As the new year begins, we have some major changes for the corporation. GCEDC just relocated our offices from the campus at Southwest Tech in Fennimore to the UW Extension Building located at the fairgrounds in Lancaster. SWTC was our excellent home for 35 years, but an opportunity presented that would allow the corporation to save some funding, and be a bit more centrally located within the county. This was a very hard decision. As the economic development entity for the county, I regularly meet with businesses who need assistance with labor training. Having an office at SWTC was advantageous because I would simply walk over and discuss the business needs with their training staff. This will still occur, but I will either drive to the campus, call, or send an email. Southwest Tech has been our home for decades, and change is never easy. We will certainly miss the venue, staff, and the support we have received. So, we are now updating our address, though our email and phone numbers remain the same.
Another pending change is my assistant Darlene, is planning to retire at the end of April. So, we are beginning the process of finding a new executive assistant for the corporation. We know, the same as every business we work with, that finding a new employee will be a challenge. Updating the position description and updating the pay and benefits is ongoing. Our hope is to have the position posted in February, hire someone by late March, and allow the person to be cross trained by Darlene.
Our monthly board meeting will be in Kieler this month. We will have Ela Kakde, our new WEDC regional director, give us an update on what’s happening in her new role.
Finally, the WEDC Build Back Better funding for vacant storefronts is still available. This program helps entrepreneurs and businesses who move or expand into a vacant building or space in our communities. We have helped many businesses take advantage of these funds throughout the county and there are still funds available.
Here is to a prosperous 2022 for us all!
Ron Brisbois, Executive Director
