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

Monday, September 30, 2019

Celebrating Wisconsin Craft Beer Day in Style

Calumet County was proud to collaborate with the State of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to celebrate Craft Beer Day in Wisconsin, held on Thirstday, September 26, 2019.  Wisconsin Craft Brewery Day was designated as a day to celebrate the positive impacts that craft brewery development projects bring to our local communities, especially in rural areas like Calumet County. WEDC coordinated with Governor Tony Evers, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, and the regional economic development organizations on a statewide tour of craft breweries on Craft Brewery Day.  The New North’s official celebration took place at Titletown Brewing Company in Green Bay. Of course, in Calumet County, we were honored to celebrate with Rowland’s Calumet Brewing, one of the state’s pioneer microbrewers located in Chilton. Even better, we were joined by staff from Briess Malt & Ingredients Company, Chilton, one of the country’s premier handcrafted specialty malt producers, along with several members of the Chilton Chamber of Commerce.

Photo credit: Carrie Kost, Sparkworks Marketing and Web Design

State Property Values Rise, New Construction Lags

According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum’s newest report , for the sixth straight year, property values in the state grew, underlining the benefits of the expanding economy. But new construction numbers have yet to see the same recovery. New state figures show property values in Wisconsin rose last year by the fastest rate since before the Great Recession—a welcome reminder of the economic recovery. However, while some parts of the state such as the Fox Cities metro area have seen strong growth over the past decade, property values in parts of northern and central Wisconsin have yet to recover fully. The study examined net new construction growth and equalized values growth in all 72 counties. Calumet performed well in both categories, leading other northeast WI counties in net new construction for most years from 2000-2019 thanks to strong growth in the county’s northwest corner, but not necessarily outpacing the state’s average. Calumet County’s equalized value growth from 2018 to 2019 was 6.5%. The report’s online dashboard includes two handy infographics that can be manipulated to see how each county fares within its region and across other regions. The good news about the overall increase in property values is tempered by the fact that most of that growth comes from appreciation of existing properties. New construction in the state is growing slowly and is not contributing to rising property values the way it did before the Great Recession. The growth in property values from new construction—or lack of it—matters for both taxpayers and elected officials, as the state uses it to limit property tax increases for local governments across Wisconsin. Upcoming Wisconsin Policy Forum reports will analyze this data in greater detail.

Wisconsin Hosted Recent IAMC Conference

For the first time ever, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation hosted the Industrial Asset Management Council’s (IAMC’s) annual fall forum in Milwaukee in September. IAMC is the leading trade association for corporate real estate executives focused on the needs of the industrial portfolio. Its membership includes more than 600 members including over 200 senior corporate real estate end users representing manufacturing and distribution properties.

Left to right, Barb LaMue, New North Executive Director; Tricia Braun, WEDC COO; and Mary Kohrell, Calumet County; at the WEDC welcome booth for IAMC participants.

Several pre-conference events were organized offering local economic development practitioners and Wisconsin development companies an opportunity to network with conference attendees from around the country. Event participants from the New North region included Calumet County, Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Wipfli, LLP.

Keeping Track of Economic Development Legislative Efforts

This is your periodic reminder that the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, of which Calumet County is a member, continues to update its WEDA Legislative Tracker . This state bill-tracking service makes it convenient and easy for municipalities and businesses to keep track of legislation concerning economic development matters such as expanding the state’s youth apprenticeship program, closing the dark store loophole, and improving the WI DOT TEA grant program. Check out the Legislative Tracker periodically to find out what’s happening with regards to economic development proposals in our State Capitol.

Community Updates

Applications being accepted for Appleton Housing Rehab Program

The City of Appleton Community & Economic Development Department operates a deferred repayment loan program for low to moderate-income homeowners (e.g. family of four with income less than $67,050/year) needing improvements done to their homes. Applications from eligible households (Appleton low to moderate income single-family homeowner or owner-occupant of a duplex) are currently being accepted through October 18, 2019. The program offers the opportunity for owners to protect the investment in their home by providing rehabilitation loan funds at no interest and no monthly payments. Additional program and qualifying information is available by clicking on the brochure and on Appleton’s Housing Rehab Loan webpage .

Hilbert takes steps to Acquire old Bel Brands Building

From Ed Byrne, The Brillion News , 9/19/19 The Hilbert Village Board met in closed session on September 10, then took action on two different items discussed. One was the future of the white elephant at the corner of Chestnut and Eighth Streets, just south of Civic Park. That’s the old cheese storage warehouse, which is owned by Bel Brands and has been vacant for several years. Bel Brands USA wants to sell it to the village at a price favorable to taxpayers, and the purchase took a step forward when the village board voted to contract with Cedar Corporation to handle the purchase. Cedar Corporation has been the village’s resource on development issues. It will require funding from the state Department of Administration’s block grant program for blight removal. “We are also doing the initial work on setting up an environmental TIF district,” Village Administrator Dennis Duprey said. “We are going to find out if we can set up [that] TID.” That’s what the City of Brillion is doing as a part of its restoration of the Brillion Iron Works property. Duprey said the Bel Brands site has much less contamination than does the old BIW property. Bel has extended the offer, allowing the village to purchase the property, until August of 2020.

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Note: If successful, Hilbert’s Environmental Remediation TID will be the third such TID operating in Calumet County within the past year. The others are located in Brillion and New Holstein. Glad to see this tool being used to support clean-up and redevelopment of environmentally sensitive sites.

FVTC Chilton Regional Center Hosts Board of Trustees Meeting

On September 17, the FVTC Chilton Regional Center hosted the college’s regular Board of Trustees meeting. The meeting was kicked off with a Community Leaders Reception where participants had the opportunity to talk with Chilton Center leadership and members of the FVTC Board of Trustees. Pictured are FVTC Chilton Regional Center Manager, Allan Mitchler (left) speaking with Brad Grant, Premier Financial Credit Union (right). Other local business representatives are shown in the background. Approximately 30 local business and community leaders attended the reception. This is the first time the Chilton Regional Center has hosted a Board of Trustees meeting.

Brillion’s Wenzel Honored with Michael S. Ariens Community Leadership Award

This year’s recipient of the Michael S. Ariens Community Leadership Award is Elizabeth (Beth) Wenzel, who is co-owner and president of Zander Press, owns and operates banquet hall Carstens Mill and is the chairperson for the Brillion Redevelopment Authority (RDA). Wenzel will be presented on October 3 with the award at Brillion’s Best and Brightest Awards, the annual event sponsored by the Brillion Chamber of Commerce to help maintain Michael Ariens’ memory. “He loved his work, he loved his people, he loved his family, he loved the community,” Mary ‘Mimi’ Ariens said about her husband, Michael.

Beth Wenzel, right, shown earlier in 2019 celebrating Zander Press’ 125 th anniversary. Photo credit David Norby.

Mimi was married to Michael for 58 years until his passing in February 2015. Michael followed in the footsteps of his grandfather (Henry) and father (Steve) and ran Ariens Company in a career that spanned 55 years. He served as president of the company from 1969 to 1992 and was chairman from 1992 until 2014. He was chairman emeritus when he passed away. Wenzel is very active in the Brillion community with her two businesses, and also serving in the leadership role for the Brillion Redevelopment Authority, which is spearheading both the downtown Brillion and Brillion Works redevelopment projects. Congratulations, Beth, on a well-deserved honor! Thanks to David Nordby, The Brillion News , for this information.

Local Business Updates

 Delta to Delta Media Group

By Mark Sherry, Tri-County News , September 19, 2019   Mike Mathes, president/owner of Delta Publications/Delta Digital Strategies, has announced the sale of the two companies to the Delta Media Group, headed by Jim O’Rourke, a 25-year veteran of the newspaper industry, and Joe Mathes, a long-time member of the Delta Publications family. Delta Publications publishes the Tri-County News, serving Kiel, Chilton and New Holstein along with the Tempo, a weekly free paper serving the Between the Lakes market area. In addition, Delta Online offers cutting edge digital advertising solutions for a customer base that goes beyond the traditional media and local market place. “It has been my privilege to serve as publisher of this amazing community institution for nearly 40 years,” Mathes said. “We have been blessed to be part of some amazing communities, and connected with the people and organizations of those communities for four decades. “True stewards not only look back on their history, but try to help shape a future for the organization they have served,” Mathes said. “I am thrilled to leave this business in the hands of tremendously capable and bright people who will continue the tradition of great customer and community service.” Joining O’Rourke on the new ownership team will be a familiar name—Joe Mathes. A long-time marketing and sales leader for Delta Publications, Joe is widely known throughout the media industry for his talents with developing cutting edge digital strategy and media solutions. He has been a past publisher, sales manager and digital strategist for the company dating back to 1984. “The opportunity to keep Joe in place, and bring in Jim O’Rourke, who has an outstanding track record of success in the fast-changing media industry, someone who values community journalism and has a strong sense of integrity, will make for a wonderful match with our team, our communities, and the people of Eastern Wisconsin,” Mathes said.

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New Doctor added at New Holstein Eye Care

Dr. Cheryl Roers and the staff of New Holstein Family Eye Care and Visionary Eye Care, Sheboygan, are excited to announce that Dr. Christopher Schnelle has returned to Wisconsin to rejoin Your Eye Care Team. Dr. Schnelle is a native of Sheboygan who had attended schools and practiced eye care in other locations prior to returning to Wisconsin in early September. He will see patients in New Holstein and Sheboygan.

Ariens to Receive Manufacturing Award

Ariens Company will be recognized for its youth apprenticeship program at an award show in Green Bay next month. Ariens will receive the youth apprenticeship award during Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance’s 8th Annual Excellence in Manufacturing & K-12 Partnership Awards. The awards dinner and program takes place on Tuesday, October 29 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. Last year’s event had more than 380 attendees and raised $15,000 for college scholarships. Thanks to David Nordby, Brillion News , for this information.

Bakkheia Closing at End of September

Bakkheia Wine and Spirits in Brillion announced its closure via its Facebook page. The final weekend for the bar and restaurant will be the last weekend in September.  According to the Facebook post: “One of my favorite sayings is ‘no amount of money has ever bought a second of time’ ...With our careers and our personal lives needing more attention, Frank and Tyler have decided to get out of Bakkheia. The last weekend of September will be the final weekend of the bar, and we’d appreciate your help and support getting rid of our inventory! I’ll be posting drink specials and costs of some bottles that we have so you can stock up for the holidays. Let’s have some fun these next couple weeks, and we wanted to say thank you, and we are so happy to have met you all! See ya at Bakkheia”

Acuity Insurance Earns State Economic Award

Acuity Insurance, Sheboygan, earned the Economic Driver Award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA). The Economic Driver Award honors Acuity for its commitment to long-term investment in its Wisconsin operations that have a significant economic impact in the community and across the state. The award is part of the Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA) program established by WEDA to recognize businesses, projects, and organizations that are making significant contributions to Wisconsin’s economy. “The Wisconsin Economic Development Association and our 400-plus economic development professional members across the state are excited to congratulate Acuity Insurance for winning the Economic Driver award at the 2019 CEDA Awards,” said WEDA Executive Director Brian Doudna. “The well-deserved win recognizes Acuity Insurance’s long-term investment in Sheboygan and Wisconsin and the significant economic impact the company has had in their community.” Acuity has grown in Wisconsin and throughout its operating territory at a rate that eclipses the rest of the insurance industry, doubling its top-line revenue in the past eight years and adding $225 million to top-line revenue in just 24 months. In addition, Acuity is an integral part of the Sheboygan community with a long history of charitable efforts, including donating over $3 million to charitable organizations in 2019.

Read the full story online

Note: In these times when employers are finding it increasingly difficult to retain talent, Acuity Insurance is not experiencing those same difficulties. The company has built an exceptional company culture that makes employee retention less difficult than in other places. Congratulations to Acuity and the Sheboygan community on this recognition.

Upcoming Events

First Steps to Starting a Business Thinking About Starting a Business? Start Here!

The Small Business Development Center offers a free, interactive, online class to help entrepreneurs explore their business idea and assess their entrepreneurial readiness as well as identify strengths and weaknesses as a business owner. This interactive online class includes downloadable worksheets, hands-on exercises, local entrepreneur stories, and additional resources to determine next steps. The best part about the class is that it is available anywhere and anytime, and its free! The “ First Steps” class helps entrepreneurs answers questions like these: Do you have the right personality, skills, and life situation to start and manage a business? Do you have a realistic business idea? Is your business idea well thought out? Are you financially ready to start a business? What are your next steps? For more information or to register for first steps, click here .

Business Counseling

October 15 (or when mutually convenient): Small Business Development Center business counseling services offered by Ray York, Sheboygan County EDC and Small Business Development Center Entrepreneurship Specialist. Available to all existing businesses and entrepreneurs monthly. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 920-946-9379 or email Ray.

NEW International Trade Conference

October 25, 2019 FVTC Bordini Center, Appleton, WI  International trade continues to play an important role in the economy of Northeast Wisconsin. With a focus on Wisconsin’s two largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico, this year’s Conference offers practical training for businesses looking to expand into exporting, as well as insightful analysis for those businesses with significant international portfolios. More information about the conference here .

Manufacturing First Conference and Expo

KI Convention Center  More information here.

With Northeast Wisconsin an epicenter of manufacturing, Manufacturing First has rapidly become known as one of the state’s premier industry events. Since it began in 2011, Manufacturing First routinely welcomes more than 1,200 attendants and 550+ high school students annually to the KI Center in Green Bay. With the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and First Business Bank, Insight is a co-sponsor and coordinator of the event.  Manufacturing First features a full-day of speakers, informative presentations focused on innovation and the latest industry trends, multiple networking opportunities, and an expo hall with more than 200 exhibitors highlighting their products and services.

Five Areas to Master to Be a Great Leader

There are many great leadership books that will tell you how to become a great leader. Most of them focus on five key areas. In this class we will delve into these five areas, discussing and evaluating each in-depth. What does mastery look like? What are the steps to reach mastery? The goal for the class is for you to leave with a development plan that incorporates the five areas into your leadership style. The five areas of focus are: Time management and work/life balance Customer service Communication Team building and teamwork Service excellence  Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2019 | 8:30-3:30 pm Location: Startup Hub, 2701 Larson Road, Green Bay Cost: $200

For more information

Explore Starting a Business

The complimentary “Explore Starting a Business” session provides a look inside at what it takes to launch a startup and small business. Explore key factors in starting and growing a business. Begin to determine if you have a feasible idea, learn about critical questions to consider, and additional entrepreneurship training opportunities. Whether you are looking to turn your side hustle into a full-time gig, grow your small business, or scale a startup, this session will help you understand your next steps. Get more details and register here. The next session will be held on October 8 at 5:30 pm at the Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center in Appleton.

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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 ‌ ‌