What Is Economic Development?

WASHBURN COUNTY — Economic development is attracting and growing businesses, creating and retaining jobs, building relationships, and making our communities a better place to live.

Is Economic Development Important?

A strong community that attracts and grows business, strengthens their economy providing locally-produced goods and services, making a lasting impact on our community.Businesses purchase goods and services they need to operate, and their workers purchase goods and services they need to live. These businesses and employees attract tourists, money changes hands many times as it flows through the local economy and creates overall prosperity enjoyed by the entire community.

What is the impact of Economic Development?

Businesses pay taxes that go for vital services such as schools, roads, fire, and police. These local businesses provide good jobs that put money in people’s pockets and allow for a higher quality of life within our communities.

Are there other benefits of Economic Development?

Economic development has a major impact on the places where we live, work, and play. Working to put vacant or abandoned buildings and land back into productive use, keeping, growing and attracting businesses in our rural areas building relationships that further grow our economy.

Retaining and attracting talented people, quality jobs and great places to live and work are a magnet for folks of all ages helping to lower median age levels. As a result, we will have a strong future.

Economic development also fosters the entrepreneurial spirit that resides in our creative and ambitious citizens. By providing access to ideas, investment and expert advice new companies can be created to help assure Washburn County Economic Development provides the resources for the entrepreneurs ideas to grow into realities.

About WCEDC

WCEDC supports businesses large and small, industrial and commercial. WCEDC works directly with public and private entities in the County as well as State and Federal Government to provide comprehensive assistance.

Washburn County has a lot to offer in terms of quality of life and being at the "Crossroads of the North" for business opportunities. Numerous lakes, rivers and streams and a large expanse of public forested lands and trails has something for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Washburn County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that was established in 2002 in a response to having a center to serve existing county businesses, promote the development of new business start-ups, and to help businesses relocate to Washburn County. WCEDC wants to facilitate and stimulate economic growth and stability for Washburn County. WCEDC's Mission: "To Expand the Tax Base, Create New Jobs and Retain Existing Businesses in Washburn County." Our vision is to be the resource for economic development in Washburn County leading to attraction, retention and expansion of business to create a strong economic environment.

Funding for WCEDC comes from membership contributions and from businesses and organizations that are located in or service Washburn County. WCEDC also works directly with The Washburn County Industrial Development Agency that administers the Revolving Loan Fund which currently includes five funds one of which is funded by Washburn County.

Learn more by visiting the WCEDC website here.

Your Business Needs Resource

• Working with the Washburn County Industrial Development Agency Revolving Loan Funds
• Assisting businesses with financial needs which may include grants, the Revolving Loan Funds, lending agencies, and local lenders
• Locating a business site
• Marketing in Washburn County
• Collaborating with local, regional, state, and federal agencies on issues that affect Washburn County businesses and economics
• Acting as liaison with local, state, and federal government agencies
• Providing assistance in grant writing and applications that impact Washburn County economics
• Advocating for infrastructure improvements, including broadband and tourism projects
• Communicating with business and education leaders regarding area workforce job skills and needs, and implementing programs for business development