Economic Development Committee and Sauk County Development Corporation

06/20/11 Minutes (28 KB)

Members present: EDC: Marty Krueger, Joel Gaalswyk, Kathy Zowin, Don Stevens, Gerald Lehman, Peter Murray, David Riek, SCDC: Fred Halfen, Ray Bolton Doug Blakeslee, Ray Ellenbolt, Roger Friede Jr., Marty Krueger, Eugene Robkin, Bill Wenzel, Jr., John Alt, Tara Zitzner, Jim Bowers, John Alt

Members absent: EDC: Kathy Zowin, SCDC: Les Bremer, John Schmidt, Wendy Crary

Others present: Kathy Schauf, Gene Dalhoff, Linda White, Jerry White

The meeting was called to order and certification of Open Meeting compliance was given at 6:30 p.m. by Krueger. The agenda was approved on a motion by Stevens, second by Blakeslee. Motion carried.

Election of Chair for joint meeting. Motion by Murray, second by Stevens to nominate Marty Krueger. Motion by Wenzel, second by Bowers to close nominations and cast a unanimous vote on behalf of Marty Krueger. Motion carried.

Public Comment
None

Tour of, and presentation by Kinnamon Ridge Dairy focused on the importance of agriculture is Sauk County.
The committees toured the barn and milking parlor.

Discussion of SCDC possibly moving into West Square.
Dalhoff spoke to the desired improvements regarding location as far as visibility and accessibility. The Sauk County West Square Building is being viewed as a potential location for the office. Draft agreements are being drawn. It was noted that it has to be seen by the communities as independent; and fit well with county government operations. It is incumbent upon the board members to share the message of the transition to subscriber communities.

Discussion and sharing between Sauk County Economic Development Committee and Sauk County Development Corporation.
Revisiting what the work/responsibilities are of each group – to avoid misunderstandings and overlap.
Sauk County Development Corporation focuses on economic development throughout the county, in industry and other areas. Retention and recruitment are crucial components of the corporation. Working with the local educational resources to build work force skills is paramount. Krueger started the discussion of what the economic development committee is not. It is not, nor can it fulfill the role of SCDC and conduct the work done by SCDC. The County Economic Development Committee is designed to bring County assets to play to benefit the region as a whole.

Review of current initiatives by both groups
Sauk County Development Corporation is making getting out into the communities and conducting retention surveys in the THRIVE format, as a priority. The Board has been reviewing its function and role in playing an active part in the ongoing vitality of the organization in their respective communities. Overhauling and revamping of the website is key to attracting prospects and is high on the list of priorities. The Economic Development Committee is working on intergovernmental collaborations to develop county infrastructure assets. The Rails and Trails stakeholder initiative is an example of one such effort. The expansion of the fiber optic network in rural areas is another example of infrastructure development. The committee also identified three large county property assets to study and recommend potential uses for.

The joint meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. on a motion by Halfen, second by Bowers. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Donald Stevens
Economic Development Committee Secretary