Economic development director outlines 2024'2029 strategy, loan-manual edits and broadband mapping

Economic Development Director Christina Dollhausen briefed the Vernon County Economic Development Committee on a multi-year strategy and near-term projects the department will pursue for 2024'2029.

Dollhausen said she is collaborating with Place Dynamics and the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission to draft a contract for work on the economic development strategy and that staff will give a progress report in September. She also said final edits to the Economic Development Loan Manual were circulated before the meeting and that she will prepare a cover letter and formatting changes; staff have shared the working document with five businesses that inquired about the loan program.

On broadband, Dollhausen reported the task force worked with the County Land Information Office to develop a county map showing areas in need of enhanced broadband service and that department staff are preparing marketing materials to promote a business survey that will inform the county's broadband priorities.

Committee members heard partner presentations from local organizations asking for Vernon County support in 2024; the committee asked Dollhausen to return with an updated budget draft that reflects those partner requests. Dollhausen also updated members on local business activity and events, including a new Nicaraguan restaurant opening in Hillsboro, an upcoming ribbon cutting for Rivers End restaurant, a Bath House Task Force capital campaign to meet matching-fund requirements for a Community Development Initiative (CDI) grant, work to bring Stoddard into a proposed room tax initiative, and plans for a November awards banquet recognizing county businesses.

Dollhausen said she will present a proposal for Ho-Chunk funding at the next meeting.