Dairyland Power Cooperative and its members continue to support meaningful economic development projects that strengthen local communities and create long‑term opportunity. One recent example is the closing of a $1 million USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) that will support the expansion of Sailer’s Food Market & Meat Processing in Wilson, Wisconsin.
Dairyland and its member St. Croix Electric Cooperative (SCEC) served as intermediaries for the REDLG financing, helping connect federal resources to a locally owned business poised for growth. The funding will support Sailer’s “3.0” expansion, which includes equipment purchases and building modifications at its existing meat processing facility as the company expands into new product lines.
This investment is already generating positive economic impact. Sailer’s has added new employees and plans to continue growing its workforce in the coming years, supporting job creation and retention in the region. Projects like this demonstrate how cooperative‑led economic development tools can help businesses overcome financing gaps and move forward with transformative investments.
Dairyland Economic Development Specialist Jami Gerke joined St. Croix Electric Cooperative representatives at a check presentation in November to celebrate the project milestone. The event underscored the collaborative approach that makes these projects possible—bringing together electric cooperatives, federal partners, and local businesses to drive sustainable rural growth.
Together, Dairyland and its member cooperatives remain committed to powering community growth through strategic economic development funding, ensuring businesses have the resources they need to expand, innovate, and create jobs across our service territory.
Pictured are: Doug Faber (SCEC Board Member), Teresa (Sailer’s Human Resources), Jake Sailer (Sailer’s President), Rob Dooley (SCEC President/CEO), Joel Ponshock (USDA WI Business & Cooperative Programs Specialist), Jami Gerke (Dairyland Economic Development Specialist, and Amy Weber (SCEC Member Services Manager).