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

Monday, November 25, 2019
Happy  Thanksgiving !
All year long, but especially during this season, we're grateful for wonderful economic development partners and newsletter followers like you!

Barb LaMue Elected to IEDC Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has elected Barb LaMue, CEcD, Executive Director of New North Inc., to serve a two-year term on the IEDC Board of Directors. The nomination took place during IEDC's 2019 Annual Conference, which was held in Indianapolis. LaMue’s term begins on January 1, 2020.

"We look forward to Barb LaMue’s leadership as a member of the Board of Directors, which follows decades of professional practice in economic development and participation in IEDC. Her new role will ensure great accomplishments in 2020 and beyond," says Jeffrey Finkle, CEcD, President and CEO of IEDC.
 
“I am humbled to join this very distinguished and respected group of colleagues across the country and other parts of the world, as we work together to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for our communities, members, and partners,” says Barb LaMue, Executive Director of New North, Inc.
 
Barb LaMue is the Executive Director of New North, Inc., one of nine regional economic development entities in the state of Wisconsin, and the region in which Calumet County is located. The New North region is comprised of 18 counties in northeastern Wisconsin, headquartered in Green Bay, and is charged with creating, connecting and convening regional strategic initiatives for business and talent development.

Prior to this role, LaMue served as Vice President of Business and Community Development for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). In addition to working with companies and communities on growth strategies and investments, she directed Downtown and Minority Business Development and has more than 22 years of senior leadership experience in economic development.
Support for Small Businesses
The Saturday after Thanksgiving – this year on November 30 -- has officially been designated as Small Business Saturday. This day is an acknowledgement of the opportunity and need to support small businesses by shopping small and local.

Calumet County works to support our small businesses all year long. Listed are a few of the programs that Calumet County Community Economic Development offers to help small businesses succeed and grow. 
  • Small Business Counselor: Small Business Development Center business counseling services are 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. 
  • First Steps: 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 it’s free! For more information or to register for first steps, click here.
  • Entrepreneurial Training Program: ETP is taught in eight efficient sessions to help businesses and entrepreneurs develop a plan for a thriving, profitable business. This will allow entrepreneurs to organize and better manage a business, along with receiving funding and writing a detailed, comprehensive business plan. The next program begins in Sheboygan in April, but it’s never too soon to think about signing up.
Regional Entrepreneur “Pitch” Events Held, Winners Announced
As part of Startup Wisconsin Week in early November, several organizations near Calumet County held events where aspiring adult and youth entrepreneurs “pitched” their business ideas for prizes. 

In Appleton, Fox Valley Technical College’s Venture Center hosted Fast Pitch. Luke Haen of BAKKAB took first place and earned $2,000 toward his efforts in helping heavy equipment operators and truck drivers enhance their safety while using a device that alerts them of unseen hazards. Second place and a $1,000 award went to Andrew Schmitz of Proceed . His business endeavor captures institutional knowledge through an app that is easily and readily shared in the workplace during the on-boarding new hires, training sessions, team building, and more.

The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) held Hatch Pitch Sheboygan County. Justin Vannieuwenhoven placed first with his idea for ‘Sheboatin’! Justin owns multiple businesses in Sheboygan County and has won pitch competitions in the past; his experience earned $2,000. Michael Jaber took the $1,000 second place slot for his unique ‘Mash Machine’ idea. Michael is a Sheboygan County teacher and showcased his music machine that allows people to create fun beats on an innovative platform.

All first and second place winners from the region will advance to the New North Summit Hatch Pitch event on December 5 for a chance at winning top prize of $5,000. The Pitch events were organized with support from New North, Inc., Brightstar Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Local Business Updates
Sherwood Artists to Host Holiday Event and Sale Featuring Local Works
Local artist and business owner Jason Sonsthagen has been busy renovating the historic High Cliff Studio in Sherwood in anticipation of the first High Cliff Studio Holiday Show & Open House, which will be held on Saturday, December 7 (the Saturday following Small Business Saturday) from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at High Cliff Studio, N398 Military Road, Sherwood. At the event, people can shop for holiday gifts from local artists and check out the new clay community at High Cliff Studio in Sherwood. High Cliff Studio’s facebook page has images of the kinds of local products being sold. 

Jason’s work features unique, handmade porcelain for everyday use. Specializing in functional pottery, each piece is wheel thrown, glazed, and fired. From coffee & bourbon mugs, baking dishes, soap dispensers, planters and more, every piece is custom. High Cliff Studio is working to support the development of a new clay community in Sherwood and also preparing to open their doors on a more regular basis. 

High Cliff Studio is co-located with Revel Dance Academy in a historic building that has been a Sherwood landmark since the early 1900s, serving among other things as a general store and a glass studio prior to its current occupants. It is located on Highway 55/114 at Highway M in Sherwood, immediately adjacent to the properties that are to become Sherwood’s renovated downtown.
LaClare Family Creamery Completes $10 Million Expansion
Tri-County News , 11/7/19
LaClare Family Creamery has announced the completion of a $10 million expansion that will make it a national leader in Chevre cheese production. The creamery, established in 1979, essentially doubles its operational footprint with the 28,000-square-foot addition. The bolstered capacity will put the focus squarely on the increasingly popular Chevre, a soft goat milk cheese, said Bill Ritcey, vice president of sales.

“The growing desire for dairy goat products in the U.S. combined with the ability of this particular region to meet that demand makes us uniquely positioned to satisfy consumers,” he said.

The project includes investments in French Cheese Presses, packaging equipment, specialized air-handling equipment and other technology “to create the perfect Chevre-making environment,” said Adam Schrot, LaClare plant manager.

In addition, the expansion increases LaClare’s cold storage and maintenance capacities. The expansion will allow LaClare to produce Chevre in various sizes for both the retail and food service markets. “It will also allow us to be even more innovative in developing and introducing sophisticated flavors today’s consumers are looking for,” said Jennifer Kutz, LaClare’s head cheesemaker.
Note: This facility is located just south of Calumet County in Fond du Lac County. It is part of a growing regional supply chain hub of goat dairies located in the area.
Sargento Growing Hilbert Production Facility Again
Ed Byrne, The Brillion News , 11/21/19
A six-letter word tells the story of Sargento Foods in Hilbert: growth.

Last week, at the November 12 village board meeting, Hilbert Village Administrator Dennis DuPrey delivered the latest news to the village board. Sargento Foods, Inc., pulled a building permit for a $4,472,274 project that includes a 15,165 square foot addition to its production plant at 460 South Eighth Street, remodeling of an additional 5,620 square feet, and expansion of on-site surface parking.

The Plymouth-based food products company, which is privately owned by the Gentine family, has a site in Hilbert that includes over 24 acres of land. The new addition is planned as a two-story facility – a ground floor and mezzanine. Construction is already beginning with Joseph Schmitt Construction of Fond du Lac as the general contractor. The work is expected to be completed by next summer.

The facilities at the plant on the Hilbert property include two separate production areas called Hilbert South and Hilbert North. The Director of Corporate Communications for Sargento, Portia Young, said the addition is substantial and will house offices for plant management as well as amenities for the plant’s employees, which number around 500.

“It’s really going to enhance the employee amenities we have in Hilbert,” Young said. “They’re going to have a new health and wellness center on-site and an updated company store.”

Similar facilities grace the company’s other locations. Sargento has operations in Plymouth, Kiel, and Elkhart Lake. The Hilbert plant’s output includes products for food service – such as restaurants – and products for sale to retail consumers.
Local Community Updates
Nash Estates Gets Green Light
Mike Mathes, Tri-County News , 11/7/2019
Two Kiel developers were given the green light by the City of Kiel to purchase and develop a new residential subdivision between Rockville Road and the Sheboygan River. At its October 22 meeting, the Kiel City Council gave its approval to an developers agreement with Nash Estates, LLC, owned by Peter Kraus and Brian Meyer, for the new subdivision to proceed.

Under the developer’s agreement, Nash Estates plans to develop seven single family homes abutting the Sheboygan River, and overlooking the walking/biking trail with an estimated value of at least $325,000 each. Plans call for seven single unit condos with an estimated value of $280,000 each, and duplex condos (18 units) with an estimate of $250,000 per side. The developer’s agreement requires a minimum development of at least two lots per year.

Kiel City Administrator Jamie Aulik hailed the agreement as positive for the community in many ways. “Everyone knows we are short on residential housing in Kiel. This is a way to meet some of that need in the city, and doing it in a way that’s responsible to the taxpayers and gives incentives to the private sector to do what they do best.” The Nash Estates development will be zoned as a planned unit development.
Village of Harrison Approves Permits
The Village of Harrison board approved a conditional use permit for contractor business and warehousing along Highway 114 near Highway 55/Pigeon Road for Bill’s Custom Conveying. Bill’s will construct offices, a parking lot, and mini-warehousing buildings on the property. 

The village board also approved a comprehensive plan amendment and conditional use permit for a multi-family residential development, 10 12-building units, along Friendship Drive between Highway KK and Highway 55. The development will be built by Premier Real Estate Management.
Upcoming Events
New North Summit Welcomes Charlie Berens
After a full day of valuable and serious content, join Charlie Berens of the Manitowoc Minute from 2:30-3:00 pm to help kick off the New North reception and networking.

Charlie is an Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, and creator of the Manitowoc Minute. The Wisconsin native has been featured on Fox, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS Digital, Variety, MTV News, and more. Charlie began his career working for MTV News' Choose or Lose. After that he worked in front and behind the camera for emerging YouTube news channels. In 2012, Tribune Media tapped Charlie to host the comedic news show Nightcap. In 2013 he won an Emmy for "The Cost of Water" while reporting for KDAF.

In 2014 CBS Sports Network hired Charlie to host the sports gameshow You’re So Money. Also in 2014, PMC (Variety, Deadline) made Charlie the host of their comedy/entertainment news brand @Hollywood. From red carpets to Sundance to SXSW to Coachella, Charlie has interviewed hundreds of celebrities, politicians, actors, and musicians. In 2016 Charlie turned his attention toward acting and developing his scripted series. He found success at the Just For Laughs Festival where Kevin Hart picked up Co-Anchor Confidential for his LOL comedy platform.

Charlie is regularly featured on Funny or Die. His comedic mashups including “If Jack Dawson Was Really From Wisconsin” have garnered more than 13 million views. Most recently Charlie's Manitowoc Minute series has received similar success -- including millions of views, and a sold-out standup comedy tour.

The 2019 Summit begins at 8:30 am on December 5 and will feature a variety of ED Talks (Economic Development) and ample networking time for attendees. Follow the agenda developments on Twitter by following @TheNewNorth . Click here to register and to receive more information on the event.

LOCATION: KI Convention Center
333 Main St, Green Bay, WI 54301
OSHA 10-Hour Voluntary Compliance: General Industry
This training presents information about the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) and how the Act is implemented to achieve compliance, profitability and survivability in today's cost-conscious environment. Explore OSHA standards that govern general industry, how to read and use the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and compliance programs and procedures required for the workplace. Topics are intended for personnel who utilize Federal OSHA standards as directed by state requirements.

Receive an OSHA 10-hour card upon completion.

Date: December 9 | 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, and December 10 | 7:30 am - 12:00 noon
Location: D.J. Bordini Center, 5 N Systems Dr, Appleton, WI
Cost: $299.00
Explore the Innovation Accelerator for Veterans
Success Begins Here.

Are you a Veteran who’d like to start or grow your own business? Wondering where to start? Attend a complimentary Explore Innovation Accelerator session to learn more.

During the Explore Innovation Accelerator session, take a look inside at what it takes to launch a startup and small business. Whether you’re 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.

The Innovation Accelerator for Veterans was made possible by a generous grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veteran’s Affairs in partnership with Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center.

Get more details and register here. The next sessions will be held on December 3 and December 18 at 5:30-7:00 pm at the Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center in Appleton.
Designing a Facebook Page
Facebook has become an essential marketing tool. Create an effective page that drives sales and builds customer loyalty. You will learn how to build a page, enhance customer connections, and effectively use Facebook ads.

Date: Monday, December 9, 2019 | 5:30-7:00 pm
Location: Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 N Bluemound Dr, Appleton
Cost: free
Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers
In this class, you’ll learn basic financial management skills, including major financial statements, sources and uses of cash, cash budgeting, and financial ratios. Emphasis will be placed on financial information as a diagnostic tool in understanding a company’s health. Using real-life examples and exercises, you will learn simple and necessary skills that can immediately apply to your workplace, including:

• Learning the difference between profits and cash.
• Interpreting and understanding the income statement, cash flow and balance sheet.
• Managing cash flow with purposeful techniques.
• Calculating a break-even point.
• Finding the hidden cash in your business and how to get it back.
• Forecasting business success with financial information.

Date: Thursday, December 5, 2019 | 8:30-3:30 pm
Location: Startup Hub, 2701 Larson Road, Green Bay
Cost: $200
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 critica l 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.

You will learn about:
  • The entrepreneur/business owner mindset
  • Critical questions to consider when launching or growing a business
  • Entrepreneurship Training: The experience and the results
  • 12 essentials for ramping up your business

Get more details and register here. The next sessions will be held on December 11 at 5:30 pm at the Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center in Appleton.
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