Barron County

Barron County has all the ingredients to grow a business: proximity to major markets, quality transportation infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, and access to customized training programs and business support.

Just 35 miles north of Eau Claire and 75 miles northeast of the Twin Cities, Barron County is served by U.S. Highways 8, 48, 53 and 63, with convenient connection to Interstate 94. Progressive Rail and CN provide rail service within the county.

Agriculture, manufacturing, construction, service and healthcare sectors thrive here. Top employers include Jennie-O Turkey Store, Rice Lake Weighing Systems, St. Croix Casino, Superior Silica Sands, Mayo Health Systems and Lakeview Medical Center.

The University of Wisconsin-Barron County and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) provide education and training for businesses and individuals throughout the county.  WITC offers customized training programs to fit the needs and schedules of area employers.

Skill Gaps within the county are addressed through collaborative efforts between business and education. The Manufacturing Education Advisory Group, made up of K-12 schools, UW-Barron County and WITC, meets quarterly with area manufactures to develop manufacturing career pathways.

Additional initiatives include BizStart Barron County, which provides counselling and services to entrepreneurs looking to launch a business. Existing businesses can tap into resources for expansion assistance including the Barron County Economic Gardening program, facilitated by Barron County Economic Development Corporation and managed by the National Center for Economic Gardening. This program helps businesses develop strategies, examine challenges and identify opportunities for growth.

This supportive business climate combined with unparalleled natural resources and an abundance of recreational opportunities add up to an exceptional place to live, work and grow a business.

For more information contact:

David Armstrong, Executive Director
Barron County Economic Development Corporation
(715) 637-6871
bcedc@co.barron.wi.us