Wisconsin - Alliant Energy encourages customers to apply for assistance if they need financial support to help pay their energy bills. The company is proactively informing customers of available resources that can help provide them with peace of mind and prevent getting behind on bills, especially as more people see a reduction in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Customers needing assistance should call 211 or visit alliantenergy.com/energyassistance for details about available options, including: 

• The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded financial assistance program to help pay for energy costs. To check income eligibility and learn how to apply, visit: homeenergyplus.wi.gov 

• The Hometown Care Energy Fund, which provides income-eligible customers with financial assistance to pay their energy bills. Alliant Energy partners with local nonprofit organizations to distribute the funds. Customers can review income eligibility requirements and apply for funding as follows: Energy Services, Inc.  

The Hometown Care Energy Fund is supported with funds from Alliant Energy shareowners, as well as voluntary contributions from employees, retirees and customers. In April, Alliant Energy announced a $2 million donation to the fund. The contributions by shareowners are not included in the rates charged to customers. 

US - Small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy. That’s why Public Private Strategies partnered with AARP to launch the Small Business Resource Center for the 50+, a new, free online resource center filled with important resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners. Older entrepreneurs can find support, resources, and practical guidance as they start, manage, and grow their business.

Milwaukee - On Wednesday, February 10th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., LegalCORPS, in collaboration with the Hennepin County Library and Milwaukee Public Library Patent and Trademark Resource Centers, presents this educational event on the Provisional Patent Application.

More info: Register for the webinar

Cleveland - Lakeshore Technical College is offering a new series of free virtual learning sessions aimed at helping area residents become more comfortable with basic computer and technology skills. The “Crush IT” series introduces essential educational technology and resources in 30-minute sessions.

Plymouth - Hartman's Bakery, 201 East Mill Street in downtown Plymouth, began renovations last year and has now opened to the public.

Sheboygan Falls - There will be a new addition to the Vision Business Park in Sheboygan Falls. Poly Vinyl will be building a new 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and warehouse in the Vision Business Park.

Milwaukee - Ryder Cup officials are expecting to host as many as 40,000 fans per day at Kohler Co.'s Whistling Straits golf course in the village of Kohler in Sheboygan County this September, according to media reports.

Golfweek recently quoted Michael O’Reilly, director of golf operations at Destination Kohler, as saying "There’s a lot of golf tournaments to be played between now and late September, including the PGA Championship, which is in May down at Kiawah. We have the opportunity to learn a lot along the way, and as things change and evolve, for us to pivot. But as of right now, that’s what we’re hoping for, full attendance and full corporate hospitality.”

Sheboygan County - Sheboygan County has 850 employees working in 19 Departments administering over 200 programs and services with an overall budget of $151 million. 

1. Community Engagement: Sheboygan County established a Pandemic Administrative Panel comprised of county staff, public health professionals, emergency responders, hospital presidents, school administrators, elected officials, and community stakeholders to coordinate a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and create the Sheboygan County Safe Restart Guidelines. The Division of Public Health provided the community with accurate information and daily updates, conducted contact tracing, and coordinated testing. The County also worked closely with long-term care facilities and businesses to guide them through outbreaks and provided best practice mitigation strategies. Weekly calls were coordinated with school districts and health care providers to assist with their planning efforts. The Sheriff’s Department obtained and distributed personal protective equipment, assisted with emergency planning, and continued to protect and serve the community in the midst of uncertainty and civil unrest. In addition, the County collaborated with community leaders to create a Public Service Announcement and routinely participated in Sheboygan County Chamber events and other forums. These efforts helped disseminate information, encouraging residents to take personal responsibility to help keep schools, businesses and places of worship open, while preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed. 

2. Protecting Vulnerable Residents: In response to the pandemic, Rocky Knoll Health Care Center was the first nursing home in the County to restrict visitation and put safeguards in place to protect its vulnerable residents. Rocky Knoll then developed creative solutions to keep residents safe for salon services, music, and visitation, including constructing a visitation booth. Rocky Knoll also implemented routine COVID-19 testing for residents and staff and established a dedicated COVID-19 unit to help meet community needs and alleviate the strain on local hospitals. 

3. Employee Benefit and Organization Changes: During this unprecedented time, the County quickly responded to employee needs by establishing a telecommuting policy, allowing for more flexible work schedules, expanding sick leave to allow for the care of children during school and daycare closures, and modifying the Family & Medical Leave Act policy for compliance with new federal provisions. The County also implemented a masking policy and modified workspaces to allow for social distancing. The County increased wages for Rocky Knoll Certified Nursing Assistants and established hazard pay for employees working in the COVID-19 unit. The vacation cap was lifted for some essential employees unable to take time off. 

4. Building Use and Safety Enhancements: The County rapidly transitioned its workforce to virtual operations, when possible, to continue delivering vital programs and services. This included swift deployment of laptops and monitors, along with necessary training and support. The Information Technology Department provided key leadership by establishing and assisting departments with utilizing teleconferencing and videoconferencing  

5. Financing and Secured Federal Reimbursement: In order to help mitigate unexpected expenses resulting from the pandemic, the County instituted a hiring freeze for non-essential personnel and made reductions in other areas with the goal of saving $1 million. Ultimately, these actions resulted in $1.4 million in savings that could be reallocated for pressing needs. In addition, the Finance Department carefully tracked all expenditures related to COVID-19 and secured reimbursement for expenses through Federal and State grant funding. To date, the County has received just over $4 million in reimbursements for the unforeseen expenses, and as a result, avoided using our reserves and putting more pressure on property taxpayers. 

6. Rocky Knoll is on a Roll: Rocky Knoll Health Care Center once again earned a Five-Star Rating from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, Rocky Knoll received the Best in Long-Term Care Award from U.S. and World Report, and through collaboration with Vibe Tech, was the recipient of the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Gold Award for Innovator of the Year in a skilled nursing facility. Along with providing outstanding care, Rocky Knoll partnered with Growing Generations to become the first nursing home in the County to offer onsite child care to help attract and retain staff.  

7. Residential Treatment Facilities Open Locally: The Health and Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division collaborated with Vista Care, Inc. to open three new mental health and substance abuse residential treatment facilities in Sheboygan. These programs allow for some of our most vulnerable residents to return to Sheboygan where they will continue to receive high levels of care and support while being closer to their loved ones. Recovery from mental illness and substance abuse is a lifelong journey that requires a strong support system. In addition to the personal and treatment benefits, our agreement with Vista Care is more cost effective than out-of-County alternatives. 

8. U.S. Customs Facility and Airport Terminal Complete: Sheboygan County now has a U.S. Customs and General Aviation Terminal Building at the Memorial Airport. This vision came to fruition through a partnership with the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics and the Kohler Company, which is one of the airport’s largest tenants and operates their aircrafts in over 40 countries. The new facility will further support our local economy, spur economic development, and attract more visitors. The Sheboygan County Memorial Airport is one of the largest general aviation airports in the state with approximately 40,000 annual aircraft operations, resulting in a $25.9 million annual economic impact on the local community. The Customs facility is expected to attract business to the area and further solidifies Sheboygan County as an international destination. 

9. Planning and Conservation Enhancements: The Planning and Conservation Department, in partnership with the Friends of the Sheboygan Marsh, broke ground on the Kohler Center for Marsh Education at the Sheboygan County Broughton Marsh. Two million dollars was leveraged between the public and private sector to build what will be an energy efficient learning center at the County's largest park and preservation area. Additionally, the County was awarded a $175,000 grant to extend the Old Plank Road Trail along Highway 23 and obtained $584,000 in grant funding to restore two stream corridors as well as making other enhancements at the Amsterdam Dunes Preservation Area. 

10. Strong Fiscal Condition: In a year of unprecedented challenges, Sheboygan County continues to maintain an impressive fiscal track record, healthy reserves, an excellent bond rating, and provides quality services in a fiscally responsible manner. In November, the County Board enacted a 1.56% property tax levy increase, and over the last ten years, the average annual levy increase has been just 1.24%. With the increase in equalized value, the County tax rate decreased to $4.96, a 26-cent reduction from the 2020 rate, or 4.98%. A thoughtful County Board, dedicated staff, and a community that works together, are the keys to our success. 

Sheboygan County - Below is a list of many of the exciting economic success stories that were completed, continued and/or started in 2020 in Sheboygan County. Though not all inclusive, this impressive list follows: 

• County/State Transportation Investment – The largest transportation project by far is the $150 million State Highway 23 expansion that continued in 2020. The project will reconstruct 19.1 miles of STH 23 as a 4-lane divided highway from US 151 in Fond du Lac east to County P in Plymouth. Numerous STH 23 intersections will also be improved as part of the project. Another $5 million was invested in 15 miles of County roads and bridges along with over $3 million invested in approximately 15 miles of Town roads and bridges.  

• Sheboygan River and Harbor Rehabilitation Project – While the main thrust of the project took place 5 years ago now at a cost of over $100 million, work still continues. This year saw another of the 9 Better Use Impairments (Degradation to Benthos) removed, (3 of 9 have been removed). Once all 9 are removed, the Sheboygan River can be removed from the “Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC)” listing maintained by the U.S. and Canada. There are 26 remaining AOCs in the U.S. 

• South Breakwater Repair Project - In December 2019, Michels Corporation was subcontracted by the U.S. Corps of Engineers to complete the Sheboygan Harbor South Breakwater Repair Project. The breakwater pier extends approximately 1,250 feet into Lake Michigan and is a crucial safeguard for the harbor. The project is estimated to be $7.2 million and estimated to be completed in 2022. 

• John Michael Kohler Art’s Center Art Preserve - An approximately $40 million investment. The Art Preserve’s 56,000-square-foot, three-level building will provide exhibition space and visible storage for more than 25,000 works in the Arts Center’s world-renowned collection, which includes complete and partial environments by more than 30 vernacular, self-taught, and academically trained artists. As a new satellite campus, the Art Preserve will complement the John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s main  

• 7 Penn Apartments - In 2016, the County began studying what a higher and better use could be for the two parking lots it owned on Pennsylvania Avenue between 6th and 7th Streets. The study showed that the two lots were highly underutilized. The study also revealed that the two parking lots would be more attractive if the three dilapidated homes that sat in between the two lots were raised and became part of the sale. In 2020, Cardinal Capital Development opened a beautiful $15 million 66-unit apartment complex. It is expected that this project will generate about $200,000 in tax base since it did not require TIF. 

• Berkshire Apartment Complex – Approximately $9 million invested in a project that converted the old Sheboygan Falls Middle School into 54 senior-focused apartment rentals and 9 family townhomes. The gym was updated as a new community center that will be run by the local YMCA. Project utilized TIF. 

• U.S. Customs Facility – Approximately $5 million invested in a new customs and terminal building at the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport. The new facility will further support our local economy, spur economic development, and attract more visitors. The Sheboygan County Memorial Airport is one of the largest general aviation airports in the state with approximately 40,000 annual aircraft operations, which has a $25.9 million economic impact on the local economy. 

• Johnsonville Marketplace – Approximately $3 million invested. The Johnsonville Marketplace – a retail store showcasing the company’s products, people and history – opened in 2020 and also marked Johnsonville’s 75th anniversary. 

• Four New Larger Subdivisions Broke Ground – Though the full extent of the economic impact is not known at this time, Sheboygan County saw a number of new subdivisions break ground for the first time in many years. They include: a 15-lot subdivision in Sheboygan Falls (Norgaard Crossing), a 75-lot subdivision in Kohler (The Clearings), a 173-lot subdivision in Sheboygan (Stonebrook Crossing), and a 56-lot subdivision in Elkhart Lake (Victory Park). This will lead up to $100 million in development. 

• Advocate Aurora Health – Approximately $324 million invested in a 115,000 sq. ft. new medical center and office building in the Village of Kohler. Advocate Aurora has over 75,000 employees, 26 hospitals and is one of 10 largest providers in the country.

• County Brownfields Assessment Grant - Over $75,000 of county funds have been invested in the Oscar redevelopment project performing environmental due diligence tasks. The Oscar provides 240 apartment units targeting the local workforce. This $47 million project received HUD funding in exchange for providing affordable housing. Project utilized TIF as well.  

• County Brownfields Assessment Grant – Over $110,000 of county funds have been invested in the Badger State Lofts redevelopment project performing environmental due diligence tasks. Badger State Lofts provides 118 “loft style” apartment units targeting the local workforce. This $30 million project received HUD funding in exchange for providing affordable housing. Project utilized TIF as well.  

• Morrelle Transfer and Warehousing - Approximately $14 million invested in a 313,000 Sq. Ft. warehouse expansion in the City of Sheboygan Falls. Morelle is a family-owned local business that has been in operation since 1985 and is Sheboygan County's largest "Class A" environmentally controlled warehouse space featuring sprinkler fire protection, dry food storage, onsite maintenance and short turnaround. Project utilized TIF. 

• County Brownfields Assessment Grant – Over $50,000 of county funds have been invested in the Tannery Falls redevelopment project performing environmental due diligence tasks. Tannery Falls provides 71 market rate apartment units. While ground broke in 2020, completion is expected in 2021. $11 million project. Project utilized TIF. 

• Sun Graphics Expansion – Approximately $5 million invested in a project consolidating two operations after Sun Graphics acquired Franzen Graphics in 2019. Sun Graphics is a branding and advertising agency. Project utilized TIF. 

• Sheboygan Marsh Multi-Purpose Educational Facility – The Kohler Center for Marsh Education broke ground in August 2020. The project will provide for a much-enhanced outdoor learning experience at the Sheboygan County Marsh. Nearly every school district in the County sends over 1,000 middle school children to the Marsh for a two-day hands-on laboratory of learning. The building will house the learning center along with a new shower and bathroom facility for the County Park and Campground. This is a $2 million project with approximately $350K of county funds contributing to that total. 

• Amsterdam Dunes Preservation Area & Wetland Mitigation Bank – This project is expected to be approved in early 2021, Sheboygan County will be able to offer wetland mitigation credits to public and private local entities located in Sheboygan County. While the County could sell credits outside of the County, the intent is to sell only to Sheboygan County entities to provide them affordable credits located in their own community. The County has secured all the funding (2019) to cover its initial investment of $4.2 million and is expected to net $1 million or more on the sale of credits over time. These additional funds will be used to maintain (i.e. invasive species control) and enhance the property (i.e. trails).

• Viking Masek Expansion - The $4 million project officially broke ground in early November 2020 with expected completion in July 2021. The building expansion will add 24,000 sq ft of warehouse/production space plus 9,000 sq ft of office areas including 36+ new workspaces. Viking Masek, located in Oostburg, will also add an additional pub-themed gathering area, conference rooms, a sunny indoor commons area, and an outdoor courtyard. 

• Acuity Insurance - This project completed construction on a third parking structure and a recreational building on its campus in Sheboygan with a value of $20.1 million. In 2020, Acuity Insurance also hired 150 new employees. Continued growth of the Acuity campus does not utilize TIF. 

• South Pier Riverfront Condominiums - Approximately $6.1 million invested in 21 new condominium units constructed in the South Pier District in Sheboygan. This is the second condominium project in Sheboygan since the 2007 recession. This project did not utilize TIF. 

• Kingsbury Village - Approximately $6 million invested in 33 high-end apartments along the Sheboygan River. This project continues the re-investment of development along the Sheboygan River post cleanup. This project will utilize TIF for brownfield cleanup. 

• NASCAR at Road America – The highest level of professional stock car racing competition is coming to Sheboygan County. Though Road America has hosted the NASCAR Xfinity Series these past few years, this is the first time the NASCAR Cup Series will be present. The stock car major leagues will make their debut Fourth of July weekend. Road America has an estimated $100 million annual impact on our local economy. This event will serve to further strengthen that success. 

• Ryder Cup – The Ryder Cup is golf’s most lucrative event. Prior to the COVID pandemic, the economic impact was projected to be $135 million regionally with over 40,000 fans attending the event daily. The event was delayed until September of 2021 as a result of the pandemic.  

Date: February 10, 2021

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: More info and to register

More Info: sheboygancountyedc.com/userful-resources/covid-19

Topics: Interim guidance for employers, disinfection recommendations

More Info: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html

Topics: Small business strategies, funding and technical resources

More Info: wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response

Topics: general guidance and financial assistance

More Info: sba.gov/coronavirus

Topics: Workplace recommendations, response planning, recovery planning & more...

More Info: wmep.org/covid-19-coronavirus-resources