The Division of State Economic Development began in the Executive Office in 1955 as the Division of Industrial Development. It was abolished and its functions transferred to the new Department of Resource Development in 1959. Re-established about 1964 as the Division of Economic Development within the Department of Resource Development, it was transferred back to the Executive Office by Chapter 614, Laws of 1965, and then became a part of the Department of Local Affairs and Development under the 1967 reorganization law. Chapter 321, Laws of 1971, created a Department of Business Development and the Division of State Economic Development was transferred from the Department of Local Affairs and Development to form the nucleus of the new department.
The Division worked with industries in finding Wisconsin plant sites, assisted communities in attracting new industry, and sought to promote Wisconsin trade, industry, and labor. The Division also was involved in the promotion of outdoor recreation and tourism.
