Focus on Calumet
A bi-weekly update on economic development opportunities in Calumet County
and the region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
|
|
Virtual Business Education Seminar to be Held for Local Teachers |
|
On February 19, nearly 200 high school teachers from local high schools will gather for a unique virtual professional development opportunity that connects the classroom to local workplaces. Local employers have been recruited in the primary career clusters to promote their industry and profession by discussing trends, skill requirements, and opportunities related to their subject matter. This first-hand interaction between employers and educators will help educators better understand career preparation for the students they serve and inspire.
This event is sponsored by CESA 6 in partnership with the Calumet Business Education Partnership and Calumet County Economic Development. Employers who are interested in this kind of future interaction with teachers and students are encouraged to contact Dawn Grenzer with CESA 6 for information on more opportunities. |
|
The NEW Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA) will celebrate its 15 year anniversary in June 2021! Since then, NEWMA has helped support the development of 4 year engineering degree programs in northeast Wisconsin, NEWMA All Stars, Manufacturing First Expo, Internship Draft Day, Excellence in Mfg./K-12 Partnerships Awards, Get Real Math videos and Premiere. The organization is the voice of northeast Wisconsin manufacturers and shares the results of the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Vitality Study Index and Industry 4.0 study. There has been over a million dollars awarded in training grants and over $300,000 in Alliance sponsored college scholarships.
NEWMA recently shared its 2020 Year in Review video.
|
|
It featured many stories of how manufacturers met the challenge and positively impacted our region! Interested manufacturers are encouraged to visit NEWMA’s website for more information and membership details. |
|
As we look at the impact of COVID across different industries as outlined in the report “Wisconsin Tomorrow – An Economy for All” submitted by WEDC to the Legislature on June 30, one area of interest gaining attention is reshoring of manufacturing.
Supply chain reshoring is not new. Numerous factors have contributed to consideration of bringing manufacturing back within the U.S. for several years. In fact, well before COVID-19, global trade tensions were causing companies to consider multi-sourcing and becoming less dependent on foreign suppliers. Technological advancements have made companies less dependent on sourcing from countries with low labor costs. The global pandemic has certainly been an additional catalyst to supply chain disruptions and multi-sourcing activity. However, companies with a global presence may still not be able to divorce themselves completely from China, considering how large the market is and how competitive its production costs remain.
As survey after survey indicates, manufacturers across several sectors (food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, defense etc.) are considering multi-sourcing or reshoring to balance risk and improve resiliency beyond any specific pandemic-induced disruption. Manufacturers confirm that some of these activities were already underway, either as response to overall trade tensions or as a best practice to mitigate risk.
|
|
Local Employers – Learn More about Youth Apprentice Opportunities |
|
The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program integrates school-based and work-based learning. Students accepted into an approved Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program continue taking classes at their high school while working as an apprentice at a participating business. Students also enroll in a technical class related to their youth apprenticeship program. A CESA school-based coordinator makes sure the YA experience is a good fit for student and employer, and also supervises the learning experience.
The featured student this time is Jake Averkamp, who graduated from Hilbert High School in 2020 following a YA experience at Lunda Construction in Hilbert. Interested employers are encouraged to review CESA’s Employer Guidebook for more information. |
|
SBA Resources for Your Recovery |
|
Paycheck Protection Program
1st and 2nd Draw PPP Loans now available! Find a lender & more information here:
|
|
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
EIDL now available through December 31, 2021: for small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. For more information, follow the link below.
|
|
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million.
|
|
Calumet County Business 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 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 email. |
|
Calumet County Offers COVID-19 Testing Site |
|
Calumet County currently offers a FREE drive-thru testing site utilizing a federal mobile testing unit operated by ThedaCare. This “self-swab” and appointment-only registration process operates at Christ the Rock Church Community Church every Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Christ the Rock Community Church is located at W6254 US Highway 10/114
in Menasha. Anyone experiencing symptoms, those who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and anyone who is worried about possibly having the virus can be tested. The site is open to anyone regardless of county of residence, and testing is not limited to ThedaCare patients.
|
|
Brillion Apartments Shaping up to be Pristine |
|
The new transformative City Center apartments in downtown Brillion are taking shape. Onlookers may notice the large green exterior of the four-story building that is undergoing construction. And inside the foundation is now showing an assemblance of an immaculate apartment complex.
|
|
The City Center apartments downtown Brillion will not be green on the outside for long. Construction is quickly taking shape and tenants will move in later this year.
(David Nordby/BN)
|
|
When the building is completed this year, it will be a major step toward the city’s plan to grow the population of Brillion.
The apartment complex has one, two and three-bedroom units. One-bedrooms are about 700-square feet. Two-bedrooms are about 1,000-square feet. Three-bedrooms are 1,000-1,250-square feet. The apartment complex is partially workforce housing, so rent prices and salary requirements vary.
|
|
Papa Murphy's, Jersey Mike's, Panera coming to Appleton's Southeast Side |
|
Some national chain restaurants will open locations on the southeast side of Appleton this year.
Papa Murphy's take-and-bake pizza will move into a new store at W3216 County Road KK, in the plaza in front of Kohl's, between Starbucks and Aspen Dental. This is a relocation of the chain's current store at 2700 E. Calumet St., owner/operator Wes Tarr said.
|
|
The new Papa Murphy's located at W3216 County KK. (Dan Powers/USA Network-Wisconsin)
|
|
The pizza place is anticipating a grand opening date of March 1, Tarr said.
Next to Papa Murphy's, sub chain Jersey Mike's is expected to open its second Fox Cities location in early April, said Chad Bass, franchise owner with Eric Bendickson. Bass said they are starting work on the inside of the space to get the store ready for customers.
Just down the road from the future Papa Murphy's and Jersey Mike's, Panera Bread is planning its second Fox Cities location, next to U.S. Cellular and Chipotle. A sign that has been up outside the already-constructed building since the summer reads "coming spring 2021."
|
|
Briess Finalizing Closure of Facility in Waterloo |
|
Officials of Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. based in Chilton issued an update on Tuesday, January 12 confirming the pending closure of its facility in Waterloo which is just east of Madison.
A statement was released from President/Chief Operating Officer Ryan O’Toole and Vice President of Sales & Marketing Bill Schaeffer stating the following: “As Briess continues to grow, we remain committed to producing the highest quality products and providing the caliber of service our customers expect. To this end, we have invested heavily in our specialty malt facility in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, which includes the starting up of multiple malt houses, adding new roasting capabilities, and increasing packaging equipment. The Manitowoc facility has the infrastructure and capacity to meet our customers’ needs now and into the future. What’s more, easy access through multiple modes of transportation makes Manitowoc the perfect logistical location to reach our customers.
“As a part of our Manitowoc expansion, we have had to make the difficult decision to close Briess’ manufacturing facility in Waterloo, Wisconsin. The Briess Waterloo malting facility has been in operation since 1902 and has produced some of the industry’s best malt. Production transition to Manitowoc is well under way and we look forward to supplying all customers with the same consistent quality that you expect from Briess.
“As a family focused company, Briess will continue to honor its commitment to employees by making opportunities available at other facilities for all Waterloo team members who choose to remain part of the Briess family.
|
|
Economists' concerns about shoppers' ability to spend during the holiday season proved unfounded. Spending in November and December surged 8.3%, according to the National Retail Federation, double the midpoint of the trade group's earlier forecast of a 3.6% to 5.2% gain. NRF, and most other forecasters, misjudged the impact not spending on dining out, traveling and commuting would have on holiday sales.
Walmart says it is ready to begin administering COVID-19 vaccines, pending inventory availability, at its more than 5,000 pharmacies.
Walgreens says it has already administered more than 1 million COVID-19 vaccinations, due in large part to its status as an approved provider in long-term care facilities.
|
|
June 10: New North Summit in-person event at Lambeau Field
This year’s New North Summit will be a series to allow increased engagement with New North stakeholders. The summit will occur over three virtual events and culminate with a large in-person event at Lambeau Field. It will continue to follow the theme of, ‘Playbook for Recovery – the Rules of the Game Have Changed,’ with regional business leaders describing their year’s activities relating to “Offense,” “Defense,” and “Special Teams.”
The dates and times for the New North Summit 'Playbook for Recovery' Series are:
-
Thursday, March 11, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - 90 Minute Virtual Pre-Game (virtual event)
-
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - Business & Community Growth Training Camp (virtual event)
-
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - Education and Talent Attraction Training Camp (virtual event)
-
Thursday, June 10, 2021 – 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - In-Person New North Summit at Lambeau Field, inside and outside venue
- Includes ample networking opportunities, as well as, a Luncheon on the Miller Lite Deck
Online registration remains open at www.newnorthsummit.com. Early registration is available at the discounted rate of $75 until Friday, March 5. The entry fee will increase to $90 on the ensuing day and to $100 at the door on the day of the in-person event. Student tickets are priced at $15.
|
|
WEDC Small Business Training Series |
|
As the result of a USDA Small Business Development Grant, WEDC Main Street and Connect Communities businesses are invited to attend a series of FREE virtual training events. The following virtual webinars/discussions have been scheduled:
|
|
- Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, February 10 and 24 | 8:30-9:30 am
- Placemaking: How Small Businesses can Create Places Where People Want to Be, February 17 | 9:00-10:00 am
- Pivoting Your Business Plan, February 3 | 9:00-10:00 am and February 11 | 4:00-5:00 pm
- Business Valuation/Succession Planning, February 11 | 10:00-11:00 am
|
|
A New Year ... A New Start! WWBIC is Here for You! |
|
WWBIC offers classes statewide for new entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and anyone looking to improve their financial health.
One-hour, online classes, held in English and Spanish, are available in the following categories:
- Starting a business
- Managing a business
- Growing a business
- Financial capabilities
|
|
Providing Veterans with a Compass to Business Ownership |
|
The Innovation Accelerator for Veterans program at FVTC is a three-phase project which provides entrepreneurial training and technical support, networking opportunities, one-on-one mentoring and seed funds for either startup or growth expenses for veteran-owned businesses.
Dates:
Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 5:30-7:00 pm
Monday, February 15, 2021 | 5:30-7:00 pm
|
|
It can be in times of crisis that new opportunities arise. Companies will emerge stronger from the current economic downturn if they take steps now to pursue opportunities and new ways of doing business—and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is here to support them. To help Wisconsin companies make connections in Canada, WEDC is organizing a virtual Global Trade Venture from March 22-26, 2021.
To adapt to the pandemic, WEDC has converted its Global Trade Ventures into a virtual format that consists of online meetings between Wisconsin companies and potential customers, distributors and other prospective partners in international markets. After learning about your company and products, WEDC’s in-country trade representatives will bring potential partners and distributors to you. All participants need to do is show up ready to make their pitch and ask questions to determine if the potential partner is a good fit.
|
|
E-Seed Express: Entrepreneurship Training |
|
E-seed™ provides practical tools to prepare a business plan that can be applied immediately to your start-up or existing business. Gain awareness and expand your entrepreneurial and small business skills with these hands-on and interactive series.
Starts Monday, February 22, 2021
Location: D. J. Bordini Center, FVTC Campus, Appleton
Cost: $299
|
|
Explore Starting a Business
February 10, 2021
March 10, 2021
|
|
Work for Yourself at 50+
February 9, 2021
March 10, 2021
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
