Focus on Calumet
A periodic update on economic development opportunities in Calumet County
and the region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
Monday, July 23, 2018
Tariffs are Hurting Wisconsin Companies
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is among numerous business organizations working to raise awareness about the increasing dangers of tariffs imposed by the current administration. Using the banner “Trade Works. Tariffs Don’t.” the U.S. Chamber outlines its perspectives on why tariffs are the wrong approach and threaten the recent economic resurgence in the U.S. The organization has developed a one-page fact sheet for each U.S. state outlining the impacts of the tariffs.  Wisconsin’s fact sheet indicates 800,000 jobs are supported by trade totaling over $1 billion of state exports that are threatened by the tariffs. Tissue products face the highest threat, along with toilet paper, whey, and cheese products.
 
In a recent letter to President Trump, Senator Ron Johnson, R-WI, summarized the results of a July 18 business roundtable discussion he held in Milwaukee with 15 Wisconsin businesses. Based on business input, Sen. Johnson indicated there is “already permanent damage being done to U.S. and Wisconsin businesses because of the trade war.”  
Employee Perks: Opportunities to Attract and Retain Workers
Employee perks are growing in popularity for both employees and employers. Perks are privileges granted to employees in addition to their salaries and benefits, which have little to no cash value. According to SCORE’s latest infographic, shown below, four in five employees prefer benefits or perks more than a pay raise. Flexible hours are most popular, being favored by 88% of potential workers. Perks can attract and retain talented employees, and many can easily be incorporated into small businesses at little to no cost.  SCORE mentors are available to support interested businesses in implementing their own system of perks.  
Second Round of Foxconn Info Sessions Coming Up
The second round of information session regarding opportunities to get connected with the Foxconn project have been scheduled. These sessions focus on construction-related businesses and workers. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the project and the opportunities available to Wisconsin companies. Sessions are aimed at companies providing goods and services in construction logistics, roadways, site utilities, foundations, structure, enclosure, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, materials, and equipment.
  • Green Bay: July 25, 2018, registration at 1:00 pm, session 1:30-3:00 pm, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 2740 West Mason Street.
  • Repeat sessions will be held in Eau Claire and Madison on July 26 and August 2.
U.S. Labor Market Nears Critical Point
The U.S. labor shortage is reaching a critical point. This is the primary message from a CNBC report aired in early July, developed by CNBC financial editor Jeff Cox based on June reports released by ADP and Moody’s Analytics. According to the story, private payrolls grew less than expected in June, likely due not just to a slowdown in hiring but also a decline in the labor pool. For the first time, there are more job openings than there are eligible workers to fill them. Economists expect wage pressures to continue building, and that employers are going to have to start doing more to entice workers, likely through pay raises, training, and other incentives.
Business Updates
Frogg’s Ice Cream in Sherwood, the iconic summer stop along Highway 114, is making improvements. The Sherwood Community Development Authority awarded an $8,000 matching grant to Frogg’s in late June to improve the business’ drive-thru access and make improvements to the back of the store.  
Available Property
Waterfront property is available along Lake Winnebago, offered by a private seller. See the listing and more information here.  The property consists of two sites totaling approximately 16.13 acres with approximately 1,100 lineal feet of Lake Winnebago frontage, listed for $999,500. Possibility to further subdivide lots. Bluff views to the west with amazing Lake Winnebago sunsets. Nicely wooded lots. Possible pier and boat access to Lake Winnebago. 38 miles to Green Bay, 93 miles to Milwaukee.
Free Business Counseling Offered
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 August 14.
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