Colby Economic Development Corporation sets open house for April 10

The Colby Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is hosting an open house Wednesday, April 10, beginning at 5 p.m. at Colby City Hall. Snacks and beverages will be available.

A membership meeting will follow at 6 p.m. People interested in facilitating economic development in the City of Colby are invited to become CEDC members. There is no membership fee charged.

The CEDC Board of Directors consists of Jim Schmidt, president, Todd Schmidt, vice president/secretary, and Jason Lindeman, treasurer.

Results of a recent community survey seeking input for updating the City of Colby Comprehensive Plan showed strong support for enhancing economic development activity. Rejuvenating the CEDC, which was actually formed as a non-profit corporation in the mid-1990’s, was identified as a priority for focusing the city’s economic development efforts.

According to the by-laws officially revised at a Board of Directors meeting held January 17, 2024, the CEDC exists for the following purposes to benefit the city of Colby:

■ ■ To promote business, industrial and other economic development;

■ ■ To preserve and enhance the tax base;

■ ■ To promote, attract, stimulate, rehabilitate, and revitalize business, industry, and manufacturing;

■ ■ To stimulate the flow of private investment funds from banks, insurers, and other financial institutions and sources as well to assist in the procurement of financing from government agencies and other sources for businesses and industries in Colby, including, without limitation, Small BusinessAdministration and Department of Development funds;

■ ■ To promote the right to gainful employment, business opportunities, and general welfare of the inhabitants of Colby, as measured by increased employment, payroll and general economic vitality;

■ ■ To foster, assist, and expand existing business and commercial enterprises;

■ ■ To establish a civic and economic climate that will encourage and attract new industries and businesses to locate in Colby; and

■ ■ To do all things necessary to actively and aggressively participate in all matters pertaining to the social, economic, and industrial welfare of Colby.

Minutes of the January 17 CEDC Board of Directors meeting state that membership representation is suggested but not limited to the areas of housing, medical, publishing, legal and community organizations. Discussion topics included marketing, growth and development, future funding sources for the CEDC, designing letterhead and the situation with the Marshfield Clinic Health System.

Economic development and additional topics, including the City of Colby Comprehensive Plan, are available on the City of Colby website. For more information on those subjects or the April 10 CEDC open house, contact city clerk/treasurer Connie Gurtner at clerk@cityofcolby.org or 715223-4435.