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News Spotlight: 

Economic Forum Recap

On April 16, 2025, we hosted our 67th Economic Forum at the Cappella Performing Arts Center. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this annual event. Attendees gathered for networking and conversation before moving into an engaging program highlighting key insights on local and regional economic development. We were grateful to hear from Sam Bachmeier, who provided a comprehensive La Crosse County economic update, and Kris Langworthy, a leadership coach and workplace culture strategist, who delivered a powerful keynote in recognition of Stress Awareness Month. Her presentation, “Maintaining Your Sanity in a Stress-Filled World,” offered practical tools for shifting mindset, managing overwhelm, and creating a healthier work-life balance. Many thanks to our generous sponsors—Market & Johnson, Stoney Creek, and Bremer Bank—for helping make this event possible.

The Power
of Proximity

Connections

The La Crosse area is conveniently located between major Midwest metropolitan hubs.  With Minneapolis/St. Paul two hours away, Milwaukee three hours away, and Chicago & Des Moines, IA four hours away, you are never further than a half day’s travel from these major destinations.  All of these hubs connected via the Interstate system.  The region is also served by Amtrak's Empire Builder train, and the La Crosse Regional Airport, which features daily flights to Chicago via American Airlines.

Driving Times
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La Crosse → Minneapolis = 2 hours 30 minutes

La Crosse → Des Moines  = 4 hours

La Crosse → Milwaukee = 3 hours

La Crosse → Chicago = 4 hours 20 minutes

Talent

Between Winona, MN & La Crosse, WI, the greater              La Crosse region produces more than 6,000 Associate and Bachelor degrees each year.  Through partnerships with other community development organizations, LADCO works with the goal of educating the local students about the low cost of living, abundant job opportunities, and the unparalleled quality of life in the Coulee Region.

Competitive and Growing Regional Benefits

Live Better for Less

Cost of Living

According to Sperling’s Best Places, with the number 100 representing the national average, La Crosse scored 84.4 for overall cost of living, meaning the cost to live in La Crosse is substantially less expensive than the national average. 

Platinum Investors within the Coulee Region

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Reports

Important information on
La Crosse area development

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Contact Us

La Crosse Area Development Corporation

Address: 601 7th St N • La Crosse, WI 54601

Phone: (608) 784-5488 • Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm

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Bailey

Johnson

Associate Director​

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bailey@ladcolax.com

(608) 784-5488 ext. 1

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Alora Fitzgerald

Program Coordinator

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alora@ladcolax.com

(608) 784-5488 ext. 2

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