Economic Development & UW-Extension Committee — Agenda Packet

1 Sawyer County Economic Development & UW-Extension Committee Meeting Monday, October 5, 2026 @ 8:30 AM Sawyer County Board Room AGENDA 1. ZOOM LINK a. To view or participate in the virtual meeting from a computer, iPad, or Android device please go to https://zoom.us/j/97642007840. You can also use the dial in at 1-312-626-6799 with the Webinar ID: 976 4200 7840. Use *9 to Raise/lower hand and *6 to Unmute/mute. If you are on a computer, click the "Raise Hand" button and wait to be recognized. If you are on a telephone, dial *9 and wait to be recognized. If additional assistance is needed please contact the County Clerk's Office at 715- 634-4866 prior to the meeting. This meeting will be recorded and will be available on our website at: https://sawyercountygov.org. 2. CALL TO ORDER 3. ROLL CALL 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 5. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW 6. MEETING AGENDA 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS At this time, members of the public will be given the opportunity to address the Board. Please adhere to the following when addressing the Board: • Comments will be limited to 3 minutes or less per individual. • Comments should be directed to the Board as a whole and not directed to individual Board members. • The Board cannot respond to your comments during this time. • Please sign in and fill out a public comment sheet if you wish to speak and hand it to the County Clerk (please respect the signs and do not approach Board members at the table). 8. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING a. Draft Econ Minutes 9.8.26 9. LIBRARY UPDATES (JAN, APR, JUL, OCT) a. Weiss Library Report Page 1 of 40 2 b. Winter Library Report c. LCO Library Report 10. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EXTENSION REPORT (FEB, MAY, AUG, NOV) 11. HAYWARD LAKES VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU REPORT a. HLVCB Report 12. NORTHWEST REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT a. NWRPC Report 13. SAWYER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REPORT a. EDC REPORT 14. TRAIL REPORTS- MOTORIZED AND NON-MOTORIZED a. Motorized b. Non-motorized 15. BOARD APPOINTED COMMITTEE UPDATES 16. CORRESPONDENCE, REPORTS FROM CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS 17. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 18. FINALIZATION OF BUSINESS 19. NEXT MEETING DATE /TIME: NOVEMBER 2, 2026 AT 8:30 AM 20. ADJOURNMENT DISCLAIMER: A quorum of the County Board of Supervisors or of any of its committees may be present at this meeting to listen and observe. Neither the Board nor any of the committees have established attendance at this meeting as an official function of the Board or committee(s) or otherwise made a determination that attendance at the meeting is necessary to carry out the Board or committee’s function. The only purpose for other supervisors attending the meeting is to listen to the information presented. Neither the Board nor any committee (other than the committee providing this notice and agenda) will take any official action with respect to this noticed meeting. Page 2 of 40 3 Copy sent via email to: Committee Members, Associated Staff and News Media. Note: Any person wishing to attend whom, because of a disability, requires accommodation should call the Sawyer County Clerk’s Office (715.634.4866) at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting so appropriate arrangements can be made. Mission Statement: The Sawyer County Board of Supervisors will strive to provide excellent services and responsible leadership to protect and enhance Sawyer County citizens, businesses, and resources, while preserving our unique heritage. Page 3 of 40 Minutes of the September 8 , 2026 Meeting of the Sawyer County Economic Development and UW-Extension Committee of the Sawyer County Board of Supervisors Board Room; Sawyer County Voting Committee Members Present: Others Present: John Righeimer Mike Markgren Lori Baltrusis Vacant Laura Bruce Stacey Hessel Jim Miller Mindy Simons Mindy Simons Steve Longtine Brian Priester Randy Neumann Call to Order – Mr. Righeimer called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. Certification of Compliance with the open meeting law was met. Roll Call was taken. Quorum was met. Meeting Agenda -- Set Public Comments – None. Minutes from the previous meeting dated: August 10, 2026 Motion to approve made by: Mr. Longtine Second by: Mr. Neumann Motion carried without negative vote. UW Extension Report – None Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau Report—Ms. Simons gave a summary of the annual marketing performance report for their fiscal year ending June 30th which includes paid advertising & media placements, digital video campaigns, organic social media, and website performance. She reported on a new partnership with Discover Mediaworks. She answered questions regarding social media and influencers. NW Regional Planning Report --None SC Economic Development Corporation Report— Mr. Priester reported on the upcoming EDC 101 presentation, the Small Business Technological Grant (SBTA) and the Small Business Development Grant (SBDG). He reported the name change has officially been completed and the new website has been launched. Trail Reports-- Motorized— Mr. Neumann read a report. There has been a lot of ATV and UTV traffic on the trails and patronizing local businesses, crews are out brushing trails and updating signage, and the clubs are looking for an update regarding the date restrictions on the trails going through the reservation. Non-Motorized trails— None. Board Appointed Committee Updates – No reports Correspondence, Reports from Conferences— None Page 4 of 40 Future Agenda Items – Election or appointment of a vice chair. Adjournment –8:56 am Meeting Date/Time – The next meeting of the Economic Development and UW-Extension Committee will be Tuesday, October 5, 2026 at 8:30 am in the Board Room. Minutes recorded by Laura Bruce, Elected Official Deputy Clerk Page 5 of 40 Page 6 of 40 Page 7 of 40 Page 8 of 40 Page 9 of 40 Page 10 of 40 Page 11 of 40 Page 12 of 40 Page 13 of 40 Page 14 of 40 Page 15 of 40 Page 16 of 40 Page 17 of 40 Page 18 of 40 Page 19 of 40 Page 20 of 40 Page 21 of 40 Page 22 of 40 Page 23 of 40 Page 24 of 40 Page 25 of 40 Page 26 of 40 Page 27 of 40 Page 28 of 40 Page 29 of 40 Page 30 of 40 Page 31 of 40 WINTER PUBLIC LIBRARY 3rd Quarter Report By Donna Knuckey winter.wislib@gmail.com Mission Statement: The mission of the Winter Public Library is to provide quality materials and services which fulfill the education, information, cultural and recreational needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is welcoming, respectful and businesslike. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ The role of a modern library extends far beyond the traditional quiet repository for books. Key functions include: ● Digital and Internet Access: They bridge the digital divide by offering free Wi-Fi, computer access, and circulating mobile hotspots for patrons who lack reliable internet at home. ● Education and Literacy: Libraries foster lifelong learning through early literacy storytimes, tutoring, homework help, and language instruction for new immigrants. ● Community Connection: They function as essential "third places" where seniors can socialize, teens can study, and community groups can hold meetings, all free of charge. ● Social and Career Navigators: Librarians increasingly serve as community guides, helping individuals draft resumes, apply for jobs, and access housing or mental health resources. Friends of the Library Friends of the Library assists in fundraising efforts and also volunteers at library events. Fundraisers have been held all year long. Our last fundraiser for the year is during Homespun Holidays at the Winter School the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Some of the fundraisers are earmarked for the basement rehab that we did in 2022 and the other funds are for operational budget needs such as programming. FOL 2026 fundraisers: ● Book Sale-January, May, August ● 50/50 cash raffle ($4,000) ● July Jubilee 2 mile Color Run and 10K Race ● Sell glow items on July 4th ● Pop up raffle mid summer ● Canoe Races–kids games and raffles in August ● Duck Race down Chippewa River-Labor Day weekend ● Homespun Holiday Baskets and Cash Raffle in November Page 32 of 40 StrongBodies facilitated by UW–Madison Division of Extension StrongBodies for Seniors strength training program continued throughout the year for area counties. The library provides a space for the participants to attend the program virtually each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Sessions are continuing this Fall. Lego Club Meets the second Thursday each month at 6:00 p.m. Lego Club begins with individual lego challenges and ends the evening with a team challenge. These sessions are all STEM focused to enhance learning with LEGOS concepts. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten (Ongoing/Independent Activity) The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a free, nationwide early literacy challenge that encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their children before they start school. How the Program Works The challenge is designed to be simple and flexible for families: ● Target Audience: Children from birth until they enter kindergarten. ● What Counts: Any book counts—including repeats (reading the same book 10 times counts as 10 books), audiobooks, and books read at library storytimes or daycare. ● Tracking: You can track progress using paper logs, spiral notebooks, or the official 1000 Books Before Kindergarten App. ● Milestones & Prizes: Winter PL offers small rewards like stickers, badges, or certificates for every 100 books read, with a special prize ( backpack and free book) upon completion. Why it Matters Early reading is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success. It helps: ● Build a robust vocabulary and language skills. ● Strengthen the bond between caregiver and child. ● Foster a lifelong love of reading and learning. “Unearth your Story” Summer Reading Program The library offered several different program options for patrons of all ages throughout the summer. There was a preschool program twice a month that was offered and highly attended. In addition to the preschool program, there was a children/tween session on Wednesdays that included hands on activities that were related to the theme. The children/tween session was provided through a partnership with 4-H. Lastly, there was a Summer Reading Bingo program for adults to participate in. Prizes donated by local businesses were given to Bingo winners. Page 33 of 40 Birth to 4K We offer a Birth to 4K storytime on the first and third Tuesday mornings. Parents and children are welcome to attend this hands-on learning session. Story Hour sessions include books, songs, and connection time between the families. Watercolor Painting Series Each Tuesday in October, retired art teacher, Mrs. Joy is offering a free watercolor class for up to 12 participants. Supplies are provided by the participants. The session is already filled up. There are plans for other arts opportunities in the future. Digital Navigator Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board provides CLICK and learn sessions at the library. Once a month the community members can receive technology assistance with a digital navigator. This service is provided free to the library and is funded by a grant provided to the Workforce Investment Board. The Winter Public Library is more than a spot to borrow books or use public computers—it's a vibrant gathering hub for our neighbors. We are constantly introducing fresh programs and shared experiences designed to engage our patrons and strengthen community bonds. Circulation Statistics Circulation Report 2025 Winter Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Total 569 580 566 638 587 492 713 742 828 753 945 510 ILL 8 13 8 8 7 3 5 4 6 5 7 3 Total-ILL 561 567 558 630 580 489 708 738 822 748 638 507 Total Circulation as of 12/31/2025 =7,623 Circulation Report 2026 Winter Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Total 556 494 525 547 594 652 599 645 ILL 4 3 2 6 1 3 1 5 Total-ILL 552 491 523 541 593 649 598 640 Total Circulation as of 9/25/2026 = Libby Statistics-E-Media-2025 Winter Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. July Aug. Sept Oct. Nov Dec Page 34 of 40 State eBooks 158 160 179 158 129 141 140 152 122 122 134 156 State Audiobooks 127 130 153 98 102 109 126 113 90 121 90 114 State Magazines 51 29 27 27 45 33 50 41 53 52 27 36 Total eCirculation 336 319 359 283 276 283 316 306 265 295 251 306 Adv. eBooks 18 22 21 22 20 16 18 23 13 15 24 26 Adv. Audiobooks 20 16 24 12 16 11 22 31 25 16 12 17 New Users Added 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 0 1 Unique Users 52 53 56 52 53 52 51 58 52 53 60 60 Libby Statistics-E-Media-2026 Winter Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. July Aug. Sept Oct. Nov Dec State eBooks 171 136 117 148 124 141 135 158 State Audiobooks 137 109 183 128 134 120 116 110 State Magazines 49 28 50 22 19 26 32 33 Total eCirculation 357 273 350 298 277 287 283 301 Adv. eBooks 20 11 23 31 22 35 25 27 Adv. Audiobooks 25 26 24 21 28 27 23 19 New Users Added 1 1 2 2 0 1 2 0 Unique Users 62 58 59 59 55 56 53 54 Page 35 of 40 Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Odawaa-zaaga’iganing Lac Courte Oreilles Mashki-ziibiing Bad River Waaswaaganing Lac du Flambeau Mishkwaabikong Red Cliff Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Community Library 3rd Quarter Report By Kristen Polston, kpolston@lco.edu The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Community Library supports the educational, cultural, informational, and lifelong learning needs of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University students, faculty, staff, tribal members, and community residents. The Library fosters academic success, preserves and promotes Ojibwe language and culture, and provides access to diverse perspectives and resources that support intellectual inquiry and personal growth. ____________________________________________________________________________________ The role of the LCOOU Community Library is two-fold: we are an academic library supporting students and faculty of the University and its programs and a community public library for the LCO Reservation and surrounding area. Unique to us, we have a robust and thriving Native American collection, genealogy resources, and a Cultural Center collection of Native American art and artifacts. I took over as Library Director in June 2026 for Caryl Pfaff who retired after 36 years of service to the community. We have accomplished several programming goals. • Indigenous Women’s Poetry Panel • Libby Reads Global Digital Book Club • National Truth and Reconciliation Month o Documentary Screening “Home from School: The Children of Carlisle” o Book Discussion “Medicine River” by Mary Anneette Pember • Book Giveaway where we gave out hundreds of weeded library materials to community members and local groups working with children • End of Summer Reading Event “Unearth your Story.” Page 36 of 40 Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Odawaa-zaaga’iganing Lac Courte Oreilles Mashki-ziibiing Bad River Waaswaaganing Lac du Flambeau Mishkwaabikong Red Cliff Circulation statistics 2026 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug TOTAL Book - Fiction 80 68 67 48 54 96 65 100 578 Book - Nonfiction 59 71 88 60 63 85 53 65 544 Audio - Fiction 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 5 Audio - Nonfiction 5 13 6 11 8 6 3 0 52 Video - Fiction 134 88 109 99 67 81 69 67 714 Video - Nonfiction 0 5 2 2 2 5 3 2 21 Periodical 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 3 Other 2 2 1 1 3 3 6 1 19 Total 283 247 273 221 198 280 195 235 1932 Libby Statistics 2026 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG State eBooks 7 10 8 3 4 7 12 10 State Audiobooks 15 12 22 9 9 11 12 14 State Magazines 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Total eCirculation 22 22 30 12 13 18 24 26 Adv. eBooks 2 2 0 2 2 0 4 2 Adv. Audiobooks 3 4 3 3 2 2 4 2 New Users Added 1 0 0 0 1 2 2 1 Unique Users 6 7 8 5 3 6 11 7 Page 37 of 40 October Economic Development Committee Report: HLVCB 2027 BUDGET REQUEST The HLVCB is requesting $50,000 in continued Sawyer County funding for tourism marketing in the 2027 budget. This is the same amount requested in recent years. Background HLVCB was formed in 2003 through the merger of the Sawyer County Recreation Association and the Hayward Lakes Resort Association. Our full legal name, Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau, Sawyer County, WI, was chosen to keep the County's role front and center. Why HLVCB's Funding Is Different • Funding the HLVCB is different than funding other organizations within Sawyer County. Visitor spending generated by our marketing is subject to Sawyer County's own 0.5% sales tax. • In 2025, tourism generated $114 million in direct visitor spending in Sawyer County, up from $111 million in 2024, largely on taxable goods and services: dining, retail, recreation gear, and fuel. • That spending is a real, meaningful piece of what fills the County's sales tax collections each year. Without tourism drawing visitors here to spend, county sales tax revenue would not be at its current level. Funding HLVCB is not just an expense. It helps generate the county sales tax revenue to fund other county services. Economic Impact at a Glance • $155 million in total economic impact for Sawyer County in 2025, our fourth consecutive record year, up 3% from 2024. • $10.7 million in state and local tax revenue generated. • 958 local jobs supported: in hotels, restaurants, shops, and guide services. • Statewide, without tourism, the average Wisconsin household would pay $692 more in taxes every year. Source: 2025 Wisconsin Department of Tourism Economic Impact Study (Tourism Economics and Longwoods International). Page 38 of 40 Our Marketing Is Working • Website sessions grew 32.2% and engaged sessions, people actively planning trips, grew 34% this past fiscal year. • Facebook following grew 15%, adding 1,287 new followers. • Campaigns ran across print, radio, TV, and digital/YouTube, reaching travelers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, and beyond. Why $50,000 Is the Right Ask • This is the same amount requested for several years, even as advertising costs keep rising. • $50,000 is a fraction of one percent of the $155 million in economic impact tourism brings the County. • The request is 9.6% of HLVCB's total operating budget, and 23.6% if room tax revenue is excluded. Room Tax Isn't a Guaranteed Foundation • Only 6 of 21 Sawyer County municipalities have a room tax ordinance; only 4 contract with the HLVCB. • Since the County's 2017 resolution encouraging room tax adoption (Resolution 2017- 52), only 3 municipalities have added it, in nearly a decade. • Every room tax contract has a renewal date. None of this revenue is guaranteed long term. County funding keeps HLVCB stable when room tax revenue fluctuates. Staying Competitive with Other Counties • Bayfield County funds tourism at 100%. Washburn County funds tourism at 75 to 80%. Ashland, Barron, Burnett, and Polk counties also invest meaningfully in tourism promotion. • If Sawyer County wants to compete for the same Midwest travelers, continued investment matters. For $50,000, the County helps protect a $155 million economic impact, hundreds of local jobs, and the county sales tax revenue Sawyer County depends on. We're asking the Economic Development Committee to recommend the County continue this partnership in the 2027 budget. Page 39 of 40 P O B o x 3 4 1 , H a y w a r d , W I 5 4 8 4 3 w w w . s c l c o e d c . c o m 7 1 5 - 2 7 4 - 9 5 4 1 e d @ s a w y e r c o u n t y e d c . c o m September Sawyer County EDC Report Continued work on WEDC Small Business Technical Assistance and Small Business Development Grant applications to support local startups and existing businesses. Continued collecting responses to the Sawyer County Business Needs Survey to help shape future business support. Attended WEDC’s annual conference in Eau Claire. Preparing to move the SCEDC office to the Lumber Exchange. Awaiting a decision on the Opportunity Zone applications submitted for Sawyer County census tracts. Added two members to the SCEDC Board of Directors and hope to add a third soon. Developed an initial framework for a countywide small business support ecosystem, which will inform SCEDC’s 2027 strategic planning. The plan is helping guide our WEDC grant applications. Page 40 of 40