Rural America is not one geographical unit but a mosaic of different landscapes, people, and economic realities. It includes agricultural powerhouses, postindustrial towns, and popular tourism enclaves. Some rural communities are relatively close to major cities, while others are hundreds of miles from the nearest urban hub. Some have thriving workforces and a handful of economic anchors, while others face declining populations and some of the lowest living standards in the country. Some benefit from endowments such as energy resources and beautiful landscapes, while others have few natural amenities.

A recent report from McKinsey & Co in collaboration with WalMart examines the types of rural communities in the United States and suggests that attention to three foundational elements—sectors, workforce, and community and connectivity—can promote economic success. The report outlines a data-driven approach to economic development that can be tailored to meet the needs of different communities and share examples of initiatives that have led to positive outcomes in rural communities throughout North America.

The report cites five archetypes of rural American communities:

Americana. The largest rural community archetype, comprising 879 counties and 40 million Americans, Americana counties have slightly lower GDP and educational outcomes than urban areas. They are relatively close to major cities and often include several major employers.

By WBAY Staff, April 4, 2022

Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs are giving Fox Valley Technical College another $90,000 to help military veterans become entrepreneurs. The Innovation Accelerator for Veterans helps vets who want to start their own businesses. It provides seed funding, one-on-one mentoring, and of course entrepreneurial training and technical support.

FVTC was the first college (or university) in Wisconsin to use the grant to provide small business training for military veterans. Jeff Alexander talks with Amy Pietsch, Venture Center director, and program facilitator at FVTC, about the program and how and why veterans should apply.

Our farms are the backbone of Wisconsin's economy. Some farms are finding ways to work smarter using cutting-edge technology. At the Pleasant View Dairy in Hilbert, milking time is any time with the farm's new robotic milkers.

“Before we were milking in a double 8 parlor, then it was set times when you had to be there, and now it’s a little bit more relaxed," Pleasant View Dairy Herd Manager Janis Sweere said.

The robots are beneficial for both the cows and the farmers. The farmers can spend less time milking and more time analyzing the data that comes from the milkers, and it's more comfortable for the cows.

 “The cows are milking themselves. Because the cows can go in whenever they want, it’s healthier for them, and they seem to produce more milk, and the barn itself is more comfortable for them," Sweere said.

New technologies, like the robotic milkers, make things a bit easier. "The robots are necessarily not saving labor, but it’s allowing a farm to, workload is going to stay the same, but their role has been changing," Fox Valley Technical College Farm Business and Production Management Instructor Jeremy Hanson said. Labor shortages are an issue for several industries right now, including the agriculture industry.

Worthington Industries, Inc. announced that the Company was named a GM Supplier of the Year winner in General Motors’ 30th annual Supplier of the Year awards. This is Worthington’s second consecutive year achieving this distinction.

“We are honored to be recognized again as a GM Supplier of the Year, especially since 2021 came with its fair share of supply challenges worldwide,” said Worthington Industries Steel Processing President Jeff Klingler. “It’s a direct reflection of our team’s hard work and dedication to finding new, innovative solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Klingler added, “We look forward to the continued growth and success of our partnership with GM and supporting the advancement of their vision for a world with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion.”

GM recognized 134 suppliers from 16 countries for performance in the 2021 calendar year. The annual awards highlight global suppliers that distinguish themselves by exceeding GM’s requirements, in turn providing GM customers with innovative technologies and among the highest quality in the automotive industry.

AriensCo is implementing several changes that will benefit both existing and new hourly employees in manufacturing jobs at its Brillion and Kenosha, Wis. Facilities, with the intention of hiring at least 100 workers in Brillion. A survey of all manufacturing employees was the impetus for introducing a new work schedule to offer more flexibility and reduce the need for mandatory overtime. At the same time, AriensCo reviewed the market to ensure it offers competitive wages and schedules.

As a result of the feedback and research, the new starting wage for manufacturing roles is $20/hr which began on April 3 with a $2/hour 2nd shift differential and a $1/hour 3rd shift differential.

Beginning June 4, AriensCo is offering several different shift options to accommodate workers:

The former Waverly Beach Bar & Grille, located along the shore of Lake Winnebago in the Village of Harrison, is an iconic restaurant, ballroom, and event center in the community. The facility has hosted large events such as music concerts and outdoor beach-type parties for decades.

In July 2021, Waverly Beach was purchased by the owners of Green Bay-based Anduzzi’s Sports Club. It is currently undergoing considerable renovations. In late March, the Village of Harrison Board granted a conditional use permit to Anduzzi’s Waverly Beach which will allow the business to operate an outdoor dining area, entertainment area, and wedding pavilion. Noise abatement measures were required

to alleviate noise that would be generated by the outdoor uses.

Waverly Beach Bar & Grille in Menasha is undergoing a significant remodel. The restaurant's dining operations are temporarily moving into the ballroom during the renovations. Photo: Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

When the final results at the VEX Robotic state tournament were in, the Hilbert High School team was in 11th place and had qualified for the world competition in Dallas May 5-7 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center.

The VEX Robotics World Championships are presented by the Northrop Grumman Foundation. The teams compete in the game called “Tipping Point.” There are four teams, with two teams in one alliance together versus two teams in the other alliance.

The Hilbert team, 31077B, consists of three juniors: Coen Gehl, Ryan Hoffman and Andrew Mader. Their coach is Tim Hoffman, Ryan’s dad, who is a teacher in the Hilbert schools. The team is driving from Hilbert to Dallas for the World Championships, and guess who is driving?

The experience of VEX competition is dynamic. The teams are constantly improving their robots. Some are big fixes, even total redesigns, and others are small tweaks. “We used to have a counter on the board ... we tallied every time we took the robot apart,” Mader said. “We were close to triple digits.”

The idea of constant improvement – something that’s important in industry – is a value stressed in VEX Robotics.

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.

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.

Wisconsin Downtown Action Council (WDAC) is hosting the annual Downtown Summit presented by AARP Wisconsin this year in Appleton on May 9 and 10 at the Hilton Paper Valley Hotel.

The summit is a “hands-on” approach to conferencing offering mobile workshops and tours on the first day and both general and breakout sessions on the second day. Register now to learn, share resources, network, and develop partnerships with other communities and organizations working to improve downtowns!  Sponsorship and Exhibitor spaces are also still available.

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, with the early-bird entrance fee until April 15.  

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.