Page 44
Progress — 2014
Incubators helping entrepreneurs
develop businesses in Vilas County
The overall goal of the Vilas County
Economic Development Corp. (VCEDC)
is the connection of local resources to
various partners in Vilas County in order to improve the economic future of
the county and the quality of life for all
of its residents.
The past two years have gone a long
way toward accomplishing that goal, according to VCEDC Executive Director
Bob Egan.
After opening its first business incubator in what was formerly Eagle River’s Cranberry Products building in August of 2012, the VCEDC has successfully followed up with two additional incubator locations.
The second incubator, opened in
2013, is located at 399 Highway 51 in
Manitowish Waters. Following the example of its Eagle River counterpart, the
Manitowish Waters Business Incubator
offers a low-cost working space solution
for start-up and expanding businesses.
The third location, at 555 Enterprise
Way in Eagle River, is a 13,000-squarefoot facility called the Highway 70 Business Park. It focuses on businesses re-
quiring manufacturing capabilities. The
business park is a partnership between
the VCEDC and the Juday family.
In 2013, David Juday told WXPR Radio, “I came across this building and I
thought what a marvelous opportunity
— to extend that which had been started by my dad, and take it to the next
step by creating that space that those
young entrepreneurs need to get started.”
Each location provides wireless access to high-speed Internet, is equipped
with state-of-the-art video conferencing
capability, as well as financial, marketing and strategic planning guidance
available to all incubator tenants.
Board member and project manager
Barry McLeane said the incubators are
a win-win situation.
“It’s important to remember that the
incubators, while providing vital support
for their tenants, are also meant to be
valuable assets to the community,” said
McLeane. “We have a lot to offer existing
businesses throughout Vilas County.”
One of the most popular resources
available is provided in partnership
with Nicolet College. The E-Seed™ Innovative Entrepreneurship Training program helps turn business ideas into reality. Twelve weekly sessions guide new
and existing businesses to apply practical, real-world management and planning tools to the business plan.
Egan said the combination of the incubators and classes is making a difference in people’s lives and business goals.
“The VCEDC has brought value and
opportunity to individuals in the area
who have an idea or dream,” said Egan.
Formed in 2010 out of the Vilas County Board’s Economic Development Committee, the VCEDC is set up as a 501(c)3
public-private partnership with an allvolunteer board chaired by G. Steven
Burrill, a globally-recognized expert in
the biotechnology field, chairman and
CEO of San Francisco-based Burrill &
Co. and part-time Eagle River resident.
The corporation is staffed full time by
Egan, who is a long-standing member of
the local business community.
For more information, contact Egan
at (715) 337-0061 or [email protected] or
visit the website at vilasedc.org.
BOB EGAN
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