Community Development readies brand launch; county backs Elevate Vernon with $150,000

Community Development staff told the Economic Development Committee on March 5 that a staff training is underway, a board presentation on the new brand is scheduled for March 19, and a public brand launch is planned for March 31.

Amy Oliver reported Vernon County did not receive the 2026 Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Small Business Development Grant to support another round of the Elevate Vernon Grant Program. To keep the program for 2026, the Board of Supervisors approved $150,000 in Ho-Chunk Funding to offer the Elevate Vernon grants this year. Staff provided examples of past project successes, including work in the Town of Hamburg and a project for Driftless Veterinary. Committee members were told Larkin Breckel has returned from leave and will help prepare for the launch.

Staff indicated program details and award recommendations will be discussed at future meetings.