Donate to Vilas County EDC

A few years ago, the old hospital in the Town of Phelps stood empty, a painful reminder of what our small towns risk when opportunity fades.

Today, that same bluff overlooking North Twin Lake hums with new possibility as plans for a mixed-use development take shape. The turnaround didn’t happen by chance. It happened because leaders like Town Supervisor Jeremy Ryan believed their community’s best days are still ahead – and because the VCEDC stepped up to help bring their vision to life.

Jeremy described the VCEDC’s role this way:

“Your genuine concern for the health, growth, and future of Vilas County communities has been evident every step of the way. Without your guidance, connections, and determination, there’s no way we could have navigated the demolition, funding, and site planning challenges. Your help isn’t only useful; it’s essential.”

That word – essential – captures the essence of the VCEDC’s work.

While rural communities across Wisconsin grappled with inflation, worker shortages, and rising costs this year, Vilas County and the VCEDC kept moving forward. We’ve turned ideas into progress through our:

• comprehensive support for small business owners with 11 business owners supported through 1-1 consulting and 147 attendees at seven Lunch & Learn virtual events during the past year.
• new Northland Pines High School Entrepreneur Program, which gave over 100 students hands-on experience developing business plans and pitching their ideas to local leaders, including Dick Leinenkugel, former president of Leinenkugel Brewing Company. These students are imagining successful futures right here at home.
• Women in Business networking events, which sold out again this year, proof that women entrepreneurs are eager to connect and grow. In 2026, we’ll expand this program to include tailored 1-on-1 consulting and mentorship to empower women to start and grow businesses here.
• “Northwoods Charm. Big City Connection” Midwest ad campaign marketing Vilas County as a broadband destination for tourists, remote workers, small businesses, and residents who want the charm of the Northwoods with the connection of a big city.

Your support has made this work possible. But we can’t stop now.

The VCEDC’s vision is to be the catalyst for economic innovation and sustainable prosperity that complements our pristine Northwoods environment and quality of life. And with record numbers of people choosing to live, work, and build businesses here in Vilas County, our efforts are paying off.

To sustain this growth, though, we must ensure Vilas County remains a place where people can start and grow a business, earn a living wage, and build a year-round life.

That’s why I’m asking you to make a special year-end gift to the VCEDC before December 31. Your tax-deductible donation will help us:

• Complete projects like the Phelps Bluff Redevelopment Project
• Expand programs for aspiring entrepreneurs
• Strengthen our local economy for the long term

Community leaders like Jeremy Ryan understand how critical your support is right now:

“The VCEDC needs consistent funding and strong support. Without it, we risk losing momentum – and that loss would ripple across every corner of this county.”

Every dollar you give is an investment in small business owners and entrepreneurs – and in the long-term prosperity of Vilas County.