MONROE — Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) will hold its Annual Dinner & Awards night on Thursday, March 20 at Turner Hall in Monroe. Business leaders and community members are invited to attend the event, which will highlight 2024 achievements for GCDC, provide insights into rural economic development in Wisconsin, and recognize local businesses and leaders in Green County.
“It has been an exciting year for Green County. We look forward to celebrating our county’s most outstanding accomplishments and the amazing businesses of Green County while having the opportunity to network and strengthen our communities,” GCDC Board President Nikki Austin said.
Beth Haskovec, Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity within Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will share her insights about creativity, collaboration, and momentum in rural economic development. The Office advances Rural Wisconsin through interagency collaboration and resource navigation and serves as a one stop shop for rural communities to navigate state and federal resources. Beth has a background working for one of the Nation’s largest CDFIs, where she oversaw strategies and programs related to access to capital for small businesses across Rural America, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She brings a wealth of expertise to WEDC in place-based community development, capacity building, commercial corridor development, small business capital, and placemaking initiatives.
The program will also include announcements of recipients of three county awards.
● Outstanding Business of the Year — honoring an existing business that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the county’s economic growth through innovation, job creation, new investment, and/or extraordinary long-time interest in supporting others in business.
● Entrepreneurial Spirit Award — recognizing an entrepreneur who leads the way for their business, demonstrating a growth mindset, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and find solutions to challenges, and a hunger for opportunity.
● Legacy Leadership Award — which honors an individual who exemplifies the character of a true leader.
Nominations for the awards can be submitted until March 2 and can be found on GCDCS website at www.
greencountydevelopment/news-events/ or by calling GCDC at 608-328-9452.
Olivia Otte, Executive Director of GCDC, said 2024 was record setting year for funding for GCDC, achieved through the power of collaboration and visioning for Green County.
“Sharing an evening of celebration with those that made it happen with us is a highlight of our year,” Otte said. As part of the program a brief overview of the organization’s goals for 2025 will be presented.
The event will begin with a social reception at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the program at 6:45 p.m. Tickets cost $50; tables of eight are available at a discount and can be ordered by via the link on the website www.greencountydevelopment/
news-events/ by email at gcdc@
greencountydevelopment.com or calling 608-328-9452.
GCDC is here to help new and existing businesses find the right resources to grow and prosper, making Green County a great place to live and work. The organization is building the economic future of Green County communities and businesses through public-private partnerships. For more information, visit GCDC online at
www.greencountydevelopment.com, or contact the GCDC office at (608) 328-9452 or email gcdc@
greencountydevelopment.com.
