PITTSVILLE, WI (OnFocus) – In collaboration with Wood County Planning & Zoning Department, Pittsville is selected as one of ten rural communities from around the state that will get help meeting their biggest economic development needs and planning for their long-term goals.
Under the Thrive Rural program administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), each participant will have access to up to $25,000 in grants, two years of technical assistance in planning and grant-writing, and other services typically employed by larger communities.
The Pittsville project will focus on the geography of the Pittsville School District. It has three goals: building capacity for a non-profit community development organization; promote outdoor recreation; develop a housing plan.
“The Thrive Rural program will move a number of important community goals forward,” said Michael Hobbs, the owner of Cranberry Creamery & Event City Design in Pittsville and a City Council member. “Our focus areas of improving recreational assets, downtown revitalization, and housing will have a lasting positive impact for residents and visitors for years to come. The technical expertise will enhance already existing local volunteerism and community governance.”
”Many smaller communities have big goals and big ideas, but they don’t have the staff or the experience to connect to the resources that can make those plans a reality” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “The aim of the Thrive Rural program is to help them build their economic development muscles so their communities will thrive.”
WEDC’s Office of Rural Prosperity will partner with the community.
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Author: MaryAnn Lippert
MaryAnn is a Pittsville native who believes that small rural Wisconsin communities are the best places in the world to live, raise a family, work and play. She learned this by traveling for six years through 40 northern Wisconsin counties listening to residents and helping solve problems related to state government. MaryAnn enjoys working in her yard and woods, hanging out with her family and cheering for all Wisconsin sports teams. Heaven on earth is Lambeau Field, north end zone.
