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Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4pm

Ashland Area Development Corporation

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Ashland Area Development Corporation

Ashland Area Development Corporation (AADC) is the primary economic development agent in Ashland County.

Ashland Area Development Corporation (AADC) is the primary economic development agent in Ashland County, Wisconsin, working in partnership with municipalities and other stakeholders in an effort to create and promote economic development that improves the quality of life of the people of the Ashland area. AADC is a facilitator of economic development, a resource and advocate for businesses in Ashl

and County and together with our stakeholders we are fully engaged in supporting and encouraging business growth and development in the region.

09/01/2026

September brings more opportunities to learn, connect, and grow with AADC!

Whether you’re looking for new ways to reach customers, strengthen your business strategy, or better understand your business structure, we’ve got several opportunities coming up this month.

All sessions will be held at the Ashland Area Enterprise Center, 422 3rd St. W., Ashland.

Learn more and register: ashlandareadevelopment.com/classes

08/31/2026

As we continue celebrating 25 years in the Ashland Area Enterprise Center, this week we’re highlighting Fabric Life!

Fabric Life got its start in the Enterprise Center in 2022, beginning in one office before expanding into additional space as the business grew. Eventually, owner Heidi Pflanzer outgrew the Enterprise Center and moved Fabric Life to Ashland’s Main Street.

Along the way, Heidi has worked with AADC through business classes, ongoing advising, and the FUNDiversity grant program.

From getting started to growing into a downtown storefront, we’re proud to have Fabric Life as part of the Enterprise Center’s 25-year story!

08/27/2026

to 1947, when Munsingwear started a new chapter in Ashland, Wisconsin!

That year, Munsingwear announced plans to establish a branch factory in Ashland, initially taking over the second floor of the B&M garage at Vaughn Avenue and Third Street. The new operation was expected to employ around 100 people, producing clothing including gowns and pajamas.

The Ashland operation grew considerably over the next two decades. By 1968, Munsingwear employed 320 production workers in the former B&M building and announced plans for a new 40,000-square-foot facility in Ashland, with a goal of growing to 400 production employees.

Munsingwear’s move to its new facility would soon make room for another growing business to take over the building.

Stay tuned for next week’s as we continue following the history of the Ashland Area Enterprise Center!

08/24/2026

As we celebrate 25 years in the Ashland Area Enterprise Center, we’re highlighting some of the businesses that have been part of its story—starting with Soft Lines!

Soft Lines has called the Enterprise Center home since 2001, operating from one of the building’s light manufacturing spaces. The company custom manufactures rope products for the pet, marine, and sporting goods industries and has grown right alongside the Enterprise Center.

Over the years, Soft Lines has worked closely with AADC, utilizing business advising, coaching, office equipment, and shipping support. In 2026, longtime employees Heather Salley and Valia Ellsworth purchased the business from retiring owner Tom Gazdik with assistance through AADC’s loan program.

Since becoming owners, Heather and Val have also taken advantage of educational opportunities through AADC and its network partners, continuing to build the skills needed to lead and grow the company.

08/20/2026

—all the way back to 1957! Recognize this building?

This 1957 photo shows B&M Oil & Auto Storage Company at West 3rd Street and Vaughn Avenue—the site that is now home to the Ashland Area Enterprise Center.

The building’s history goes back even further. The garage originally opened in 1925, meaning businesses have been operating from this corner for more than 100 years!

Nearly seven decades separate these two photos, but this building continues to be a place where Ashland businesses call home.

As AADC celebrates 25 years in the Enterprise Center, we’ll be sharing more pieces of its history along the way!

08/18/2026

Next month, we’re celebrating 25 years in the Ashland Area Enterprise Center! 🎉

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some of the building’s history, as well as some of the businesses that have called it home.

Stay tuned—there’s a lot to celebrate!

08/14/2026

Have a business question or working through your next step? We’re here to help!

AADC offers free, one-on-one business coaching to entrepreneurs and businesses throughout Ashland County.

Let’s talk business.

08/10/2026

Don't Just Grow. Grow With Purpose.

Running a business often means focusing on today's to-do list. But when was the last time you stepped back to think about where your business is headed?

Our Be Strategic program is a six-week course designed for established business owners who are ready to build a clear roadmap for growth. You'll work alongside other local business owners while creating a strategic plan you can put into action.

📍 Ashland, WI
📅 Wednesdays, September 23-October 28
Learn more and apply: https://www.efund.org/events/be-strategic---ashland-wi

Scholarships are available for qualifying participants thanks to our partners at Ashland Area Development Corporation , Boreal Waters Community Foundation and Xcel Energy .

Address

422 3rd Street W Ste 101
Ashland, WI
54806

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4pm

Telephone

(715) 682-8344

Website

https://www.ashlandareadevelopment.com/

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