Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/201303
on the web » www.ocontocounty.org » www.exploreflorencecounty.com » www.marinettecounty.com recently completed its fifth building project in the last three years and was just awarded contracts to build two more Littoral Combat Ships. Ann Hartnell, executive director of the Marinette County Association for Business and Industry, says the role Marinette Marine plays in the area's economic development is so significant it can be difficult to even measure. "The impact is almost incalculable; it's in the billions of dollars," Hartnell says. Yet, even with such a major player as Marinette Marine within their borders, county leaders recognize that seemingly simple efforts can also help foster economic development in the long run. With that in mind, they held a seminar last month, "Wisconsin Economic Development 101," for local Wisconsin "If you don't grow, you stagnate and die. It happens all the time in small towns. You need to do something for people to want to stay there." –Ann Hartnell, Marinette County Association for Business and Industry executive director. Economic Development Association (WEDA) members "to teach our local county board members and municipality officials what economic development is and what it can do for their communities," Hartnell says. The key to the message, she says, is the importance of first conceiving a plan for economic development and then slowly building on that plan. "This is not a short-term thing. This is something that works over a period of probably 20 years for most communities," she says. "Make small changes and invest in their communities in ways that slowly grow the community." That growth, she says, is crucial to the vitality of any region. "If you don't grow, you stagnate and die. It happens all the time in small towns. You need to do something for people to want to stay there," she says. As an example, Hartnell points out active recreation areas for children, like a recent development in Wausaukee. "We've noticed some young families who are staying in the area or have relocated from out of town." Florence and Oconto: It pays to play Tapping into tourism traffic is a recurring theme among [continued] » Energy expenses can be The eNeRGY eNThUSIAST Is enthusiastic about making his business more efficient. among the largest costs for many businesses. That's why it pays to be enthusiastic about energy efficiency. By taking simple, affordable steps, such as installing a programmable thermostat and closing vents in rarely used spaces, you can cut energy costs and improve your bottom line. Get enthusiastic about saving energy at your business — learn more at wisconsinpublicservice.com. It's Worth The Energy®! Connect with us on Twitter: @WPSforBiz w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m N o v e m b e r 2 013 • Insight | 39