Lafayette County Development Corporation

The Lafayette Development Corporation is a non-profit organization committed to assisting with all economic development efforts throughout Lafayette County. The LDC helps communities with their efforts to retain current businesses and develop new enterprises that can diversify and strengthen the local economy, and it also promotes the abundant tourism assets and recreational resources of the county.

Membership and Board of Directors
The corporation and its activities are funded by the municipalities of the county that pay membership dues. Cities and villages pay a fee based on their population, while townships pay a flat fee. The LDC is governed by a board of directors representing the member municipalities. The current membership includes:

The current board of directors consists of President Dave Breunig (Darlington), President-Elect Gary McCrea (Benton), Treasurer Tim Burke (Gratiot), Secretary Marty Chandler (Blanchardville), Wayne Wilson (Argyle), Ken Leahy (Belmont), Terry Sheffer (Benton), Lance McNaughton (Shullsburg), Steve Bechtolt (South Wayne), county board representative Verne Jackson (Shullsburg), Jed Gant (Blanchard Township), John Ruf (Fayette Township), Jean Van Matre (Fayette Township) and Bob Burgess (Seymour Township). The board of directors meets on a regular basis, usually the fourth Monday of each month.

Mission Statement
The Lafayette Development Corporation will assist the communities of Lafayette County in their efforts to retain current businesses, including agricultural, and to promote the development of new business and industry, while enhancing the quality of life for county residents. The corporation will accomplish this mission through aggressive marketing of the county's assets and facilitating cooperation between federal and state agencies, communities and all interested participants.

Purpose of the Organization
The purpose of the Lafayette Development Corporation shall be to:

* Promote the industrial, agricultural and other economic development of Lafayette County;
* Preserve and enhance the tax base of Lafayette County;
* Promote, attract, stimulate, rehabilitate and revitalize commerce, industry and manufacturing in Lafayette County;
* Stabilize the economy of Lafayette County through the retention and expansion of existing business and industry within the county;
* Diversify the economy of Lafayette County through the attraction, expansion and retention of business and industry;
* Stimulate the flow of private investment capital from banks and other financing sources toward economic ventures within Lafayette County;
* Establish a civic and economic climate that will encourage and attract new businesses to Lafayette County;
* Increase opportunities for gainful employment for existing and future residents of Lafayette County, thereby increasing the income potential of individuals and families;
* Do all things necessary to actively and aggressively participate in matters pertaining to the social, economic and industrial welfare of Lafayette County; and
* Engage in any lawful act or activity that may be necessary or appropriate for carrying out and accomplishing any of the foregoing objectives or purposes.

Staff
Michael Wentela is the executive director of the Lafayette Development Corporation. He took over the responsibilities and duties of the position in October 2002.

Prior to accepting this position, he worked for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection as a communications specialist in the Agricultural Development Division. Before that, he was an award-winning newspaper journalist for more than 15 years. Wentela has a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communication from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI.

A Lafayette County resident since 1986, Wentela lives in Darlington with his wife, Stephanie, along with their daughter, Samantha, and son, Carey.