Executive Director Melissa Meschke Wins the Young Professional of the Year Award

Melissa Meschke, the Executive Director of the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), won the 2023 Young Professional of the Year Award presented by Momentum West for her extensive work in the West Central Wisconsin region.

"Melissa's background in economic development is nothing short of impressive, especially considering what she's achieved in such a short time," said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. "Her work as Director of the Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point, Economic Development Outreach Manager for the Universities of Wisconsin, and now as Executive Director of SCEDC shows her commitment to creating more opportunities for people in West Central Wisconsin."

"I took an economic development course in 2019 and immediately fell in love with the field," said Melissa Meschke, Executive Director of SCEDC. "I've spent over a decade working in entrepreneurship, so I knew that side well. But the more I learned about economic development, the more fascinated I became. I love seeing what businesses in our community are doing; every day brings something new. I never get bored in this role, and I'm inspired by the women and young professionals who are making progress every day."

Driving Growth in St. Croix County and Beyond

As Executive Director of St. Croix Economic Development Corporation, she plays a key role in advancing the economic growth for St. Croix County. Covering 722 square miles, with 35 municipalities, five chambers of commerce, and nearly 100,000 residents and businesses, her job requires working with a wide range of people. Her mission is to strengthen the workforce, attract new businesses, support entrepreneurship, and enhance the quality of life throughout the county.

"I'm a big fan of collaboration, so I'm always looking for ways to work with community partners and members to put on programming, promote economic development, and, overall, work smarter, not harder," said Meschke. "Economic development is a tangled web of responsibilities, and every day is something new. Some days, I'm focused on workforce development; others, it is business retention and expansion. No two days are the same, and that's what I love about working and leading SCEDC."

St. Croix County and the Momentum West region offer a unique advantage due to their strategic location. The area benefits from larger metropolitan hubs like Eau Claire and St. Croix Counties and thriving small, rural towns that provide a charming atmosphere. Its proximity to the Twin Cities adds another layer of appeal, allowing residents to enjoy the perks of rural living while still having access to big city amenities without the need to live in the cities themselves. The region also boasts a strong support network, with experienced economic developers playing a pivotal role in fostering growth and guiding new leaders in the field.