by GCDC | May 8, 2026 | Events
The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) successfully hosted its inaugural Developers Day on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, drawing approximately 60 developers, investors, and community stakeholders to Monroe for an afternoon of presentations, site tours, and networking. The event was designed to spotlight the growing array of development opportunities available across Green County’s residential and commercial sectors.
The afternoon program began at the Monroe Arts Center, where Olivia Otte, Executive Director of Green County Development Corporation, delivered a comprehensive presentation on available sites and opportunities in Green County. Otte highlighted the county’s competitive advantages, including its strategic location, workforce, and the range of shovel-ready and emerging development parcels across the county.
“We were pleased to welcome so many developers and investors to Green County for this event,” said Otte. “Our goal was to give people a better sense of available opportunities and to start building relationships that we hope will lead to future projects. We look forward to continuing those conversations.”
Following the presentation, attendees participated in a guided Monroe Site Tour, visiting key development parcels and existing commercial and industrial properties throughout the city. The tour gave developers a firsthand look at the scale, accessibility, and potential of available sites.
The event concluded with a networking reception at Spilled Grapes Wine Bar providing an opportunity for attendees to connect with local officials, GCDC staff, and fellow developers in an informal setting. Developers Day was held in conjunction with the Green County Housing Summit and was sponsored by The Bank of New Glarus.
About Green County Development Corporation
The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is an economic development organization serving Green County, Wisconsin. GCDC works to attract, retain, and grow businesses and investment across the county’s communities, partnering with local governments, businesses, and regional organizations to create jobs and strengthen the local economy.
by GCDC | May 8, 2026 | Events
This past week, the Green County Healthy Community Coalition (GCHCC) hosted our second Green County Housing Summit, designed to tackle one of our top priorities, housing.
As part of our current Community Health Improvement Plan, the Green County Healthy Community Coalition has been working to respond to local housing needs. Recent findings from the 2024 Community Health Assessment show that more than half of all survey respondents identified affordable housing as the top community need.
One of the coalition’s key initiatives was hosting the Green County Housing Summit, which brought together all different sectors of our community to spark conversation, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions. Organizers say the goal was to create a space to help the community better understand both our housing strengths and gaps, and to learn about innovative affordable housing solutions. This event would not have been possible without our sponsors: The Bank of New Glarus, SSM Health, and Colony Brands.
This year’s keynote speaker, David Zach, a Monroe native and futurist, encouraged attendees to think beyond immediate concerns and consider what housing in Green County could look like in the years ahead. His presentation challenged the community to become “20% more curious.” Zach pushed attendees to think innovatively and introduced the idea of building dream neighborhoods rather than dream homes.
In addition to the keynote address, the morning’s agenda featured insights on affordable housing solutions, including a case-study panel discussion with Mariah Goode and Bill Oemichen, who shared their experiences with Community Land Trusts and Housing Cooperatives. The conversation then shifted to a local expert panel featuring Olivia Otte, Jance Marty, and Rodger Berg that shared an analysis of the Green County housing landscape
Green County Healthy Community Coalition Organizers hope the summit will serve as a catalyst for continued collaboration. By bringing people together and focusing on both present needs and future possibilities, Green County is taking an important step toward building a more affordable and inclusive housing landscape. If you are interested in this initiative and want to get involved, please contact Rachel Meier (Rachel.Meier@ssmhealth.com).
by GCDC | Jan 21, 2026 | Events
The Small Business Development Center will be hosting a series of virtual consulting sessions. Registration is required
The registration link : https://www.cognitoforms.com/UniversitiesOfWisconsinOfficeOfBusinessAndEntrepreneurshipOBE/AskMeAboutAI
Join the SW Wisconsin SBDC for free individualized 1:1 consulting sessions focused on using artificial intelligence in your business. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions, explore practical applications of AI, and learn how to incorporate AI tools into your day-to-day work.
Sessions will be offered on February 5, 12, and 19. Each session is 20 minutes and will be held virtually via Zoom. Entrepreneurs at all skill and experience levels are welcome.
Available time windows:
- 8:00 AM–10:00 AM
- 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
- 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
To participate, individuals must submit a consulting request in advance using the form linked below:
https://forms.zohopublic.com/businessentrepreneurship/form/ElectronicRequestforConsultingeRFC/formperma/HBo_B2S1YMxgB3EnQ1C_PR_VtfN1R3rJMMJoA1DSJkprimary_center=SW%20Outreach
by GCDC | Nov 24, 2025 | Events
CONNECT GREEN COUNTY ANNOUNCES 3RD ANNUAL UGLY SWEATER HOLIDAY PARTY
MONROE, WI — Connect Green County will host its 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party on Thursday, December 18, at the Monroe Golf Club, 2205 21st Street in Monroe, Wisconsin. The event runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is free for all attendees. Guests will also receive a complimentary raffle entry and one drink ticket.
Connect Green County is a networking group created to bring together local professionals, community members, and newcomers who want to build relationships and get more connected in Green County. The group hosts casual events throughout the year to help people meet one another, share ideas, and engage in the community.
“The Ugly Sweater Party has become one of our favorite traditions,” said Michelle Prien, Connect Green County Board President. “It’s a simple, fun way for folks to unwind, make new connections, and enjoy the holiday season together.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear their most festive or outrageous holiday sweaters and join in for an evening of relaxed conversation, light activities, and seasonal cheer.
For more information, contact Olivia Otte at 608-328-9452 or gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com, or check out theConnect Green County Facebook page for updates.
by GCDC | Nov 11, 2025 | Events
Technology questions answered by the Monroe Key Club
by GCDC | Mar 27, 2025 | Events
GCDC’s Elevate Entrepreneurs – Pitch Series to be held in May
Elevate Entrepreneurs Pitch Flyer and registration link:
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), the Bank of New Glarus, Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Center (SBDC), and the New Glarus Chamber are partnering up to host a 3-part coaching series and pitch contest beginning May 1, 2025. This series will prepare entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to local lenders and leaders for a chance at cash prizes.
The series kicks off Thursday, May 1 with focused attention on building your business plan. Nora Roughen-Schmidt with Southwest Wisconsin SBDC will help participants get focused on the core elements of their business plan. On Thursday, May 8 participants will work on their pitch plans and have one-to-one opportunities to work with Roughen-Schmidt and GCDC’s Executive Director Olivia Otte to polish their pitches. On Thursday, May 15 participants will get a chance to pitch their business to local judges. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three best pitches based on a scoring system that will be presented prior to that evening.
Previous pitch contestants have indicated the pitch contest experience was a great opportunity to pull the details of their business together in a comprehensive way for use in any situation, but especially with potential investors and customers. Previous winners have used their cash prize for marketing purposes, equipment purchases, and hiring a consultant to explore ways to grow their business. All have commented on the valuable information and feedback received by simply taking part in the program.
All sessions are held on Thursdays from 6:00-7:30PM at Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery in New Glarus. The program is free to attend. Registration is required, and attendance at all sessions is required to participate in the pitch contest. Participation in the pitch contest is optional.
Registration is required and can be completed at bit.ly/4hP5w3v
Elevate Entrepreneurs is an umbrella for business support offered by GCDC. GCDC is focused on assisting entrepreneurs and business owners through educational programs, loan programs, consultation, and referrals.
Questions can be sent to gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com or by calling 608-328-9452.
GCDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization working for economic growth in Green County, while maintaining the quality of life that makes our community a great place to live and work.
