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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We have a ‘Situation’ with our Quarterback… |
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Mark Murphy was one of about a dozen presenters who addressed attendees at the New North Summit on June 10, and among his comments about regional economic development and the need to collaborate within the New North summit, he addressed what was likely the most pressing issue on the minds of most Packers fans, that being the status of Aaron Rogers as of the conference date. He addressed that topic by stating, “You may have heard…we have a situation with our quarterback.”
Murphy’s comments about the uncertainty with Aaron Roger’s future were very much in line with the general themes shared during the Summit in the New North as the pandemic subsides --
- Keep things in perspective
- Don’t give up
- Embrace uncertainty
- We have tremendous talent, let’s keep it and celebrate it!
Fox News 11 prepared the following news story about the event.
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New North Summit Speakers Talk State Economic Recovery |
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Nearly 500 people gathered at Lambeau Field today to discuss Wisconsin's playbook on the path to economic recovery. It was part of the annual New North Summit. For some state leaders, the path to economic recovery begins with local communities.
"Sometimes in life, you just need to hold hands a little tighter. We did that this last year," New North President and CEO Barb LaMue said.
Leaders from across the state took time to reflect. Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Missy Hughes says she's optimistic about Wisconsin and its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
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Export Trade: Will it Continue in the Biden Administration? |
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By Roxanne Baumann, Director Global Engagement, WMEP Manufacturing Solutions
International trade goes back 1,000 of years because no country has enough raw materials or goods to be self-sufficient. Historically, export trade is a huge lift for economic growth; raising incomes, creating jobs, reducing prices, sparking innovation, extending product life cycles, and increasing workers' earning power. Wisconsin relies on international markets for growth with annual exports of $21.5 Billion. For Wisconsin manufacturers, this market diversification shields them from domestic market downturns. With 197 countries in the world; someone needs or wants your products. The trick is to proactively go after the best opportunities, with the least risk. And, at minimum, learn how to “fail fast, fail cheap” and move on to the next country.
Trade agreements can boost economic growth; but must be done carefully or they can bring unwanted competition to domestic businesses. In the era post World War II, the US traded freely with many countries; in an effort to rebuild the infrastructure of our allies and world economies. Over time, large corporations took advantage of these trade policies; and the balance became uneven. The Trump Administration’s policies were about putting working people first, bringing or keeping manufacturing and jobs in the US, and raising working wages. The Trump Administration also raised the alarm about China. Educated people and world leaders now understand our relationship with China has become unbalanced; not helping US workers; and disproportionately helping China. Historically, good political relationships; lead to good trade relationships. Illuminating this has changed the way we think about China.
President Biden did not run against the Trump trade policies; and in his campaign; pledged not to focus on new trade talks until domestic economic stimulus is secured and Covid dealt with. Incoming US Trade Representative nominee Katherine Tai has promised to push an agenda of “worker-centered” trade; that recognizes “people are not just consumers. They are also workers and wage earners.” Tai is highly experienced. As an attorney, and former the chief trade counsel for the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means; she has earned support from many in Congress during the USMCA and China Trade negotiations. She was involved in litigating US disputes against China with the World Health Organization.
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UW-Green Bay SBDC Wisconsin State Center of the Year |
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The University of Wisconsin Green Bay Small Business Development Center was voted Center of the Year by the Wisconsin SBDC Network. The Green Bay Center received statewide recognition for accomplishing their goals for the past five years and for their role in assisting businesses during the pandemic financial crisis. The center is a top performer in the state and leads in metrics set by the Small Business Administration.
“Our center is humbled and deeply honored to be recognized as the Wisconsin SBDC Center of the Year. The center success is attributed to the outstanding work, expertise and commitment of our staff: Diane Welhouse, David Stauffacher, Ray York, Chuck Brys, and Jim Hauer. The support we received by the UWGB leadership administration allowed the center to consult with over 1,200 businesses in 2020. Our mission is to serve the business community by maximizing economic impact and growth through fostering strong entrepreneurial skills,” said Tara Carr SBDC Director. “2020 was a difficult year for countless businesses in Northeast Wisconsin. Consulting with businesses to mitigate risk, pivot, survive, and thrive has been an extremely rewarding experience.”
The SBDC State Star are individuals nominated by their peers and selected by their SBDCs for their exemplary performance and for going "above and beyond." Tara Carr and Ray York were nominated for the 2021 SBDC State Star Award. The 2021 State Star was awarded to Cheryl Mitchell, the UW-Milwaukee SBDC Director, who suddenly passed away in May. Both Green Bay SBDC consultants, Chuck Brys (2012) and David Stauffacher (2019), are previous State Star Award winners.
The UW Green Bay Small Business Development Center provides no cost business counseling services in the following 12 county region including Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Shawano and Sheboygan. For more information: https://www.uwgb.edu/sbdc/.
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Congratulations to the Green Bay SBDC Team for a well-deserved award! Calumet County is pleased to be among their service recipients. We encourage all businesses to use their services. |
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Women’s Career Decisions Impacted by Child Care Costs |
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By Kristin Runge, UW-Madison Division of Extension/Community Economic Development, June 7, 2021
When asked about how the cost of child care impacted their jobs or careers, women (51%) were much more likely than men (34%) to agree that cost was a consideration for their jobs or careers.
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When asked about how the cost of child care impacted their job or career, twice as many women (42%) than men (20%) reported they have, at some point, cut back on hours or quit a job because of the cost of child care.
Something interesting happened when we asked respondents to estimate the cost of their partner’s job or career. Women’s assessment of the impact of childcare cost on their spouse, partner, or co-parent was no different than how men answered for themselves. Twenty-one percent of women cited cost as a reason their co-parent cut back or quit, and 20 percent of men said the same for themselves.
Comparatively, 28 percent of men reported that their spouse, partner, or co-parent cut back on hours or quit a job because of the cost of childcare, which was significantly lower than the 42 percent of women who reported that as a reason for doing the same.
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USDA Has Launched Two New Grant Programs |
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Two new programs from the USDA have been announced:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Karama Neal today unveiled a new grant program to help rural communities create good-paying jobs and support new business opportunities in high-growth fields. Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) is intended to help rural communities identify and maximize local assets and connect to networks and industry clusters within their region. The new grant encourages a regional, innovation-driven approach to economic development.
USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced that the department is accepting applications for grants to help start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses in rural America. USDA is making $5.8 million in grants available under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program to help improve economic conditions in rural areas through cooperative development. Nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for grants to provide technical and cooperative development assistance to individuals and rural businesses. |
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Chilton's First All-Abilities Playground Underway
Kolbe Family recognized as City's Citizens of the Year
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NBC 26
There's a special project going on in Chilton. A local family is working to create the city's first all-abilities playground in honor of their son Matt.
"Matt was all about being super accepting of everyone," said his brother Luke. "No matter your ability, no matter your personality, no matter whatever you had going on in your life, he loved everyone unconditionally. That's what this is all about."
Matt Kolbe had Down syndrome and sadly passed away 10 years ago, but his family is making sure his legacy lives on. That's why the Kolbe family has been working with the city to create its first all abilities playground. While it's in early stages of development, the family hopes it will bring kids of all abilities from all communities together.
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Because of their work on this project, the Kolbe family has been recognized as Chilton's Citizens of the Year. They were celebrated at a banquet Wednesday night.
"It's very humbling," said Sandi Kolbe, Matt's mom. "I think Chilton's blessed with a lot of amazing people that give up their time, their talents, and their resources. I feel like we're just a piece to the puzzle."
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Chilton Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year Sandi and Ron Kolbe receive a plaque presented by President Kari Meyers. |
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Meet Timber Smith, Appleton's New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader — then Prepare to get Involved |
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Timber Smith, Appleton's new diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator, has a message for the community. It's that diversity, equity and inclusion are achieved by people coming together, not by someone acting alone.
"You can't do DEI work by yourself, right?" he told The Post-Crescent. "You're affecting people. You're changing the lives of people. You need other people to buy into the things so that there is change.
"I can't do it alone, and I don't think I'm going to have to do it alone."
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Timber Smith, Appleton's new diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator, brings no preplanned agenda to his role. (Photo: Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
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Grant to Help Find Best Route for Trail |
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Finding the best route for a multiuse trail to connect the Fox Cities with High Cliff State Park will be explored in a master planning process thanks to a $100,000 grant from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region awarded to East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.
In mid-December, representatives of the Community Foundation and East Central invited a group of municipal, state, and nonprofit officials to explore how many of the building blocks for the trail are already in place and what the level of interest is in completing the connection. The Fox Cities Trail Summit held in February 2020 identified High Cliff as one of the region’s highest-priority trail needs.
“We found the connection is more complete than we expected,” said Kim Biedermann, bicycle/pedestrian coordinator and associate planner at East Central. “There is so much interest and enthusiasm in making this connection happen, and we are grateful that the Nelson Fund is helping to bring us one step closer in making this connection a reality.”
Community Foundation President and CEO Curt Detjen said good trail networks are an important element of economic development because they offer improved quality of life to workers already here or considering moving to the Fox Valley. “The level of collaboration we’re seeing among various government and nonprofit agencies on this project is quite impressive,” he said.
The Nelsons, who lived in De Pere, left an estate gift of more than $100 million to their charitable fund at the Community Foundation. The priorities they specified for the money include parks and recreation.
Among the most important questions the feasibility study will address include the safest way for trail users to cross USH 10/114 and if building elevated boardwalks to avoid damaging wetlands along 114 is economically feasible. East Central will issue a request for proposals for firms interested in doing the study.
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Round Lake Farms Open House |
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The Ariens Company Hospitality Group invites the public to an open house at its new Round Lake Farms facility on Tuesday, June 22, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The location of the new premier event venue is N7287 Round Lake Road. More information can be found at arienshospitality.com. |
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Future Looks Bright for J&E Construction
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The future—both short-term and long-term—looks bright for J&E Construction
of Stockbridge.
Office Manager Sandie Ecker said the family-owned company stayed very busy in the past year despite the pandemic. She added that the schedule for the year ahead looks good as well.
In addition, Sandie said J&E Construction has a good mix of young workers to join and learn from the longtime leaders and employees of the company.
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J&E Construction of Stockbridge has the big equipment and the operators to handle them, moving dirt and delivering stone wherever needed. |
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Jim and Eunice Ecker started the company in the 1960s and it has remained in the Ecker family for the last half century. Four of the children of Jim and Eunice remain among the ownership team of J&E Construction. Bob Ecker and Rick Ecker manage J&E Construction and oversee the shop. Dave Ecker oversees Jim Ecker Farms, and Margie Woelfel—daughter of Jim and Eunice—continues to help steer the company as well. The late Don Ecker’s son Doug is part of the ownership team too. |
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Altona Owners Moved Ahead in 2020 |
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By Mark Sherry, New Holstein Area Progress Edition 2021
Like every food and beverage business in the world, the Altona Supper Club in New Holstein saw a marked decline in business during the worst of the pandemic.
But a combination of hard work, flexibility, and foresight by co-owners Dave Braun and Jason Hunsader—along with their loyal employee team and a supportive customer base—has the Altona in solid shape as it comes out of what everyone hopes is the other side of this unprecedented crisis.
“It was a slow process to get back to where we are normally,” Hunsader said. “We never gave up—we kept on going,” Braun added.
When the shutdown went into effect last March, the Altona immediately began serving customers via to-go orders which were permitted by the state-imposed rules. But without its dine-in crowd, bar business, catering jobs and parties, the popular supper club saw its volume drop by 80 percent, Hunsader said.
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Altona Supper Club owners Dave Braun and Jason Hunsader and their management team kept moving forward during 2020 despite the challenges the pandemic threw at them. They acquired another van (above) for the catering arm of their business, and also did some significant remodeling of the area in between the bar and restaurant. |
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When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the U.S., retailers were hit hard and forced to temporarily close their doors.
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As consumers gain confidence coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, more Americans are willing to shell out and go into debt to enjoy themselves.
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WEDC Develops Vaccine Videos for Businesses |
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is supporting businesses on the road to post-pandemic recovery. As part of their commitment to putting the power of the state’s resources behind small businesses, they’ve developed the Wisconsin Employer Vaccine Forum video series. Businesses are encouraged to visit WeAreAllInWI.com/vaccine to get helpful vaccine advice from experts in employment law, human resources and financial management as well as to download WEDC’s Vaccine Guidelines for Employers to learn best practices and connect with vaccination resources.
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Calumet County Business Assistance |
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Ready to Explore New Markets? |
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Wisconsin businesses of all sizes have a vast array of resources at their fingertips to help them. Listed below are two such resources to help expand product markets.
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The Go Global Initiative is available to any and all Wisconsin companies who are looking to grow into new or existing international markets. Take advantage of their Free Export Assessment Tool and discover the trade resources available to your company today. Start here!
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The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) is a non-profit organization helping Wisconsin businesses win government contracts. WPI Government Contract Specialists will be available to assist you in SAM registration, locating opportunities, free bid matching service, small business certifications, market research, capabilities statements, contract requirements/compliance, and more.
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Free Small Business Counseling Available |
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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 email. |
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Entrepreneurial Training Program |
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Whether your business is growing or brand-new, writing a business plan is critical to building a profitable venture, especially to attract financing from lenders or investors.
The Entrepreneurial Training Program is eight efficient sessions to help you develop a plan for a thriving, profitable business. In this program, you will learn to identify customers, determine their needs and analyze that information into a feasible plan for starting or growing your business.
- Organize and better manage your business
- Identify opportunities and market your business
- Understand and get your business financials in order
- Get funding for your business
- Write a detailed, comprehensive business plan
- Network with other entrepreneurs
- Develop a network with small business support services
ETP Sheboygan County
Sept. 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28; and Nov. 4, 11, 2021
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E-Seed Express: Entrepreneurship Training |
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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 from the small business and entrepreneurial community provide insight into legal, management, marketing, technology, accounting and financing aspects of operating a successful small business.
You will learn about:
- Small business ownership - is it right for you?
- Identifying and analyzing your industry, competition and market
- Legal issues facing business owners
- Bookkeeping and accounting systems
- Networking with other peers, small business owners, entrepreneurs and business leaders
Starts July 12, 2021 | 5:30-8:30 pm
Cost: $299
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NEW Manufacturing Alliance's 15 Year Anniversary Celebration |
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For the first time in over a year, the NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s in-person quarterly membership meeting will be celebrating the Alliance’s 15 year anniversary as part of our meeting on June 30 at Lambeau Field’s Miller Lite Deck from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. This event is all about celebrating and reconnecting with business colleagues.
The agenda for the program:
2:00 pm: Check in starts
2:30 pm: Program begins with overview about the Alliance’s start, what is ahead for the organization and John Kuhn, former Green Bay Packer All Pro fullback
3:00 pm: Networking
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InDevelopment Conference, September 9, in Green Bay |
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The in-person InDevelopment Conference will be held at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, on September 9. Geared toward real estate and economic development professionals in Northeast Wisconsin, it is an event that you do not want to miss.
Registration will be opening soon. Check out the website for more details.
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Explore Starting a Business
July 14, 2021
August 11, 2021
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Work for Yourself at 50+
July 14, 2021
August 12, 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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