Adam Lemore of the Sawyer County/LCO Economic Development Corporation briefed the board on local business supports, grant activity and project updates.

Lemore said the EDC will offer a financial literacy workshop through WIBEC on Dec. 9 aimed at incubator participants who need foundational budgeting and financing skills. He said the incubator work includes a business-plan effort and that the EDC intends to use an allocated $25,000 from a Thrive grant to support marketing and technical assistance for the incubator.

Lemore also noted a recent fraud-prevention workshop offered with the library, progress on the Lumber Exchange building (a beam-signing occurred and construction is advancing), and that a forestry revitalization bill is under active discussion with possible routing through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). He said the forestry item would be significant for the county economy and that local builders have expressed interest in related projects. Lemore reported that certain private property sales are in process (including a management group associated with a Holiday Inn Express and an anticipated sale of a Quick Trip location) but said ownership specifics were not fully known at the time of his report.

No formal county funding or approvals for these items were recorded at the meeting; Lemore described planning, outreach and grant-seeking activity.