Incourage

A recent assessment of our region’s ability to attract investment and support economic growth provided a transparent look at strengths, challenges and missed opportunities, and paved the way for a path forward.

Incourage’s initial investment and ongoing collaborative investments in innovative and targeted workforce and economic development solutions nurtured the creation of the Regional Economic Growth Initiative (REGI), a non-profit collaborative of businesses, municipalities, community organizations, and philanthropy. In 2014, REGI received a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) grant to engage in assessing the region’s ability to attract investment and support economic growth, and to compare that ability to that of peers across the country. Assessment results were recently released.

“We see opportunity here for business to flourish and grow, and for families to choose the area as their home,” noted Diane Lupke, of Lupke & Associates, who undertook the assessment. Lupke continued, “If economic development is about creating shared wealth, then economic success is driven by shared opportunity, and realized by shared responsibility. Shore up those things you have taken for granted; collaborate with your neighbors; make the investments necessary to realize your potential.”

To learn more, visit Incourage’s website to download additional resources:
REGI Origin Story
REGI Competitive Asset Assessment – Executive Summary
REGI Competitive Asset Assessment – Full Report

Diane Lupke speaking at the REGI presentation on September 28, 2015

Cafe connects American Heroes
Nekoosa resident Bill Haack wanted a place for veterans to gather to socialize and tell stories. To do that, he opened the American Heroes Cafe Central Wisconsin. A What If grant from Incourage helps support this effort, which strengthens the relationship among those who serve our country. Additionally, an Incourage School Plus grant helped Woodside Kindergarten students paint plates and mugs for the Cafe. View the “American Heroes Cafe” video here.

Investing for community impact
A sustainable, inclusive local economy is an outcome of Incourage’s vision of a community that works well for all. In this video, Incourage Board Member Dale Bikowski talks about impact investing and why it matters for our community. View the Impact Investing video here.

Tribune under construction
Earlier this month, the interior demolition phase of construction began on the Tribune! This work will include building abatement and removal of non-structural interior walls, ceilings, electrical, and plumbing. Contractors for this phase include:

• Altmann Construction Company, Inc., Wisconsin Rapids (Demolition)
• Current Technologies Inc., Port Edwards (Electrical)
• Kohls Plumbing & Heating Inc., Vesper (Plumbing)
• Mavo Systems, Inc., Wausau (Abatement)
• Tweet-Garot Mechanical Inc., Wisconsin Rapids (Mechanical)

Incourage remains committed to utilizing local subcontractors in the Tribune renovations who demonstrate commitment to building a better community. The companies selected showed dedication to their employees and community, and displayed knowledge of the Tribune and its potential for our shared future.

Mark your calendar for next public meeting
Tuesday, December 1 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Renaissance Learning
At the last public meeting on October 6, residents brainstormed activities at the Tribune that they would anticipate participating in once the building opens in 2017. At the December 1 meeting, residents will take the ideas from October 6 and work together towards creating a calendar of events for 2016 that would complement the anticipated use of the Tribune. Let’s continue sharing, learning and creating together! RSVP here.

With gratitude
At Incourage, we’re excited and thankful for the promise our community holds and for the community members who join us on our journey. At this time of Thanksgiving and throughout the year, we thank you for your investments of time, talent and financial support. Together, we’re building a community that works well for all people!