The old days passed, cleavers, wedges and axes were replaced by the first fortifications and organized settlements, and then what still marks Ivanec today as an enterprising, successful, and economically prosperous town desirable for life and investment began to emerge.

With the development of mining and milling, production and trade in Ivanec and its surroundings heated up, and the main driver of the economy was trade, sale of flour and export and sale of ore. Watermills located along rivers and streams allowed the inhabitants to grind grain and produce flour, a staple food product. In addition, they contributed to trade by enabling local farmers to access markets, stimulating economic activity.

Mining also made an immeasurable contribution to the development of Ivanec. This region is rich in mineral resources, especially iron and coal. The mines provided jobs for the local population and contributed to the development of the metallurgical industry. This created added value to the economy, as the material produced was used for construction and infrastructure development.

Trade was also one of the key economic activities in Ivanec. The town was an important trading center that connected rural areas with urban markets. Traders came from different parts of the country to exchange goods and resources. The development of the first self-service stores and traveling stores with the dynamics of the sale of articles and consumption by citizens, paved the way for future economic activity. In parallel with the trade, photography also developed as the first marketing tool designed for the promotion of individual shops and service activities. Mountaineers gathered and organized various get-togethers and clubs. It was a dynamic time between the two world wars when Ivanec successfully resisted all challenges and positioned itself even then as a modern and economically strong town.