Center helps focus economic development vision

BELOIT — Economic development for Beloit and beyond.

That’s the mission of Vision Beloit, a one-stop showroom of ideas and information that celebrated its grand opening Tuesday in the City Center Building, 500 Public Ave., Beloit.

Vision Beloit is the common marketing tool of four organizations with offices in the renovated building: Visit Beloit, the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Beloit Association and the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corp.

While each group has its own role in promoting the community, Vision Beloit is expected to be a driver of the city’s economic future and a reminder of Beloit’s successes.

Jim Fisher, president of Beloit 2020, said more than $1 million went into the demolition and rehabilitation of the building, which, at the corner of Public Avenue and Highway 51, was once the Beloit home of Wisconsin Power & Light. With an impressive rehabilitation that features exhibits, photos, maps and other points of information, Vision Beloit operates in about 6,500 square feet of that space.

Fisher said Vision Beloit will promote economic development in Beloit. But it also will promote the regions, including southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

“If a company comes to Beloit, fine,” he said. “But if it goes to Clinton, Milton or Janesville, that would be great, too.” More here.