MONTHLY

NEWSLETTER

December 2022

Business Advancement & Advocacy | Entrepreneurial Growth

Sustainable Living | Communications & Engagement

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DOOR COUNTY ENTREPRENEURS

The Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is hosting an 8-week Entrepreneurial Training Program facilitated by UW-Green Bay’s Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC). A $150 sponsorship provided by Associated Bank, Bank of Luxemburg and Nicolet Bank we be available to 20 participants. The participant will only pay $100 payable upon registration. Included in this course is a $750 grant provided by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) with the completion of a workbook or business plan. You must register online as well as apply for the WEDC grant to be fully registered for this course.

Sponsorships are limited. DCEDC staff will contact registrants to arrange for a scholarship interview.

The course will begin Tuesday, February 7 from 5:30-8:30pm at the DCEDC Business Center at 185 East Walnut Street in Sturgeon Bay. The class will occur each Tuesday evening through March 28.

Please email Michelle with any questions.

REGISTRATION AND MORE HERE

Governor's Business Plan Contest open for 2023 entries through Jan. 31, 2023

The 20th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2023 competition until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2023. The Wisconsin Technology Council produces the contest to encourage entrepreneurs statewide in the startup stages of tech-based businesses. It links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice and mentoring, management talent and possible sources of capital.

For their initial entries, contestants will submit a 250-word idea abstract online at govsbizplancontest.com . Contestants will also find business plan templates, startup information, networking contacts and technical resources from a mix of state and national resources on the website.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONTEST HERE

WORKFORCE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Benefits of the Door County Treatment Court

DCEDC hosted Door County Circuit Judge David Weber and Court Services Coordinator Kelsey Christensen on Nov. 30 for a great conversation on the Door County Treatment Court. Judge Weber discussed with local business reps the benefits of employment for participants in the treatment court. "Work is a crucial part of the recovery," said Judge Weber. "They feel needed and useful. And they're highly supervised and motivated." Businesses that want to learn more about the program should contact Christensen at kchristensen@co.door.wi.us or (920) 746-5669.

DOOR COUNTY BUSINESS NEWS

Carlsville Business Making a Glowing Contribution

Door County Candle Company owner Christiana Trapani and her team of more than 200 volunteers have secured more than $800,000 in donations through a candle fundraiser that provides relief for people in the war-torn country of Ukraine. Trapani, a second-generation Ukrainian American, had a modest goal of $5,000 when she began the fundraiser in February.

"That's the kind of fire she puts into people," said DCEDC Executive Director Michelle Lawrie, in the December issue of Insight magazine. "She makes them want to contribute their time helping."

Hatco's Christoferson Recognized for DCEDC Service

Steve Christoferson was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a glass print for serving a three-year term on DCEDC's Board of Directors.

Christoferson joined the board in 2020 and represented the manufacturing sector in his role as Vice President of Manufacturing at Hatco Corporation.

"DCEDC serves an important role in the community," said Christoferson. "And whatever I could do within reason to help, that's the mantra."

Christoferson is also retiring at the end of December from Hatco, where he worked 38 years and advanced through the company from the purchasing department to a management position. The Door County native said he cherished his time at Hatco, which is a leading manufacturer of food service equipment and is one of Door County's largest employers.

"Door County offers a lot of opportunity, and I've had the good fortune to find a career that afforded me the opportunity to do a lot of things with a growing company," said Christoferson, who is going to do some traveling and perhaps learn the game of pickleball during his retirement. "The growth that we've made as a company was fun to be a part of. Our team is great."

Christoferson is pictured with, from left to right, DCEDC Chair Brian Stephens of Door County Medical Center, DCEDC Executive Director Michelle Lawrie, Vice-Chair Tim Duquaine of Door Landscape & Nursery, and Treasurer Jamie Alberts of Nicolet Bank.

Mayor recognizes Manufacturing Month campaign

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward presented the Door County Economic Development Corporation and the Door County Manufacturers Association with a Proclamation that supported the groups' efforts in promoting October as Manufacturing Month.

DCEDC organized a Manufacturing Month Campaign and worked with the DCMA and local media outlets to create awareness of the impact of manufacturing on Door County's economy; inform potential workforce regarding career opportunities in manufacturing; and coordinating school tours of 12 manufacturing companies to educate students about career paths in manufacturing.

Pictured with Mayor Ward (center) are DCMA President Jon Burk of Therma-Tron-X and DCEDC Executive Director Michelle Lawrie.

DOOR COUNTY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Need Office Space?

DCEDC has office space available for lease in the Business Development Center, located at 185 E. Walnut Street in Sturgeon Bay.

All offices are equipped with Wi-Fi, and tenants can use the newly renovated and spacious conference room, which includes two large-screen smart TVs for presentations.

For more information, contact DCEDC Operations and Accounting Director Bailey Koepsel at bailey@doorcountybusiness.com or (920) 743-3113, Ext. 102.

Surveyor Plots Semi-Retirement Adventures

Best wishes to Joe Schroedl, who is semi-retiring and moving out of the Door County Business Development Center where he leased office space for his land surveying business.

Schroedl had operated Peninsula Land Consultants in the DCEDC business center for many years.

"I enjoyed my time here," he said. "I got referred through a friend, and it's worked out well for us. Because of the reasonable pricing, it's a great place for a one- or two-person operation."

Schroedl is going to winter in Mexico and is excited to enjoy his semi-retirement by travelling the country in his new RV.

Door County Broadband Project

Important broadband request; deadline Jan. 13

The FiberNet Door County Broadband Project is asking you to visit the new Federal Communications Commission's national broadband map by Jan. 13, 2023 to make sure it accurately reflects the internet access available at your homes and businesses. If areas are incorrectly finalized as having access they do not, it could jeopardize Door County's ability to access federal funding for important broadband infrastructure. Please check your location at https://lnkd.in/esi7DQrf or contact Door County Broadband Coordinator Jessica Hatch at jhatch@co.door.wi.us for assistance. For more information click the button below.

MORE INFO HERE

Have You Taken The Survey?

A vital step toward enhancing internet services across Door County is taking the survey below. We need all Door County residents and businesses to take the survey to help Door County leverage state and federal funding opportunities.

TAKE THE BROADBAND SURVEY

DCEDC SERVICES

How Can We Help You?

Did you know that the Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is a public/private partnership dedicated to improving the economic vitality of the county and its residents?

DCEDC partners with companies and entrepreneurs to help build successful businesses in Door County and continuously improve the area’s economic climate. It’s a relationship that allows businesses to tap into the expertise of area leaders, and provides them with access to a variety of local, state and federal resources.