JCEDC holds Annual Meeting

Juneau County Economic Development, (JCEDC), celebrated its’ 22nd year
anniversary at their annual meeting on Wednesday, May 15.  The meeting was
held at the Travelers Inn & Convention Center in New Lisbon where the room
was prepared perfectly for event. During the business meeting, Jim Costello,
General Manager of Lemonweir Valley Telcom was reelected for a term of three
years. Costello has held a position on the nine-member board of directors at
JCEDC for several years and has always provided excellent council with his
involvement. 

During the program, which was opened by JCEDC President, Bonnie Peterson, she
referred to the mission statement of the organization, which is “To foster
positive economic change for Juneau County communities and to promote the
success of agricultural, industrial, commercial and entrepreneurial enterprises.
We do this through leadership and collaboration with public and private
organizations and individuals on a national, state, regional, county and local
level”. She said the five areas emphasized in JCEDC’s strategic plan include
Business Retention and Expansion, Attracting New Business, Education, Quality of
Life and Tourism Promotion. 

The main speaker of the evening was Colonel David L. Romuald, commander of
Volk Field Air National Guard Base in Camp Douglas, which includes the Combat
Readiness Training Center, the 128th Air Control Squadron, and the 126th Weather
Flight. He is responsible for all aspects of mission performance of these three
diverse organizations. The CRTC at Volk Field is the premier training resource
in the ANG managing a 2300 acre installation, over 12,000 square miles of
Special Use Airspace, and an Air to Ground Gunnery Range. The Air Control
Squadron and Weather Flight maintain qualifications and readiness for worldwide
combat deployment. Colonel Romuald shared his views on the impact Volk Field has
on the local economy and commended JCEDC for being a great collaborator on a
number of important initiatives. He also talked about the effects of the
sequestration on both Volk Field and how it impacts the area.

Ray Feldman, a Juneau County Board Supervisor as well as a JCEDC Board Member
was presented with a plaque for his tireless efforts to promote Juneau County
for canoeing and other tourism activities.

 Terry Whipple, JCEDC Executive Director shared a few words before introducing
Representative Ed Brooks, of the 50th Assembly District, who graciously
addressed the crowd and shared comments on several matters that directly impact
Juneau County. He talked about his work in the Assembly and some of the bills he
is promoting. Brooks praised JCEDC for its efforts to improve economic
conditions and create jobs in the area, and he congratulated the organization on
its 22 years of service to the county. 

The crowd was delighted with a superior performance by the Mauston High
School Jazz Band and the New Lisbon High School Barbershop Quartet, who both had
the crowd on their feet several times cheering them on. The meal was prepared by
Wisconsin River Meats and was both delicious and plentiful.  The evening
ended with a door prize drawing and was enjoyed by all.

 Visit juneaucounty.com, or call 608-427-2070 to get more information about
Juneau County Economic Development Corporation, or how to become a member of the
organization, new members are always welcome.