One of GCDC’s most important roles is staying connected to the businesses that keep our economy moving. Whether it’s a large manufacturer, a family farm, or a small shop on the square, these employers shape the strength and stability of Green County. When they grow, the county grows. When they struggle, we feel it. That’s why, here at GCDC, we take our annual Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) work so seriously.
Why We Do BRE Visits
The purpose of our Business Retention and Expansion program is very simple. Each summer, we sit down with local employers and listen to what’s working, learn more about what’s not, and identify what’s coming next. These conversations help us spot risks early, support expansions, address workforce challenges, and make sure local leaders have reliable data to guide decisions. Really, these visits allow us to build relationships with our businesses while gaining a very clear understanding of areas where GCDC can provide support.
How We Carried Out This Year’s BRE Effort
Over the past year, GCDC met one-on-one with 19 of the county’s largest employers, held roundtable discussions with leaders in skilled trades, manufacturing, agriculture, and dairy, and talked with dozens of small businesses in our downtown areas. In total, we gathered input from 73 businesses across the county.
What We Heard
Throughout these conversations, there were a few clear themes that we heard. They are listed below.
● The lack of skilled workers remains the top concern for 85% of employers we talked with. Welders, electricians, maintenance technicians, nurses, and bilingual staff continue to be the hardest to find.
● Seventy-six percent of businesses said affordable housing affects their ability to attract workers. This did not come as a surprise. We have heard this for the past few years. The difference this year was that there was more emphasis placed on affordable housing.
● Businesses want more youth programs, apprenticeships, and English-as-a-Second-Language training. In fact, 70% said these would directly support hiring and retention.
● The county’s growing Latino workforce is driving a need for cultural integration support — 22% of employers raised this specifically.
● Ownership transitions remain on the radar. About 15% of businesses are concerned about retirements and long-term succession.
● And despite national uncertainty, most businesses reported they’re stable or growing, with continued investments in automation and “grow-your-own” talent strategies.
● Many employers are leaning heavily into automation and early steps in AI adoption to cope with workforce shortages, improve efficiency, and stay competitive. Several noted that the need for higher-skilled workers will continue to rise as automation expands.
What This Means for Our County
Green County is in a solid place, even with a few real challenges on our plate. Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism continue to anchor our economy, and most employers remain steady and growing. At the same time, workforce shortages, housing pressures, and succession planning are still seen as hurdles. None of this caught us off guard, and in many areas, our community already has good momentum and strong partners working to move solutions forward.
This information learned in our BRE program is useful, and as I plan for 2026, we will directly incorporate these opportunities into GCDC’s annual plan and keep building on the progress already underway. The feedback from our business visits gives us a clear sense of where our energy needs to go. Green County continues to have bright days ahead, and staying close to our employers is what keeps us headed in the right direction.
— Olivia Otte is the Executive Director of Green County Development Corporation. To learn more about GCDC’s work, visit www.greencountydevelopment.com or contact the office at (608) 328-9452 or gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com.
