by Amelia Compton Wolff, INSIGHT, December 2022

Residential development in Appleton’s downtown continues to grow. Since its 2017 housing study was completed, the city has seen 10 new housing developments that represent an additional $60 million in value and 466 new residential units in the downtown area. Providing the right mix of housing in desirable locations is key to economic growth, says Karen Harkness, City of Appleton director of community and economic development.

“If we don’t have housing, we won’t have a workforce,” she says. “It all goes back to having the right kind of housing in the right spot.”

To determine future housing needs, the City of Appleton completed its College North Neighborhood Plan this summer. The plan, along with data from Outagamie County’s regional housing study, reveals what the community needs to remain competitive and attract residents. Harkness says the data shows a need for 3,000 additional housing units in Appleton over the next 10 years — or 300 units annually. >>Read More

“Student employees are our future workforce. We provide them with significant and meaningful projects, so they gain valuable skills and experiences and in return we receive great insights and recommendations as well as high potential future talent,” said Anne Troka, Senior Manager Community and Workforce Development.   >>Read More

The new Ariens Nordic Center website has launched. It offers information on some of the most pressing questions, including those about passes and tickets which are on sale now. Those who purchase an annual pass by January 8, 2023 receive four free daily tickets.

Walters said Office Furniture Warehouse expanded to the Fox Valley partly because many of its existing clients operate in the area. Typically, the company's clients are other companies of up to a hundred employees in one building, though "our sweet spot is with companies that have between 25 to 50 employees under one roof," Walters said. >>Read More

Todd Michaels has been hired by the City of New Holstein as an interim City Administrator to work 2 days/week for up to 90 days, until the city hires a new City Administrator. Michaels was formerly the Village Manager in Greendale and replaces the outgoing Casey Langenfeld.

Elizabeth Nicklaus has been hired as the new Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer for the Village of Hilbert. Elizabeth brings 17 years of financial experience in various roles. She is replacing Dennis Duprey, who has served the Village of Hilbert in that role for 31 years and 7 months! Congratulations to Dennis and Elizabeth!

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.

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

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.

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