A familiarization tour, often called a fam tour, gives economic development partners a firsthand look at the businesses, sites and community assets shaping a region. Rather than learning about opportunities from a conference room, participants visit locations in person, meet business owners and local leaders and see how infrastructure, workforce, transportation and community support come together.
Dairyland Power Cooperative’s economic development team recently joined representatives from Dunn Energy Cooperative, People’s Energy Cooperative and regional economic development organizations for a fam tour in Dunn Energy Cooperative’s service territory. Participants included Chippewa Economic Development Corporation, Dunn County Economic Development and Momentum West Wisconsin.
The tour offered a close look at three very different businesses that reflect the strength and variety of the region’s economy: food processing and export logistics, entertainment and tourism development and agritourism.
The first stop was Chippewa Valley Bean in Menomonie, Wis., a major processor and exporter of kidney beans. The group learned about the logistics behind producing, packaging and shipping beans to markets around the world. The visit highlighted how rural infrastructure, reliable electric service and access to transportation routes help support large-scale agricultural processing in western Wisconsin. It also showed how a business with deep local roots can compete in global markets while continuing to support area growers and jobs.
Pictured in the article photo are Top picture: Dairyland Economic Development Manager Donna Walker; Dairyland Economic Development Manager Ian Cochran; Director of Economic Development for Dunn County Adam Accola; Chippewa Valley Bean President Chuck Wachsmuth; People’s Energy Economic Development and Key Accounts Manager Marty Walsh; Dairyland Manager, Community and Economic Development Christopher Giesen; Dunn Energy General Manager/CEO Jesse Singerhouse; Dunn Energy Energy Specialist Chris Marlett; Momentum West Executive Director Steve Jahn; Dairyland Economic Development Specialist, Jami Gerke.
The tour continued at the Country Jam USA Festival Grounds in Eau Claire, Wis., where the group visited with the Eau Claire Event District and learned more about its venues, amenities and continued business development in the area. The site includes event spaces such as High Country, along with infrastructure that supports concerts, private gatherings, community events and regional tourism. Large events like Country Jam bring significant seasonal activity, creating opportunities for lodging, food service, retail and other local businesses. The visit demonstrated how entertainment venues and event districts can serve as anchors for broader economic growth when communities, utilities and economic development partners work together.
The final stop was Pondview Lavender Farm in Chippewa Falls, Wis. Participants toured the lavender fields and visited the farm’s beautiful new building, which includes retail space for lavender goods, a coffee shop and areas for classes and events. Pondview Lavender Farm is a strong example of agritourism and small business diversification. By combining agriculture, retail, hospitality and hands-on experiences, the farm has created a destination that brings visitors into the community and supports local economic activity.
For Dairyland Power Cooperative and its member cooperatives, fam tours are valuable because they build shared understanding among utilities, local economic development organizations and business partners. Seeing businesses in person helps identify what companies need to grow, whether that is reliable power, site readiness, workforce connections, transportation access or stronger regional visibility.
The Dunn Energy territory tour reinforced the importance of collaboration in economic development. Each stop told a different story, but a common theme stood out: strong local businesses help strengthen the communities around them. By continuing to connect with members, regional partners and local leaders, Dairyland and its cooperative network can help support business retention, expansion and long-term growth across western Wisconsin.