Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Following board approval last month, effective Tuesday, July 1, former Merrill Mayor Bill Bialecki will take the reins as Assistant Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC).
An independently governed 501 (2c)(4) non-profit organization, LCEDC offers free and confidential assistance in the areas of financial packaging, site planning, business planning, and workforce development to businesses located in Lincoln County.
In conjunction with Bialecki’s advancement, current LCEDC director Ken Maule plans to scale back his role within the organization. Maule plans to step down to a part-time directorship in October, with the possibility of Bialecki assuming full-time corporation leadership next spring, pending LCEDC board approval.
“Im 66,” Maule comments with a smile. “I’m looking forward to cutting back a bit and maybe consider retiring next spring. Bill expressed an interest in a leadership position with the corporation while working on several projects while serving as Mayor of the City of Merrill. By stepping into his new role with the development corporation, he can continue working on those projects in an official capacity.”
“This title is new for me but I’m very familiar with the responsibilities of the position,” Bialecki adds. “I worked very closely with the corporation the entire eight years I served as Mayor for the City of Merrill, and served on the board of directors. I’m very familiar with the city’s comprehensive and strategic plans and the needs of the city; a key need being that of more dining options. I look forward to continuing my work with trying to bring more business and jobs to not only the Merrill area but Tomahawk as well. There is plenty of space and opportunity for development in Lincoln County and I look forward to working with Ken to help make that happen. After all, that’s what the corporation’s sole purpose really is; to increase tax base and job opportunities in Lincoln County.”
Bialecki is the corporation’s first assistant director since its creation in 2000.