Group created to bring more young professionals to central Wisconsin

Robert Mentzer - Wausau Daily Herald

If central Wisconsin is going to get young professionals to move here and stay here, it needs to improve its image online, open up communication between hubs Wausau, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids, and it needs more bike lanes.

Those were some of the ideas raised by a group of young leaders assembled Wednesday by the regional economic development organization Centergy, which covers Marathon, Portage and Wood counties. The Centergy Creative Council is a group of about 20 people, mostly in their 20s and 30s, who are tasked with finding ways to make the region more attractive to young professionals. Fifteen people attended the group’s “inaugural summit” at the chalet at Granite Peak Ski Area to discuss the specific initiatives they hope to pursue.

“What makes a place not boring?” asked Molly Foley, a consultant with the Madison-based firm Next Generation Consulting, who served as a facilitator of the discussion.

Next Generation Consulting, which works with cities nationwide, has developed a set of metrics by which a city or region can judge whether it is attractive to young professionals. These include cost of living, lifestyle opportunities, availability of jobs and other factors.

Members of the group said a lack of communication between cities in the region—networking opportunities for young professionals as well as information about shows and cultural events—was one specific area that could be improved.

“We’re not regionalized,” said Heidi Dobbs, a manager at a Wisconsin Rapids-based Gaynor Cranberry Co.

The Centergy Creative Council group is similar to efforts being undertaken by Marathon County and the Marathon County Economic Development Corp. Marathon County also hired Next Generation Consulting to provide research on its strengths and weaknesses to young professionals. Centergy Executive Director Barb Fleisner said the Centergy Creative Council would have a more regional focus.

Dan Shoman, a Wausau marketing professional who serves as the group’s chairman, said the key to making this group work would be to focus on specific, concrete goals. He also said the regional focus would be a strength.

“This is the first group I’ve seen to integrate multiple communities,” Shoman said.