New, shared position was created earlier this year
By Jerry Poling, UW Stout
Adam Accola has been named the first joint director of economic development in Dunn County.
The position was created earlier this year by the county, City of Menomonie and University of Wisconsin-Stout. Support also was provided by the Dunn County Economic Development Corporation, Greater Menomonie Development Corporation and the Stout Technology and Business Park. The six entities signed a memorandum of agreement to provide funding.
Accola has been a manager and administrator at the Coven, formerly CoLab, for five years in Eau Claire, a co-working space that supports start-up businesses and entrepreneurs.
“I am looking forward to the innovative and collaborative approach to economic development that partners have pursued through this position,” Accola said. “The entirety of our county is ripe with possibilities for current businesses to thrive and grow, new businesses to emerge and succeed, and for outside businesses looking to call greater Dunn County home.”
Accola will initially focus on:
Retention and expansion of current businesses
New business development, including start-ups
Fostering the development of new housing
Business attraction.
“This shared position will allow the greater community to respond in a comprehensive way to the needs of business and industry,” said UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank. “It’s not just about attracting new business to the region but also working with existing businesses and providing streamlined resources.”
Accola works out of the UW-Stout Office of Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement. His office is room 278E, Jarvis Hall Technology Wing. He can be reached at accolaa@uwstout.edu, 715-232-5444.
UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.
