The Learning Store produces and distributes educational materials based on university research, extending knowledge to the statewide community.

Featured Publication

No-Box Thinking offers a framework for understanding the automatic and powerful resistance to change those engaged in community development often face. This book details how to convert the powerful sources of community change resistance—identity, emotion, and social connections—into powerful forces for transformational change (105 pages; 2018).

View Related Topics on the Learning Store

• Hydrogeologic studies in Bayfield and Burnett Counties: Developing resources for groundwater protection and land use planning 
  March 3, 2025
  When Bayfield County received a proposal for a concentrated animal feeding operation, groundwater safety was top of mind. “Bayfield County has a long history of protecting our water resources, whether they are inland lakes, waterways, or Lake Superior shoreland areas,” said Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County administrator. County supervisors realized that they needed a better understanding […]
• Resource for the Ag Community: The Wisconsin Ag Climate Outlook
  January 27, 2025
  During the 2025 growing season, members of the agriculture community in Wisconsin will once again have access to a weekly climate outlook. The Wisconsin Ag Climate Outlook (WACO) includes things like historical and current weather patterns, soil moisture, precipitation, and crop progress. Combining data from national and local sources, including the National Weather Service, regional […]
• Preparing Wisconsin’s rural communities for extreme weather events
  January 2, 2025
  Sherri Congleton, Vilas County Emergency Management Director, has seen the impact of changes in weather extremes over time.  “Even as a kid, I remember we had winter. It was cold, you had snow, you did those things.” But that’s not always the case these days. “Last winter we didn’t have enough snow to even open […]
• Wisconsin’s agricultural industry tops $116.3 billion in increase from previous years; dairy sector represents 6.5% of state’s economic activity
  November 18, 2024
  Wisconsin’s agricultural production and food processing sectors represent 14.3% of the state’s total economic impact, contributing $116.3 billion in industrial revenues – an increase of 10.9% from 2017. Agricultural businesses in Wisconsin constitute 353,900 jobs (9.5% of jobs in the state) and $21.2 billion to labor income. Additionally, the dairy sector and its significant dedication […]
• Encouraging Financial Conversations: Equipping local helping professionals with knowledge, tools, and confidence
  November 14, 2024
  In her role with Early Head Start, Keri Kraus works with families from pregnancy until children turn 3, visiting them in their homes for 90 minutes each week. Kraus brings activities for the children, encouraging the parents to join in. Part of that time is spent supporting the entire family and helping them set and […]
• A Legacy of Leadership: Melanie Miller’s Journey to the National 4-H Hall of Fame
  October 7, 2024
  Melanie Miller, a lifelong advocate of 4-H in Wisconsin, will be inducted into the 2024 National 4-H Hall of Fame this weekend in Boise, Idaho. Among 15 distinguished honorees, Melanie’s story is one of passion, commitment, and a deep-rooted connection to 4-H that spans generations. Growing up in a family with over a century of […]

• Wisconsin’s agricultural industry tops $116.3 billion in increase from previous years; dairy sector represents 6.5% of state’s economic activity
  November 18, 2024
  Wisconsin’s agricultural production and food processing sectors represent 14.3% of the state’s total economic impact, contributing $116.3 billion in industrial revenues – an increase of 10.9% from 2017. Agricultural businesses in Wisconsin constitute 353,900 jobs (9.5% of jobs in the state) and $21.2 billion to labor income. Additionally, the dairy sector and its significant dedication […]
• Local coalitions in five counties begin new rural entrepreneurship program
  October 4, 2024
  Coalitions in five counties are partnering up with UW–Madison Extension on a new effort to engage rural entrepreneurs and strengthen community connection. As part of a grant-funded program from Compeer Financial, Extension is providing coaching and guidance for local groups to spur sustained entrepreneurship. The groups selected for this program recently moved into a phase […]
• Leading with purpose- Providing executive leadership training for law enforcement
  October 4, 2024
  After a 25-year career working for the Milwaukee Police Department, Jim MacGillis was planning to retire and try something new. Then the position of police chief opened in Wauwatosa, his hometown. “I’ve got family here, and I had seen the good human beings in this department have a front-row seat during the worst of times…and […]
• Elevando, Wisconsin: Reaching new audiences to develop community leaders
  August 19, 2024
  Jorge Islas-Martinez immigrated to the United States more than 25 years ago. Today, he is well-known in the Whitewater community where he works as a bilingual liaison for the school district and volunteers with several organizations. One of his most recognized contributions, he started teaching English as a second language and is still running that […]
• Changing the outcome: Peers are key to reentry success
  May 7, 2024
  This year, approximately 8,000 people will be released from Wisconsin state prisons. According to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, more than half of those released will be rearrested within three years.  Aaron Hicks and Frank Davis, Reentry Coordinators at the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development in Madison, who were formerly incarcerated, use their experience […]

• Community Economic Development
• EDA University Center
• Downtown/Main Streets
• Community Vitality & Placemaking
• Vernon County Government
• US Census Bureau – Vernon County
• UW System Market Research Census 2000 – County Profiles
• Vernon Economic Development Association www.veda-wi.org