Focus on Calumet

A bi-weekly update on economic development in the Calumet County region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
Monday | February 13, 2023
WI Lieutenant Governor Visits Chilton Businesses
Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Assistant Deputy Secretary Danielle Williams, as well as local officials and representatives from local businesses, healthcare and nonprofit organizations, and communities highlighted local economic development investments by Governor Evers, with visits around the state on February 1.

"It was great to join the groundbreaking for an exciting new clinic we supported in Elroy and to visit small businesses and nonprofits in Chilton and Wausau that received support directed by Gov. Evers,” said Lt. Gov. Rodriguez. “As we travel across Wisconsin, we can see firsthand the transformative impact these programs have had on Wisconsinites’ lives and livelihoods. We look forward to continuing our efforts to bolster our state and local economies and strengthen our communities by ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.”

In Chilton, State of Wisconsin officials met with Calumet County leadership and local business owners and entrepreneurs, including several recipients of the Main Street Bounceback (MSBB) and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG-CV) for microenterprise assistance. In addition, an overall $4.7 million investment by Governor Evers supported small businesses in Calumet County using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, including $350,000 through Main Street Bounceback.

After touring the Rustic Charm Salon in downtown Chilton, a Main Street Bounceback grant recipient, representatives met with area business owners to hear about how state grants have helped local small businesses bounce back, expand operations, and make innovative decisions that helped fuel local economic development across Calumet County. A $921,000 CDBG-CV grant to Calumet County helped create a Microenterprise Resiliency Fund for businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic, and especially focused on supporting businesses owned by veterans, women, and people of color, given the outsize pandemic impact on those populations.
Stakeholders gather with state and local officials in Chilton to celebrate local CDBG-CV and Main Street Bounceback grantees. First row, from left: DOA Assistant Deputy Secretary Danielle Williams; Joann Schmidt, co-owner of JJMRS Recreation; Jessica Williams, owner of Doggie Dos by Jess; Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez; Nicole Schwarz, owner of Rustic Charm Salon; Mary Kohrell, Calumet County economic development director; Colleen Bies, program director, Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) Appleton office. Second row, from left: David Pawlisch, firector for the Bureau of Community Development, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources at DOA; James Schmidt, co-owner of JJMRS Recreation; Jason Pausma, economic development director; and Jon and Keri Woelfel, owners of Woelfel Homestead Farm Venue.
If Wisconsin does not invest in child care, a startling fiscal cliff looms with big consequences.
By Madison Lammert, Appleton Post Crescent, February 8, 2023
Gov. Tony Evers took a clear stance on child care in his State of the State address: The state must allocate funds toward early care and education.

Evers plans to include more than $340 million in his executive budget toward making Child Care Counts, which has been operating under temporary pandemic funds, permanent. The state stabilization program, which financially supports child care businesses and the families that they serve, is credited with keeping more than 3,000 child care centers open. Advocates warn lack of investment could mean dire consequences for all Wisconsinites. Evers also pledged more than $11 million each fiscal year for Partner Up, a state grant program that helps employers provide employees with free or reduced child care. Despite Evers' intentions, ultimately, the fate of the budget rests with the state Legislature.

Many child care advocacy groups are supportive of Evers' announcement. Knowing Evers supports Partner Up being in the final budget sweetens the deal, as it is another support for the industry. "We are incredibly grateful that the governor has taken a position on this and really drawn attention to the key role child care plays in our economy and supporting working families," said Ruth Schmidt, executive director of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, which has been advocating for funding to continue Child Care Counts.

The pandemic relief money that funds Child Care Counts is expected to run out at the end of this year. Without a new source of funding, DCF Communications Director Gina Paige said, the program cannot continue.

(The full article is available only to Post Crescent subscribers.)
First Event a Success for Ariens Nordic Center
By David Nordby, The Brillion News, February 2, 2023
There was snow, skiers, spectators and sun on a winter weekend. It was what was envisioned for Ariens Nordic Center to bring people to Brillion to visit a world-class ski and biathlon facility.

The venue hosted its first major event last weekend – the Great Lakes Division Junior National Qualifier Salomon CXC that featured skiers from U10 to U20 levels competing to qualify for a national competition.

“We had an amazing amount of volunteers and professionals from the industry that just came out and donated their time to help get this race happening,” Ariens Nordic Center General Manager Sean Becker said. Ariens Nordic Center became the host for the competition because of its ability to make snow. The center did not plan to host a major event for another year. Technical delegates and other volunteers came from hours away to help the event be a success.
WI Fast Forward Grant Program Accepting Applications
The Department of Workforce Development's Office of Skills Development (OSD) is accepting applications for the Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant Program.
 
This grant program is designed to help fund the development of innovative and collaborative customized worker training programs. Grant offerings have been designed into a single grant opportunity, "Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants."
 
Key features of this grant program:
  • Grants are available to all industry sectors and companies of any size;
  • Grant award amounts range from $5,000 to $400,000;
  • Cash or in-kind match equal to 50% of the grant award amount is required;
  • Grantee must complete training of at least 85% of the contracted number of trainees; and
  • At least 65% of trainees must be placed in positions with the placement partner(s) identified in the grant application that require the skills taught in the provided training; and
  •  At least 75% of incumbent trainees receive increased wages.
Community Updates
  • The Village of Harrison is developing TIF #6 in the vicinity of the former Darboy Club.
  • Ricahrd Johnston has left employment as Brillion's City Administrator.
Business Support
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
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 
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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