Forward Janesville is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 Economic Development Week, a global initiative led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). And as part of that initiative, the City of Janesville has proclaimed May 4-8 Economic Development Week.

Here's the full proclamation:

"Whereas, more than 100,000 economic development and related professionals worldwide are committed to creating, retaining, and expanding top-tier opportunities that foster long-term, equitable community growth; and

"Whereas, the City of Janesville and Forward Janesville have built a strong and enduring partnership dedicated to attracting new investment, retaining and expanding existing businesses and creating meaningful employment opportunities throughout the community; and

"Whereas, this collaborative effort is strengthened through key partnerships and organizations, including Forward Janesville, the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, Alliant Energy, the Rock County Development Alliance, Rock County 5.0, Madison regional economic development partners, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, all working together to deliver a unified comprehensive economic development strategy for Janesville; and

"Whereas, these combined efforts have contributed to the continued strength of Janesville's economy by supporting industrial growth, business retention and expansion, workforce development, and major community and economic development projects ...; and

"Whereas, this collaborative effort has contributed to the continued strength of Janesville's economy, supporting innovation, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and a vibrant business climate, including transformational initiatives such as ARISE Now; and

"Whereas, Forward Janesville serves as a key connector between local government, businesses, educational institutions, and community stakeholders, helping position Janesville as a competitive and thriving place to live, work, and do business; and

"Whereas, the partnership between the City of Janesville and Forward Janesville reflects a shared commitment to long-term prosperity, resilience, and inclusive economic growth for all residents; and

"Whereas, Economic Development Week, taking place the week of May 4 to 8, 2026, recognizes the contributions of those who work tirelessly to strengthen communities and build opportunities for future generations.

"Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Kevin M. Lahner, City Manager of the City of Janesville, Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim the week of May 4 to 8, 2026, as Economic Development Week and proudly recognize the contributions of Forward Janesville, celebrating the organization's ongoing partnership with the City and its impact on the community's economic vitality and growth."

This year’s IEDC Economic Development Week theme, “100 Years of Impact,” recognizes IEDC’s centennial anniversary and 100 years of leadership in economic development. Economic Development Week presents an opportunity to examine the evolution of economic development, celebrate our successes today, and lay the groundwork for the next era of prosperity for our community.

"As we reflect on a century of economic development, the role of economic developers has never been more important," said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. "Economic Development Week is an opportunity to celebrate transformational economic development in communities around the world. At the heart of Economic Development Week are success stories of how the field works together to support, cultivate, and drive economic prosperity for people and places everywhere.”

We encourage you to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn this week as we share more about local economic development.