Strong & Growing
Prairie du Chien is a growing center for business and industry. The Prairie du Chien Industrial Development Corporation works with new businesses coming into the community and with existing businesses as they expand operations. Two industrial parks in the city offer prime business sites for perspective clients. The city is part of one of Wisconsin’s Community Development Zones, which provides cost savings to new and expanding initiatives through tax credit incentives.
Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization, Inc. was formed in 2005 to stimulate downtown economic development by encouraging cooperation and building leadership in the business community. The Economic Restructuring Committee identifies new market opportunities, finds new uses for historic commercial buildings, and stimulates investment in property. The Promotion Committee works to promote a positive image for downtown as an exciting place to live, shop and invest. The Design Committee’s goal is to improve the appearance of the downtown. Oversight of the organization is the responsibility of the Organization Committee, which receives, administers and distributes funds in connection with downtown activities. A revolving loan fund is available to assist development in downtown Prairie du Chien.
The city’s industrial development program utilizes a public/private partnership to create win-win situations for entities involved. The city has a long history of successfully tapping financial assistance programs to promote economic development. Tax increment financing; Industrial Revenue Bonds; assistance with labor training grants for businesses; and a local economic development loan program are just a few of the tools used to boost business development.
The primary labor access region for Prairie du Chien employers consists of the following counties: Crawford and Grant counties in Wisconsin plus Clayton and Allamakee counties in Iowa. The workforce of Prairie du Chien is characterized by a strong Midwestern work ethic, where people are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and put in a hard day’s work. Professional positions are easily filled from the local workforce and by out-of-state people attracted to Prairie du Chien’s scenic beauty and small-town atmosphere.
The Chamber of Commerce and Wisconsin Job Center host a Job Fair each spring to link job-seekers to local employers. Couleecap, Inc. offers low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs assistance is starting and managing businesses.
