Join business leaders for networking and expert insights on entrepreneurship, housing, and economic growth in Oneida County.

Serving Oneida County Since 1989

Your Success Story
Starts Here

Transform your business vision into reality.
Access the resources, connections, and expertise you need
to thrive in Wisconsin's Northwoods.

2,200+

Jobs Supported

Direct tourism employment in 2024. Tourism is the county's single-largest year-round job engine.

$58M+

Capital Invested

Major private-sector expansion & public infrastructure projects since 2022.

125+

Businesses Supported

Including 37 bounce-back-grant startups during COVID-19.

36

Years of Service

Established in 1989 and operating continuously ever since.

Your Success Is The Mission

Everything starts with helping you achieve your business goals

Our Mission

Rooted in Community since 1989, OCEDC is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving the economic well-being of Oneida County through strategic partnerships, innovation, and long-term planning. Over the years, the organization has adapted to meet evolving community needs while staying true to it's core goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents through thoughtful economic development.

Our Vision

Focused on real solutions, OCEDC's work spans five critical focus area:
* Small Business Growth & Entrepreneur Support
* Housing Development
* Broadband Expansion
* Childcare Solutions
* Access to Capital

Why Choose OCEDC?

You get more than an economic development partner—you gain an advocate dedicated to turning your business challenges into opportunities and your ambitious goals into measurable success.

Your Proven Partner

36+ Years of Results

Since 1989, businesses like yours have trusted OCEDC to provide the expertise, connections, and resources needed to succeed in Oneida County.

You'll benefit from decades of experience helping businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Join the hundreds of companies that have grown with OCEDC's support—from startups finding their first location to established businesses expanding their operations.

What You Can Expect

The standards that ensure your success

Integrity

Transparent processes and honest guidance you can trust

Innovation

Fresh solutions tailored to your unique challenges

Collaboration

Connections that open doors for your business

Excellence

Results that exceed your expectations, every time

Leadership Team

Meet the people driving economic growth in Oneida County

Tony Pharo

Tony Pharo is the Executive Director of OCEDC, committed to sustainable development and a prosperous future for Oneida County.

Meet Tony Pharo: The New Guide to Economic Growth in Oneida County Tony Pharo is the Executive Director of the Oneida County Economic Development C...

Bristel Hamburg

Bristel Hamburg is OCEDC's Administrative Assistant, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and promoting community growth.

Bristel Hamburg - Administrative Assistant Bristel Hamburg serves as the Administrative Assistant at Oneida County Economic Development Corporation...

Board of Directors

Community leaders guiding our mission

View Pete Otis's bio

Pete Otis

OCEDC Board - Secretary/Minocqua Area Community Member

View Andy Cordova's bio

Andy Cordova

OCEDC Board - Treasurer

View Collette Sorgel's bio

Collette Sorgel

OCEDC Board - Oneida County Board Member

View Michael Tautges's bio

Michael Tautges

OCEDC Board - Oneida County Board Member

View Brad Kowieski's bio

Brad Kowieski

OCEDC Board - Member at Large

View Cecily Dawson's bio

Cecily Dawson

OCEDC Board - Member at Large

View Don Theisen's bio

Don Theisen

OCEDC Board - Member at Large

View Dr. Bobbi Fields's bio

Dr. Bobbi Fields

OCEDC Board - Member at Large

View Jacqui Sharpe's bio

Jacqui Sharpe

OCEDC Board - Ex-Officio Member

View Jim Rosenberg's bio

Jim Rosenberg

OCEDC Board - Ex-Officio Member

View Josh Pike's bio

Josh Pike

OCEDC Board - Member at Large/Three Lakes Community

View Kristopher Hanus's bio

Kristopher Hanus

OCEDC Board - City of Rhinelander Member

View Krystal Westfahl's bio

Krystal Westfahl

OCEDC Board - Ex-Officio Member

View Lauren Sackett's bio

Lauren Sackett

OCEDC Board - Ex-Officio Member

View Patrick Reagan's bio

Patrick Reagan

OCEDC Board - City of Rhinelander Member

View Russell Myers's bio

Russell Myers

OCEDC Board - Member at Large

View Ty W. Erickson's bio

Ty W. Erickson

OCEDC Board - President Elect/Minocqua Area Community Member

View Leah Van Zile's bio

Leah Van Zile

OCEDC - Board President

View Todd Leyden's bio

Todd Leyden

OCEDC Board - Past President

Your Network Advantage

Connect with partners invested in your success

Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce
Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce
Learn More
SBDC - Small Business Development Center, UW Stevens Point
SBDC - Small Business Development Center, UW Stevens Point
Learn More
SCORE Mentors Partnership
SCORE Mentors Partnership
Learn More
SBA Partnership
SBA Partnership
Learn More
WWBIC - Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation
WWBIC - Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation
Learn More
WEDC - Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
WEDC - Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Learn More
Grow North
Grow North
Learn More
Oneida County Support
Oneida County Support
Learn More
Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau
Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau
Learn More
The City of Rhinelander
The City of Rhinelander
Learn More
Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau
Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau
Learn More
Nicolet College
Nicolet College
Learn More
EFund Partnership
EFund Partnership
Learn More
Rhinelander PIE Partnership
Rhinelander PIE Partnership
Learn More

Ready to Write Your Success Story?

Take the first step toward growing your business in Oneida County.

Start Your Journey