NURTURING THE SEEDS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH!
We are truly a regional umbrella.
We truly are a regional “umbrella” tying in County, City, Village and Township governments with Chambers of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, State Economic & Tourism Departments and business leaders from each member County. We always strive to keep communication lines open across the board for the benefit of our member Counties.
In 1992, The Wisconsin Counties Association and the Governor Tommy Thompson Administration came up with a program that would expand international tourism and trade to Wisconsin and encourage economic development in our State. This was the genesis of the ITBEC movement in Wisconsin.
Each ITBEC's mission is to work on a multi-county level to enhance economic activity in its respective region; by promoting regional tourism, regional business development, and international trade.
The Southwestern Region of Wisconsin [SW-ITBEC] strongly supports regional economic development and tourism. SW-ITBEC has been a strong partner in area forums, conferences and educational programs.
Matching Grants Awarded
Each year SW-ITBEC awards matching grants to many different projects that have a positive effect on economic development and/or tourism in our Member Counties. Our grants have helped a very diverse group and projects, ranging from enhancing current events, creating new events, to aiding communities suffering through disasters, to expanding technology to further marketing and promotional efforts.