Rusk County Economic Development Corporation

COVID-19 Business Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to all forms of Wisconsin businesses. Operations have been impacted through social distancing, interference with supply chains and employee availability. The WEDC is working with state agencies to provide resources for businesses and aiming to sustain and maintain what you have built. 

WEDC Business Resources

Additional resources can be found in the Wisconsin Main Street COVID Response Report. This can help with information on any of these topics:

• About COVID-19
• General Business Best Practices & Resources (Legal, HR, etc.)
• Organization Strategies (Downtown Organizations)
• Business Strategies
• Example Marketing Materials
• Additional Resources

The WEDC has a guide for strategies and resources for small businesses and community groups.   WEDC_Resources for COVID-19

The Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board has a list of online resources ranging from the Northwest Regional Planning Commission, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), the CDC, OSHA/HHS, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Small Business Administration SBA Disaster Loans Information

On Saturday March 21 the Small Business Administration (SBA) declared all of the counties in Wisconsin an SBA Economic Disaster.   The SBA is now accepting applications for disaster assistance loans for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.  Disaster assistance loans will be offered up to $2M. These loans are working capital loans designed to sustain your business in the way it could have existed if the disaster had not occurred (assessing your ability to pay accounts payable, payroll, paying fixed debt, and other operating expenses). These loans are not intended to be for equipment, expansion or to cover past lost profits or make up for an already struggling business read more…

Wisconsin Follows Federal Government, Extends Tax Deadline

Late last week, the federal government announced that tax deadlines were extended. This extension has now been applied to Wisconsin state taxes as well – automatically extending the deadlines to July 15 and waiving interest and penalties for taxpayers due to a President-declared disaster.

This relief is solely for income tax payments and does not require tax filers to file extension forms to be eligible for the new due date.

Community Development Financial Development

List of Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFIs) with Contact Information

Copy of WI-CDFI-Cert-List as of 3-13-2020

Department of Workforce Development

This site is updated regularly  with relevant information about COVID-19 as it becomes available.

Information for the public regarding DWD and the COVID-19 virus.

Information includes General Public Information

 Tavern League of Wisconsin

Governor Evers issued an Executive Order requiring all non-essential businesses to close. The order is in effect through April 24^th or until the Governor lifts the order. The new order allows taverns/restaurants to continue to offer food to be delivered or picked up. The new order also allows a tavern without a food license to sell liquor to go in the original unopened package. Read more at: https://www.tlw.org/

Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy is the electrical service provider for most of the communities and industrial properties in the County.  In addition, they are part of Rusk County’s Green Energy Portfolio. The utility operates 3 hyrdo dams in the County, all on the Flambeau River, with a combined generation capacity of 12 MW.  Xcel is a great partner to business and are able assist companies in expansion and start-up efforts.

Rockwell Automation

This plant in Ladysmith manufactures relay and industrial control products and is part of a worldwide leader in the areas of automation, integrated control systems and software solutions.

Jump River Electric

Jump River Electric Cooperative (JREC) is a non-profit electric service provider for rural communities across six Wisconsin counties, including: Barron, Chippewa, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, and Taylor. Their mission is to provide reliable, safe, sustainable, and affordable utility services to the communities they serve. JREC supports economic development in their service territory, and they partner on projects that benefit the local communities.

JREC invites you to discover the Cooperative Difference where their customers – business, residential, and agricultural – are their member-owners. From grassroots development initiatives to existing business expansion, entreprenurial development, and new business attraction, their team is here to assist you in applying for a rural economic development loan.

RURAL ECONOMIC DEVLOPMENT LOAN PROGRAM

Low interest rate gap-financing may be available through Jump River Electric Cooperative to support qualifying business or community development projects.

Eligible Projects and Applicants

• Business/Organizations (for profit, non-profit, commercial, industrial, retail, distribution, agricultural processing, land, buildings, machinery & equipment)
• Community Facilities (infrastructure (sewer, water, streets, rail), business/industrial parks, fire/EMS buildings & equipment, libraries, community centers)
• Health Care & Education (hospitals, clinics, assisted living, child care)

Financing Terms

• Amount – determined on a case-by-case basis by the cooperative board of directors; based on the project and specific loan program requirements
• Rate – typically ranging from 0% to below prime interest rates
• Term – maximum of 10 years
• Security – adequate security as determined by the cooperative board of directors

Application Process

• Contact Jump River Electric Cooperative at 715-532-5524 to discuss your project and begin the loan application process.

Financial Packaging Assistance

• Based on the unique attributes and needs of your project, we will also work to connect you with the right mix of resource providers, including: local financial institutions, local, state & federal economic development incentives, and local, state & federal loans and loan guarantees.

JREC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Artisans

Since 1963, Artisans has been designing and producing the very best in apparel right here in Rusk County. Their work continues today utilizing the latest in technologies, from sublimation to laser embroidery.  A homegrown company, started by the Dukerschein family, it originated on their family farm.  It grew over the years on the farm, and then relocated and helped start the Glen Flora Industrial Park.

Indeck Ladysmith BioFuel Center

The Indeck Ladysmith BioFuel Center produces premium residential and industrial-grade wood pellets. The plan has the capacity to produce 90,000 tons of pellets annually.