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June Greetings,

We are ushering in warm weather, and our communities are welcoming tourists. Yes, it's Summertime in the Northwoods!

We hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather.  

It's a busy time for the VCEDC.  Scroll down to see all that is happening in Vilas County.
Congratulations NPHS

The Northland Pines School District recently announced that the Northland Pines High School has earned a Silver Badge from U.S. News & World Report.

There are 507 high schools in the state of Wisconsin that the U.S. News and World Report collected data on. Of these 507 schools, Northland Pines High School is ranked #60. Nationally, there are more than 22,000 high schools that the U.S. News and World Report collected data on. Of these 22,000 high schools, Northland Pines High School is ranked #2,302.


"The wonderful accomplishment of a Silver Badge is the result of hard work by our students, parents, community, and staff. The options the Northland Pines High School is able to offer all of its students is key to the success for students at our school," said Scott Foster, Northland Pines High School principal.

"The final key to this type of success is the constant effort to get better each and every day. The Northland Pines High School is grateful for this recognition and will continue to support students and their efforts in reaching these types of successes in the future."
Net Graduates

The Nicolet Entrepreneurial Training (NET) program recently held graduations in Eagle River and Rhinelander.

Eight entrepreneurs completed the Eagle River program. Left to right: Sherry Mayoh, Rita Krupka, Kevin Cibulka, Erica Wick, Carrie Rasmussen, Jamie Burkart, Sandy Bishop, Bog Egan, Patty Krarup (Eagle River Instructor), Heidi Backes and Rob Kissner. Missing is Becky Yielding and Richard Jack.


Six entrepreneurs completed the Rhinelander program. Left to right: Roger Luce, Oneida County EDC Exec Director; Bob Egan, Sarah Gardner, Jon Nelson, Jamie Burkart (Rhinelander Instructor), Ryan Doberstein, Jaron Childs, Baxter Gill, Doris McAllister, Sandy Bishop and Dr. Richard Nelson, President of Nicolet College. Missing is Joe Dorion.


"There are many different factors that come into play when launching and running a business," said Sandy Bishop, Nicolet dean of Workforce and Economic Development. "Each workshop provided an overview of topics that included creating a business plan, analyzing the market and competition, securing funding, and other factors that go into operating a successful business."

Tuition scholarships for future NET classes are available for Vilas County resident entrepreneurs.  For information, contact Bob Egan.

"The NET program is an exceptional resource for entrepreneurs and those considering opening their own business," said Bob Egan, Executive Director of the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation.

"We are now working on forming an Entrepreneurs Resource Network (ERN). Regional economic development directors are meeting to pool resources and identify mentors," Bob continued.  More information on the ERN will be shared as it becomes available.

Congratulations Entrepreneurs!
Executive Director's Notes

Bob Egan leads the VCEDC's initiatives, working with partner organizations to facilitate business growth in Vilas County. Bob also manages the Highway 70 Business Incubator.

Bob attended both NET graduations, as shown above, and is now working with regional economic development directors on the formation of the Entrepreneur Resource Network (ERN).

Work continues on the Nagel property.  Bob is working with the DNR and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) on the clean up, demolition and plant recovery.

For more information, contact Bob at 715-337-0061.
Project Manager's Notes

Barry McLeane manages the Manitowish Waters Incubator, the Phelps A ccelerator, and the Eye on Entrepreneurs facility in Eagle River.

The Manitowish Waters Incubator and the Phelps Accelerator currently have openings.  Office sizes vary, and services at each facility are diverse.

For more information on either location, contact Barry at 715-891-1284.
Business Survey

Dear Business Owner,

Businesses nationwide are subject to many influences that affect stability. Vilas County's business community is no exception and is certainly subject to an ever-changing business landscape. Numerous factors have an influence on your business. That's why we would like to hear from YOU. Our small businesses are the most important part of our economy in Vilas County and your input is critical.


The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) is asking for you to provide your comments on the enclosed survey. The survey questions are designed to help us collect data about issues that are vital to your business concerns. Your response will help ensure that future program efforts from the VCEDC continue to meet the needs of our local business community.

To do this successfully, we need to hear from you! Please complete our survey. Your participation is voluntary but will be greatly appreciated. Your answers will be kept confidential. If you have questions, please contact Chris Stark of UW-Extension at 715-479-3651.

Our Website

For the past couple of months, we have been updating our website. We have included additional resources for Entrepreneurs, as well as photos that represent our communities.  Take a look!


View Our Success Stories

As we continue to invest in Vilas County businesses, we are developing Success Stories to share with the community and emerging entrepreneurs.

View the VCEDC Success Stories.

Who We Are

Carl Ruedebusch, Chairman
Dave Juday, Vice Chairman
Denise Jantzen, Treasurer
Nicole Justa, Secretary
Emil Bakka
Wally Beversdorf
Lori Collins Emerson Coy
Anne Derber
Steve Doyen
Gloria Cobb Dick Hansen
John Hanson
Mary Cole Laub
Laurie Oungst
Mark Rose
Jim Tuckwell
Kim Simac
Ex Officio Members -
G. Steven Burrill
Richard Nelson
Ron Skallerud
Chris Stark
Our Goals

The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation works to create successful public-private partnerships that stimulate sustainable economic growth throughout Vilas County.

The Board and staff provide innovative leadership and help provide regional infrastructure to improve the economic climate in Vilas County, promote creation of new businesses and growth of existing businesses, and provide increased opportunities for education to help strengthen workforce development.
Vilas County EDC | 715-337-0061 | Email | Website
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