Businesses

Monroe's economy is historically and modernly driven by agriculture, dairy processing, and light manufacturing. Known as the "Swiss Cheese Capital of the U.S.A.," the local business landscape features major cheese production facilities. **Colony Brands** (formerly The Swiss Colony), one of the nation's largest direct-to-consumer catalog companies, is a massive local employer. The historic downtown square remains a vibrant business district filled with independent boutiques, specialty food shops, and professional services.