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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Amerequip’s VanderZanden Recognized by Northeast WI Manufacturing Alliance |
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Congratulations to Mike VanderZanden, CEO and President of Amerequip! He was recognized at the Northeast WI Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA)’s Annual “Excellence in K12-Manufacturing Partnership Awards” program on October 26 as this year’s Visionary.
VanderZanden was acknowledged for his partnership with Kiel High School and LTC to support a welding program and technology education at Kiel High that can lead to future employment at Amerequip.
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Wisconsin’s Population Increases by 3.6 Percent
By Matt Kures, UW Madison Division of Extension, October 25, 2021
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Wisconsin’s population increased by 3.6% between 2010 and 2020, compared to a national growth rate of 7.4%. Twenty-one counties lost population during this period, with Richland County having the greatest percentage decline of -4.0% and Milwaukee County showing the greatest overall loss of more than 8,000 residents. Of the 51 Wisconsin counties that gained population, growth rates varied between less than 1.0% in nine counties and over 7.0% in 10 counties. |
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Calumet County shows a mix of growth and decline. The I-41 corridor along the western side of Lake Winnebago extending north into the greater Green Bay area is experiencing considerable growth. This includes the urban northwest communities in Calumet County, primarily Appleton, Menasha, and Harrison. |
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2021 Wisconsin Manufacturing Report Results Released |
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The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity presented key findings from a survey and series of focus groups conducted among manufacturing executives in Wisconsin. Surveys were conducted Aug. 16 through Sept. 21, and focus groups were conducted throughout the state Oct. 5-7.
Key findings included:
- Wisconsin business executives say the business climate is heading in the right direction but that it is worse today than it was five years ago.
- 55% percent said they think the business climate is headed in the right direction; 34% said it’s on the wrong track; 10% had no opinion.
- 21% said things are better now than five years ago; 44% said things have gotten worse; 32% said they’re about the same; 4% had no opinion
- Over half of manufacturers say the state’s economy is not growing, with pessimism running higher among smaller companies.
- For companies with 1-49 employees, 37% said the economy is growing; 35% said it’s mostly flat; 23% said it’s totally down.
- For companies with 50 or more employees, 50% said the economy is growing; 31% said it’s mostly flat; 18% said it’s totally down.
- Economic optimism is highest in the Madison area and lowest in the north and northwest parts of the state.
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37% of respondents in the New North said the economy is growing, compared to 49% in Madison and 41% in Milwaukee.
- 57% of respondents said it’s very difficult to find workers, 27% said it’s somewhat difficult, 9% said it’s somewhat easy, and 3% said it’s very easy.
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Career CONNECT Event Set for January 27 |
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Local employers are invited to reserve a booth space to connect with local 10th and 12th graders on January 27 from 9:30-12:00 noon at Chilton High School. Career CONNECT participation will allow businesses to have direct conversations with high school sophomores as well as explore hiring opportunities for high school seniors who will enter the workforce or are looking for apprenticeships.
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Manufacturers, Please Take the Industry 4.0 Survey |
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The NEW Manufacturing Alliance, working in partnership with St. Norbert College, is replicating a study on Industry 4.0 that was done in March 2019. Thanks to a Microsoft grant, they are able to host this study again and understand regional manufacturers needs related to Industry 4.0. The study will also serve as a benchmarking tool for companies to compare where they are compared to other companies. The 2019 study results had a significant impact on new degree programs now being offered at the colleges. |
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UW-Madison SBDC Helps Small Businesses with Video Series |
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A new video series funded by Wisconsin’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network is now available as a key resource for the state’s small business owners and entrepreneurs—and the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s SBDC has played an integral role in making that original vision a reality.
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Clouds North Films works with UW–Madison staff and students during one of the SBDC video shoots. |
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Planned, creatively designed, and developed by the UW–Madison SBDC using CARES ACT funding designated for SBDC sites, the SBDC Entrepreneurial How-To Video Series helps small business owners navigate some of the most commonly asked technical business questions—everything from forming an LLC to understanding available loan options—in a short, engaging format.
With two segments launched this month and another in production, the three-part series is just one part of a larger statewide effort to support small businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s SBDC network.
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Encapsys Acquired by South Carolina-based Milliken & Co. |
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Insight Publications, Oct 19, 2021
Encapsys has been acquired by Milliken & Company, a global diversified manufacturer with more than a century and a half of materials science expertise. Headquartered in Appleton (in South Point Commerce Park, located in Calumet County), Encapsys is a leader in microencapsulation technologies, which has applications across industries and helps companies achieve more sustainable products by advancing responsible consumption and efficient delivery of active materials.
Milliken, based in Spartanburg, S.C., formally acquired Encapsys from the Cypress Performance Group, LLC as of Oct. 18. As Encapsys integrates into Milliken, daily operations will continue without interruption, including relationships with existing suppliers and customers. Encapsys associates are excited to welcome the world-class organization to Northeast Wisconsin, said Mary Goggans, president of Encapsys.
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Since HUI Manufacturing expanded its focus to include manufacturing medical devices 20 years ago, it has seen the industry grow into a $156 billion market. The products the company makes also play a role in the fight against COVID-19.
One of HUI’s carts houses a ventilator hood system clinicians can use in highly infectious environments like those that have become commonplace during the pandemic. The Kiel-based manufacturer also designs and builds carts that carry and house devices that can improve surgical outcomes and provide early diagnoses for patients.
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Kristy Pagel (right) of Just for You Flowers and Gifts was officially welcomed into the Chilton Chamber of Commerce recently by Kari Meyers. Kristy and Rick Schwenck are the new owners of the floral and gift shop located at 1108 E. Chestnut St in Chilton. (Tri-County News, 11-4-2021)
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Next Tecumseh Steps Considered |
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The City of New Holstein’s Community Development Authority (CDA) heard some good news—and discussed what to do about it—at their meeting Monday evening at City Hall. The good news is that the demolition of the former Tecumseh Products Company factory is now complete and that the CDA still has approximately $575,000 in grant money left over. How best to spend that money to further prepare the site for future development occupied the next hour of discussion.
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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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Project Management
Complete Projects On-Time and On-Budget
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Provides an introduction to project management, project planning, project management tools and project debriefing. Explains the importance of project management for the current project team and fosters learning in the organization for future projects.
Learn About:
- Developing project goals and objectives
- Project management tools such as work breakdown structure, risk analysis, Gantt charts and progress review meetings
- Obtaining cooperation and commitment for the project from team members and assuring sponsor support
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Starts Wednesday, Nov. 17
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Instructor-Led, Virtual
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$300 | Materials provided
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Managing Offsite Employees |
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Explore how to manage a remote workforce successfully. Learn how to communicate effectively, maintain a sense of community, cultivate teamwork and develop relationships built on trust.
Monday, December 6, 2021
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
$149 | Materials provided
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Managing the Generation Mix and Difficult Behaviors |
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‘My job would be great if it weren't for the people stuff!’ Leaders get things done through people and, yet, some of the difficult behaviors are the biggest obstacles to results. We'll brainstorm the difficult behaviors you are facing, from employees, clients or bosses, and identify strategies to cure or cope with the behavior so you can get on with getting your job done.
Friday, December 10, 2021
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
$205 | Materials provided
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Explore Starting a Business
November 10, 2021
December 8, 2021
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Work for Yourself at 50+
November 11, 2021
December 7, 2021
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1 Million Cups Appleton
Join us virtually every Wednesday
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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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