Economic development means different things to different people in Marinette County, but most agree there’s a need for more of it. The county’s Development Committee met Tuesday to discuss the proposed expansion of the Marinette County Association for Business and Industry to broaden their impact for the county. Under the proposal, MCABI would expand from two full-time employees to six or seven. County Board Chair Mark Anderson says he’s spoken with several area industries and the number one issue they cite in their struggle to fill vacant positions is a lack of community development.
Committee member Robert Holley says he not necessarily in favor of MCABI working to solicit more industries to move into the county and they should instead focus on fostering existing business.
MCABI’s expansion would require an over-$400-thousand funding increase from Marinette County. The Development Committee plans to continue their conversation on the proposal in the coming months.