Focus on Calumet

A bi-weekly update on economic development in the Calumet County region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
Monday | January 2, 2023
Happy New Year!  Wishing our readers all the best as we head into 2023! Workforce recruitment and retention remain our priority focus, as we know this is critical to the success of local businesses and communities. Check back to future newsletter issues to learn more about our progress.
NEW Manufacturing Alliance Releases 2023 Manufacturing Vitality Index
The Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance’s (NEWMA) 13th Annual Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Vitality Index found the manufacturing sector (23% of the region’s employment base) remained strong over the past year. The survey of 122 companies (24% response rate) with $3 million or more in annual revenue and 25+ employees was administered in October and November 2022 by the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s Center for Customized Research Services.    
 
Among key findings: 
  • 99% of respondents said they expect their company’s financial health in the next 6-12 months to be healthy or quite healthy; 
  • 71% of manufacturers expect increased sales in 2023;  
  • 75% of respondents plan on investing in expansion and modernization, a higher percentage than in the past; 
  • 91% of companies are anticipating difficulty locating and acquiring talent, with machinists and CNC machinists being the most difficult positions to fill. 
For more details in the report, or to join NEWMA and receive the benefits of membership, see NEWMA’s website. 
Brighter Tomorrow Program Still Helping Kiel, NH Families
By Rachael Siehs, Tri-County News, 12/22/2022
For the last seven years, the Kiel and New Holstein School District students and faculty have been able to gratefully benefit from the production and donations made to the Teaming for a Brighter Tomorrow program and hope to continue doing so.  
 
Teaming for a Brighter Tomorrow Advisor and Kiel High School Social Studies Instructor Kathryn Thibeault said the program was the idea of Amerequip CEO and President Michael VanderZanden after a donation request for the school was made to hold Challenge Day. She, along with then-high school principal Corey Baumgartner and District Representative Dawn Miller met and spoke with VanderZanden.  
 
When asked about the program’s beginnings, VanderZanden said that both districts have phenomenal teachers and administrators, and a lot of opportunities for the students became challenges for the school districts because of funding. Time was spent pulling together different pieces within both communities, and to better understand the needs to help so instructors can continue to instruct and lead their students.  >>Read More 
Calumet County Business Start-Up and Expansion Assistance
WWBIC Training & Programs Catalog
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
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.
Upcoming Events
Looking for support to get a different, dream job? The team at @gener8tor is excited to support people in getting there! Their 6-week Skills Accelerator provides one-to-one career coaching, job search necessities like resume and cover letter, and job search support with a dedicated associate. They can’t wait for people to join their new program which begins January 23, 2023.  >>Apply Here
Entrepreneurial Training Program - Spring 2023 - Virtual (Zoom)

 
The Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) is offered by the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center's UW-Stevens Point and UW-Green Bay. It is a 9-week course that provides an easy-to-follow, step-by-step process that shows you how to: 
  • Answer the question – "Will people buy my product or service?" 
  • Appeal to more customers 
  • Develop a lender-ready business plan 
  • Use time, money, and resources wisely 
The Fox Cities Chamber and Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center Present: Small Business Talent Management 

In this 90-minute workshop, find talent for your small business. 
Wednesday, January 18, 8:00 to 9:30 am 
 
This workshop helps micro and small business owners prepare for improving and adding to the talent in their small business. The five areas we will discuss during this workshop include: Writing position/job descriptions, recruiting and managing staff, employee training, calculating employee cost benefits, and planning for future employee needs. 
E-seed Express: Entrepreneurship Training at FVTC
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
Business & Industry Complimentary Training
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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