EAGLE RIVER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) — The push to work remotely got center stage this last year.
It’s helped contribute to an increase of people moving to the Northwoods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation has been making an effort to get remote workers to come here for years. “I mean we’re already very definitely on the map as a phenomenal tourist destination, but our mission is to put Vilas County on the map as a wonderful place to work full time and to live,” said Board Chairman Jim Tuckwell.
Right now, VCEDC has outreach campaigns to attract remote workers, entrepreneurs, and expanding businesses. Tuckwell wants those workers to be able to get the job done from anywhere in Vilas County, but right now that’s not possible because of gaps in broadband.
He said a year and a half ago they developed a map of provider service areas. “We want to take this a step further and actually develop address-level data so that we can help business startups and potential remote workers as they call and say ‘I’m thinking of Vilas County, where’s the best broadband?’” said Tuckwell.
Tuckwell said it will also be good data to support grant requests. He also says it’s good information for the Vilas County townships and the Lac du Flambeau tribe to use to improve broadband infrastructure.
VCEDC is asking who lives in Vilas County to complete a survey on its website. Tuckwell says it takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
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