WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — Business leaders in Wisconsin Rapids will be spotlighting how they are working to diversify the town’s economy as part of a summit on Thursday.
The Transitioning our Economy event begins at 7:30 at the Hotel Mead with panel discussions on workforce development and innovation. Rick Bakovka with the Regional Economic Growth Initiative says they are hoping to change some of the dialog around the community and region. “Central Wisconsin has suffered a huge blow to its economy over the last 15 years or so due to losses in the paper industry. In that time the public awareness or knowledge of the things that local leaders are doing to try to grow the economy haven’t always been as good as they could be.” He adds that a recent survey showed a lack of transparency from local leaders was one of the top complaints among residents.
He says those at the summit will hear stories about successful businesses, both small and large, that have had success in the region. That includes tours of what will be the new Boys and Girls Club/YMCA facility at the location of the old Rapids Mall along with the groundbreaking of the planned improvements to the Wisconsin Rapids Airport at 1:30 PM. A reception will also be held at the Sand Valley Golf Resort in Nekoosa.
Bakovka hopes that those attending the event will realize that things in Central Wisconsin aren’t as bad as some people say they are. “Really there is optimism and hope and good news for the future [of the region].”
