Driftless Development, Inc.
Driftless Development Inc. (DDI) is the EDO (Economic Development Organization) serving Crawford County. Economic Development has seen many changes in Crawford County through the years. Established mostly by immigrants interested in logging and agriculture. Today, manufacturing, retail, and agricultural lead the county’s economic profile. Tourism also contributes significantly to the county’s economy.
The largest city in the county is Prairie du Chien, which is the county seat and also the second oldest city in the state. Other leading communities include Soldiers Grove, Gays Mills, Seneca, Wauzeka, Eastman, and Ferryville. Formed in 1818, Crawford County is one of Wisconsin’s original counties. It covers 599 square miles and has a population of just over 16,000.
Who are we?
DDI is a private, not-for-profit economic development organization committed to the economic revitalization of the Driftless Region’s future through continued growth, prosperity, and inclusion. DDI conducts fundamental business, workforce and community development to the surrounding area.
What is our mission?
Driftless Development, Inc. (DDI) invests in Crawford County’s future by fostering business growth, expanding workforce opportunities, and enhancing the region’s appeal to create a vibrant, sustainable communities where people want to live, work, and play.
This mission statement effectively underpins three key initiatives:
- Workforce Development and Job Creation: Essential for the region’s prosperity, a robust economy attracts talent and fuels business growth. DDI prioritizes workforce development to ensure a thriving local economy.
- Enhancing the Region’s Appeal: Strategic branding efforts leverage Crawford County’s rich natural and cultural resources, driving initiatives that enhance the quality of life and elevate the region’s desirability as a place to live and visit.
- Affordable Housing: While not explicitly mentioned, the mission inherently supports fostering a sustainable and vibrant community, which includes advocating for diverse housing options to meet the needs of a growing population and workforce.
Our Team
We have a reliable team here available to help point you to all the great resources that the Crawford County has to offer. We welcome you to live here, work here and play here!
Contact Us!
Testimonials
Don't take our word from us, listen to what others have to say about us!
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| Lou Davis, Owner The Pickett Fence, Prairie du Chien |
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| As a small business owner, I often felt there was no one who could help me with many issues I face, but that was prior to Driftless Development. Now, I have a go-to source that I can count on for counsel, advice and direct assistance with business issues I often face. Not only have [Driftless Development] helped me solve problems, but they have provided ideas that I can use to help grow my business. They also have provided much-needed leadership in getting our downtown Main Street program on track and moving forward. |
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| Andrea Dearborn and James Peotter, Owners Driftless Gems, Wauzeka |
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| Andrea Dearborn and James Peotter have been into buying out estate sales and hosting garage sales at their rural Wauzeka home. Owning an indoor flea market setup was a natural fit for them. They went to DDI Director Carol Roth to learn what they might qualify for in terms of grants and loans to get their business running. The couple made the cut for some assistance, and also worked with a bank to get a loan. Andrea and James then closed on the former Stuckey’s Supermarket in Wauzeka! |
Driftless Development, Inc.
