Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Welcomes Marisue Drumm as Business Outreach Specialist

Eagle River, WI., February 7, 2022…. The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) is pleased to welcome Marisue Drumm to the role of Business Outreach Specialist. The new part-time, two-year position is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Community Navigator Pilot Program Grant, an American Rescue Plan initiative designed to support small businesses, especially those owned by veterans, women, and those from rural communities and communities of color, which often face barriers when accessing support. The funding was awarded to the VCEDC through Nicolet College which applied for the grant. Drumm began her role on February 1, 2022. 

“Marisue brings more than 30 years of solid business experience and results including leading the marketing, branding, business to business, and retail channels for companies and major national brands including Kohler Co., Kaytee Products, Culligan, Nesco-American Harvest,” said Kathy Schmitz, VCEDC Executive Director. “In this role, Marisue will help further strengthen our mission to provide proactive, individual, and critical support for Vilas County businesses, and entrepreneurs and expanding businesses considering moving to Vilas County. This support includes providing vital information and resources, including grant opportunities, to help ensure their success and build a resilient economy.”

Drumm graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, she has an Associate of Arts Degree in Paralegal from Lakeshore Technical Institute, she completed graduate studies in Marketing and Finance at the University of Wisconsin & Lakeland College, and she is currently enrolled at Nicolet College pursuing a Digital Marketing Certificate.  

“As a Three Lakes native, I am thrilled to be returning to the Eagle River area to provide services to local businesses in Vilas County.  I am familiar with the unique challenges of running a business in Northern Wisconsin and look forward to working with the VCEDC to share the powerful tools available to local businesses,” stated Drumm.  

About the Community Navigator Pilot Program:  

The SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program utilizes a “hub and spoke” model with the “hub” being Nicolet College and the “spoke” being the VCEDC.  Nicolet College was one of 51 grantees selected nationwide to serve as a hub. The VCEDC is one of seven Northwoods economic development corporations and the Lac du Flambeau Tribe to serve as “spokes” to implement the grant funding to benefit small businesses in our communities. 

For more information, contact VCEDC Executive Director at [email protected].  Businesses looking for support should contact Drumm at [email protected].

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