Industrial Development: Building Capacity, Clarity, and Community Value
Join local leaders, planners, and engaged citizens for a collaborative session focused on strengthening your community’s readiness for future economic opportunities. Participants will gain practical insights into the “what, who, why, and how” of industrial development, with a focus on building community value, transparency, and long-term economic impact.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for local elected officials, county and municipal staff, and economic development professionals who play a role in shaping community growth and investment readiness.
Why Attend?
Participants will walk away with a stronger understanding of how industrial projects take shape — from site selection to community engagement — and the tools to communicate more effectively with stakeholders. Whether you help plan, zone, recruit, or approve development, this session will give you practical insights into building capacity, clarity, and community value.
Understand modern industrial development and what drives site selection
Learn how municipalities can control sites to attract quality investment
Gain strategies for transparent, effective communication with stakeholders
Evaluate economic and community impacts of industrial projects
Discover key industry trends shaping site needs and design
Featured Expert
Andrew Ratchford, Site Selection Group
AGENDA
1:00 – 1:15 PM | Welcome & Foundations - Setting the stage for collaboration and learning.
1:15 – 1:55 PM | Understanding Industrial Development and Site Selection -Explore how site selectors evaluate communities and what makes a site stand out.
1:55 – 2:05 PM | 10-Minute Break
2:05 – 2:45 PM | The Economic Case for Site Control: ROI and Community Impact - Learn how communities can use land control strategies to attract investment and maximize ROI.
2:45 – 2:55 PM | 10-Minute Break
2:55 – 3:30 PM | Transparency and Trust — Building a Public Process That Invites Buy-In, Not Backlash - Hear how to balance confidentiality with public engagement to build trust and minimize backlash.
3:30 – 4:00 PM | Industry Trends - Gain insight into what’s driving industrial growth in Wisconsin.
4:00 – 4:30 PM | Closing Remarks with Q&A - Bring your questions and ideas to wrap up the day.
Parking
Parking is available on-site at no cost. Please use the main entrance upon arrival, and staff will direct you to the conference space.
Virtual Attendees
For those unable to attend in person, a virtual participation option will be available via Zoom. The link is included in your registration confirmation email.
Flexible Attendance:
We understand that schedules can be busy. Participants are welcome to join for the sessions that are most relevant to their work or interests. Whether you plan to attend the full workshop or log in for specific topics, your participation is valued and encouraged.
About our Hosts
New North, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional marketing and economic development corporation that was founded to foster collaboration among private and public sector leaders to strengthen our communities, build long-term value, and attract a range of investments. Collaboration has been an ongoing priority, ensuring that we are building places that benefit everyone and where economic prosperity is available to all. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) serves as the state’s lead organization for business and community growth. WEDC provides resources, operational support, and financial assistance to help Wisconsin businesses and communities thrive. Working with partners across the state including regional economic development organizations, academic institutions, and industry clusters. WEDC strategically invests in Wisconsin to enhance the economic well-being of its people, businesses, and communities.
Thank you to our venue host!
Date & Time
Mon, Dec 8, 2025 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Venue Details
Gamber Johnson
5001 Joerns Drive Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
Centergy
Centergy, Inc. is a 501(c)4 nonprofit regional marketing and economic development organization. Our purpose is to foster collaboration among private and public-sector leaders throughout the five counties of central Wisconsin that make up the Centergy Region: Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, and Wood Counties.
The Centergy brand provides an effective way to leverage the collective economic power of the region’s five counties. It allows us to unite the region’s efforts in talent attraction and development, regional brand development, business development, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship within the business community.
