§ 6.6. Strengths and Weaknesses Analysis

A simple determination of the strengths and weaknesses of Clark County and the City of Greenwood and its economy provide the basic planning steps for future economic development. Strengths should continue to be promoted and new development which fits well with these features should be encouraged.

Weaknesses should be improved or further analyzed and new development which displays aspects similar to identified weaknesses should be discouraged. Section 6.3 of the Clark County Inventory and Trends Report lists strengths and weaknesses for Clark County as a whole. The strengths and weaknesses were developed by analyzing existing trends and examining economic development focus group results. Strengths and weaknesses specific to the City of Greenwood include the following:

Strengths

• Centrally located within the state.

Part of Agriculture Development Zone.

Between STH 29 and USH 10 corridors.

• STH 73.

• Agriculture (infrastructure, desire to continue, existing industry).

• Nine businesses/industrial parks located in the county with utilities.

• Revolving loan fund programs available through the Clark County Economic Development Authority.

• 12 unique incorporated cities and villages in the county.

• Excellent schools.

• Health care center.

• Diverse employers and economic base.

• County forest and other natural resources.

• Technical and financial resources, local, state, and federal.

• County Economic Development Authority with a web-site available to assist.

• High quality of life.

• Lower cost of living.

• Assembly of a Clark County Economic Resource Team.

• Creation of the United Communities of Clark County (UCCC) group.

• Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) Learning Center announcement.

• Abundant recreational opportunities.

• Available land for development.

Weaknesses

• No four year university or technical college campus.

• No large population or retail center.

• No county marketing plan, no branding.

• Under-skilled workforce.

• Traditionally lower per capita incomes.

• Independent nature of government and private entities.

• Declining public school enrollments.

• Limited industrial space.

• No STH 29 corridor plan.

• Traditionally high unemployment rates.

• Lack of affordable housing and a substandard housing stock.

• No long term economic plans locally or at the county level.

• Industrial closures.

• Small and aging population.

• Distance to government services and medical care.

• Distance to major markets — other communities and major regional centers.