Merger Of FCEDC And FDLAAC Is Not A Cost Saving Measure

The president of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation says merging with the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce is a big challenge. Steve Jenkins says it is not a cost saving measure and in fact to have one bigger and more effective organization will cost more money. He says they have to create a new entity with a new vision, and aggressive new and bold programs to ensure the County is going to be economically successful for decades to come. He says while it will be one entity, they will still need to keep the revolving loan program separate from it with its own management organization. Jenkins says a steering committee is being formed to oversee the merger, but several working groups will have to work on issues like branding, selling real estate, finding an office place and other issues that will have to be worked through before the organization is ready to go.