St. Croix EDC helped recognize the important contributions of local schools and businesses during National Apprenticeship Week, November 13-19, 2023, with a stop at Baldwin-Woodville High School.  St. Croix EDC presented the school with a proclamation to highlight their role in hosting, training, and mentoring apprentices.

Apprenticeships are a proven model that provides training and a built-in pipeline for workers to secure solid careers across the nation and in the St. Croix Valley. They give employers the opportunity to develop and train their future workforce and apprentices earn wages while they learn.

Youth Apprenticeships integrate school-based and work-based learning to instruct students in employability and occupational skills. Registered apprenticeships are a post-secondary education, like a college or university. Registered apprentices learn only a portion of their skills in a traditional classroom and receive most of their training on-the-job working for a local employer.

For more information on prospective youth or registered apprenticeships, businesses are asked to contact their respective school district or technical college.

The search is on for a new executive director following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Bill Rubin. Could that be YOU? Or, do you know someone who could take the organization and St. Croix County to new heights? Go to www.thenextmovegroup.com/stcroix to see the requirements and to start the application process. Deadline to apply is Friday December 1, 2023.

St. Croix EDC is accepting nominations for its 2023 Business of the Year awards program.

Categories include:
-Emerging Business of the Year (a start-up business that has operated in St. Croix County for five or fewer years, 2019-2023);
-Small Business of the Year (29 or fewer employees); and
-Business of the Year (30 or more employees)

Qualifying companies must be involved in manufacturing, distribution, construction, health care, or must be a service provider to other companies. Companies must be operated for profit. Retail companies are not eligible.

Individuals may nominate a company in any of the categories or a business may place their company’s name in nomination.

Criteria include:
Recent Noteworthy Accomplishments:
i.e. milestone anniversary, physical plant expansion, new product line, increases in employment, sales increases, pollution control advances, new training programs, export sales, or any other significant advances.

Contributions to Enhance the Community:
Contributions to community projects, service to area youth, education programs, and other efforts to increase the quality of life in the area.

The honorees will be announced in January and recognized at an event in February. The location and date of the event is yet to be determined.

An interactive form and guidelines can be obtained by clicking here. A printable nomination form and guidelines can be obtained by clicking here or by contacting Nita Dusek at nita@stcroixedc.com or (715) 690-2110. The deadline to submit is Friday, December 15, 2023 at the close of business.

On October 25th, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary September 2023 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s September rate was estimated at 3.3%, which is lower than August’s final rate of 3.8% and higher July’s final rate of 3.2%. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 2.7%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from August to September decreased in 71 counties and was unchanged in one. Year-over-year, rates decreased in one of 72 counties. Current rates range from 2.3% in Lafayette to 5.8% in Menominee.

The four counties with the lowest unemployment rates in September include Lafayette (2.3%), Door (2.6%), Green (2.6%), and Pepin (also at 2.6%). Menominee had the highest rate in September at 5.8%, followed by Iron (4.7%), Adams (4.4%), Forest (4.4%), Buffalo (4.2%) and Milwaukee (4.1%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 3.8%, September’s preliminary rate for both Polk and Pierce was 3.3%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The September 2023 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 2.7%, which is lower than August and July’s final rate of 3.2%. The unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was 2.3% in September of 2022.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 2.4% in September, while Dakota County, MN reported a rate of 2.5% and Chisago County, MN had a rate of 2.6%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in September was estimated at 2.9%, which is the same as August’s final rate of 2.9% and July’s final rate of 2.6%. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.1%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Minnesota in September was estimated at 3.1%, which is the same as August’s final rate of 3.1% and higher than July’s final rate of 3.0%. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 2.2%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for September was estimated at 3.8%, which is the same as August’s final rate of 3.8% and higher than July’s final rate of 3.5%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 3.3%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for September was estimated at 65.8%, which is higher than August’s final rate of 65.7% and July’s final rate of 65.5%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 64.7%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in September was estimated at 62.8%, which is e same as August and higher than the final rate of 62.6% for both July. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 62.3%.

September’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

On Sept 20, St. Croix EDC hosted a lunch program at Northwood Tech with Scott Hodek and Deb Nichols. Their slides are available through the links below.

Scott Hodek

Deb Nichols

Scott Hodek is the Section Chief of the Office of Economic Advisors, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. He provided a comprehensive economic update, offering valuable insights into current trends and opportunities shaping the St. Croix Valley’s economic landscape.

Deb Nicholas is the Director of Business Services at the West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board. She presented information on the Workforce Advancement Initiative, an exciting program that offers employers up to $10,000 of support for employee training, daycare, transportation, and much more.

On September 20th, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary August 2023 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s August rate was estimated at 3.8%, which is higher than July’s final rate of 3.2% and June’s final rate of 3.5%. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 3.0%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from July to August decreased in one county and rose in 71 counties. Year-over-year, rates decreased or stayed the same in five of 72 counties. Current rates range from 2.7% in Door to 11.2% in Menominee.

Preliminary unemployment rates from July to August increased in all of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, rates rose in all 35 cities. Rates ranged from 3.0% in Fitchburg to 5.5% in Beloit, Milwaukee, and Racine.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in August include Door (2.7%), Lafayette (also at 2.7%), Pepin (also at 2.7%), Dane (3.0%), and Green (also at 3.0%). Menominee had the highest rate in August at 11.2%, followed by Iron (5.4%), Adams (5.1%), Forest (5.0%), and Milwaukee (4.7%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 3.8%, August’s preliminary rate for Polk was 3.7% and 4.0% for Pierce.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The August 2023 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 3.2%, which is the same as July’s final rate but lower than June’s final rate of 3.3%. The unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was 2.7% in August 2022.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 3.0% in August, while Dakota County, MN reported a rate of 3.1% and Chisago County, MN had a rate of 3.5%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in August was estimated at 2.9%, which is higher than July’s final rate of 2.6% and June’s final rate of 2.5%. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.1%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Minnesota in August was estimated at 3.1%, which is higher than July’s final rate of 3.0% and June’s final rate of 2.9%. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 2.7%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for August was estimated at 3.8%, which is higher than July’s final rate of 3.5% and June’s final rate of 3.6%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 3.7%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for August was estimated at 65.7%, which is higher than July’s final rate of 65.5% and June’s final rate of 65.3%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 64.8%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in August was estimated at 62.8%, which is higher than the final rate of 62.6% for both July and June. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 62.3%.

August’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) proclaims Thursday, September 28th as Craft Brewing Day in St. Croix County. This is an annual celebration in recognition of a small but growing business sector in the county. The first craft brewing day was held in September 2019 and survived the global pandemic of COVID in 2020-2021.

“Craft breweries are important community anchors,” said Bill Rubin, St. Croix EDC’s executive director. “Many times they are the focal points for area residents and tourists alike. They enjoy a loyal following. Small breweries bring people together to socialize, dine, and even listen to live music,” he added.

St. Croix County boasts six craft breweries, including Rush River Brewing (River Falls), Pitchfork Brewing (Town of Hudson), Oliphant Brewing (Somerset), Botany BrewFarm (Wilson), Hop and Barrel (Hudson), and Lift Bridge Brewing (New Richmond). Swinging Bridge Brewing and The Garage Bikes + Brews in River Falls are located just across the St. Croix-Pierce County line.

Each brewery will receive a framed proclamation from the EDC as part of the celebration. An in-person event at Rush River Brewing runs from 4:30-6:00 p.m. and co-founder Nick Anderson will be honored with Rush River’s proclamation at 5:15.

The Brewers Association (www.brewersassociation.org) is a national trade group for craft brewers. Overall beer production in 2022 was down -3.1 percent, however, craft brewing production was up +0.1 percent. The total number of U.S. breweries in 2022 was around 9,710 and included around 2,035 microbreweries, 3,838 taprooms, and 3,418 brewpubs. The overall beer market was estimated at $115.4 billion last year and the craft beer market was $28.4 billion.

In 2022, Wisconsin ranked 14th in the U.S. with an estimated 249 craft breweries. Those breweries contributed an economic impact of $2.53 billion, ranking the state 8th. Wisconsin craft brewers produced almost 1,078,665 barrels last year to rank 7th.

The EDC asks residents and beer enthusiasts to consider stopping at taprooms on September 28th or ordering a local product at a bar or tavern. Whether enjoying a lager, pilsner, pale ale, IPA or stout, please do so responsibly.

For questions or comments, please call St. Croix EDC at 715.690.2110.

St. Croix EDC hosted attorneys from Bakke Norman on Monday, August 28th via Zoom® for short presentations packed with expert advice for your business.

Topics presented by Bakke Norman included creditor and business owner matters, business litigation, new laws governing LLCs, working with municipalities, employer and employee issues, and navigating mergers and acquisitions.

You can access the recording here until September 30, 2023.

On August 23rd, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary July 2023 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s July rate was estimated at 3.2%, which is lower than June’s final rate of 3.5% but higher than May’s final rate of 2.8%. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 3.0%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from June to July decreased or stayed the same in 68 of 72 counties. Year-over-year, rates decreased or stayed the same in 48 of 72 counties. Current rates range from 2.2% in Lafayette to 9.4% in Menominee.

Preliminary unemployment rates from June to July increased in 34 of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, rates declined or stayed the same in 19 cities. Rates ranged from 2.5% in Madison to 4.8% in Racine.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in July include Lafayette (2.2%), Dane (2.5%), Door (also at 2.5%), Iowa (also at 2.5%), and Green (also at 2.5%). Menomonee had the highest rate in July at 9.4%, followed by Iron (5.2%), Forest (4.7%), Adams ((also at 4.7%), and Buffalo (4.3%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 3.2%, July’s preliminary rate for both Pierce and Polk was also 3.2%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The July 2023 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 3.1%, which is lower than June’s final rate of 3.3% but higher than May’s final rate of 2.9%. The unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was 2.5% in July 2022.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 2.9% in July, while Dakota County, MN reported a rate of 3.0% and Chisago County, MN had a rate of 3.3%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in July was estimated at 2.6%, which is higher than June’s final rate of 2.5% and May’s final rate of 2.4%. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.0%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Minnesota in July was estimated at 3.0%, which is higher than the final rate of 2.9% for both June and May. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 2.6%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for July was estimated at 3.5%, which is lower than June’s final rate of 3.6%, but higher than May’s final rate of 2.7%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 3.5%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for July was estimated at 65.5%, which is higher than June’s final rate of 65.3% and May’s final rate of 65.1%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 65.0%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in July was estimated at 62.6%, which is the same as the final rate for both June and May. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 62.1%.

July’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

On July 26th, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary June 2023 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s June rate was estimated at 3.5%, which is higher than May’s final rate of 2.8% and April’s final rate 2.9%. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 3.4%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from May to June increased in all 72 counties. Year-over-year, rates in 57 counties decreased or stayed the same. Current rates range from 2.5% in Lafayette to 7.2% in Menominee.

Preliminary unemployment rates from May to June increased in all of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, the rates declined or stayed the same in 25 cities. Rates ranged from 2.7% in Muskego to 4.9% in Beloit.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in June include Lafayette (2.5%), Clark (2.7%), Dane (2.8%), Door (also at 2.8%), and Green (also at 2.8%). Menomonee had the highest rate in June at 7.2%, followed by Iron (5.9%), Adams (5.0%), Forest (4.6%), and Douglas (4.4%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 3.5%, June’s preliminary rate for both Pierce and Polk was 3.4%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The June 2023 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 3.3%, which is higher than May’s final rate of 2.9% and April’s final rate of 2.7%. The unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was 2.7% in June 2022.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 3.1% in June, while Dakota County, MN reported a rate of 3.2% and Chisago County, MN had a rate of 3.6%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in June was estimated at 2.5%, which is higher than the final rate of 2.4% for both May and April. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 2.9%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Minnesota in June was estimated at 2.9%, which is the same as May’s final rate buy higher than April’s final rate of 2.8%. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 2.4%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for June was estimated at 3.6%, which is lower than May’s final rate of but higher than April’s final rate of 3.4%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 3.6%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for June was estimated at 65.3%, which is higher than May’s final rate of 65.1% and April’s final rate of 64.8%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 65.2%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in June was estimated at 62.6%, which is the same as the final rate for May and April. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 62.2%.

June’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

Click here and to listen to a recording of the Legislative Wrap-Up Conversation with WEDA’s Michael Welsh held on Thursday July 20.

Click here to read original post on Michael Welsch.

St. Croix EDC will host attorneys from Bakke Norman starting at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, August 28th via zoom® for short presentations packed with expert advice for your business.

Topics presented by Bakke Norman will include creditor and business owner matters, business litigation, new laws governing LLCs, working with municipalities, employer and employee issues, and navigating mergers and acquisitions.

The event is free, but registration is required to access the zoom® link.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

About Bakke Norman
Bakke Norman has been offering exceptional advice to businesses throughout Northwest Wisconsin since 1985. Our full-service law firm is prepared to handle the legal complexities faced by large corporations as well as the legal needs of small and first-time business owners. At Bakke Norman our focus is to provide superior quality legal services to our community. Our success is driven not only by our dedicated team of attorneys, but by the satisfaction of our clients who trust and recommend Bakke Norman to take care of business.

Bakke Norman Attorneys at Law – Genuine People, Accomplished Attorneys, Expert Advice

To find the Bakke Norman Law Office nearest you, visit www.bakkenorman.com.

Thursday July 20, 2023   11:00am

On Thursday, July 20th, St. Croix EDC will host Michael Welsh for a 45-minute zoom® conversation on the latest legislative session in Madison.

RSVP HERE for Zoom link

The 2023-2025 budget sets the course for Wisconsin over the next two fiscal years Numerous laws impacting economic development and business/industry were enacted going back to the start of the session in January and Welsh will provide his summary and observations.

The conversation starts at promptly at 11:00 a.m. and the waiting room opens at 10:50 for attendees.

About Michael Welsh and WEDA
Michael Welsh resides in the Madison area and serves as the vice president of legislative affairs and communications for the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), representing the state’s private and public sectors on initiatives to advance economic development. WEDA boasts 450+ members. Early in his career, Michael served as a legislative policy aide at the capitol as well as a lobbyist for a private consulting firm. He is also the
co-owner of PW Government Relations Group, LLC, based in Madison.

Thank you to the 2023 Legacy EDC Members

On June 21st, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary May 2023 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s May rate was estimated at 2.8%, which is lower than April’s final rate of 2.9% and the final rate of 3.4% for March. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 2.8%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from April to May decreased or stayed the same in 28 of 72 counties. Year-over-year, rates in 64 counties decreased or stayed the same. Current rates range from 2.0% in Lafayette to 5.5% in Menominee and Iron.

Preliminary unemployment rates from April to May decreased in all of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, the rates declined or stayed the same in 27 cities. Rates ranged from 2.1% in Madison, Muskego, and Sun Prairie to 4.4% in Beloit.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in May include Lafayette (2.0%), Calumet (2.1%), Clark (also at 2.1%), Dane (also at 2.1%), and Green (also at 2.1%). Menomonee had the highest rate in May at 5.5%, followed by Iron (also at 5.5%), Forest (4.2%), Douglas (also at 4.2%), and Adams (4.1%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 2.8%, May’s preliminary rate in Pierce was 2.6% and Polk’s rate was 3.1%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The May 2023 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 2.9%, which is higher than April’s final rate of 2.7% and the final rate of 2.8% for March. The unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was 2.1% in May 2022.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 2.7% in May, while Dakota County, MN also reported a rate of 2.7% and Chisago County, MN had a rate of 3.1%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in May was estimated at 2.4%, which is the same as the final rate for April and lower than the final rate of 2.5% for March. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 2.9%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Minnesota in May was estimated at 2.9%, which is higher than the final rate of 2.8% for April and March. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 2.4%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for May was estimated at 3.7%, which is higher than April’s final rate of 3.4% and March’s final rate of 3.5%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 3.6%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for May was estimated at 65.1%, which is higher than April’s final rate of 64.8% and March’s final rate of 64.6%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 65.3%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in May was estimated at 62.6%, which is the same as the final rate for April and March. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 62.3%.

May’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

Traveler spending in St. Croix County increased from $113.3 million in 2021 to an estimated $127.8 million in 2022 (a +12.8% increase) according to a June 6th economic analysis released by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The total economic impact from travelers in St. Croix was also up, rising from $188 million in 2021 to $208 million in 2022 (up +11.0%). Spending from travelers and tourists supported an estimated 1,862 jobs in the county (up +1.5% from 2021) and generated $13.5 million in state and local taxes (up +5.59% from 2021).

Statewide, travelers spent an estimated $14.88 billion in 2022, an increase of +15.7% from 2021. The total economic impact from tourists in Wisconsin during 2022 was estimated at $23.655 billion (an increase of +13% from 2021). 2022’s spending and total economic impact surpasses previous records set in 2019, considered the last pre-pandemic year ($13.67 billion of spending and $22.2 billion in economic impact). Tourism and traveler-supported employment in Wisconsin in 2022 increased +2.9% to 174,623 jobs. Tourism also provided the state and local units of government with tax revenues of $1.52 billion in 2022, up +9.2% from $1.39 billion in 2021.

St. Croix, Polk, Pierce counties comprise the Greater St. Croix Valley in Wisconsin. Visitor spending in 2022 for the region was estimated at $269.9 million compared to $241.0 million in 2021 (a +12.0% increase). 2022 spending in the Greater St. Croix Valley includes St. Croix’s estimated $127.8 million, $108.4 million in Polk, and $33.7 million in Pierce. Because of the Greater St. Croix Valley’s close proximity to the Twin Cities metro area, many visitors from Minnesota enjoy day trips to the three counties and return to their homes without incurring lodging expenses. Local overnight stays would greatly increase traveler spending in the Greater St. Croix Valley. Just like Wisconsin, St. Croix County set a new traveler spending record previously achieved in 2019 (spending of $127.8 million in 2022 v. $119.6 million in 2019). The three-county St. Croix Valley also set a new spending record in 2022 compared to 2019 ($269.9 million in 2022 v. $245.8 million in 2019).

The total economic impact from travelers and visitors to the Greater St. Croix Valley in 2022 was estimated at $423 million, compared to $383 million in 2021 (a +10.44% increase). Total economic impact per county includes $208 million in St. Croix, $156 million in Polk, and $59 million in Pierce.

Tourism-related employment in the Greater St. Croix Valley for 2022 was estimated at 3,364 jobs (up +0.18% from 2021) and includes and includes 1,862 in St. Croix, 1,079 in Polk, and 423 in Pierce.

2022 state and local tax revenue attributable to visitors and travelers in the Greater St. Croix Valley was estimated at $26.1 million (up +4.4% from 2021) and includes $13.5 million from St. Croix, $9.2 million from Polk, and $3.4 million from Pierce.

Milwaukee is the state’s top county for visitor spending, estimated at $2.19 billion in 2022. Other counties in the Top 10 includes Sauk ($1.60 billion); Dane ($1.35 billion); Waukesha ($852.2 million); Walworth ($765.0 million); Brown ($764.5 million); Door ($466.5 million); Outagamie ($389.4 million); La Crosse ($304.6 million); and Vilas ($288.4 million).

Tourism is one of Wisconsin’s top three industries along with manufacturing and agriculture.

Read the summary from the Department of Tourism at https://www.industry.travelwisconsin.com/research/economic-impact/

On May 24th, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary April 2023 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s April rate was estimated at 2.9%, which is lower than March’s final rate of 3.4% and February’s final rate of 3.8%. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 3.1%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from March to April decreased or stayed the same in 67 of 72 counties. Current rates range from 1.5% in Lafayette to 6.2% in Iron.

Preliminary unemployment rates from March to April decreased or stayed the same in 28 Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, the rates declined or stayed the same in 34 cities. Rates ranged from 1.6% in Madison, Muskego, Neenah, and Sun Prairie to 3.8% in Superior.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in April include Dane (1.6%), Calumet (1.7%), Ozaukee (1.8%), Sheboygan (also at 1.8%), and La Crosse (1.9%). Adams had the highest rate in April at 5.4%, followed by Burnett (5.2%), Bayfield (5.1%), Iron (5.0%), and Polk (4.6%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 2.9%, April’s preliminary rate in Pierce was also 2.9% and Polk’s rate was 4.0%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The April 2023 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 2.7%, which is lower than the final rate of 2.8% for March and February’s final rate of 3.2%. The unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was 2.0% in April 2022.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 2.4% in April, while Dakota County, MN reported a rate of 2.5% and Chisago County, MN had a rate of 3.7%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in April was estimated at a record low 2.4% which is lower than the final rates of 2.5% for March and 2.8% in February. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 2.8%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Minnesota in April was estimated at 2.8%, which is the same as final rate for March, but lower than February’s final rate of 3.0%. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 2.3%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for April was estimated at 3.4%, which is lower than the final rate of 3.5% for March and February’s final of 3.6%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 3.6%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for April was estimated at 64.8%, which is higher than the final rate of 64.6% for March and February’s final rate of 64.5%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 65.4%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in April was estimated at 62.6%, which is the same as the final rate for March and higher than February’s final rate of 62.4%. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 62.2%.

April’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) held its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 9th. A slate of officers for 2023-2024 and three new board members were elected, along with the re-election of two directors.

Krista Paulus, Commercial Relationship Manager, Security Financial Bank (River Falls, WI branch), was elected President. She has served on the board since 2020 and replaces Aaron Sundeen who completed his term as President. He will continue to serve on the board and the executive committee as Past President.

Susan Yohnk Lockwood, Vice President, Institutional Effectiveness and New Richmond Campus Administrator, Northwood Technical College (New Richmond, WI), was elected First Vice President.

Tom Loonan was elected Second Vice President. He is an attorney and shareholder with Eckberg Lammers. He practices civil municipal law and business law.

Marina Onken was re-elected Corporate Secretary-Treasurer. She retired as Dean of the College of Business and Economics (CBE) at UW-River Falls in late 2021 and is now Professor Emeritus of Strategy and Innovation at CBE.

Krista Paulus and Brian Zelenak were re-elected to the board. They will serve final three-year terms, ending in May 2026.

Carrie Borgstrom (left), Brian Hinz (center) and Ann Searles (right) were elected to three-year terms on the board. Borgstrom is a business banking officer with Royal Credit Union (RCU). Hinz is a partner with Studio EA, and provides architecture, interiors, and management services to commercial, industrial, and residential clients. Searles is the executive director with St. Croix Valley Food Bank, Inc.

The board of directors accepted the 2022 financial review from Jason Zahradka, CPA with Guinn, Vinopal & Zahradka, LLP.

The board honored Popenhagen (left photo), Ring, (center photo) and Sparks (not pictured) at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting. New President Paulus (right photo) also honored past president Aaron Sundeen.