Clark County Economic Development Corporation Celebrates 25 Years, The Beginning
Friday, May 15th, 2015 -- 12:41 PM
-25 years ago, the process began to create an economic development organization for Clark County. The dream became a reality with the help of a long list of volunteer members of a startup committee to create the Clark County Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Bureau.In a special celebration of the CCEDC's 25th Anniversary, and their 25th Anniversary Gala being held at Munson Bridge Winery in Withee on Saturday June 6th, the next four weeks on Friday, we'll have a special report about the past, present and future of the CCEDC.
On Wednesday, I had an opportunity to sit down with Diane Feiten, of Colby, and Bob Berglund, of Loyal, two founding members of the CCEDC. Though they admitted they couldn't remember all aspects of the formation 25 years ago, they talked about what they could on how it all got started.
Bob: "It was something always in my dreams that we would do something as far as economic development. All of our towns are small, so who's going to do it? We couldn't expect the city councils and village boards because they had jobs. We had a meeting and they told us we had to re-join West Central Regional Planning, which we did. That was the first thing, the first step we took."
Diane: "And then it just grew from there. I can't remember just how everybody got in it, but we always met in the old auditorium at Clark Electric. They had that nice auditorium there. And we met there a lot."
Diane mentioned the biggest challenge they faced in getting the CCEDC started.
Diane: "Changing the mindset of the board members. And we did. There were some who were against at first and then eventually turned around."
Bob and Diane wanted to remind people that the CCEDC is for everyone and you should support the corporation.
Bob: "Like I said before, economic development is for everybody so get behind it and support the organization."
Diane: "Stop in the office. Sheila's glad to talk with anyone who wants to know more about it."
As I mentioned, this was the first part of a 4-part program about the Clark County Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Bureau. Next week, we'll hear about some of the current initiatives the CCEDC has started.
And don't forget that the CCEDC's 25th Anniversary Gala is being held at Munson Bridge Winery in Withee on Saturday, June 6th from 4:30pm to 10pm. The cost is $50 per person and you can enjoy dining, dancing and a silent auction.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.