Focus on Calumet
A bi-weekly update on economic development opportunities in Calumet County
and the region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
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Calumet County Collaborating with CCR&R to Assist Child Care Programs |
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Child care is essential to our children, our families, and our communities. The COVID-19 public health emergency highlighted and exacerbated the fragility of the current system and the urgent need for resources. There is a significant need in the county to increase the child care capacity; however, staffing shortages have many families living in child care ‘deserts’ due to the lack of regulated options.
In response to these needs, the Calumet County Board of Supervisors recently approved ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding for an Early Childhood Stabilization Program that will aid local providers. As part of this opportunity, Calumet County Health and Human Services has recently collaborated with Child Care Resource & Referral, Inc., based in Kimberly, WI, in providing support and resources to child care providers throughout the county. The total cost of this project is $689,783 and will include the following initiatives:
- Entry-level training opportunities and reimbursement of necessary hiring expenses
- Child care discounts for children of staff
- Sign-on bonus program for staff
- Quality Support Specialists to assist each child care facility
Calumet County’s program was featured in several recent media pieces:
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The following links may provide some insight for employers and other newsletter readers alike:
In addition to testing information, Calumet County Public Health has announced that due to incredibly high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases locally, the capacity to directly follow up with positive individuals is currently not possible. They have provided the following links:
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Gen Z, Millennials Will Drive Social Media Spending to $1.2T |
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Gen Z and Millennials are leading the social commerce charge as the primary users of social media. The growth, which was projected in a new study from Accenture, attributes 62% of social commerce spend by 2025 to these two generations. Social commerce refers to when a person’s entire shopping experience, from product discovery to the checkout process, takes place on social media.
Nearly 2 billion social media users, or 64% of those surveyed by Accenture, said they made a social commerce purchase in the last year. That’s a big boon to the retail industry, which initially suffered during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As consumers have spent more time at home during the pandemic––and on their phones––social commerce has taken off.
Social commerce has offered an alternative to traditional e-commerce by integrating into all aspects of everyday life, with an added sense of community and connection fostered through social media. Without being able to see friends and family in person, Americans turned to virtual solutions. The study found 63% of respondents feel connected with friends and family virtually while 42% feel connected using virtual experiences.
As more of the world uses social media, commerce will continue to increase its mix with news, entertainment and communication on these platforms. Currently around 3.5 billion, or 44% of the world’s population uses social media, representing big opportunities for brands and retailers to capture not just Millennials and Gen Z users, but all consumers.
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Career CONNECT Event Postponed |
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Ornua Certified as Gold Level Employee Friendly Workplace |
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The Fox Cities Chamber recently announced that cheese ingredients business Ornua Ingredients North America (OINA) of rural Hilbert was certified as a 2022 gold-level Employee Friendly Workplace in the Fox Cities. Gold-certified employers are community leaders in promoting work/life integration by making significant investments in employee-friendly policies and practices. Ornua becomes the sixth Fox Cities employer to attain certification through the new program and the third to be recognized at the “gold” level. Congratulations, Ornua! |
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The New Holstein Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed new business B. Lively Beauty LLC to the community. Owner Shannon Rogers (front, second from right) operates her business in The Refinery Wellness Center located above Lilybee Flowers & Gifts in New Holstein. Rogers is licensed through the State of Wisconsin and is joining The Refinery Wellness Center to meet the growing demand for skin care services. She comes from the VICI Aveda Institute with over a decade of experience in the industry. She holds many awards and certificates in continuing education. Shannon said she loves nature and living a healthy life style. She currently resides in New Holstein with her husband and two children. Shannon said she is very passionate about touching the lives of others and providing her guests with the education they need to have confidence with their skin. She said she looks forward to providing wonderful services for her guests. Welcoming her to the Chamber and the city’s business community were Chamber Board members (front, from left) Secretary Sonny Schaar, President Mark Sherry and Director Deneen Mueller; and (back) Director Randy Jaeckels, Vice President Phil Kubichka and Director Dave Amel. |
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Brillion Iron Works Redevelopment |
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Redevelopment of the former Brillion Iron Works continued last week, with more buildings demolished. The Brillion Iron Works closed in 2016 and a massive effort to redevelop it has taken place between the Ariens Company's new LLC, Brillion Works, and the City of Brillion. (David Nordby/Brillion News and submitted photos)
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Hilbert Looking at ‘Head Start’ for College
School District Studying 3+1 Program
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For several years, the Hilbert school board had regularly approved requests by high school students to take classes at technical colleges and academic colleges.
And there’s also the school’s Youth Apprenticeship program that allows high school students to take part of the school day off for on-the-job work experiences in the skilled trades. But there could be more opportunities for an early start to post-secondary schooling coming soon.
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The model is the area is a program at the UW-Green Bay called “Rising Phoenix.”
Hilbert Secondary School Principal Nathan Wesener and guidance Counselor Abbie Pospychala attended a full-day presentation on high school students earning early college credits. Hilbert Superintendent Tony Sweere said UW-Green Bay, Lakeland University and UW-Oshkosh were represented.
“They’re looking at what’s called Three Plus One (3+1), doing high school in three years and then the fourth year is really college,” Sweere said.
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Helping Kids 'Play Ball' for Years |
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It is early January in Wisconsin with snow on the ground and temperatures in the single digits, but before long activities inside the New Holstein home of Jeff and Rachel Schroeder will be all about baseball and softball.
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Jeff and Rachel Schroeder have been named New Holstein’s Distinguished Persons of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and will be honored Thursday evening at the Chamber’s annual dinner at the Altona Supper Club. |
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Microbusiness Grant Program Still Open |
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The Northeast WI Rural Microenterprise Resiliency Grant Program is focused on providing financial support to existing businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic located in Calumet County and surrounding communities.
The second grant application period opened earlier in January and interested applicants should plan to apply immediately. To be eligible, businesses:
- Must be able to document how the business has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Must be for-profit and in good standing with State of WI.
- Have five or fewer employees including the owner.
- Must meet owner or employee low to moderate income eligibility qualifications as noted below (more details provided in the application materials)
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Main Street Bounceback Grants |
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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. Contact the grant program coordinator at East Central WI Regional Planning Commission for information.
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Calumet County Business Assistance |
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Business Start-Up and Expansion Assistance |
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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 opportunity 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.
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Ready to Explore New International Markets? |
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The Go Global Initiative is available to any and all Wisconsin companies who are looking to grow into new or existing international markets. Take advantage of our Free Export Assessment Tool and discover the trade resources available to your company today!
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The Wisconsin Bar’s small business assistance program, which offers free legal advice to small businesses, is fully operational this month and the number of available appointments has been expanded. Business can request an appointment at a time that works for them using the online scheduling system. Appointments are held virtually so small businesses from anywhere in Wisconsin can connect with an experienced business law attorney for assistance.
For more information, please see Small business assistance which outlines the program. This service is offered by the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin in partnership with the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic.
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2022 Governor’s Conference on
Economic Development
February 9-11, 2022
Monona Terrace | Madison, WI
Theme: Tackling Today’s Economic Challenges
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The Governor’s Conference on Economic Development is WEDA’s biggest education and networking event of the year. We’re excited to announce that the 2022 conference, which is returning as in-person event, will feature industry thought leaders and practitioners who will tackle workforce and economic development challenges facing our businesses and communities. The packed agenda has something for everyone as we focus on talent attraction, strengthening our communities, and advancing economic growth in rural and urban Wisconsin. We look forward to having you join us! |
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E-Seed Express: Entrepreneurship Training |
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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 from the small business and entrepreneurial community provide insight into legal, management, marketing, technology, accounting and financing aspects of operating a successful small business. Cost: $299, materials provided. |
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February 7-April 11, 2022
5:30-8:30 pm
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February 8-April 12, 2022
5:30-8:30 pm
Virtual
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Explore Starting a Business
February 9, 2022
March 9, 2022
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Work for Yourself at 50+
February 15, 2022
March 10, 2022
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1 Million Cups Appleton
Join us virtually every Wednesday
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Calumet County Community Economic Development contact information:
Mary Kohrell, Community Economic Development Director
Connie Leonhard, Program Assistant
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