Focus on Calumet
A bi-weekly update on economic development opportunities in Calumet County
and the region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
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Monday, February 14, 2022 |
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Calumet County - Supper Club Capital of the Midwest |
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Discover Wisconsin has produced a 5-minute video sharing some of the best supper club gems in the county and the Midwest - Schwarz’s, Roepke’s, and the Granary. Anyone who isn’t hungry when the video starts is guaranteed to be hungry by the end! And the drinks…see for yourself! Check out one of Calumet County’s eight supper clubs soon – it’s a choice you won’t regret.
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New North Launches More YOU in NEW Campaign |
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The New North has launched the More YOU in NEW talent attraction campaign, featuring new video testimonials and graphics of individuals who moved here from outside our region, what they experienced and what made them fall in love with our area. Anyone involved in talent recruitment in the New North region is encouraged to use the campaign materials in their own recruitment and relocation materials. |
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The goal of the campaign is to attract and retain talent in our area, making the New North a work/life destination of choice. The campaign is based on extensive research, including the Wisconsin Perception Study by WEDC and focus group interviews. From this feedback, a digital marketing strategy was developed and authentic spokespersons were chosen to share heartfelt stories of discovering the New North and all it has to offer. |
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Monthly Economic Updates Available from WI Dept of Revenue |
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Ariens Co. Building New Nordic Center in Brillion |
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Ariens Company is establishing a new 200-acre network of recreational trails for activities such as cross-country skiing, biathlon, roller-skiing, running, and hiking.
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The new Ariens Nordic Center will be adjacent to Round Lake Farms at the outskirts of Brillion and includes a year-round trail network for recreation, training, and competition. The facility will be open to the public and include lighting, snowmaking, a paved roller-ski loop for off-season training, a pond for snowmaking purposes and a 20-point biathlon range.
“We are committed to creating new reasons to visit and spend time in Brillion,” said Dan Ariens, AriensCo chairman and CEO. “Brillion has been our home since 1893 and has supported us through the years. We are excited to bring this type of facility to Northeast Wisconsin.”
The Ariens sponsorship of the United States Biathlon Team inspired creation of the Nordic Center. After experiencing world-class facilities in Europe and the U.S., the idea was born to bring a facility here.
“Biathlon is an exciting sport and is wildly popular in Europe with recent growth in the U.S.,” Ariens said. “Add that to cross-country skiing’s popularity, which is a time-treasured activity here in Wisconsin, and we think this will be an attractive site. Both sports are great ways to enjoy the outdoors and stay active during the winter.”
The facility will be equipped with a 3K roller-ski loop, 20-point biathlon range and an advanced snowmaking system for Nordic skiing.
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Sargento Foods Inc. Announces New Leadership Roles |
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Sargento Foods Inc. is pleased to welcome new leaders and announce new roles: Kris Cherukuri, Vice President of Information Technology, Vera Petrova Dickinson, Vice President of Food Safety & Quality, Chris McCarthy, Vice President of Pricing & Demand Planning, Holly Baumgart, Vice President of Strategic Planning, Julia Klimkovich, Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis, and Dennis Schweiger, Vice President & Treasurer, Corporate Finance & Accounting. |
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Top Row: Kris Cherukuri (Vice President of Information Technology), Vera Petrova Dickinson (Vice President of Food Safety & Quality), Chris McCarthy (Vice President of Pricing & Demand Planning). Bottom Row: Holly Baumgart (Vice President of Strategic Planning), Julia Klimkovich (Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis), Dennis Schweiger (Vice President & Treasurer, Corporate Finance & Accounting) |
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Developing Housing Options in Chilton |
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WBAY, February 4, 2022
As we’ve reported in recent months, many communities in Northeast Wisconsin are experiencing a housing crisis, with potential buyers finding very few, if any, options.
In the City of Chilton, though, a proactive approach is underway to address its housing shortage.
City Administrator David DeTroye says for the first time in a long time, Chilton is set to experience a housing boom.
The city’s focus on housing started three years ago after a countywide study found a severe shortage in communities like this.
“There’s just not any options, so we had to take care of all levels, new construction, rentals, and what we call twins, so multi-family homes, and we had no stock in this city so it was time to take action,” explains DeTroye.
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New Chapter Dawns for Sunrise I & II
Hilbert apartments now in private ownership
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After years of hanging on the edge of a financial cliff, Hilbert’s Sunrise I and Sunrise II subsidized apartment buildings are on their own under new ownership.
The village sold the two buildings – which together total 20 apartments – to a private owner, ending the village’s participation in two federal low-income housing programs. Tom Piepenburg, chairman of the Hilbert Housing Authority and a former village trustee, signed papers on January 20 transferring ownership to NexGen of Appleton.
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Brillion Plan Commission Approves Coffee Shop |
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A site plan for a coffee shop on Main Street in Brillion was approved by Brillion Plan Commission on Monday night.
Brillion Works LLC has a design in place for a coffee shop and bakery to take the spot of the previous building that was demolished once they purchased it at 306 North Main Street. The new building will also include an apartment on the second story of the building. It will be just shy of 1,800-square feet.
Mark Olsen of Brillion Works answered a question what the building’s tax base would be, and he roughly estimated $900,000, but that is unofficial because the project is in the process of being put out for bid. Olsen said that hours of the coffee shop are expected to be around 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the work crowd in Brillion. Olsen said it won’t be just coffee.
“They’ll have home bakery capability in this building,” Olsen said. Olsen said that the plan is to be open by Sept. 1, 2022.
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Harrison Selects Blackmer as New Village President |
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Allison Blackmer, who previously served 10 years as Harrison Town Board chair, was appointed last week to fill the term of village president through April 2023, filling the term vacated with the resignation of Kevin Hietpas. |
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Main Street Bounceback Grants |
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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. Contact the grant program coordinator at East Central WI Regional Planning Commission for information.
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Calumet County Business Assistance |
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Business Start-Up and Expansion Assistance |
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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 york@sheboygancountyedc.org.
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The Wisconsin Bar’s small business assistance program, which offers free legal advice to small businesses, is fully operational this month and the number of available appointments has been expanded. Business can request an appointment at a time that works for them using the online scheduling system. Appointments are held virtually so small businesses from anywhere in Wisconsin can connect with an experienced business law attorney for assistance.
For more information, please see Small business assistance which outlines the program. This service is offered by the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin in partnership with the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic.
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Digital Marketing for Small Business: A 3-module Series |
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Today, more than ever, people are choosing to browse and shop online. Finding and engaging your customers through a strong Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) channel is critical to your business’ sustainability.
This three-part series is perfect for beginners and small business owners who want to create and manage their own website and design engaging emails and newsletters. Website Design and Promotion is a hands-on, interactive series and includes three modules: Email Newsletters with Constant Contact, Use WordPress to Build Your Website and Create Your Own Online Store.
Discover how easy it is to manage and support your business online!
Learn About:
• Getting started with WordPress
• Securing a domain name for your company's website
• Customizing your website by using content and photography
• Why creating an online store is critical
• Creating email newsletters using Constant Contact
Mondays & Wednesdays, March 14 - 28, 2022 | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Virtual, hands-on, instructor-led training
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March 15 set as deadline for Women of Influence Awards |
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Nominations are open until March 15 for Insight Publications’ third-annual Women of Influence in the New North Region awards, which will be presented Tuesday, Aug. 2 in Green Bay. Women leaders of all ages who live or work in the New North from all industries are eligible to be nominated for the honor. Nominators are encouraged to re-submit past nominations.
Awards nominations will be grouped into the following categories: Business Owner, Corporate Leader, Young Influencer, Mentor, Difference Maker — Nonprofit and Difference Maker — Community.
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Intro to the Amazon.com Selling Platform |
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Build your business by selling on Amazon. In this seminar, learn the fundamental information needed to begin selling products on Amazon. Be introduced to the different platforms within the Amazon Ecosystem and the advantages and disadvantages of each platform. Learn about the risks associated with selling on Amazon and how to best mitigate those risks. You will also learn the pathways of moving a successful Amazon business from the Amazon.com platform to your own platform. |
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March 7-8, 2022
5:30-8:30 pm
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May 23-24, 2022
5:30-8:30 pm
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Explore Starting a Business
March 9, 2022
April 13, 2022
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Work for Yourself at 50+
March 10, 2022
April 11, 2022
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Explore Your Dream
March 16, 2022
April 27, 2022
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Calumet County Community Economic Development contact information:
Mary Kohrell, Community Economic Development Director
Connie Leonhard, Program Assistant
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