Economic Development
In four short years, Adams County has undergone an encouraging economic transformation. The Rural and Industrial Development Commission has offered innovative financing packages to assist new and existing businesses in economic expansion. Heartland Farms, a $20 million potato pre-processing plant supplying product for the potato chip industry, created 40 new jobs. Expansions are already being considered for the 3 year old facility.
Terrace Homes, a leader in the manufacture of modular homes and the Polymer Technology Center, a manufacturer of customized plastic injection molds, have added a total of 80 positions to the area job market. “Adams County has been an aggressive participant in these projects, going far beyond the reach of other countries in their involvement in economic development,” according to the county’s Economic Development Director.
Innovation is the byword in Adams County. The Commission is currently working with Terrace Homes to recycle gypsum waste chips and wallboard into a useable agronomic product. Adding gypsum to sandy soil produces a higher quality potato product. Partnerships with other agricultural processing facilities are also being developed.
The recent designation of Adams County as a Development Zone and Technology Zone promises an even brighter future as new expanding or relocating business will now be eligible for special state tax credits.
The success of Adams County development is evident wherever one looks. Remodeled storefronts, quaint street lamps, the first shopping mall, and the recently restored McGowan House, home of the Adams County Historical Society, all reflect the positive outlook and cooperative attitude among the people, businesses, and governing bodies of Adams County.
Investment in Tomorrow
A community’s current health may be measured by the number and variety of economic opportunities and the quality of life it affords its members. But a community’s prospects for the future are only as bright as its students. And the soundness of its investment in the future can best be gauged by the excellence of its school system and how well it regards its most valuable asset our children.
Adams County’s educational system has come along way from its scattered one room rural school days and from the internecine squabbles between the Village of Friendship and the City of Adams which determined that the current high school, built in 1928, be located exactly halfway between the rival communities.
Click Here for more information on the Adams-Friendship School District!In 1996, the taxpayers of Adams County approved a $15 million referendum authorizing the construction of a new high school and major improvements to every building in the system.
Adams-Friendship Area Schools also provided use of school facilities for participation in GuardCare, a program bringing medical and dental services by Wisconsin National Guard volunteers to community residents.
Judged by its investment in its schools, Adams County is decidedly optimistic about what the future holds and has every reason to feel proud of itself and its students.
JUNEAU – ADAMS – MARQUETTE (JAM) DEVELOPMENT ZONE
A Wisconsin Development Zone in Adams County was announced by Governor Tommy Thompson. The Adams County Rural & Industrial Development Council is the local management organization which is responsible for accomplishing the objectives of the Zone.
The area of the zone currently includes the counties of Juneau, Adams and Marquette.
The ACRIDC is in operation to coordinate economic development efforts, provide the answers to inquiries and requests by businesses interested in investing and creating jobs in Adams County, and to facilitate the application process for the state tax credits.
The benefits of this zone include tax credits from the State of Wisconsin for businesses locating or expanding in the zone, and an organized local team to assist those businesses. Detailed general instructions, carry-forward of tax credits, job credits, certain exceptions, and further clarification of the credits will be available during the certification process. The extent of the credits for any given business will be determined during the certification process. A total of $1,200,000 was made available for such credits. Jobs credits are to account for at least one-half of this total.
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