture curriculum for high school students in the UW-Madison PEOPLE Program. Coordinated logistics for all facets of class development, including recruiting instructors and speakers, planning field trips, meeting with community organization leaders, and adhering to budgetary constraints.

Nelson Institute - UW-Madison

The Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP) trains undergraduates to work with community-based environmental organizations. I took a one-credit seminar each semester that introduced me to nearby environmental and community organizations, and gave me a place to discuss the links between Environmental Studies and community service.As a Community.

Madison, Wisconsin Area

Collected research to determine effective marketing strategies for promotion of renewable energy to small businesses. Involved heavy use of MS Excel as well as team-oriented communication and assignment completion.

Middleton, WI

Engaged in sustainability and other planning department initiatives research including energy practices in the workplace, employer assisted housing, plastic bag recycling ordinance implementation, and construction waste recycling program recommendations.