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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2022 Manufacturing Perception Study |
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The recently released 2022 Manufacturing Perception Study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute produced some very positive news for manufacturers. The study finds that “manufacturers continue to bridge the perception gap and enhance the workforce experience. Following are excerpts from the report, as reported by Agracel, Inc.
Compared with our 2017 study, significantly more respondents believe that manufacturing jobs are innovative and more respondents are likely to encourage their child to pursue a career in the industry.
Manufacturers are at a crossroads and have an opportunity in the wake of the pandemic to educate people unfamiliar with the benefits of a manufacturing career while continuing to retain their post-pandemic workforce.
Key takeaways for manufacturers should include:
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Addressing the perception problem: Manufacturers are at an inflection point and can use the increased public awareness of the industry to emphasize manufacturing’s career opportunities and benefits, particularly to the public unfamiliar with the industry.
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Promoting awareness: The industry can amplify the increasingly high-tech nature of manufacturing as well as transferable skills and training.
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Leveraging local presence: Perception change starts at home, and local outreach continues to be effective in educating and attracting community members to manufacturing companies.
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Attracting and retaining employees: Companies can step up their initiatives to engage new employees, involve existing employees to retain them, and evolve the work and workplace in response to customer needs.
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Cyberattacks are a growing threat to small businesses and the U.S. economy. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, the cost of cybercrimes reached $2.7 billion in 2020 alone. The Small Business Development Center has resources to help protect businesses and small businesses in particular. These resources include online materials, assessments to determine business knowledge and vulnerability, and best practices. Learn more.
There is also a multitude of service providers who offer services to businesses needing additional security measures for issues including Microsoft Cloud security. N-Tech Consulting is one example, but many others exist. What’s most important is that businesses take steps to protect their critical data and assets.
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USDA and EDA Launch Resource Guide to Boost Economic Development in Rural Communities |
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The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development released a joint resource guide to help community organizations access USDA and EDA resources to build strategies to boost economic development in rural America.
This joint planning resource guide for rural America will better equip communities with easy-to-access and easy-to-use tools to maximize the work of providing greater and inclusive economic prosperity across our country.
The resource guide outlines programs and services that can be used to advance community and economic development in rural communities through four key
focus areas:
- Planning and technical assistance
- Infrastructure and broadband expansion
- Entrepreneurship and business assistance
- Workforce development and livability
The guide also features information and links to USDA Rural Development and U.S. Economic Development Administration's key priorities and resources.
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Worthington Wins
2022 Manufacturing
Leadership Award
By Molly Burgess, Gasworld, May 16, 2022
Worthington Industries has received a 2022 Manufacturing Leadership (ML) Award for the deployment of L2L’s Smart Manufacturing Platform. Deployed to boost operations, the Ohio-based firm now uses L2L technology with its machine sensors and existing systems to form a unified view of production metrics that had been previously tracked in multiple places.
The company has also deployed mobile devices and wearables to get the software onto the shop floor where it could better coordinate teams and drive efficiencies. As a result of the platform’s success, seven Worthington locations now use L2L.
Geoff Gilmore, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Worthington Industries, said, “We are honored to be recognized along with L2Lfor our Smart Factory initiatives.”
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JTD Enterprises Under
New Ownership
After 18 years, owners Tom and Julie Hoban have sold their Chilton business, JTD Enterprises, to Jamie and Chad Sesing of Plymouth. The business will continue its operations and continue its current growth in its existing location.
JTD is a manufacturer of CNC machined parts in Chilton. They employ around 20 people.
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Plan a Perfect Summer Meal at Small Bites with Sargento! |
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When you think of Wisconsin, you think of cheese. Our state’s history is undeniably shaped by cheese, and the rich culture and traditions our communities have created around it. And Sargento has been a proud part of that history since 1953.
Join us around our Sargento Family virtual table for Small Bites, an interactive event where we’ll teach you how to make some FRESH Summer recipes sure to impress everyone at your cookout or picnic!
Employees from our own Sargento Family will walk through the recipes and share their cooking tips and tricks, as well as everything that makes Sargento a great place to work. Our chef will help you plan ahead, prep your ingredients, and present dishes that will wow your guests before they even dig in.
You'll have the opportunity to cook along with us!! If you'd like to receive a shopping list and a coupon to purchase a featured Sargento cheese product, please choose the 'I Want to Cook Along' ticket type at check out. The deadline for this ticket type is Friday, May 20th!
If you'd just like to watch, select the 'I Just Want to Watch' ticket type. There is no deadline for this ticket type.
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After Series of COVID-Related Delays, Firehouse Subs to Open in Appleton
By Brad Star, Appleton Post-Crescent, May 13, 2022
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After a series of COVID-19 pandemic-related delays, Firehouse Subs is finally set to open at 3845 E. Calumet St. in Appleton on May 17. It shares a building with Kay Jewelers and a Spectrum Store, just east of State 441.
The Appleton area expected to get its first Firehouse restaurant in October, but supply and staffing shortages have continually pushed back the opening date, Kristin Sheikh told The Post-Crescent earlier this week. Sheikh runs Firehouse’s Appleton location alongside her husband, Seth, and mother-in-law, Sheila Brenwall.
“COVID really impacted a lot of things for us,” Sheikh said. “The architects had issues, we had issues getting supplies we needed. We still have issues getting supplies we need.”
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Maple Ridge Subdivision Underway
Lots in Brillion’s newest approved subdivision will go on sale in July. The development agreement was approved by the City of Brillion and signed with developers Wes and Shelly Kempen. The subdivision is located on Brillion’s south side, with 28 single-family and 9 duplex lots.
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Main Street Bounceback Grants
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.
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Calumet County Business Assistance |
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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.
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2022 New North Summit
The New North Summit is on Thursday, June 9 at the Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay. The program will feature speakers and presentations highlighting innovation, collaboration, talent, and teamwork. Registration is currently open.
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Business & Industry Complimentary Training |
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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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Calumet County Community Economic Development
Mary Kohrell, Community Economic Development Director
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