Centergy Board of Directors
Centergy is proud of the dedication and commitment of its Board Members. Learn more about Centergy and the leaders within the organization.
Melinda Osterberg is a Regional Economic Development Director for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). She helps communities and businesses in North Central Wisconsin thrive by accessing state and federal resources. For nearly two decades, Melinda has assisted Wisconsin communities with planning and economic development activities, including the management of broadband, school facilities, and comprehensive planning projects.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities, and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit wedc.org or follow WEDC on Twitter @WEDCNews to learn more.
WEDC has invested in a variety of projects throughout Centergy’s region. Below are some notable projects that received WEDC funding in the past three years:
2021 WEINBRENNER SHOES EXPANSION
WEDC provided a $250,000 Idle Sites Redevelopment grant for Weinbrenner to expand into a vacant and blighted site adjacent to their current facility in Merrill, WI. The expansion allowed them to add a more modern facility for footwear manufacturing. This project included over $1 million in capital expenditures and the creation of 50 new jobs.
ADAMS BRANCH OF THE SOUTH WOOD COUNTY YMCA
In 2020, WEDC provided a Community Development Investment grant to develop a satellite branch of the South Wood County YMCA in the City of Adams. This 7,500-square-foot facility included a $1.5 million investment in a rural community and features a fitness facility and space for community use. The project is located at 393 Pine Street, Adams.
THE GROVE IN STEVENS POINT
In 2022, the City of Stevens Point applied for an Idle Sites grant to redevelop a historic religious structure for low-income multifamily residential and mixed-use. Project financing also included WHEDA Tax Credits, Historic Preservation Tax Credits (administered by WEDC), City TIF funds, and a DOA grant. Once complete CREATE, a local community development organization, will be located on the site.
2022 CHANNELED RESOURCES EXPANSION
Channeled Resource is a specialty paper manufacturer in Marathon City. Through the Business Development Tax Credit program, WEDC has supported two expansions at the facility to allow the company to increase production and enter new product lines. This project included almost $9 million in capital expenditures and the creation of 20 new full-time jobs.
Connect with Melinda – HERE