Iron County works toward building economy

By PAMELA JANSSON

pjansson@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley - Members of the Iron County Economic Development Committee met on Tuesday evening to brainstorm ways in which to strengthen local business, whether existing or new.

They also worked toward refining specific goals toward that objective by acknowledging the need to address weaknesses, such as a need for housing, affordable daycare and broadband extension.

In addition, they expressed interest in retaining young people or in luring them back to this region.

"If we could get a sense of what the kids want, it would be a big boon," said Ken Saari.

Led by transitional chairman Larry Youngs, members also explored their sense of what existing and potential residents want in a home.

"People like the amenities of restaurants and theatres" in urban areas, said Ken Saari, "but they come up here and they love how beautiful it is."

He added, "What people seem to be attracted to now is that small town feel."

Neil Gilbertson said that Rhinelander, Wisconsin, has made great strides in the past couple decades or so, attracting more and more businesses.

"It's pretty amazing what they did," he said, adding that he will research how they accomplished their success.

Gilbertson also noted that businesses seeking new locations tend to "land" in places where they get tax deals.

"They go to communities where they're going to roll out the red carpet," he said, advising that Iron County should be aggressive in pursuing such interests.

The advantage, he suggested, is that once one such company establishes itself, then others tend to follow.

Melissa Copp, executive director of the Mercer Chamber of Commerce, supported the notion of attracting business but also cautioned that the interests of local business should be remembered meanwhile.

Julie "Opie" Doucette said the area has "a lot of talented people" and suggested that a questionnaire could help, with questions regarding what the community wants from the committee and what types of business are desired here.

Regarding new entrepreneurs, she said, "There is a lot of potential that, if people just had that first step forward, they could do it."

She said said people on the committee have skills for informal mentoring and that even a couple hours of advice could help. "A lot of people don't know how to put together a business plan," she said.

Doucette said it's also important to keep the educational system as strong as possible. "How you attract people is to point out how wonderful our schools are," she said.

Beyond that, Doucette said that the community should capitalize on the area's idyllic location for outdoor activity.

Doug Swartz and Gary Pelkola pushed for greater use of the Iron County Fairgrounds year-round.

Swartz said the new fairground stage is nearing completion and provides a springboard for additional events there.

Saari and Youngs mentioned music festivals and Doucette pondered the possibility of hosting "the "world's largest flea market."

Joseph Miller of the Iron County Extension office, affiliated with the University of Madison - said that he can help connect the committee to a variety of resources, whether educational or financial, including direction on grants.

"I don't know everything, but I know that everyone in this room knows enough that we can get to where we need to go," said Youngs. "I know you're going to do the right thing for the county."

In other news, Doucette was elected as treasurer and Autumn Hill was elected as secretary.

At the committee's May meeting, Richard Boes was elected chairman, and Jamey Francis was elected as vice chairman.

Youngs said that the new officers will take over those roles hereon.

The committee normally has met quarterly but opted to schedule their next meeting on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. in the board room of the Iron County Courthouse.

At that meeting, members hope to refine some of the goals discussed Tuesday while also creating a mission statement and working toward a website.

Moreover, said Karl Zinsmaster, "I feel like this group would really benefit from having a business plan."

He added that the committee also should consider hosting every other meeting in Mercer, "so we can be more inclusive."