Focus on Calumet
A bi-weekly update on economic development opportunities in Calumet County
and the region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
|
|
Calumet County Career Event Scheduled for April 2
|
|
Calumet County’s second annual Career Event bringing together employers and high school students has been scheduled for Thursday morning, April 2. It will take place at Chilton High School. Over 600 sophomore and senior students from Brillion, Chilton, Hilbert, New Holstein, and Stockbridge High Schools will attend the event, which will include a mix of workshop sessions and opportunities to interact with employers in a Career Expo setting. Local employers will be able to reserve a display space and interact with students. Complete details about the event, which is being coordinated by the Calumet County Business-Education Partnership as part of our Inspire Calumet-Outagamie program, will be available in the next issue of this newsletter.
|
|
Five Emerging Trends As Millennials Run Manufacturing's Next Act
|
|
Millennials are
projected
to overtake baby boomers as America’s largest generation after they became the
largest generation in the U.S. workforce
in 2016. At a time when a significant percentage of the industrial world’s current workforce is at or nearing retirement, millennials — the oldest of which will turn 38 this year — are starting to transition at a rapid rate into management positions.
What should the industrial market in general, and specifically the manufacturing industry, anticipate as millennials take charge?
1. Ubiquitous, instant connectivity and real-time collaboration
2. Enhanced productivity and efficiency without compromising safety or quality
3. Mobile devices everywhere on the front lines
4. Sustainability and purpose as work motivation
5. Consumer choice explodes for products and for careers
|
|
Calumet County, are we ready?
|
|
WEDC, Partner Organizations Hosting Veteran-Ready Summit
|
|
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is partnering with the WI Department of Workforce Development, Hiring our Heroes, and other partner organizations to hold an event in Green Bay on February 14 designed to help businesses and communities learn how to engage and attract transitioning military families. Military personnel have unique skill sets and assets that may be especially beneficial to local employers, especially in this time of workforce shortages. Click on the links below for additional details, and consider attending!
|
|
Thursday, February 13, 2020
5:30 – 7:30 pm - Networking Reception
Titletown Brewing Company
Topics to Include:
- Wisconsin Careers: Creating employment pathways In Wisconsin®
- Wisconsin Connections Panel: Fostering a robust network In Wisconsin®
- Wisconsin MSEEZ: Supporting National Guard and Reserve families In Wisconsin®
- Transition to Wisconsin: Bridging from a military to a civilian lifestyle In Wisconsin®
- Transforming Wisconsin into a Veteran Ready State
|
|
Friday, February 14, 2020
Mission Wisconsin: Veteran-Ready Summit
Hotel Northland, Green Bay
8:00 – 8:30 am - Registration & Networking
8:30 – 11:30 am - Summit
Speakers to Include:
- Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
- Hiring our Heroes (invited)
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
- Mission Wisconsin partner employers, service organizations and community and economic development leaders
|
|
|
Deloitte’s 2019 Wisconsin 75 Companies Listed, Celebrated
|
|
Companies in Wisconsin’s private sector play a key role in powering the state’s economy and communities. For the 17th year, Deloitte is recognizing 75 of the largest and most successful private companies—
the Wisconsin 75
for the impact they make.
Private companies play a critical role in Wisconsin’s economy. They provide a stable foundation during challenging times—nearly 25 percent of the companies on the 2019 list are 100 years or older. These companies are also an engine for growth and innovation. Nearly 60 percent of the companies on this year’s list reported year-over-year growth.
|
|
Calumet County companies and those in neighboring communities were once again recognized on Deloitte’s prestigious list. They include Sargento, Plymouth and Hilbert (#20) which received special recognition in the Succession category, and Ariens, Brillion (#36). Also making the list were -- from Appleton -- U.S Venture (#5), Boldt (#26), Secura (#35) which received recognition for Diversity, Werner Electric (#51), and Bassett Mechanical (#71) in Kaukauna.
|
|
Latest SCORE InfoGraphic – How Small Business Owners Feel About the Minimum Wage
|
|
SCORE has released its newest InfoGraphic – this one addresses opinions from small business owners on the minimum wage. It is based on a nationwide email survey of nearly 900 small businesses
conducted by SCORE and OnDeck in November.
According to the survey, a slight majority of respondents (43%) favor a minimum wage increase, while 39% do not, and 18% are undecided. While a majority of small business owners (73%) do not feel the minimum wage is a living wage, most do not think raising the minimum wage would help their business. Based on the results of this survey, it remains clear there is still considerable discussion needed regarding the minimum wage and small business impressions about whether increases would favor their business and their employees.
|
|
Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest Open Through January 31
|
|
The 17th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2020 competition until 5:00 pm Friday, January 31, 2020. The contest is designed to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-based businesses in Wisconsin. The contest links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice and mentoring, management talent, and possible sources of capital. Over time, the contest has led to valuable public and media exposure for the top business plans and spurred economic growth in Wisconsin.
In 2019, finalists shared in more than $200,000 in cash and service prizes. For their initial entries, contestants will submit a 250-word (about 2,000 characters) idea abstract online at
govsbizplancontest.com
. That’s where contestants will also find business plan templates and other information, such as the Entrepreneurs’ Toolkit. The toolkit provides business startup information and assistance, networking contacts, and technical resources. Contestants who advance to subsequent contest rounds will expand their plan in stages. Click
here
to enter, become a judge, or learn about sponsorship opportunities.
|
|
New Holstein Chamber Announces Award Winners
|
|
Randy Jaeckels (left in photo below) and Phil Kubichka were winners of awards at the New Holstein Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. Jaeckels was recognized as the New Holstein Distinguished Person of the Year for 2019. He received an engraved clock from the Chamber, and the plaque in the background hangs year-round in the New Holstein Community Center with the names of past recipients on it. Kubichka was honored as the Volunteer of the Year for the Chamber for participating in almost every project run by the organization in the past year.
|
|
New Holstein Chamber Announces Board Members and Officers
|
|
The New Holstein Area Chamber of Commerce elected its officers for 2020 last Thursday evening and did not make any changes from the past year. Board members are (in the photo below, front, from left) Director Wendy Jacobs, Treasurer Cheri Reedy, and Secretary Sonny Schaar; and (back) Director Dave Damkot, Director Mike Hartmann, President Mark Sherry, Vice President Phil Kubichka, and Director Dave Amel. Not pictured are Director Lisa Herrick and Executive Secretary Renee Jaeckel.
|
|
Endries International acquires Fastener Service Corporation
|
|
Endries International recently announced that they have acquired Fastener Service Corporation. Fastener Service Corporation, which was founded in 1989 by Don Dunn and Lori Citti, is a provider of fasteners and Class C commodities to the original equipment manufacturing market. Since inception, Fastener Service Corporation has been a leader in Vendor Managed Inventory programs. The company stocks over 20,000 unique items in their Morgan Hill, California, facility. Product lines include both industry standards and per print specials made from various materials.
Endries is a leading distributor of fasteners and Class-C parts serving industrial Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) worldwide. From its headquarters in Brillion, and eight U.S. and international distribution centers, Endries provides over 500,000 SKUs to its customer base. Endries operates primarily through a Vendor Managed Inventory model, managing C-part categories for its customers across diverse industrial end markets. Endries partners with OEM customers through robust replenishment systems that provide products and support services which are critical to maintaining the manufacturing process.
“Fastener Service Corporation’s long time commitment to customer service is precisely aligned with Endries structure and culture. It is the Fastener Service Corporation team of associates that drive this customer centric dedication. Together, we look forward to building upon the foundation that has been established,” said Steve Endries, CEO of Endries.
|
|
Kwik Trip: Compassion Counts Most of All
|
|
Usually, when St. Norbert College holds one of its signature “CEO Breakfasts,” it is loaded with stuff that corporate executives can use in running their businesses. But on January 14, the speaker offered far more than solutions involving “lean manufacturing” or “logistics” or other typical corporate penthouse talk.
The speaker was John McHugh, former principal of Aquinas Catholic High School in La Crosse. A former seminarian who studied theology at the Vatican’s Gregorian University in Rome, McHugh is now Director of Corporate Communications, Leadership Development, and Training for Kwik Trip.
If you think McHugh’s schooling in theology has nothing to do with Kwik Trip, think again. McHugh’s speech at St. Norbert College last week was a soul-searching journey into morality and business that had many of the corporate executives in the audience wiping away tears.
McHugh gave a verbal picture of Kwik Trip as a business where compassion reigns supreme and turnover is minimal. He also told stories that brought home the corporate vision.
|
|
Support for Business and Entrepreneurs
|
|
Through Calumet County’s partnership with the Small Business Development Center, from 2015 to 2019, the SBDC assisted with $3.5M in capital formation, 11 business starts, and 150 jobs supported in Calumet County. In 2019 alone, there were 17 local clients served. Those businesses run the gamut of size, experience, and type, but one thing they have in common is they are better prepared to move forward due to their interactions with the SBDC staff.
|
|
- Small Business Counselor: Small Business Development Center business counseling services are offered by Ray York, Sheboygan County EDC and Small Business Development Center Entrepreneurship Specialist. Available to all existing businesses and entrepreneurs monthly. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 920-946-9379 or email Ray.
- First Steps: The Small Business Development Center offers a free, interactive, online class to help entrepreneurs explore their business idea and assess their entrepreneurial readiness as well as identify strengths and weaknesses as a business owner. This interactive online class includes downloadable worksheets, hands-on exercises, local entrepreneur stories, and additional resources to determine next steps. The best part about the class is that it is available anywhere and anytime, and it’s free! For more information or to register for first steps, click here.
- Entrepreneurial Training Program: ETP is taught in eight efficient sessions to help businesses and entrepreneurs develop a plan for a thriving, profitable business. This will allow entrepreneurs to organize and better manage a business, along with receiving funding and writing a detailed, comprehensive business plan. The next program begins in Sheboygan in April, but it’s never too soon to think about signing up.
|
|
City of New Holstein Awarded EDA Grant for Former Tecumseh Property
|
|
The City of New Holstein and East Central WI RPC is pleased to announce that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $22,500 to conduct a Market Feasibility Study for the former Tecumseh site in New Holstein, Wisconsin. The investment will be matched with $22,500 in local funds.
EDA is awarding this grant to the City of New Holstein to study market and redevelopment opportunities for the former Tecumseh site. The 39.1 acre Brownfield Industrial Site is now owned by the city and contains a mix of existing buildings and infrastructure. The vacant site once employed up to 2,000 workers before closing in 2009.
The project was made possible in part by the regional planning efforts led by East Central WI RPC. East Central WI RPC receives funding from EDA to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.
East Central WI RPC has provided additional assistance with this site including public visioning workshops and reports, development of a marketing flyer for the site, and assisting the city in applying for EDA funds. These services are provided to the city by virtue of Calumet County being a member of East Central WI RPC.
|
|
Register now to save your seat at Insight’s 11
th annual InDevelopment Conference. The event will take place
March 18 at the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center in Oshkosh.
This year’s keynote speaker is Michael Belot, senior vice president of Bucks Ventures and Development. Belot develops and implements the strategic real estate and business growth objectives for the Bucks’ overall organization, including the 30-acre entertainment district.
For more information about the event and to register,
click here.
|
|
Toward One Wisconsin 2020 Conference
|
|
A Conference on Building Communities of Equity and Opportunity, bringing together individuals and organizations from multiple sectors across Wisconsin to address the most persistent barriers to inclusion, what is working, and what is promising on the horizon. For information or to register,
click here
.
|
|
Women of Influence Awards
|
|
Insight Publications is hosting the inaugural Insight Women of Influence Awards Luncheon on
March 31 at the Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center in Neenah to recognize women making a difference in the New North. More than 80 women were nominated for this year’s awards.
To view the winners and nominees and to register for the event,
click here.
|
|
International Trade: Risk Analysis and Management
|
|
Practitioners operating in areas of uncertainty use risk management as a structured way of avoiding, reducing or managing events that can damage their organization. By using standard tools and strategies, decision makers can estimate the likelihood of different types of risk and prepare contingency plans for dealing with them. This workshop focuses on the overall risk management process.
This workshop is part of the
International Trade Series
. Explore the workshop options to learn more about available resources for your business. Credits may be earned after completing online exams and count towards obtaining professional credentials.
Dates: Thursdays, February 20-March 20, 2020 | 4:30-8:30 pm
Fee: $219.00
|
|
Work for Yourself @ 50+ "Unlock Your Passions"
|
|
The complimentary Work for Yourself at 50+ session provides a look inside at self-employment at 50+. During this session you will improve financial outcomes by assessing opportunities and building skills that will enable you to generate income. In partnership with AARP Foundation®, the Work for Yourself at 50+ session will help you gain the knowledge, support and resources you need to make informed decisions about working for yourself and taking the right first steps toward successful self-employment
Date: Thursday, March 12 | 9:00-11:00 am
|
|
OSHA 10-Hour Voluntary Compliance: Construction
|
|
This 10-hour training was developed by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide construction workers, supervisors, and other personnel responsible for construction activities, with an awareness of safety and health concerns in the construction industry. Receive an OSHA 10-hour card upon completion.
Dates: Monday, February 10, 2020 | 7:30 am - 4:30 pm and
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 | 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Fee: $299.00
|
|
Creating a Continuous Improvement Culture
|
|
A culture of continuous improvement is an ideal every organization believes in. Establishing and supporting an engaged workforce is a key element of success in today's competitive environment. During this course, explore the key elements of employee engagement and develop an understanding of your organization's current state. Material covered includes a methodology for communicating continuous improvement strategies and establishing a baseline for recruiting, hiring, and training new and current employees.
Dates: April 23 and 30, 2020 | 8:00 am - 12:00 noon
Fee: $359.00
|
|
Explore Starting a Business
|
|
The complimentary “Explore Starting a Business” session provides a look inside at what it takes to launch a startup and small business. Explore key factors in starting and growing a business. Begin to determine if you have a feasible idea, learn about critica
l questions to consider, and additional entrepreneurship training opportunities. Whether you are looking to turn your side hustle into a full-time gig, grow your small business, or scale a startup, this session will help you understand your next steps.
You will learn about:
- The entrepreneur/business owner mindset
- Critical questions to consider when launching or growing a business
- Entrepreneurship Training: The experience and the results
- 12 essentials for ramping up your business
Get more details and register
here. The next sessions will be held on February 12 at 5:30 pm at the Fox Valley Technical College D.J. Bordini Center in Appleton.
|
|
E-Seed Express: Entrepreneurship Training
|
|
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.
Dates: Saturday, February 8, 2020 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm and
Mondays, February 17 thru April 6 | 5:30-8:30 pm
Fee: $299.00
|
|
Please forward to others you think would benefit from this newsletter.
Want to get on the mailing list? Sign up
here
.
|
|
If you receive a forwarded copy of this newsletter and no longer want to receive it, please contact the person who e-mailed the newsletter and ask to be removed from their list; do not use the unsubscribe feature.
|
|
Calumet County Community Economic Development contact information:
Mary Kohrell,
Community Economic Development Director
Connie Leonhard
, Program Assistant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
