DUNN COUNTY (November 20, 2024) – The Dunn County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC), Greater Menomonie Development Corporation (GMDC), Stout Technology Business Park (STBP), the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Dunn County, and the City of Menomonie have announced the appointment of Adam Accola as the first shared Director of Economic Development for Greater Dunn County. In this role, Accola will lead economic development initiatives across Dunn County, within the City of Menomonie, as well as the Menomonie Industrial Park and Stout Technology Business Park. Accola brings a wealth of experience in community-driven growth and entrepreneurship from previous roles, including as Community Manager at The Coven Eau Claire (formerly CoLab).
“I’m excited to continue fostering economic development in this vibrant region,” said Accola. “Dunn County has incredible potential, and I look forward to working with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and municipalities to build on this momentum.”
Through this unique partnership, a collaboration with local municipalities, economic development organizations, and the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Accola will focus on key areas such as business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, and workforce housing. These focus areas were identified as priorities during the 2023 Dunn County Economic Development Summit.
Accola has a strong background in strategic community engagement, network building, and project leadership. During his tenure at The Coven Eau Claire, he played a pivotal role in doubling membership and revenue by establishing strategic community partnerships and spearheading entrepreneurial support initiatives like Startup Chippewa Valley Week (which he expanded to include Menomonie in 2021) and 1 Million Cups Eau Claire.
This new role will involve not only working to attract new businesses but also facilitating the expansion of existing ones. Accola will also engage with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to ensure the successful implementation of Dunn County’s economic development strategies.
Dunn County is poised for growth, and under Accola’s leadership, this shared position and partnership aims to strengthen its collaborative efforts with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and economic development partners.
For more information on upcoming economic development initiatives or to get involved, please contact Adam Accola at [email protected]
Adam Accola is the Director of Economic Development for Dunn County and a community-driven leader with experience in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems and business growth.