Envision Greater Fond du Lac is celebrating an exciting milestone this week as the organization welcomes its first three households to Fond du Lac County through its MakeMyMove Talent Attraction Program.

Envision launched the MakeMyMove initiative in May 2026 as part of its broader workforce strategy to address the county’s workforce needs. The program was made possible through a competitive $346,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and partners Envision with MakeMyMove, a national talent attraction platform. The goal is to attract 32 working-age households who live, work, and become part of the Fond du Lac County community. With three households now relocated, Envision has just 29 households to go to reach its goal of attracting 32 out-of-state households to Fond du Lac County.

Envision Greater Fond du Lac is proud to welcome the first three households:

James, Caroline, and family made a 30-hour drive from Washington State with their dogs to begin their new life in Fond du Lac County. Their children were excited to begin football practice this week. Caroline is employed by the Fond du Lac School District. The family is already looking forward to exploring their new community, including a planned tour of Abel Dairy.

Robert moved from Connecticut to Ripon this week and has wasted no time getting to know his new community. He has already found some favorite local places to eat and shop. Robert has secured employment with Verve, a credit union.

Andrew considered moving from New York to Madison, Wisconsin. Andrew’s aunt, from Colorado, saw the MakeMyMove opportunity online and shared it with him. The incentives offered by Envision was the extra nudge Andrew needed to choose Fond du Lac County instead.

Andrew is also Envision Greater Fond du Lac’s first secured “boomerang” (a person who grew up locally, moved elsewhere, and ultimately returned). His story demonstrates that talent attraction isn’t only about bringing new people to the area – it can also help reconnect former residents with their home community.

“These first three households are an exciting milestone for MakeMyMove and for Fond du Lac County,” said Sadie Howell, President and CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac. “Each of their stories is different, but they all demonstrate what we want this initiative to accomplish—connecting people with employment opportunities, community amenities, schools, businesses, and a place where they can build their future.”

Envision the Future. Now.

Envision’s MakeMyMove initiative was created in response to a growing workforce challenge. Approximately one in five Fond du Lac County residents is age 65 or older, and demographic projections indicate that without intentional action, the county could begin experiencing population decline over the next two decades. Those trends can affect employers’ ability to hire, school enrollment, housing demand, small businesses, healthcare systems, and the local tax base.

“Every new household contributes to our local economy,” Howell said. “When people move here, they purchase homes, rent apartments, shop at local businesses, pay property and sales taxes, enroll children in schools, volunteer, and become part of the community.”

The MakeMyMove program is designed as a workforce strategy—not a giveaway program. Participants must currently live outside Wisconsin, relocate to Fond du Lac County, have at least one household member earning a minimum annual income of $55,000, complete an application process, pass a criminal background check, and meet ongoing residency and employment verification requirements. Only applicants who successfully complete the requirements are eligible to receive relocation incentives.

MakeMyMove is one component of Envision Greater Fond du Lac’s larger workforce strategy, which also includes employer support, career development, housing initiatives, young professional engagement, childcare advocacy, entrepreneurship, and efforts to retain local talent.

With its first three households now in Fond du Lac County, Envision is excited about the fruitful efforts building our present and future. The organization will continue working to introduce qualified professionals and families to the employment opportunities, communities, businesses, schools, and quality of life available throughout Fond du Lac County.

Interested in making Fond du Lac County your next home?

• Find resources and learn more about Envision Greater Fond du Lac at: envisiongreaterfdl.com
• Qualified individuals can apply directly to MakeMyMove’s programs at: makemymove.com/moving-living/fonddulac-county-wi

Envision Greater Fond du Lac staff, Fond du Lac City Manager (Joe Moore), and Fond du Lac School District leadership join in welcoming Caroline and family to Fond du Lac County.

Envision Greater Fond du Lac staff and Verve staff join in welcoming Robert to Fond du Lac County.

Envision Greater Fond du Lac staff welcome Andrew to Fond du Lac County.

Date posted: August 21, 2026