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Of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, 35 have clubs, each started with $1,000 seed money from the state, said Tony Hozeny, communications director for the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.
Terry Whipple, economic development director of Juneau County, formed the first club in 2003. It was chosen as one of Wisconsin’s Top Rural Development Initiatives in 2004. The club has acted as a catalyst for new partnerships and businesses leading to products and jobs.
“This has been very successful. We saw it as a model,” Hozeny said. “It’s a great way to spur entrepreneurism as a career and to create local activity. We see increased interest in this across the state.”
Whipple spoke Tuesday to people interested in starting a similar club in Winona.
The Winona County Economic Development Authority set the first meeting of the new club for 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Tau Center.
