Economic Development Committee - Regular Meeting — Minutes

Chippewa County Economic Development Committee Regular Meeting August 5, 2026 Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 302 5:00 PM 1. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 05:00 PM 2. Roll Call Members Present: James Ericksen, Charles Bomar, Lee Hennick, Duane Shoebridge Members Absent: Daniel Hardy Others Present: Charlie Walker, Andy Albarado, Traci Bremness, Dennis Bachman, Doug Clary, Todd Pauls. Recorder: Lisa Merrell. 3. Members of the Public Wishing to Be Heard (Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per speaker.) 4. Consent Agenda (Unless separation of an item is requested, all items will be adopted under one motion.) Motion: Approved Result: (4 - 0) Mover: Charles Bomar Seconder: Duane Shoebridge Ayes: James Ericksen, Charles Bomar, Lee Hennick, Duane Shoebridge Nayes: None Absent: Daniel Hardy 1. Approve the Agenda 2. Approve the Minutes - May 6, 2026 3. Schedule Next Meeting Date - November 4, 2026 5. Reports 1. Update on WEDC Talent Recruitment Grant for MakeMyMove - Andy Albarado/Charlie Walker Administrator Albarado noted that the County's application was declined for the talent recruitment grant. They are waiting for information on why it was denied. Walker stated they expect when the grant opens up again, they will have the conversation on applying again. 2. Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation Report - Charlie Walker Charlie Walker provided a presentation on upcoming events, as well as attraction projects currently being worked on. Walker noted that they will be holding a BEAR in the Orchard event on August 12th from 4 to 7 at Dixon's. They currently have 14 entrepreneurs and 9 ambassadors, as well as some venture and angel groups from throughout the state that will be there to network. In the 11 years they have been doing the BEAR pitches, they have had six companies come from it. There will be an Economic Development 101 meeting on September 22nd in New Auburn. Walker encouraged new members to the committee to attend. A. Lake Wissota Business Park - Potential Projects/Interest in Parcels Albarado noted that the old Lakeland College building is being remodeled and encouraged the committee to take a look at it. There are some jagged property lines in that area that might need to be addressed. 3. Economic Development Project Updates 6. Business Items 1. Economic Development 2027 Budget Review Albarado stated there are no increases to the tax levy. This item will be forwarded to the County Administrator to be incorporated into the budget. Motion: Approved Result: (4 - 0) Mover: Charles Bomar Seconder: Lee Hennick Ayes: James Ericksen, Charles Bomar, Lee Hennick, Duane Shoebridge Nayes: None Absent: Daniel Hardy 2. The Committee will convene in Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes Sec. 19.85(1)(e) "Deliberating or negotiating the purchase of public properties . . . or conducting other specified business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session" (Update on potential future business park). Motion: Approved Result: (4 - 0) Mover: Charles Bomar Seconder: Duane Shoebridge Ayes: James Ericksen, Charles Bomar, Lee Hennick, Duane Shoebridge Nayes: None Absent: Daniel Hardy The meeting convened in Closed Session at 5:38 PM. Present in Closed Session: All County Board members, Traci Bremness, Andy Albarado, Charlie Walker, Todd Pauls, Doug Clary, and Lisa Merrell. 3. The Committee will reconvene to open session to continue with the agenda. Motion: Approved Result: (4 - 0) Mover: Charles Bomar Seconder: Duane Shoebridge Ayes: James Ericksen, Charles Bomar, Lee Hennick, Duane Shoebridge Nayes: None Absent: Daniel Hardy The meeting reconvened to open session at 5:53 PM. 7. Updates, Announcements, and Correspondence 8. Agenda Items for Future Consideration 9. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned by the Chair at 5:53 PM.