Rising Professional, College of Business, Leadership, and Ethics

Sam Bachmeier ’18 participated in a mentorship program to learn more about his business administration major, and there he was introduced to various facets of the world of economic development.

Later, a college internship with the La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO) opened the door to a full-time position after graduation, where Bachmeier became interim executive director. He realized that at just 22 years old, he had a lot to learn, but he took the opportunity to grow and cement himself as a leader in the community.

“I met people and cultivated relationships while continuing to fine-tune my knowledge and skills,” Bachmeier said. He appreciated opportunities through Viterbo that connected him to real-world experiences. “Having the opportunity to engage with professionals in the community gave me a new perspective that cannot be learned through coursework.”

After several years, he transitioned to the public sector, where he continues to enjoy his work as a community development specialist with La Crosse County. He is responsible for working with public, private, and non-profit partners to promote the economic vitality of La Crosse County. Bachmeier facilitates capital investment and workforce development and offers entrepreneurship support. He is required to understand community and business needs and wants and the assets offered throughout La Crosse County.

In addition, Bachmeier staffs the La Crosse County Economic Development Fund Board and the grant review committee for neighborhood revitalization. He also administers several grant programs and loan funds.

“This award is truly an unexpected honor,” he said. “As I learned through my baseball career, nothing worth doing can be accomplished without a good team.” Bachmeier credited his family, Regis Catholic Schools, and Viterbo University for being part of his personal team. “It reinforces in my mind that I can make a difference but will always need my team to do so.”

He is from Eau Claire, Wis., where his great-grandparents planted their roots well over 100 years ago. “In just 10 years, I have found myself in a familiar situation where it is rare that I can go somewhere without seeing someone I know. This means so much to me, being a part of a community where people know you and genuinely care how you are doing. To me, that exemplifies what it means to be part of humanity. It is a reminder that humanity is good and that the human connection is the single most important thing we have. The fact that I can create this life, with the assistance of so many, is what I am most proud of.”

Bachmeier recommends that college students go to meetings and events. “Be vulnerable and ask questions. Nobody can know everything, so do your best to learn from others. Admit when you

are wrong and own your mistakes. Lastly, have faith in something. Whether it be in a higher power or humanity, put your trust into something or someone, you are not going through this life alone, so don’t try to do it on your own.”

Bachmeier played collegiate baseball from 2014-2018. “The idea that I could attend school, receive a great education, all while playing the sport I love at a university that supports faith-based education really stood out to me.”

He is a 2018 recipient of the 7 Rivers Alliance Rising Stars Under 40 award, a 2023 recipient of Downtown Mainstreet, Inc.’s Volunteer of the Year award, and Bachmeier received the Future Five award in 2024 from the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce. Other notable achievements include being manager of the Coulee Region Business Center from 2020-2022, chair of the Economic Vitality Committee of Downtown Mainstreet, Inc., and featured speaker for the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership La Crosse program.

Bachmeier sits on various boards and committees, including Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA), Western Wisconsin Workforce Development, and Downtown Mainstreet, Inc., where he chairs the Economic Vitality committee. He is a member of the La Crosse Area Chamber Young Professionals, the marketing committee for The Upper Mississippi Manufacturing Alliance (TUMMA), and a steering committee member for La Crosse’s Climate Action Plan. He has given back to youth sports as an umpire and summer camp coach.

2024 Viterbo University Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients main page