by GCDC | Mar 24, 2025 | News
GCDC Announces Green County Award Recipients
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) celebrated another successful year at their Annual Dinner & Awards on Thursday, March 20, at Turner Hall in Monroe. Attendees celebrated outstanding community and business leaders and included a keynote address from Beth Haskovek, Senior Director, Office of Rural Prosperity with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte welcomed attendees, and reviewed the accomplishments of 2024, including the progress on the Home Construction Cooperative new home build, the $2 million non-state grant to support skilled trades workforce development, and the new Housing Development Fund that provides $2.8 million in loan funds from local investors to incentivize new home construction in Green County. The 2024 annual report was shared along with GCDC’s vision for 2025, noting that Green County is Where Opportunity Lives.
Awards for Outstanding Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, and the Leadership Legacy Award were announced after the presentation. Nominations for the awards were sought from the public, with 17 nominations across the three categories. A special recognition was presented for the Monroe Arts Center for 50 years of excellence in creativity.
The Outstanding Business of the Year Award recognizes an existing business that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the county’s economic growth through innovation, job creation, new investment, and/or extraordinary long-time interest in supporting other business. This year’s recipient was Campbell’s Piggly Wiggly in Brodhead. Owners Justin & Alicia Campbell have made significant improvements to their business, enhancing customer experience and adding convenience. They are dedicated supporters of local events, charities and school programs. Justin was also recently awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Optimist Club and Chamber Member of the Year, in Brodhead, for financial and hands-on involvement.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award honors an entrepreneur who leads the way for the business, demonstrating a growth mindset, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and find solutions to challenges, and a hunger for opportunity. This year’s award was presented to Maribel Lobato and Santos Tinoco owners of Veracruz Mexican Market in Monroe. Maribel and Santos lead with their entrepreneurial spirit in all aspects of life – supporting individuals, families, entrepreneurs, business, and community while reflecting values of solidarity, hard work, and determination. As pillars of the Hispanic community, they were integral in building the first community posada and are committed to making Green County a better community for all.
The Leadership Legacy Award reflects the characteristics of selfless leadership, one that exemplifies the character of a true leader by actions taken every day and the accomplishments one has achieved. This year’s recipient was Gene Jacobson. Gene was nominated for almost 50 years of leadership in the electrical trades and workforce development in Green County. He has held various certifications, licenses and board positions in the building trades throughout his career. As PDC co-founder and previous owner, his decision to sell PDC to its employees ensured ownership and leadership from those who helped build it. His impact on the industry, his colleagues, and the community reflects his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
GCDC is proud to recognize all nominees and honor the commitment and dedication it takes to run a successful business and give back to their communities. Additional nominees included: Jelle’s Towing, Full Moon Brew Bar, Zenful Moments Spa, Sportsman’s Reloaded, Horseshoe Saloon, United Way of Green County, Ludlow Mansion Events, and Brodhead Veterinary Clinic for Business of the Year. Cortney Gilbertson owner of Memphis & Co. Dog Training, Gilber Moore owner of Venom E.V., Scott Hook owner of Sportman’s Reloaded, and Robert Rugger as performer Miranda Maize for Entrepreneurial Spirit. Rich Vogel, Scott Mosher, and Bibiana Gonzalez were nominated for the Leadership Legacy Award.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support of our community and partners who make Green County such a thriving place for businesses and entrepreneurs. Congratulations to all the award winners and nominees—your hard work and dedication are what make our county special. Green County truly is a great place to live, work, and grow!” stated GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte.
The mission of GCDC is to catalyze economic growth while enhancing the quality of life in Green County, Wisconsin. As a non-profit organization GCDC is building the economic future of Green County communities and businesses through public-private partnerships.
For more images of the event, visit GCDC’s Facebook or LinkedIn pages. You can find more information on GCDC online at www.greencountydevelopment.com or by contacting the office directly at (608) 328-9452 or email [email protected] .
Marie Perry, director of Monroe Arts Center 50 years recognition, Samuel and Santos Lobato Tinoco representing parents Maribel Lobato and Santos Tinoco for the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, GCDC Executive Director Olivia Otte, Gene Jacobson Leadership Legacy Award, and Justin and Alicia Campbell with Campbell’s Piggly Wiggly for Outstanding Business of the Year
by GCDC | Jan 22, 2025 | News
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is pleased to announce the start of an exciting statewide project and partnership with the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, the Wisconsin Community Health Empowerment Fund, and four United Way organizations. This project is one of 66 projects supported by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin (AHW) Endowment.
Empowering Community Health is a unique and exciting community health Learning Collaborative that will advance avenues and possibilities for health equity, access to nutrition for families with young children and the building of innovative long standing community health resource infrastructure in four primarily rural communities throughout Wisconsin – Green, Fond du Lac, La Crosse, and Marshfield service areas.
The four rural communities are guided by innovative local United Way led teams with partners from a variety of sectors including business, health system, government, and philanthropy with the goal of improving nutrition access to over 350 families vulnerable to poverty.
The Empowering Community Health Project is part of a portfolio of projects that GCDC participates in to advance community health, economic prosperity, and the greater engagement of business in health. GCDC is honored to be a part of this important work and looks forward to sharing its learning throughout Green County, with the state of Wisconsin and with other national partners. Business engagement = better health!
https://ahwendowment.org/AHW/Public-and-Community-Health-Improvement/00005190.htm
To read more about the all of the awarded projects, click here: https://blog.ahwendowment.org/2025-seed-awards
by GCDC | Jan 8, 2025 | News
2024 Business of the Year Awards
Awards will be given in these categories:
- Outstanding Business of the Year
- Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
- Leadership Legacy Award
Eligible Businesses:
Qualifying companies must be located in Green County and can be manufacturing, distribution, construction, service, retail and any other exceptional business worth noting!
Companies may nominate themselves.
Guidelines:
Nominations must be submitted by March 2, 2025. They may be submitted electronically at GCDC Business Awards Nomination Application
The honorees will be announced and recognized at
GCDC’s Annual Business & Awards event at Turner Hall on March 20, 2025.
Submit a Nomination
*Nominate via link or form below
by GCDC | Oct 10, 2024 | News, Projects
Monroe – Green County will see increased workforce development in skilled trades with a $2M grant awarded to Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), and a partnership with Monroe High School.
GCDC will work with the School District of Monroe to expand the current plans for the new Monroe High School trades area to help address workforce skills challenges in Green County. The center will create an environment that fosters hands-on learning, cultivating essential skills and knowledge necessary for success in high-demand industries.
“This trade center is an innovative solution to pressing community challenges throughout the county, specifically in relation to skilled metal, construction, and automotive workers. While this facility will be housed in Monroe High School, we are working to ensure that it is accessible to all Green County students and our industry partners. Through this collaboration, we envision a comprehensive strategy that combines educational excellence with economic development to create a thriving and sustainable future for Green County” stated GCDC’s Executive Director Olivia Otte.
Monroe High School Principal, Jeriamy Jackson had this to say about the funds, “We are very excited to hear the news of this grant approval! We have been working hard to design and build spaces within the new Monroe High School that house our metals manufacturing, welding, automotive and construction trades programs and this grant will help to improve these spaces and give our students even better opportunities. This increased space allows us to develop even more hands-on, real-world experiences to spark student interest and increase student skill levels to meet industry standards.”
GCDC was one of 50 Non-State Grant Program projects awarded and will receive $2M to support a trades center to be housed in the new Monroe High School. These grants are targeted at bolstering critical infrastructure and services, including economic and workforce development.
“I was glad to launch the Non-State Grant Program last year because an investment in local capital projects like these is an investment in local jobs and economies and improving public services and the quality of life for Wisconsinites statewide. I’m incredibly excited about these projects and the investments we’re making in communities in every corner of Wisconsin—this is great news for our state,” said Gov. Evers.
GCDC is a non-profit public/private partnership organization fostering economic growth that maintains the quality of life that makes Green County Wisconsin a great place to live and work. For more information on this and other projects of GCDC, please contact them at [email protected], call 608-328-9452 or visit their website at www.greencountydevelopment.com
State grant recipients can be found at: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3babcdd
by GCDC | Aug 29, 2024 | News
Green County Development Corporation Receives 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council
IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession
[August 29, 2024] [Monroe WI] – Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed specifically for the organization’s work in the Public/Private Partnership for the Home Construction Cooperative. GCDC will be acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, CO, September 15-18.
“Green County Development Corporation is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its Home Construction Cooperative program. This award highlights GCDC’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to Green County Development Corporation, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce this year’s award winners. These exceptional projects showcase remarkable dedication and ingenuity within the field,” said Kevin Kramer, Chair of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee. “GCDC’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents.”
Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.
“The Home Construction Cooperative has been a phenomenal example of what can happen when a community comes together to solve problems. We are proud to accept this award and want to recognize SSM Health Monroe, the School District of Monroe Launch program, and everyone that has partnered with us to make this program a success.” said Olivia Otte, GCDC Executive Director. “We look forward to continuing this program into the 2024/2025 school year with a new build on a long vacant lot transferred to GCDC from the city of Monroe.”
