Wisconsin wins Silver Shovel Award for Economic Development Excellence

WEDC recognized by Area Development for 2024 job creation and capital investment success

MADISON, WI. JUNE 18, 2025 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is proud to announce that Wisconsin has been named a Silver Shovel Award winner in Area Development’s 20th annual Shovel Awards. The honor recognizes Wisconsin’s exceptional achievements in job creation and capital investment during 2024. Wisconsin earned the Silver Shovel in the 5 to 8 million population category, thanks to a well-balanced mix of high-tech infrastructure and legacy manufacturing strength.

Area Development evaluated submissions from all 50 states, assessing large-scale economic development projects based on capital investment, job creation, and workforce impact—adjusted for state population. Wisconsin’s efforts stood out for their scale, strategic impact, and focus on future-facing industries.

“Wisconsin continues to blend industrial tradition with innovation—with new investments that make it a serious contender in clean energy and high-tech manufacturing,” said Andy Greiner, editor of Area Development.

Among the major projects that propelled the state to Silver Shovel status:

• Microsoft’s $3.3 billion data center in Mount Pleasant, which solidifies Wisconsin’s place in the national digital infrastructure race.
• Eli Lilly’s $3 billion life sciences facility in Bristol, a transformative project that will add hundreds of jobs and was named one of Area Development’s Manufacturing Projects of the Year.
• New investments from Amazon, Kikkoman, Nestlé Purina, and Orbia, reinforcing Wisconsin’s continued strength in food processing, consumer goods, and industrial components.

“In 2024, Wisconsin reinforced its reputation as a place where bold ideas take root and grow into lasting success,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development agency. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our regional and statewide partners, and to the companies choosing to grow, invest, and hire in Wisconsin.”

The full list of 2025 Shovel Award winners is available at Area Development <>.