The WiSys award recognizes Universities of Wisconsin leaders, faculty, staff, students, and community partners who have played an integral role in building a culture of innovation in communities across Wisconsin.

Caesar is a fixture in the Superior community and served as the executive director of the Development Association since 2015. Its mission is to “champion business growth, creation, recruitment, and retention in the city of Superior and Douglas County.” The Development Association and Caesar’s leadership has been integral in the success of entrepreneurs and startups in the community, and an important part of the WiSys VentureHome location opening in downtown Superior. VentureHome-Superior is located in the Superior Entrepreneurship Center, a renovated former post office that has become a hub for entrepreneurship.

“I appreciate our partnership with WiSys, primarily through the VentureHome program,” said Caesar. “It was an impetus for us to purchase the Old Post Office and turn it into the Superior Entrepreneurship Center, a one-stop shop for economic development in Superior and Douglas County.”

In addition to Caesar’s work with WiSys VentureHome, he also served as a mentor in the WiSys Big Idea Tournament in April 2024. Before and during the event, he took time to share his knowledge and expertise with the young student entrepreneurs who were pitching their ideas to the crowd and competing for cash prizes.

“Jim Caesar’s passion to help entrepreneurs succeed in the Superior area is second to none,” said WiSys President Arjun Sanga. “After spearheading the purchase and renovation of the Old Post Office in downtown Superior to become an entrepreneurship hub, he helped us expand the WiSys VentureHome program to a new region of the state. He continues to work tirelessly to help others succeed.”

Caesar received his Innovation Champion award during the WiSys SPARK Symposium, which was held from July 24-26 on the UW-Superior campus. View pictures from the event here.