About FCEDC

What do we do?

FCEDC provides services to existing businesses and business start-ups. We believe strongly in working with our start-up and existing businesses because it is important to keep our economy healthy from within. FCEDC also aims at attracting businesses to Fond du Lac County to help support the local economy. In addition, we provide services to our communities and community leaders in the areas of economic and community development.

Find out more about FCEDC services by clicking the pdf link to your right, a link to our strategic plan and annual report is also available on the links to the left of this page.

Who is FCEDC?

FCEDC may be defined by some as those who make up their staff - a highly qualified team of individuals who bring their own sets of experiences and education to the table - but the real "who" of FCEDC encompasses a much wider circle of team members. This circle includes the FCEDC Board of Directors, community representatives, elected officials, investors, business leaders, volunteers, organizational partners and economic development colleagues. The way this team works together to get things done is what sets Fond du Lac County apart on many levels. 

Meet the FCEDC staff

Find out more about the staff at FCEDC who proudly serve as the coordinators of this economic development circle in Fond du Lac County below. They are your cohesive team of experts.

Click here to watch a video and learn more about the FCEDC staff.

Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, CEcD
President
(920) 929-2063 or brenda@fcedc.com

As President of FCEDC, Brenda provides direction in strategy; takes the lead on business attraction projects; oversees public relations, investor relations, community services, collaborative initiatives, organizational management and client consulting. The International Economic Development Council named Brenda its Outstanding New Economic Developer of the Year in 2006. Brenda's previous experience includes grant writing and program design, implementation and administration, particularly in community and economic development. Throughout her career, she has been a member of or served on boards of numerous professional organizations including Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI), and Wisconsin Association of Municipal/County Assistant Managers (WAMCAM).  Brenda is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). She holds a Master of Science degree in Urban Studies with an emphasis in Economic Development and Public Policy from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and an undergraduate degree in Sociology from University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.
 

Owen Rock, EDFP
Business Strategist
(920) 322-1374 or owen@fcedc.com
 

As a business strategist, Owen provides direct consulting services to existing businesses who are looking to expand or strengthen their business. In addition, he provides business start-up services to clients who would like to explore a new business idea, write a business plan or seek funding or other referrals for professional services, and assists with business attraction projects. Owen is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional and has over ten years of economic development experience. Owen earned his Master’s degree of Science in Regional and Urban Planning from the London School of Economics and his Bachelor’s degree in Geography from Oklahoma State University.

 

Brett Traver
Business Strategist
(920) 929-7581 or brett@fcedc.com

As a business strategist, Brett provides direct consulting services to existing businesses who are looking to expand or strengthen their business. In addition, he provides business start-up services to clients who would like to explore a new business idea, write a business plan or seek funding or other referrals for professional services, and assists with business attraction projects. Brett comes to FCEDC from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development in Frankfort, Kentucky where he served as senior project manager for the past ten years. Prior to that, he served in the United States Army, serving at Camp Zama, Japan, and Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He holds his Bachelor of Arts degree and his Masters of Business Administration from Morehead State University. Brett is also a graduate of Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute.
 

Joe Becker, CPA, EDFP
Director of Business Finance
(920) 929-7552 or joe@fcedc.com

Joe administers all revolving loan fund programs; provides  financial analysis for clients, provides technical  assistance for a variety of tax credit programs and performs all accounting functions. Joe brings a vast amount of experience and expertise to the position. He was previously employed as a bank and credit union Vice President and Controller. A graduate of UW Whitewater with a BBA in Accounting, Joe obtained his CPA certification in 1988 and his accreditation as a Economic Development Finance Professional in 2007.
 

Linda Berlin
Director of Research
(920) 322-1878 or linda@fcedc.com

Linda conducts and communicates regional community and economic research, manages research program to support client services, and writes grants to support programs and services. Linda's background includes investment analysis, reporting and operations in the university setting and regional newsletter editing. Linda holds a  Bachelor's in Management and Communication from Concordia University Wisconsin.
 

Melissa Hunt
Community Development Specialist
(920) 929-7541 or melissa@fcedc.com

Melissa coordinates community development authority activities, develops revitalization strategies, and assists business and property owners with improvement projects in North Fond du Lac, Ripon and Waupun. Her previous economic development experience includes being an economic development manager. Melissa holds a Bachelor's of Science in Urban and Regional Studies with Urban Planning Emphasis and Business Minor from University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.
 

Beth Myers Landbo
Director of Marketing
(920) 929-3688 or beth@fcedc.com

Beth directs all marketing functions of the organization as they pertain to proactive marketing, public relations, and event management. She also provides marketing consulting to small businesses. Beth was previously a newspaper bureau chief, a copywriter and print/media buyer for an advertising agency and a downtown manager. She has large department management experience. These skills broaden the in-house capabilities at FCEDC as well as provide additional resources to FCEDC clients.
 

Annette Murray
Administrative Assistant  
(920) 929-2061 or annette@fcedc.com

Annette provides high-level administrative support to all aspects of the organization and maintains the documents and systems essential to the corporation. Annette has over 20 years' experience as an administrative assistant.

 

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

FCEDC seeks Research Specialist

FCEDC seeks Marketing Specialist

More information about FCEDC

View the commercial about FCEDC's existing business services

View the commercial about FCEDC's busines start-up services

Our Services (pdf)

Where to find us

Accreditation

FCEDC is the only accredited economic development organization in Wisconsin. Find out more about our AEDO status and what it means at this link.

The FCEDC Mission

The mission of Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation is to improve the economic well being of the businesses, communities, and residents of the county.

Our Vision for Fond du Lac County

  • A Strong, Stable, Diversified Economy

  • A Competitive, Dynamic Workforce

  • Comprehensive, Proactive Infrastructure

  • Environmentally Conscious Development

  • Flexible, Prepared Community Partnerships

  • Above Average Economic Well-being of Citizens and Businesses

  • Regional Cooperation