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Sawyer County EDC outlines office move, potential solar research, federal contracting support and new grant priorities
Summary
Adam Lemore, executive director of the Sawyer County LCO Economic Development Corporation, told the board the EDC will move into the Lumber Exchange, is meeting NextEra to discuss solar research opportunities and will pursue state and federal programs to support local businesses.
Adam Lemore, executive director of the Sawyer County LCO Economic Development Corporation, updated the Sawyer County Board on the EDC’s recent activities: the organization will establish a visible, permanent office at the Lumber Exchange; it has produced county promotional videos and is supporting local business profiles.
Lemore said he has a scheduled meeting with NextEra, an energy developer exploring opportunities to research Sawyer County for potential solar projects. He described NextEra’s typical approach—acquiring or leasing large land areas for utility-scale solar research—and said a conversation is planned to examine county opportunities.
On workforce and business support, Lemore said the EDC will pursue Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) programs, including the competitive Ignite program, which seeks to stimulate startups and capital formation; the program does not require matching funds. He also outlined work on the federal Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program: the EDC is compiling a list of county businesses that have obtained a SAM.gov registration and is coordinating with the Wisconsin Procurement Institute to support businesses seeking HUBZone certification and federal contracting readiness.
Lemore described the EDC’s second-year “Thrive” grant for $25,000. The first year focused on technical assistance for entrepreneurs; the current year’s funds are intended primarily for developing a stable program infrastructure (business planning, marketing, grant writing and accounting), per the Office of Rural Prosperity’s guidance, he said.
On outreach, Lemore said he is working with local partners to offer a scam and fraud workshop Oct. 8 in coordination with the library and Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board. He also invited board members to an EDC sponsorship celebration Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at The Social. Lemore said additional information will be mailed and emailed to board members.
