By Sam Bachmeier, La Crosse County Community Development Specialist
As we mark National Economic Development Week, it’s worth taking a step back to appreciate what we have here at home.
It’s easy to overlook our strengths when we’re busy with the daily grind, but La Crosse County is fortunate to have an enviable local economy that is diverse, resilient and full of forward-looking employers.
We are a regional medical center anchored by Emplify Health, Optum Serve and Mayo Clinic Health System. Healthcare remains our most prevalent industry, employing over 19% of La Crosse County’s labor force.
Education is another key pillar of our economy. UW–La Crosse is a tremendous asset, offering high-quality jobs while preparing the workforce of tomorrow. Western Technical College and Viterbo University, both of which have added programs designed to support the needs of local employers in recent years, round out a strong suite of educational opportunities that serve both students and employers.
While the Midwest is not often recognized for innovation and global impact, that does not apply to La Crosse County. Trane Technologies, a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, continues to lead the world’s HVAC industry, all while investing and growing in La Crosse. Innovative manufacturers such as DuraTech Industries, Inland Packaging and First Supply further strengthen our industrial base.
Food and beverage production is another standout area. Great Lakes Cheese, Holmen Cheese and Prairie Farms all play important roles in demonstrating the ongoing importance of agriculture and our family farms. Performance Food Group fuels our regional catering industry. Our county also supports craft brewers, a distillery, and of course Kwik Trip, one of the most recognizable regional brands and one of our largest employers.
Tourism is a key contributor as well. Our bluffs, world-class trout streams, trails and the Mississippi River draw visitors from across the region and beyond. The state estimates that about 4,000 jobs in La Crosse County are tied to tourism, with more than $500 million in economic impact in 2023 alone.
Strong public infrastructure helps power this economic activity. Our airport, rail lines that offer freight and passenger opportunities, Interstate 90 and local port systems all support business growth and quality of life. Government plays a vital role not only as an employer, but also by laying the groundwork that allows private enterprise to thrive.
This year, La Crosse County is investing $500,000 directly into local growth. That includes $40,000 for entrepreneurs through our SEED program, additional funding to help businesses diversify and support for acquisition and demolition grants that can improve housing quality and strengthen the tax base that funds essential public services.
Of course, challenges remain. One of the most significant is the shortage of workforce housing, often called the “missing middle.” That’s why the county has undertaken a comprehensive, countywide housing study to provide data-driven insights and strategies for expanding housing options.
Overall, the picture is one of a region poised for continued growth. We have a diverse economic base, a talented workforce, and a collaborative spirit between the public and private sectors. As we celebrate National Economic Development Week, let’s band together around our strengths and keep pushing forward.