What are business sector specialists?

Business sector specialists are DNR staff who work with two to three industrial or commercial sectors to act as conduits into DNR. They serve as the first point of contact for those businesses, providing coordinated, cross-media technical and compliance assistance.

For a sector by sector introduction to the business sector specialists and a closer look at each business sector, check out their individual web pages.

In addition to integrating all environmental aspects of their statewide business sectors, the specialists:

• Help develop and recommend pollution prevention and waste reduction options;
• Work proactively with companies and organizations in their sector to learn about their needs and to share environmental opportunities;
• Communicate businesses' concerns back to DNR;
• Develop and coordinate a number of partnerships, recognition programs, and innovative environmental initiatives;
• Connect businesses with DNR staff needed for permits and compliance information;
• Assist businesses with a coordinated, cross-media approach to compliance;
• Encourage and facilitate businesses to go beyond compliance;
• Recognize outstanding efforts;
• Help coordinate waste reduction outreach to trade associations, the public and citizen groups;
• Provide pollution prevention training assistance to DNR staff;
• Coordinate DNR work with cross-media issues/impacts, and;
• Provide a link to UW-Extension Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Clearinghouse, Department of Commerce's Small Business Clean Air Assistance Program, other statewide and local organizations and CEA's programs and resources.