Vilas County EDC Launches “Broadband Destination” Campaign Showcasing Vilas County Live/Work Lifestyle to Accelerate Economic Growth

Monday , Jun 23, 2025

Have you ever dreamed of living and working where you vacation?  
Vilas County is ready for you!"

That’s the message behind the newly launched Broadband Destination Campaign, an initiative by the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) to promote Vilas County as the ideal location for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and expanding businesses. With fast, reliable broadband now widely available, residents can enjoy small-town living with global reach. The campaign is branded under a strong identity:

“Vilas County: A Broadband Destination. 
Northwoods Charm. Big City Connection.”

“High-speed broadband is the foundation of a strong economy,” said Kathy Schmitz, Executive Director, Vilas County Economic Development Corporation. “Five years ago, we developed a strategy to bring high-speed broadband to Vilas County and since then, we’ve gone from 5 percent broadband coverage to 86 percent!  As a result, we’ve become a premier Northwoods destination to live and work for remote workers, entrepreneurs and expanding businesses, all contributing to a strong, resilient economy.”

Schmitz added, the rapid expansion of broadband now provides the ability to do business globally among Vilas County’s beautiful lakes and forests.

A Campaign Unlike Any Other in Wisconsin

The Broadband Destination Campaign is a unique initiative among rural economic development organizations—not just highlighting available broadband service, but proactively marketing it as a catalyst for economic growth and lifestyle transformation.

Who’s Featured in the Campaign?

The campaign features real stories of people living and working in Vilas County with high-speed broadband access as well as key Vilas County EDC leadership and Charter Spectrum:

Vanessa, a remote insurance professional who relocated from Boston:

“The exceptional expansion of high-speed broadband here made it possible to have a slower, simpler life while maintaining a successful career. I’ve created a life here that I don’t have to take a vacation from.”

Dan Beihoff, owner of Eagle River Roasters:

“Thanks to the high-speed internet here, we were able to build our business and grow our family—without losing what makes this place so special. Broadband has helped us provide exceptional connectivity, reach customers across the country through our online store, and source from the best growers globally.”

Kathy Schmitz, Vilas County EDC Executive Director:

“Have you ever dreamed of living and working where you vacation? In Vilas County, now you can. We are now a premier Northwoods destination for remote workers and entrepreneurs, giving you the ability to do business world-wide from our beautiful lakes and forests. Now that’s Northwoods Charm, with Big City Connection.”

The Campaign Features Extended Interviews With:

• Noah Lottig, VCEDC Board Member and Broadband Committee Chair
• Mark Olejniczak, Construction Manager, Charter Spectrum
• Heidi Reiter Kramsvogel, Market Manager, Incredible Bank

Campaign Strategy & Reach

The Vilas County: A Broadband Destination campaign will launch June 23, 2025 and run through 2025 across:

• Streaming services and social media platforms
• Targeted Midwest markets, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois.

To watch the videos, visit:  www.vilascountyedc.org/broadband

Community Support & Appreciation

“The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation extends its sincere gratitude to Incredible Bank and the Incredible Bank Foundation, as well as a private foundation, for their generous funding support of this campaign,” said Kathy Schmitz, Executive Director, Vilas County Economic Development Corporation. “Their support enabled us to tell a compelling story: that in Vilas County, people can build meaningful careers while enjoying the unmatched natural beauty of the Northwoods.”

About the VCEDC

The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) is a nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to building a strong, resilient, and diverse Northwoods economy. It is comprised of a volunteer, working Board of Directors and an Executive Director which have local, regional, and national business experience. The VCEDC is focused on advancing infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and regional vitality. With the launch of this campaign, VCEDC demonstrates that broadband is more than access—it’s a pathway to opportunity, innovation, and community sustainability.

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