Focus on Calumet

A bi-weekly update on economic development in the Calumet County region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
Monday | January 30, 2023
WMC Reports Recession, Labor Shortage Challenges Expected in 2023
By Insight on Business, Jan. 2023
A new survey of Wisconsin businesses revealed increased economic uncertainty at the start of 2023, with a majority saying a recession is looming and they continue to struggle with workforce shortages.
 
According to the Wisconsin Employer Survey, 60 percent of businesses believe the Wisconsin economy will enter a recession this year. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce conducted the survey in mid-December on a variety of topics. On Jan. 19, WMC released data focused specifically on the economy and workforce.

“Wisconsin employers continue to be concerned about the state of the Wisconsin and U.S. economies,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “High inflation, a persistent workforce shortage and a stagnating business climate are inhibiting economic growth.”
 
Thirty-nine percent of surveyed employers rated the Wisconsin economy as strong or very strong. That is a five-point drop from the summer and well below the 53 percent who said the economy was strong just a year ago.
Unemployment rates by county in Wisconsin during December 2022. Department of Workforce Development
In the last four surveys, the number of businesses projecting the Wisconsin economy to grow has dropped from 84 percent in the summer of 2021 to just 42 percent today.
 
Nearly six in 10 businesses have seen costs increase by double digits in the last year. While a small dip from the 67 percent who responded the same six months ago, the Wisconsin Employer Survey data shows most businesses are still dealing with record cost increases.
Walmart Raises Minimum Wage to $14 an Hour
By Connor Perrett, Retail Leader
Walmart will raise the minimum wage it pays to its store associates from $12 an hour to $14 an hour by March, the retailer confirmed to Retail Leader.
The retailer made the announcement in a Jan. 24 note to employees from Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner, who wrote that the change would bring the retailer’s average pay to more than $17.50 an hour. Furner said the increase comes from its associates’ regular annual increases and “targeted investments” in starting rates across thousands of its stores.
 
A Walmart spokesperson confirmed that the minimum wage for Walmart employees would be raised to between $14 and $19 an hour, depending on the store’s location.
 
Walmart is the nation’s largest private employer, employing more than 2.3 million people in the U.S. last year, according to data from Statista. Walmart operates more than 5,320 stores across the country, including 3,527 Walmart Supercenter stores.
In addition to wage increases, Furner said the retailer would invest in other opportunities for employees. The retailer is creating a higher-paid team leader position in its Auto Care Centers (ACC). The move follow’s Walmart’s decision last year to create another new position in its ACCs — a “coach” role.
Appleton's Mr. Brews Taphouse is Moving Away from the River and into a $2M Building
By Alexandria Bursiek Kloehn, Appleton Post-Crescent, Jan 26, 2023
Mr Brews Taphouse, 201 S. RiverHeath Way in Appleton, is closing. But don't worry, the restaurant will reopen in a brand new space in Harrison. Construction for the new building is underway at N9695 County N, the former site of the Darboy Club. The Darboy Club was an event venue and wedding space that closed in 2019 and the building was demolished in 2021.

The Harrison Mr Brews will replace the restaurant's current location in the RiverHeath complex. Steven Day, owner of the Mr Brews Franchise and a co-owner of the Harrison location, said this will be the first standalone building for the franchise. Day said the new building costs around $2 million and will include a patio overlooking a water feature.

The current Appleton location opened in 2015 under the ownership of Tammy and Craig Verhagen. Its lease at the RiverHeath complex is set to expire, and they are partnering with Day and moving their business. The Appleton location will close at the end of April, and Day said they are planning to open the Harrison location in the first or second week of May.

More information about Mr Brews Taphouse can be found on its website at mrbrewstaphouse.com.
WI Fast Forward Grant Program Accepting Applications
The Department of Workforce Development's Office of Skills Development (OSD) is accepting applications for the Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant Program.
 
This grant program is designed to help fund the development of innovative and collaborative customized worker training programs. Grant offerings have been designed into a single grant opportunity, "Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants."
 
Key features of this grant program:
  • Grants are available to all industry sectors and companies of any size;
  • Grant award amounts range from $5,000 to $400,000;
  • Cash or in-kind match equal to 50% of the grant award amount is required;
  • Grantee must complete training of at least 85% of the contracted number of trainees; and
  • At least 65% of trainees must be placed in positions with the placement partner(s) identified in the grant application that require the skills taught in the provided training; and
  •  At least 75% of incumbent trainees receive increased wages.
Insight's 40 Under 40 Awards
Insight Publications is seeking nominations for their first-ever 40 Under 40 Awards. Candidates will be judged on both professional accomplishments and involvement with civic organizations. Nominations must be received by Wednesday, Feb. 15 at noon.

Applications must be submitted online and self-nominations are encouraged. Nominees must be under 40 as of June 1, 2023 and live or work in the New North Region.
Community Updates
CB Tires Opens in New Holstein
New Holstein Area Chamber of Commerce Board members welcomed a new business to its membership on Monday. Robert Phillips (third from left) of CB Tires, LLC has joined the Chamber after expanding his business at N1973 Meggers Rd., New Holstein.

Phillips constructed a new shed on his property last summer and is now operating his business full time. CB Tires, LLC can handle all tire needs from selling and mounting new and used tires as well as flat repairs. He also handles brakes, shocks and struts. Call 920-901-9084 to contact the business or email cbtires2018@gmail.com.

Welcoming him to the Chamber are board members (from left) Mike Hartmann, Phil Kubichka, Vickey Anhalt, Tuesday Klapperich, Lisa Jacobson, Dave Amel and Mark Sherry.
Business Support
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
Entrepreneurial Training Program - Spring 2023 - Virtual (Zoom)

 
The Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) is offered by the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center's UW-Stevens Point and UW-Green Bay. It is a 9-week course that provides an easy-to-follow, step-by-step process that shows you how to: 
  • Answer the question – "Will people buy my product or service?" 
  • Appeal to more customers 
  • Develop a lender-ready business plan 
  • Use time, money, and resources wisely 
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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