Business retention and expansion (BRE)...you might have heard of this a time or two, but what exactly is BRE and why is it so important for businesses and economic development?

 In the ever-changing landscape of economic development, Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) has made business retention and expansion visits a key part of our strategy. We prioritize BRE visits because they allow us to intentionally sustain and grow the local economy by supporting our existing businesses, which are the lifeblood of our community.

At its core, BRE programs are proactive strategies designed to help existing businesses. Unlike efforts to attract new businesses, which can be resource-intensive and uncertain, BRE focuses on nurturing businesses that are already contributing to the local economy.

Each summer, we work with local partners to visit key businesses in our community. When we visit these businesses, it is our hope that there will be long lasting positive impact from simple conversations. Some of the key impacts include:

●  Increased Business Longevity and Satisfaction: Businesses in Green County have shown great longevity. By regularly visiting these organizations, we are able to be proactive in the support that we provide. It is our hope that this leads to a more stable job market and sustained economic growth.

●  Tailored Support Programs: Insights gained from BRE visits directly impact how we design and implement support programs. We want to make sure that everything we do is relevant to the needs of local businesses. This includes initiatives in workforce training, access to funding, and infrastructure development.

●  Collaborative Economic Development: The relationships built through BRE visits allow us to take a collaborative approach to economic development. Businesses, local government, Blackhawk Tech, and GCDC work together towards common goals, creating a cohesive and supportive economic environment.

We firmly believe that our focus on business retention and expansion allows us to be strategic and impactful approach in our approach towards economic development. By prioritizing the needs of existing businesses, we can ensure economic stability, promote growth, and hopefully form strong community relationships.

To learn more about the work we are doing, please visit GCDC online at www.greencountydevelopment.com, or feel free to contact the GCDC office at (608) 328-9452 or via email at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com.

— Olivia Otte is the Executive Director of the Green County Development Corporation (GCDC). She can be reached at Olivia@

greencountydevelopment.com, or by calling 608-328-9452.