Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

We were proud to be part of the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit in Green Bay over the past two days—and to have Secretary & CEO John W. Miller join the “Economic Development Through Technology Adoption in Manufacturing and Workforce Needs” panel.

Wisconsin Economic Development's nearly $200M in FY25 investments—our strongest year in five—underscore our commitment to creating an economy for all across all 72 counties. From Wisconsin's strong manufacturing roots to rapidly growing sectors like biohealth and forward-focused industries like fusion energy, Wisconsin’s future as a manufacturing leader is only getting stronger.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Grainger Institute for Engineering.

Business Facilities recognized the state's Thrive Rural Wisconsin program with a 2026 Economic Development Award.

The program was designed to address limited local capacity to plan, fund, and implement complex development initiatives in rural communities.

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Presenting The 2026 Economic Development Awards - Business Facilities Magazine Business Facilities’ 2026 Economic Development Awards recognize programs and initiatives making an impact on economic and community growth.

Last week, WEDC's deputy secretary and chief operating officer Sam Rikkers and regional economic development director Dave Wierzba visited the Twin Ports community and had the chance to tour two businesses that recently expanded into Wisconsin.

Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna moved the manufacturing of their modular outdoor saunas to Superior, Wisconsin in fall 2025, increasing the production capabilities of their outdoor saunas.
Sauna demand is hot globally, and the Superior locations' access to manufacturing talent, timber resources, and a seaport position them for continued growth.

Nearby, something sweet is happening at Love Creamery where owner Nicole Wild repurposed and later purchased a former gas station in the Billings Park neighborhood. WEDC supported the project, the business' third location and first in Wisconsin, with a Community Development Investment grant.