Grow Your Business in Central Wisconsin

Centered Around Your Company’s Needs

Central Wisconsin’s robust economy fosters a collaborative business environment that can help take your company to the next level. Bringing your business to the Center gives you access to:

  • Talent attraction and retention with a highly competitive cost of living
  • Network of trained, skilled professionals from our educational pipelines
  • Innovative community resources to help launch and scale your business

THE CROSSROADS OF WISCONSIN

At the Center of Your Business Success

MORE FOR YOUR MONEY

Your investments go further in the Center, so your business can operate more cost-effectively. Additionally, low living costs can help attract and retain talented employees, who enjoy a higher quality of life at less expense than larger cities.

TALENTED WORKER POOLS

Central Wisconsin is home to top universities and technical colleges that train a highly skilled and educated workforce. These institutions offer many employment programs that we’ll help you access to find the right people for your business.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

The Center is focused on growing your business through innovation, collaboration and community involvement. We work with local governments, businesses and nonprofits to create a robust economic environment for new and expanding companies.

Key Businesses


Setting the Standard in Community Health Care

Aspirus Health Care

Aspirus is a nonprofit, community-focused health system with a robust network of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and physicians across Central Wisconsin. Based in Wausau, its 11,000 employees are dedicated to improving the health and strengthening communities throughout the Center.

Packaging Corporation of America

Central Wisconsin remains a top producer of paper products in the United States, particularly in the packaging industry. The Packaging Corporation of America is one of these leading manufacturers, thanks in part to its containerboard mill on the Wisconsin River in Tomahawk.

Marathon Cheese Corporation

Dairy is big business in the Center, and cheese producers and packagers are major players. Marathon Cheese Corporation leads the way as a top packaging company, combining traditional practices with automation and other innovative technologies to create a successful, modern agricultural business.

Gamber-Johnson

Based in Stevens Point, Gamber-Johnson is a leading supplier of rugged mounting systems that safely secure mobile communication systems, computers and other electronic equipment to vehicles and other moving applications. Their products are integral to work in law enforcement, public safety, military and warehouses around the world.

Out of the Box Coffee House

Every town values a business that enhances its quality of life, especially a great local spot for coffee, breakfast and friendly conversation. Theresa Cashman opened Out of the Box Coffee House in Wisconsin Rapids for exactly that, and customers responded with unwavering support.

By the Numbers

Thriving Communities, Endless Opportunities

332K+

PEOPLE LIVING IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN

172K+

WORKERS IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN

$220K

AVERAGE HOUSING COST IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN

Source: 2023 YTD

Collaborating Across Key Industries

The Center’s collaborative business environment supports many companies across a wide range of industries. Visit our Supply Chain Marketplace for quick and easy connections between companies and suppliers.

Utilities & Incentives

Central Wisconsin utility providers offer remarkably affordable rates and plenty of available capacity. The Center also offers incentives in training grants, loans, startup assistance and tax credits to help companies grow and succeed.

Sites & Buildings

The Center has business spaces to fit a variety of industries that range from urban locations to wide open spaces. We also offer tax benefits and incentives to make the most of your investment.