Founded in 1969 by a group of dedicated Wishek businessmen, the Wishek Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) was formed with the sole purpose of promoting and fostering growth of business activity in the community.

     Longtime prominent businessmen Armand Pfeifle, Walter Sayler and Lawrence Raile were the first officers of the corporation, and the group set about selling shares in the development corporation for $100 per share as a means of developing a loan fund.  Today, the WEDC has approximately 90 members, and its mission remains the same today as it was 30 years ago: to foster the growth of new and existing businesses in the community.

     Business owners wanting to expand their business, or entrepreneurs just starting out in the business world, are invited to make application for loan funds from the WEDC.  The current ten-person board reviews application and awards funds based on a sound business plan.

     The WEDC recognizes that the face of economic development has changed drastically since its inception.  A vast array of incentives, exemptions and assistance are commonplace as communities vie for new business.  Companies which are looking to relocate or expand typically look at several communities and negotiate the "best deal" for themselves.  And North Dakota's cities--small and large alike--aggressively court these companies which can bring new jobs and hopefully some economic stability to town.

     The WEDC works with the Wishek Job Development Authority (JDA) on proposal packages to attract new businesses.  If you or someone you know is interested in starting a business, or expanding an existing business, please contact a WEDC official (listed below) and discuss the possibilities of locating that business in Wishek.

     Anyone can join the WEDC.  If you would like to purchase a share or shares in this locally controlled economic development organization, please contact any of the officers listed below.

     The Wishek community offers a wonderful "small town" lifestyle for a family, reasonable property tax rates, a varied, qualified and well-educated workforce second to none.
  

     The Wishek Job Development Authority (JDA) was formed in 1994 as an appointed branch of the Wishek City Council.  Its purpose was to foster economic development in the community and work with the already established Wishek Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to attract new commerce to the community and raise the standard of living for its residents.

     As a government entity, the JDA is eligible to make application for various government sponsored grant and loan programs that the for-profit WEDC does not qualify for.  This gives the community a much broader range of resources for support and financing for new projects.

     The JDA's seven-member board is appointed by the City Council. Currently, Wayne Bauer serves as chairman; Tom Kienzle is vice-chairman; Brain Duchscherer, Loren Henke, Mitch Bosch, Michael Martell and Mayor Larry Wald serve as directors.

     In early 1998, the JDA board decided it was time to hire a full-time economic development coordinator to serve as a liaison between clients and the state agencies.  In November 1998, Tom Lovik, the former publisher/owner of The Wishek Star and the Ashley Tribune, was hired to serve in that capacity.  He began his duties on Jan. 1, 1999.

     It is the coordinator's job to follow up on leads for projects, see to it that Wishek has a presence in the minds of state economic development agencies, and keep projects moving that will improve the economic conditions of the community.  Plus, the coordinator is the community's first contact if they have ideas for economic development projects.

     The JDA's local resources are generated from a one-cent city sales tax, which was  overwhelmingly passed in 1996, 2001 and 2006 by city voters. 
While it's always painful to vote for more taxation, Wishek residents showed their resolve to support the community by approving the one-cent city sales tax.  It went into effect April 1, 1997.  The one-cent sales tax generates between $45,000 and $50,000 annually.  As part of the measure, this money is designated for economic development (75%) and park and other capital improvements to the city. (25%).

     The JDA's portion of the additional penny assessed on taxable purchases is returned to the community monthly and deposited in its account to help fund expenses of the coordinator's office and be available for projects the board believes will increase the economic situation in Wishek.

     The JDA has financial resources available to offer an attractive incentive package to prospective clients, and city officials are willing to consider tax incentive options to encourage new business and residential development. In the fall of 2006, the City of Wishek established a Renaissance Zone to promote residential and commercial property renovation. Locally, call (701) 452-2371 for Renaissance Zone information or visit the State of North Dakota website at the link above.
    Additionally, the City Council is working on a residential property expansion project to encourage new home construction.

     Economic development is everyone's responsibility.  No one person or group can achieve success in growing our community.  The Wishek JDA is calling on all residents who live in the Wishek area today, as well as those whose roots are here to help any way they can.  If you are in business and would like to consider expanding or moving to a rural community, or if you know of someone else who would, please forward their name and phone number to Wishek Economic Development Coordinator Tom Lovik.

     If you've ever spent time in a rural North Dakota community, you understand the wonderful lifestyle it provides.  You know your neighbors and their children.  You feel safe in walking the streets at any time of the day or night.  And, if you're a small town North Dakotan, you are most likely living your life by a high set of standards not often found.  This is, quite simply, a great place to live and raise a family.  Help us keep it that way.