Trip highlights growth, opportunities in Medford

Members of the area business community had their boots on the ground Tuesday learning about businesses and growing opportunities in the Medford area.

About 50 people took part in the day-long bus trip. It was sponsored by the Medford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Medford Area Development Foundation (MADF).

Along the way, they toured Lake 11 Brewery’s facility; participated in the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the new north side Kwik Trip Store and for Stronger Version Fitness; toured the new Tractor Supply Company store, met with the owners of the former Kmart building; learned about downtown redevelopment efforts with the renovation of the former co-op service station and toured land on Pep’s Drive south of the industrial park that is being considered for residential development. Housing has been an ongoing focus of the MADF to address the need of area employers to bring more workers to the community.

In addition, participants talked with Sen. Jerry Petrowski and Rep. James Edming about the continued economic recovery and the growth in businesses and jobs in the state and region.

According to Sue Emmerich of the Medford Area Chamber of Commerce, the trip was an opportunity for people to see first-hand what is going on in the community and the work being done here. She encouraged those who took part in the trip to spread what they have learned to others.

The amount of new growth in the community has been a positive for the city and the surrounding region contributing to the tax base as well as providing solid jobs for the region.

Mayor Mike Wellner said growth can have a snowball effect with economic success leading to more growth which will benefit the community for years to come.