Lake of the Torches Resort Casino and the Lac du Flambeau Business Development Corporation presented the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation with $4,000 that will assist in promoting a vibrant business environment throughout Vilas County.

Lake of the Torches and the Lac du Flambeau BDC each presented a $2,000 donation during the VCEDC’s Nov. 9 Board of Directors meeting that was held in the casino’s Hall of Nations Convention Center. Along with the donations, the meeting included discussions on how to partner to create a positive environment for building and sustaining economic growth in Lac du Flambeau and throughout Vilas County.

“We’re sincerely grateful for the support we’ve received from Lake of the Torches Resort Casino and the LDF Business Development Corporation,” said Jim Tuckwell, Chairman of the VCEDC. “It is through their generous support, and the support of area businesses, towns and Vilas County, that we are able to help entrepreneurs and existing businesses achieve their goals and work to attract new businesses to Vilas County.”

The VCEDC is a public-private partnership that offers mentoring and investor assistance to business ventures in Vilas County. The VCEDC assists new business start-ups through business incubators in Eagle River, Manitowish Waters and Land O’ Lakes, and an accelerator building in Phelps. These facilities offer commercial and industrial space, and VCEDC board members and staff also offer a vast array of business and entrepreneurial expertise to help grow businesses in Vilas County.

The VCEDC also coordinates the Nicolet Entrepreneur Training (NET) at Nicolet College, which provides vital training in starting and operating a new business. Five students recently graduated from the program and the NET program has graduated 96 businesses owners in total.

“Each of us has a vital stake in a successful and sustainable Northwoods economy. We proudly join with our tribal partners at the LDF Business Development Corporation to support the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation and aspiring business owners in Vilas County,” said Lake of the Torches Director of Marketing Leana Schlecht.

The LDF Business Development Corporation was created in 2012 by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and operates several non-gaming enterprises that contribute, along with gaming revenue from Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, to the tribe’s general fund.

“The LDF Business Development Corporation values relationships which are built on a common vision, respect and resilience. Each of our entities strives daily to make a positive contribution to both the general Northwoods economy and to the communities we serve,” said Randy Soulier, Chief Operating Officer of the LDF Business Development Corporation.

Situated on the shores of Pokegama Lake and nestled in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino has a feel of a classic Northern retreat and reflects its Ojibwe culture and heritage. The casino has over 800 slot machines, Blackjack, Craps, a high-stakes Bingo Hall, Woody’s Bar and Grill and the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant. The hotel has 101 well-appointed rooms, the Dancing Waters Lounge and the Woodland Oasis pool area. The 8,500 square-foot Convention Center with the Hall of Nations offers an outstanding venue for entertainment, receptions, trade shows, meetings, presentations and seminars. It is proudly owned and operated by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.