Economic Growth United States Project #33799

Invest in rural residents building their future

by Incourage

Invest in rural residents building their future

Project Report | Mar 19, 2026
Tribune Building: From Vision to Community Place

By Linda Schill | Executive Director

Dear Friend,

The Tribune Building Project continues to move forward, guided by the vision residents have shared from the beginning. What started as a community conversation about the future of an empty building has grown into a plan for a public market that celebrates local entrepreneurship, culture, and connection while bringing new energy to our riverfront and our downtown. Like many good ideas in our community, this one has been shaped by neighbors, local leaders, and partners who believe in the future of this place we call home.

Over the past several months, our focus has been on the development of a comprehensive business plan. With guidance from experienced advisors and national public market experts, that plan is now nearing final approval by our Board of Directors. We’ve also been connecting with public market operators across the state to learn from their experiences. These conversations have offered valuable insights into operations, vendor recruitment, and long-term sustainability - lessons that are helping us strengthen our approach.

In the months ahead, our intentional work includes:

Finalizing approval of the public market business plan
Learning from other public market operators to strengthen our approach
Creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses
Engaging municipal and state partners as the project moves forward
Exploring grants, donations, and lending opportunities to fund the project

Your support continues to make this work possible. Because of you, we’ve moved from vision to planning, and now we’re getting one step closer to creating a vibrant gathering place for our community. Together, we’re building something lasting: a place where people, culture, business, and possibility come together.

With sincere gratitude,

Kristopher Gasch, Incourage Board Chair

Linda Schill, Incourage Executive Director

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Nov 20, 2025
Tribune Building: People, Ideas & Possibilities

By Linda Schill | Co-Managing Director

Dear Friend,

The Tribune Building Project continues to be shaped by the voices and dreams of local residents. At its core, it remains a bold vision for economic development, cultural connection, and community pride. Realizing this vision in a rapidly changing world (and community) was always going to require innovative thinking, and the participation of so many along the way has gotten us to today. Resident input has led this project from the start, and that input along with expert guidance has brought us to a public market concept for the Tribune Building. Our feasibility study confirmed its potential, and now, with a full business plan in hand, we’re moving forward with renewed energy and purpose.

Here’s where we are now:

Advancing a public market plan that will create entrepreneurial opportunities and a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike
Leveraging the building’s location to celebrate and showcase our beautiful riverfront
Refining plans for rooftop spaces that can serve multiple community needs
Pursuing diverse funding sources and grant opportunities to build our capital stack
Building relationships with a diverse range of communities and community members to create an inclusive, multicultural experience
Partnering with national experts in public market design, development, and operation to ensure long-term success

Your continued support is more important than ever. As a contributor to this campaign, you are helping us turn a long-held dream into a tangible reality – one that brings hope, resilience, and renewed opportunity to downtown Wisconsin Rapids.

We’re deeply grateful to GlobalGiving for allowing us to share our project with a wider global audience, and to you for being a vital part of this journey. Thank you for uniting with us, because together, we’re creating something truly special. A place where people, ideas, and possibilities can thrive.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Kristopher Gasch, Incourage Board Chair

Betsy Wood, Co-Managing Director

Linda Schill, Co-Managing Director

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Jul 31, 2025
Our Journey: Hope, Resilience, Renewed Opportunity

By Linda Schill | Co-Managing Director

Dear Friend,

The Tribune Building Project continues to be shaped by the voices and dreams of local residents. At its core, it remains a bold vision for economic development, cultural connection, and community pride. Realizing this vision in a rapidly changing world (and community) was always going to require innovative thinking, and the participation of so many along the way has gotten us to today. Resident input has led this project from the start, and that very input has brought us to a public market concept for the Tribune Building. Our recent feasibility study confirmed its potential, and now, with a full business plan in hand, we’re moving forward with renewed energy and purpose.

Here’s where we are now:

Advancing a public market plan that will create entrepreneurial opportunities and a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike
Leveraging the building’s location to celebrate and showcase our beautiful riverfront
Refining plans for rooftop spaces that can serve multiple community needs
Pursuing diverse funding sources and grant opportunities
Building relationships with a wide range of communities to create an inclusive, multicultural experience
Partnering with national experts in public market design, development, and operation to ensure long-term success

We’re deeply grateful to GlobalGiving for allowing us to share our project with a wider global audience, and to you for being a vital part of this journey. Thank you for standing with us. Together, we’re creating something truly special – a place where people, ideas, and possibilities can thrive.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Kristopher Gasch, Incourage Board Chair

Betsy Wood, Co-Managing Director

Linda Schill, Co-Managing Director

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