Focus on Calumet A periodic update on economic development opportunities in Calumet County and the region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.

Monday, October 1, 2018

Calumet to Benefit from Broadband Expansion Grant

Nsight Telservices has been selected to receive three broadband expansion grants through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) totaling $588,465 for fiber construction and fixed wireless projects serving underserved portions of Brown, Calumet, and Door counties. Nsight is matching this funding with investments totaling $926,977. This PSC funding aims to provide Wisconsin’s families and businesses with the technology they need to prosper in today’s global economy. A total of 37 projects were selected in the state to receive $7.1 million in grants. In Calumet County, Nsight Telservices received funding for 16 miles of a 38-mile fiber route between Sherwood and Elkhart Lake. The route will pass 108 business, 42 community anchor institutions and connect 8 cellular towers. The project received a $372,022 grant with matching funds of $685,398 from Nsight Telservices, $2,500 from Calumet County Board of Supervisors, and $1,000 each from the Chilton Chamber of Commerce, New Holstein Chamber of Commerce, and New Holstein Economic Development Corporation. The PSC noted the project’s strong public-private partnership between Calumet County and Nsight Telservices. “As a leading communications and technology provider in the state of Wisconsin, Nsight is committed to bringing the services to communities of all sizes and leveraging opportunities to further invest in our network. These projects further our commitment to bring the latest technology to rural pockets of our service area. We’re honored to have support from the state through these broadband expansion grants,” said Mark Naze, CEO of Nsight, parent company of Nsight Telservices and Cellcom.

Workforce Development Efforts Supported by Inspire

Inspire, powered by Career Cruising, is a digital platform that helps employers and industry groups build talent supply chains and connections with educators and students throughout Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, Inspire is led by dedicated regional economic and workforce development agencies, school districts, chambers of commerce, and other community organizations. Under leadership and funding provided by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the WI Department of Public Instruction, these entities have been collaborating for the past year in the New North region and are preparing to launch Inspire New North. Calumet County has recently become involved in this partnership to support both our local schools and businesses to enhance workforce development efforts.

Locally, Inspire Sheboygan County has been a national leader in the development and utilization of the Inspire platform. Inspire Sheboygan’s database connects all public school systems in Sheboygan County with work-based learning opportunities in nearly 100 companies. These opportunities span a continuum of engagement ranging from a guest speaker at school events to job shadows, co-ops, or summer jobs. The organization has accumulated some impressive growth metrics from its 2015 inception as a workforce development tool.  Learn more about Inspire Sheboygan. Inspire Sheboygan County results from 2015 to 2018:

Foxconn Video Available

Foxconn Racine County has issued a 4-minute video titled “Foxconn Wisconn Valley Science & Technology Park Development.” The video provides a simulated aerial and ground view of what developments are planned at the Mount Pleasant campus. Watch the video here:

Small Businesses and Social Media

Another new infographic, compliments of the Small Business Administration and SCORE business counselors, provides useful details about customer use of social media. According to SCORE’s research, 77% of small businesses use some form of social media to reach customers, including Facebook and Instagram. As of 2018, SCORE says 69% of adults use at least one social media site.

Bezos Says Good Night's Sleep and Intuition are Key

APNews - Small Business - The founder and CEO of Amazon tells the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., that he still finds time to sleep well and spend quality time with his kids, even while obsessing about the happiness of his customers. He's donating $2 billion to help the homeless and poor kids. More insights from Jeff Bezos: Be obsessive-compulsive about customers, not the competition. His best decisions are made based on his "heart, intuition, guts. Not analysis." Why 8 hours of sleep matters. "I think better, I have more energy, my mood is better." Focus on big problems and opportunities. "If I make three good decisions a day, that's enough." No meetings before 10:00 a.m. Mornings are for coffee, reading the paper, and eating breakfast with his kids. Do any of Jeff Bezos’ insights resonate with you?

Business Updates

Hearts at Home LLC Opens in Brillion

In late August, Hearts at Home LLC opened in Brillion. It is a residential facility for adults with development disabilities and was initiated by the announced closure of a larger New Hope Center facility. Business owners Brenda VanDaalwyk and Linda Alger developed a business plan and contracted with funding for the facility. New Hope Center and Hearts at Home staff worked in partnership to assure a successful transition took place for the involved residents.

Upcoming Events

Economic Development Academy

Calumet County Community Economic Development is sponsoring the second in a series of Economic Development Academy workshops from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, October 29. This free workshop is for public sector appointed and elected officials who are tasked with exploring and implementing community and economic development strategies in their local communities.

Click here for more information or to register

Upcoming Business Seminars at FVTC - Chilton Regional Center

OSHA 10-Hour Voluntary Compliance:   General Industry Learn what it takes to be in compliance with the common General Industry OSHA Regulations. Receive an OSHA 10-hour card upon completion. Starts Tuesday, October 30, 2018 | 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM | $299 More information

Small Business Development Center Classes Supervisory Leadership 101 Offers guidance for aspiring or new leaders and pragmatic recommendations for leaders who seek to develop strong teams and drive outstanding results. Explore different leadership styles and discover your own unique style. October 16-17, 2018 | 8:30-3:30 pm | $450 Advance Business & Manufacturing Center, 2701 Larsen Road, Green Bay Effective Communication A leader's success is determined largely by the ability to work productively and appropriately with people. Improving day-to-day communication among and with employees increases company’s productivity, employees’ satisfaction, and overall effectiveness of work team. October 30, 2018 | 8:30-3:30 pm | $200 Advance Business & Manufacturing Center, 2701 Larsen Road, Green Bay Click for more information or to register

Free Small Business Counseling Available

Once a month, a counselor with the Green Bay Small Business Development Center meets with entrepreneurs and existing business owners at the Calumet County Courthouse in Chilton. These free, individual business counseling sessions are held to help answer questions and put businesses and entrepreneurs in a better position to make the best decisions for themselves and their businesses.  To schedule an appointment with the business counselor, contac t Mary Kohrell using the information provided below. The next session will be held on October 16.

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Calumet County Community Economic Development contact information: Mary Kohrell, Community Economic Development Director (920) 849-1680 | mary.kohrell@calumetcounty.org Connie Leonhard , Program Assistant (920) 849-1450 x4| connie.leonhard@calumetcounty.org ‌ ‌