The Vernon County Board of Supervisors is proud to announce updates to county-wide community and economic development. The Community Development Department was reinvigorated with a focus of collaborating with local communities and businesses to identify resources and strategies that will boost economic opportunity, build resilient neighborhoods, and ensure the county is well positioned to thrive.
A significant change to the Community Development Department was hiring a full-time Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator, Larkin Breckel.
She began on April 29, 2024, and her responsibilities include supporting local business growth, attracting new startups, aiding workforce development, and promoting the County.
In her first year, Larkin will focus on business outreach to raise awareness of her role and understand how to best support local businesses. A Vernon County native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from UW-La Crosse. She previously worked in economic development and marketing at the Viroqua Chamber. She also served as the outreach and marketing director at B&E’s Trees, gaining extensive experience with small businesses and entrepreneurship in the area.
“I am so honored to be able to serve the people and communities of Vernon County. I am eager to work with local organizations, businesses, and leaders who are invested in the vitality and resilience of Vernon County and to be able to connect people and resources countywide.” said Larkin Breckel.
Larkin will be part of the Community Development Department, which is supervised by Amy Oliver, Community Development Director. Amy has been with the County since 2021 and will provide leadership to the department, to larger grant projects that impact multiple county departments and communities, and to county-wide housing, childcare, and broadband initiatives.
“The commitment the Economic Development Committee and the Board of Supervisors have demonstrated to economic development over the past year has been exceptional. We now have the tools and leadership in place to proactively support businesses and communities. Larkin is an asset to our team, and we are confident in her ability to launch programs and initiatives that will better support our business community.” said Amy Oliver.
For questions related to the Community Development Department, please contact Amy Oliver at (608) 637-5379 or amy.oliver@vernoncounty.org
View the Economic Development Strategy
Vernon County Visitor Guide
