Focus on Calumet

A bi-weekly update on economic development in the Calumet County region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
Monday | December 19, 2022
Happy Holidays to all our community and business partners! We wish you, your families, employees, and community members all the best this time of year, and always.   
County Business Retention & Expansion Program Update
Calumet County’s largest employers and program partners are likely aware that Rob Peterson, Patriot Consulting, LLC has been serving Calumet County as a consultant for the last year running the county’s Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Program. The program focuses on outreach to the largest employers in the county, working in collaboration with local government officials, WEDC, and technical college contacts, among others.  
 
After a successful year in creating and implementing the BR&E program, Rob’s BR&E involvement is ending with the close of 2022, as he has accepted a newly created role with a leading commercial construction firm and will be focusing on that role exclusively. BR&E Program support will be transferred to County economic development staff to maintain support for local businesses.  
 
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve Calumet County businesses this past year,” said Peterson. “I look forward to continuing collaboration and supporting economic growth in Calumet County in my next endeavor. I am also thankful for everyone I’ve worked with in these efforts.”  
 
Any businesses with questions should contact Mary Kohrell. We wish Rob all the best in his new role! 
Ariens and Bellin Health Announce New Brillion State-of-the-Art Clinic
A new state-of-the-art Bellin Health clinic is coming to Brillion in early 2024 at the Brillion Works District on the city’s east side. A groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the announcement.
“This is a true celebration of community, of a brand-new clinic to better serve the people in this area — and of the tremendous partnership that has brought us together today,” said Chris Woleske, Executive Vice President, Bellin and Gundersen Health System and President of the Bellin Region, at a community presentation and groundbreaking in Brillion. “Ariens Company, the city of Brillion, Endries International, Brillion Public Schools, Somerville, IEI and Stantec...partners who have come together for a common purpose and a common vision of a better, healthier, more community-minded tomorrow.”
The brand-new clinic will be located at 235 East Ryan Street. Boasting 15,990 square feet, it will include 13 exam rooms with room to grow. Community input was key to deciding the care offerings that will be available at the Brillion clinic.
According to Ariens Chairman and CEO, Dan Ariens, the clinic has been an idea since 2016 when the Brillion Iron Works shut its doors leaving 1,800 people without jobs, 144 acres abandoned and impacting the community.
Wisconsin Implements New LLC Law Effective January 1, 2023
Wisconsin has a new LLC law, effective January 1, 2023, that will completely replace the existing LLC law. The new law affects both existing and future LLCs. This new law made changes to the statute governing limited liability companies (LLCs) organized in Wisconsin. The new law (Chapter 183) replaces the existing statute and is based on the Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act already adopted in some form by other states. For single member LLC’s the new law will have limited impact. The greatest effect of the law change will be on multiple member LLCs and Partnership LLCs.

LLC’s who haven’t addressed this issue and will be impacted are encouraged to contact their attorney to determine a prudent course of action. More information is available at this site or from the Small Business Development Center. The Small Business Development Center at UW Green Bay offers these two options:

  1. By December 31, 2022, file a statement of non-applicability with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (WDFI) to continue the status quo and have your LLC governed by current LLC law (OPT OUT of the law for your LLC.)
  2. Do nothing, and on January 1, 2023, your LLC will be governed by the new statute by operation of law. 
Focus on Energy Offers New Online Resources
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s utility-funded state-wide energy efficiency and renewable energy rebate program has developed a new website that is packed full of useful information. The website includes details on their financial incentives and programs which might benefit businesses by lowering their energy costs, supporting local contractors, and improving infrastructure all while promoting sustainability that customers value. There are also resources to help lower utility costs for residents and to help with business retention and expansion. Finally, there’s a link to sign up for their business or residential newsletters.  
Ariens Nordic Center Sets Grand Opening Date
The Ariens Nordic Center has announced its grand opening weekend will be held January 6-8. During that weekend, there will be free skiing daily, with food and beverages available for purchase (alcoholic & non-alcoholic options) beginning at 11 AM each day. The weekend festivities will also include a fireworks show at 5pm on Saturday, outdoor firepits, igloos, and an ice bar. The weekend will be family-friendly with kids activities. No equipment rentals will be available.
Community Updates
Kara Homan will become the City of Appleton’s new Community Development Director on January 4, 2023. Homan brings more than 15 years’ experience in urban and regional planning, most recently serving as the Director of Development and Land services for Outagamie County. Prior to that, she worked as a principal planner for the City of Menasha and for the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. She replaces Karen Harkness, who has served as the city’s Community Development Director since 2008 and will retire in January. Congratulations to Kara and Karen!
Grant Opportunities
LAST CALL! Main Street Bounceback Grants
This is the last opportunity to apply to the Main Street Bounceback Grant program to receive $10,000. The grant program is available 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 program closes December 31, 2022.  
Calumet County Business Start-Up and Expansion 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. >>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
Looking for support to get a different, dream job? The team at @gener8tor is excited to support people in getting there! Their 6-week Skills Accelerator provides one-to-one career coaching, job search necessities like resume and cover letter, and job search support with a dedicated associate. They can’t wait for people to join their new program which begins January 23, 2023.  >>Apply Here
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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