Economic Development
Welcome to Portage County, where businesses prosper and people triumph.
We’re ground breaking and forward thinking.
Portage County Business Council is breaking new ground by working together with local and state leaders, and business and economic developers, to successfully provide the resources, expertise and resolve to help you expand or relocate your business to Portage County. New development has provided steady, continuous economic growth. Existing companies are making capital investments, high-value jobs are being created, and new facilities are being built.
Portage County Prosperity 2040
But the work is NOT final, several of the projects will be continuing.
Contact PCBC to learn more about growing your business in Portage County.
Wisconsin Supply Network is an online tool that connects buyers and Wisconsin suppliers, check out their website at wisconsinsuppliernetwork.com/
Portage County Business Council
(715) 344-1940
info@portagecountybiz.com
Get the latest Portage County community resource guide
Portage County is home to a diverse business and industry base. Agriculture and food production, advanced manufacturing and green business are three of our growing industries.
Potato Harvesting, Central Wisconsin
Agriculture and Food Production
One of the strengths of the Portage County agricultural community is its diversity. A wide array of products – from buffalo and dairy products to cranberries and sod are produced here.
Dick Okray, Okray Family Farms, notes that it’s important to recognize the interconnectedness of area businesses to agriculture.
Agriculture has been a driving force behind job creation and economic opportunity in this region. We have major food processors like Del Monte, Intevation Foods, Golden County Foods, and McCain’s — the largest frozen potato manufacturer in Wisconsin. We have fertilizer companies like Jay-Mar Inc., and packaging companies like Warner & Warner Inc. There are businesses like Mid-State Truck Service, Inc. that keep our equipment up and running. Area paper mills are related to agriculture — they’re producing byproducts from trees. They all add value to the agricultural enterprise.
Dick Okray
Owner, Okray Family Farms
Marten Machining, Stevens Point
Advanced Manufacturing
Portage County has very diverse, quality advanced metal manufacturers with machining capabilities that service aerospace, industrial, medical, recreational and commercial industries.
The demand for component parts made in the US has grown along with careers in advanced manufacturing. Local educational systems provide a skilled and dedicated workforce to support business growth and compete in a high-tech marketplace.
The centralized location of Portage County puts manufacturers within reach of several urban areas while supplying local and global customers.
Delta Dental, Stevens Point
Green Business
Portage County has been nationally recognized for high water quality and works to support environmentally friendly practices that will have long-term benefits.
The Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) creates sustainability solutions and economic opportunities. The institute connects UW-Stevens Point to business and industry and provides research, laboratory services, and education.
To support green industries, UWSP’s nationally renowned College of Natural Resources and Mid-State Technical College both offer many related programs of study. The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration.
Excellent land values and readily available industrial and commercial sites significantly lower the cost of doing business in our Central Wisconsin communities.
