Why Site Selectors Choose the Momentum West Region

Why Site Selectors Choose the Momentum West Region Main Photo

28 Feb 2020


The Momentum West Region of Wisconsin is around one hour from the Twin Cities Metro. This proximity to the Twin Cities offers strategic benefits for companies looking to access the Metro while paying less in real estate cost and in wages. Existing Twin Cities companies, and those looking for a strategic Midwest location, are attracted to the Momentum West Region for the following -

#1 Convenient interstate access and proximity to the Twin Cities

The Twin Cities is located just 25 miles from the Momentum West border. Interstate access makes it easy to access the Metro, in addition to major cities throughout the country. From the Momentum West Region, businesses can easily access I-94, I-53, I-29, and I-90. 

#2 Available and affordable real estate

Momentum West offers the Gold Shovel Ready sites certification program and has multiple sites in the Region that have met its criteria. The initial groundwork has been done on these sites, making them ready for development. In addition, the Menomonie Virtual Spec Building has been designed to be occupied in a matter of months. Businesses looking for pre-existing buildings have a large variety to choose from that can be found using our real estate search tools. Buildings and raw land cost less in the Momentum West Region than they do in the nearby Twin Cities, making it financially attractive to locate here. 

In addition, the transload facility in Chetek and Intermodel in Chippewa Falls provide immediate access to transportation options for businesses looking to cut down transportation times. 

#3 Attractive labor 

The Momentum West Region is home to multiple universities who are preparing students to enter the workforce. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, University of Wisconsin-Barron County, University of Wisconsin-Stout, and University of Wisconsin-River Falls all have workforce training and internship programs designed to prepare students for their future careers, while matching students with potential employers. When education and technical skills are combined with a strong midwestern work ethic, employers win. 

#4 Proximity to other major metros

From the Momentum West Region, businesses can reach Madison in 2.5 hours, Milwaukie in 3 hours, Sioux Falls, Fargo, Chicago and Des Moines in under five hours. In addition, Omaha, Kansas City and St. Louis can be reached in under 8 hours. Businesses located in the Momentum West Region benefit from this ability to reach major metropolitan centers in nine states within one day’s drive or less. 

#5 Rail access

Shipping goods by rail is an attractive option when located within the Momentum West Region. The Union Pacific, Canadian National, Progressive, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railways all serve the region. Companies looking for rail access may also benefit from the convenience offered by the Chippewa Falls Intermodel and Chetek Transload rail facilities.

#6 Air transportation

The Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport is located 25 miles from the Momentum West border. The airport can facilitate daily international and domestic flights. In addition, the Region offers access to regional airports that include the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport with daily commercial flights to Chicago, the New Richmond Airport, and Menomonie Airport. 

Momentum West Offers Help and Support

Momentum West is a regional economic development organization serving Barron, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, Rusk, and St. Croix counties. As an organization, we are available to provide hands-on support to site selectors, new and existing businesses looking to grow within the Region. Contact us to learn more about the advantages of locating here, or to learn about available financial incentives.