Vilas County Economic Development Corporation

10/08/2026

What a fantastic evening of connection, conversation and community at the VCEDC Business Owner Networking Social at Aqualand Ale House in Boulder Junction—thank you to everyone who joined us last evening! A special shout-out to Aqualand Ale House Owner Joel Miner, Co-owner and Manager Breanna Miner, and to our colleagues in banking and finance for sharing valuable information, helpful resources, and tremendous support for our local business owners!

10/01/2026

Congratulations to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for a fabulous 2-day summit “Determination to Dream” in Eau Claire - providing great insight, partnership, and inspiration to help grow our communities.

Fabulous opportunity to hear a special keynote from Governor Evers, conversations with WEDC CEO John Miller and Regional Economic Director Angie Close, and for Vilas County - so fantastic enjoying the conference with Andy from Andy’s Pontoon Saloon!

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Andy's Pontoon Saloon

09/24/2026

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and primary public representative of VCEDC and is responsible for translating the organization’s strategic plan into measurable action. The role advances strategic priorities related to business growth and sustainability, entrepreneur success services, digital services and storytelling, place-based economic development, grants and compliance excellence, governance, community redevelopment, organizational sustainability, and ecosystem partnerships.

Apply or share with someone you think would be a good fit!

vilascountyedc.org/executive-director-job-opening/

Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Position Type: Full-time, executive leadership position Reports To: Board of Directors, with regular communication and accountability to the Board Chair. Organization Overview The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonpr...

09/21/2026

St. Germain got a bakery this year! Their cinnamon rolls are fantastic, along with everything else. Stop in to this new business and if you are looking to start a business yourself, let us know and we can help.

09/18/2026

Join us in congratulating Incredible Bank on 25 years of serving the Eagle River community! We are grateful for their fabulous support of the VCEDC and for the meaningful ways they continue to invest in our community. A special thanks to Heidi Reiter-Kramsvogel and her team for their continued partnership and commitment. Congratulations, Incredible Bank!

Photo: Incredible Bank President & CEO Todd Nagel; Incredible Bank EVP Chief Revenue Officer & VCEDC Board Member Peter Mouw; VCEDC Executive Director Kathy Schmitz; Incredible Bank Foundation Community Reinvestment Officer Dawn Fallendorf, Incredible Bank Market Manager Heidi Reiter-Kramsvogel, and Incredible Bank Co-owner Greg Nicholaus.

09/17/2026

Honored to attend today’s ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating Simpson Electric’s new manufacturing facility in Lac du Flambeau. Congratulations to the Lac du Flambeau Business Development Corporation (LdF BDC), Simpson Electric, and the entire team on this exciting milestone. VCEDC Executive Director Kathy Schmitz, VCEDC Board Chair Kate Ferrel, and VCEDC Board Member Emerson Coy were proud to celebrate alongside LdF BDC CEO Larry Turner. This new approximately 20,000-square-foot facility represents continued investment in local jobs, innovation, and tribally owned business growth—while positioning Simpson Electric to keep serving customers in a global market. Proud to celebrate this achievement and the opportunities it creates for generations to come.

09/14/2026

Last week, we introduced you to Leah Zastoupil and Chantel Kuczmarski, one of the mentor/mentee pairs participating in our 2026 VCEDC Women in Business Mentorship Program.

Now, hear directly from Leah and Chantel as they share a little about their mentorship experience, the conversations they’ve had, and what they’ve learned from one another along the way.

We love seeing the connections, encouragement, and confidence that come from bringing women in business together.

Take a few minutes to hear their story!

09/11/2026

We’re continuing to shine a light on the women and connections that make our VCEDC Women in Business Mentorship Program so special!

This week, we’re featuring Leah Zastoupil, owner of Zastysfcc Traveling Spa LLC, and Chantel Kuczmarski, owner of Reclaim Digital Co. and Accent Auto Body. As a newer business owner, Leah is gaining valuable perspective and guidance from Chantel as her mentor throughout the 2026 program. Their conversations are creating space to ask questions, share ideas, work through challenges, and build confidence along the way.

Also pictured are Kathy Schmitz and Lisa Myszka with VCEDC.

We’re excited to share more of their story next week and hear what they’ve learned from one another.

Interested in learning more about the VCEDC Women in Business Mentorship Program? Visit the VCEDC Women in Business page for more information. vilascountyedc.org/women-in-business/

09/09/2026

After more than six years of leadership, VCEDC Executive Director Kathy Schmitz has announced her retirement at the end of 2026.
From helping expand broadband coverage across the county from 5% to 86%, to securing over $344,000 in grants and $2M in financing for area businesses, to launching the Women in Business Program and partnering with Northland Pines High School to bring entrepreneurship education to students, Kathy's impact on Vilas County's economy and community will be felt for years to come.
We are incredibly grateful for her dedication, vision, and heart for the Northwoods. The VCEDC Board has begun a thoughtful search for the next executive director, and Kathy will remain fully engaged through the end of 2026 to support a seamless transition.

After six years of leading regional economic growth Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Kathy Schmitz has announced her retirement at the end of 2026.

Read the full story on her tenure, key programs, and the search for the next VCEDC leader on our website: https://www.vcnewsreview.com/

09/09/2026

Congratulations to the Town of Phelps and its community leaders on the incredible new 14,097-square-foot Community Center! Hundreds of area residents turned out for the grand opening.
The beautiful $5.5 million facility brings together town offices, a newly expanded Eleanor Ellis Public Library, the Chamber of Commerce, and a fantastic event hall. Thank you to Governor Tony Evers—whose administration released the $4.25 million grant that made this project possible—and State Representative Rob Swearingen for their special visits to celebrate this milestone.