WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — After going over a year without an Economic Development Director, the city of Wausau is ready to welcome a new face to city hall.
Mayor Katie Rosenberg announced the hire of Elizabeth Brodek in late June after Chris Schock retired in the spring of 2019 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rosenberg says she brings enthusiasm and energy back to the city she used to serve.
“If you know Liz, you know she might be more enthusiastic [about this city] than me,” said Rosenberg. ” She’s actually the person in the state that has the most experience working with the most BIDs (Business Improvement Districts). I think we will have a lot of energy coming in.
“Dealing with boards of all kinds and business owners, she’s really good at that,” added Rosenberg.
Brodek was the leader of the Wausau River District until 2018 when she turned that position over to Blake Opal-Wahoske. After that, she moved on to a similar job in Eau Claire before moving on to Milwaukee.
Rosenberg said despite not having a formal economic development director on the payroll they were able to get business done in the last year. Brad Lenz served as the interim and the city also had a business development specialist who was able to serve as a liaison between them and those wanting to set up shop.
She adds that the Brodek will step into an important role with the city having numerous parcels ripe for development. That includes the mixed-use space that will be built at the site of the former Wausau Center Mall, which is nearly 80% demolished as of this week.
Schock retired to move with his wife to Costa Rica. Just before his retirement, he told WSAU news he wasn’t sure that he would re-enter the workforce.
Other topics Rosenberg discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video-new economic development director for the city
6:00- Goats in Barker Stewart Island
9:30- Recap of weekend events and more events to come
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