by GCDC | Sep 24, 2026 | Events
GCDC to Host “Own Your Future” Lunch & Learn for Green County Business Owners
Free workshop on Nov. 5 will help owners build business value and plan for what’s next
MONROE, Wis. — Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) will host Own Your Future: From Successful to Significant, a free Lunch & Learn workshop for business owners, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will take place in the Bank of New Glarus meeting room, 701 8th St, Monroe, WI 53566. Lunch will be provided.
The workshop is for business owners who want to protect what they’ve built and plan for the future. Nikki Austin, CFP®, CEPA®, a Financial Advisor with Thrivent, will show attendees how to:
- Align their business, personal and financial goals
- Strengthen and accelerate business value, whether they’re planning to grow or preparing for a future transition
- Explore transition options that fit their goals and vision
“Green County has many successful businesses that owners have spent decades building, and what happens to them next matters for our whole community,” said Olivia Otte, Executive Director of GCDC. “Many owners know they should plan ahead but aren’t sure where to start. This workshop gives them practical steps they can use right away, whether a transition is ten years out or right around the corner. Keeping these businesses strong and locally rooted is central to our region’s economic future.”
This is an educational event, and no products will be sold. Space is limited. To RSVP, follow this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7tsmtfv or call the GCDC office at 608-328-9452.
About Green County Development Corporation
Green County Development Corporation is a nonprofit regional economic development organization based in Monroe, Wisconsin. GCDC works with businesses, communities and partners across Green County to support business growth and retention, workforce development, and long-term economic vitality. Learn more at greencountydevelopment.com.
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by GCDC | Sep 24, 2026 | Events
GCDC Fall Breakfast to Tackle Aging Population and Wealth Transfer Shaping Green County’s Future
### Panel featuring the Community Foundation (CFSW) and Forward Analytics will explore how local communities can prepare for two major demographic and economic shifts happening at once
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) will host its Fall Breakfast on Thursday, October 15, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Edelweiss Chalet Country Club in New Glarus, bringing together regional experts for a fast-paced panel discussion on two forces already reshaping Green County: an aging population and a historic transfer of generational wealth.
The panel will feature a representative from the Community Foundation (CFSW) and a representative from Forward Analytics, the research arm of the Wisconsin Counties Association, moderated by GCDC Executive Director Olivia Otte. Rather than revisiting well-known demographic trends, the conversation is designed to move past the headlines — examining where wealth is headed as it changes hands, which local sectors will feel the age shift first, and what communities that are already adapting well are doing differently.
“Most people in this room already know our population is aging, we’re not here to repeat that,” said Otte. “We’re here because that shift and a massive transfer of wealth are happening on the same timeline, and our community needs a plan for both. This breakfast is about leaving with real ideas and tangible steps forward.”
Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly, with the event closing by 9:30 a.m.
The GCDC Fall Breakfast will take place Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Edelweiss Chalet Country Club, W4764 Edelweiss Rd, New Glarus, WI 53574. The event is open to the public. Those interested in attending can RSVP by going to this link – https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fvkg5he – or by calling the office at 608-328-9452.
**About Forward Analytics**
Forward Analytics is a Wisconsin-based research organization that provides state and local policymakers with nonpartisan analysis of issues affecting the state. The mission of Forward Analytics is to use the best data available to highlight challenges facing the state, and to assist policymakers in understanding that data so they can make informed policy decisions.
**About the Community Foundation (CFSW)**
The Community Foundation is a repository for more than 900 charitable funds worth more than $90 million. Each of these funds was created by donors to enhance the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin. The Community Foundation services these funds by managing the investment, encouraging and supporting additions, overseeing the disbursement of grants and scholarships, and managing the requisite government paperwork.
**About Green County Development Corporation**
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is a regional economic development organization based in Monroe, Wisconsin, dedicated to building a stronger, more prepared Green County through housing, workforce, and community development initiatives. Learn more at greencountydevelopment.com.
Download Fall Breakfast Flyer
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.
