Focus on Calumet

A bi-weekly update on economic development in the Calumet County region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
Monday | August 15, 2022
NEWREP Benefits Survey Highlights
The Northeast Wisconsin Regional Economic Partnership (NEWREP), together with KerberRose, has received the results of its Benefits Survey. The purpose of this survey was to gather comparative data and uncover benefit offerings which may need to be addressed in order to both retain the current workforce and attract new employees. The results will serve to support manufacturers in securing the workforce needed to drive their success. The survey received 191 respondents which represents nearly one third of the approximately 600 manufacturers in Northeast Wisconsin that have 25 or more employees and report revenues of $3 million or more. Calumet County employers were eligible to participate in the survey through a request from the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce based on the county’s participation with NEWREP. 

Survey respondents' areas of excellence:
  • Nearly all companies indicated they provide regular compensation increases, particularly based on merit and market indicators.
  • 100% of respondents provide paid holidays.
  • Nearly 66% (65.56%) of respondents pay out accrued, unused vacation.
  • Employees are vested sooner than 5 years at many companies, which is faster than national averages.
  • Nearly all companies surveyed (96.47%) offer medical insurance, a make-it or break-it item for many employees.
  • Disability and life insurance in addition to some form of retirement offerings are also offered by most.
  • 78.79% of respondents offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
 
Knowing that not all employers can provide all recommended benefits due to budget constraints, here are the top three suggested benefits:

  • Hiring Bonus: 59.76% of companies responding do not offer any kind of bonus to new hires. Not including this employee perk may prove detrimental to recruitment efforts.
  • HRA/HSA: Nearly half of respondents do not have a plan in place, yet this is a budget-friendly option to round out your benefits package.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Survey results show 16.02% of respondents do not provide PTO. While federal law does not require employers to provide this benefit, doing so could increase employee morale and prevent burnout.

Surprising Statistics:  
  • 56.96% do not provide any childcare assistance.
  • Excluding short-term disability, 65.85% of respondents do not offer any paid maternity leave.
  • 74.25% do not provide domestic partner benefits.
  • Only 22.09% of employees are eligible to contribute to their retirement plan at 90 days.
Addressing Local Childcare Needs
As is the case in most Wisconsin communities, there is presently inadequate childcare availability in most of Calumet County which affects some parents’ or caregivers’ abilities to reliably work, and therefore impacts the ability of local employers to recruit and retain employees. Of particular note is the shortage of childcare availability for early 1st shift jobs (those that begin at 4, 5, or 6am) as well as 2nd and 3rd shift work at local manufacturing facilities. 

While the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds are helping to address this gap, it is not completely meeting the need. The county’s economic development program is working to understand gaps and needs, and to determine potential solutions in partnership with other economic development programs in the region.  
Study: Back-to-School Shopper Trends
By Jacqueline Barba, Retail Leader, July 11, 2022
A new study of U.S. consumers from global influencer marketing platform LTK found that affordability and convenience will be key for this year’s back-to-school season as shoppers adjust their behaviors due to rising inflation and inventory shortages. 
 
Some key takeaways from the report, titled “Back to School and Beyond: Shopping in a Shifting Market,” include:
  • Shoppers are starting early
  • Savings time and money online
  • Gen Z has different priorities
  • Turning to influencers for help
Interesting Past, Bright Future
Chilton Upholstery transitions to next chapter
By Mark Sherry, Tri-County News, Aug 4, 2022 
A longtime Chilton family is saying goodbye to ownership of their business but is welcoming the young couple who hope to lead Chilton Upholstery for many more years to come.

The small shop which has been in its current location at 23 N. Madison St. since 1949 actually traces its roots to two years before that when Nyles Papendieck and his brother Bob started it in the building which today is home to Cheers. >> Read More
Village Inn has New Name, Hours in New Holstein
By Mark Sherry, Tri-County News, Aug 11, 2022 
The Village Inn is no more—but Snack Crackers is. Isaac Beirne, who purchased the popular New Holstein dining establishment a number of months ago from Tim DeSombre, officially changed the name of the business to Snack Crackers as of Tuesday, August 9.

It is just one of several changes which Beirne has implemented after operating the restaurant for the last couple months and experimenting with some things. >>Read More
Gloria's Cantina a Hit in Brillion
By David Nordby, The Brillion News, Aug 4, 2022
When Gloria's Cantina and Mexican Grill came to Brillion from Hilbert this summer, it filled a void in the city for authentic Mexican food. “We are so excited to be in Brillion. This is a beautiful town and the people have been so supportive,” owner Gloria Sandoval said. So far, the food, restaurant and staff have received glowing reviews from the community.

The location at 418 West Ryan Street on Highway 10 has helped bring people in, Sandoval said. “We see a lot of familiar faces back from Hilbert. The new people have just been so supportive and of course, we give them the best of our service. >>Read More
Grant Opportunities
Main Street Bounceback Grants
The Main Street Bounceback Grant program provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses and non-profit organizations moving into vacant properties in Wisconsin’s downtowns and commercial corridors. Funds can be used to pay leases or mortgages, operational expenses, and other business costs related to the newly opened location.

The reimbursement grant program is open to new or existing businesses opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space as of January 1, 2021. Calumet County. Contact the grant program coordinator at East Central WI Regional Planning Commission for information. Application deadline is Dec. 31, 2022.
Calumet County Business Assistance
WWBIC Training & Programs Catalog
WWBIC is a leading innovative statewide economic development corporation that’s been “Putting Dreams to Work” since 1987. WWBIC helps open the doors of opportunity by providing underserved individuals who are interested in starting, strengthening or expanding businesses with access to critical resources such as responsible financial products and quality business and financial training. 

WWBIC’s focus is on individuals who face barriers in accessing traditional financing or resources in pursuit of their dreams and economic well-being … in particular women, people of color, veterans, rural and lower wealth individuals. >>View WWBIC's Training and Programs Catalog
Business Start-Up and Expansion Assistance
Ray York of the Small Business Development Center serves Calumet County with business assistance to existing and start-up businesses throughout the county. Small Business Development Center services are available at no cost to businesses. Ray’s goal is to provide opportunities to clients by guiding them to make informed decisions to start, expand, or transition their business. He can be reached by phone at (920) 946-9379 or york@sheboygancountyedc.org.
Upcoming Events
Tools for Talent Development: Information Technology
Save the Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2022!
Today’s employers are doing more with less and IT-related training is becoming more critical in all areas of the organization. During this complimentary event, learn more about vital information technology topics to help you navigate and succeed in an ever-changing and evolving workplace. Fox Valley Technical College is your partner to help develop the talent of your workforce!
 
Join us to test drive our training on your road to success. >>Register

E-seed Express: Entrepreneurship Training at FVTC
Thinking of starting a business? Need help? E-seed™ Express assists start-up, early-stage entrepreneurs and experienced small business owners in developing management and planning tools for their businesses. Participants develop a business plan through completion of weekly activities and business planning templates. Experts provide insight into legal, management, marketing, technology, accounting and financing aspects of operating a successful small business. >>Additional Information and Registration

Business & Industry Complimentary Training
Fox Valley Technical College offers a variety of small business-oriented free training and seminars monthly. Please visit their website to view their calendar of classes.

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