Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation to hold summit in Tomahawk

TOMAHAWK – The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) will hold its 2025 Economic Summit in Tomahawk next month.

Founded in 1999, LCEDC is an independent nonprofit organization that supports economic and community development in the Lincoln County.

“LCEDC is focused on driving economic growth that elevates local communities and enhances economic well-being across the region,” LCEDC’s website states, noting that the organization works closely with businesses, government entities, community organizations and other likeminded stakeholders to identify and implement strategies that promote economic vitality.

This year’s summit, themed "Economic Empowerment for Rural Communities," will be held at Inshalla Country Club, N11060 Clear Lake Rd., Tomahawk, on Tuesday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Designed to empower and strengthen rural businesses and communities, the summit offers attendees the opportunity to engage in either a full or half-day of economic insights and educational sessions,” a release from LCEDC said. “Participants will gain valuable knowledge on key economic issues that drive business and community success.”

The event will kick off with a morning focus on economic updates.

LCEDC said attendees will “receive essential economic updates from local governments and economic partners,” followed by a “State of the Economy” presentation from John Koskinen, Chief Economist for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

The morning will conclude with a keynote spotlight from Mike Ward, Vice President of Business and Community Development with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), who will share actionable strategies for rural business and community empowerment.

Lunch will be provided by local food trucks, allowing guests to support local businesses while networking with fellow attendees.

The afternoon session will focus on economic education, with three different breakout session tracks allowing attendees to tailor their learning experience.

The sessions include:

• Managing Your Business. Topics include workforce retention, business resources and legal foundations.
• Financing Your Business. Discussions on funding options, government contracts and securing capital.
• Marketing Your Business. Strategies for budget-friendly marketing, comparing different marketing methods and collaborating with marketing partners.

The closing presentation will focus on empowering economies through entrepreneurs.

LCEDC said the summit will conclude with “an insightful discussion led by experts from the UW-Madison Division of Extension, focusing on the critical role of entrepreneur-led businesses in rural economic success and how communities can support them effectively.”

Tickets and additional information are available at www.lincolncountyedc.org/event-details/2025-economic-summit. Early registration is encouraged.

Sponsorships are also available. View the event page or contact the LCEDC for more information.

“Don’t miss this engaging and informative event designed to drive economic growth and success in rural communities,” LCEDC stated.

For more information, contact Sara Guild, LCEDC Executive Director, at Director@lincolncountyedc.org or 715-390-0747.