Economic Progress Updates & COVID-19 Corner |
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Construction continues at The Oscar Apartments on Sheboygan's southside. |
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Viking Masek Named a 2021 Top Workplace by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |
Oostburg - The Journal Sentinel recognized 141 businesses in 2021 as the best places to work in southeastern Wisconsin. Viking Masek was 1 of 62 small businesses to receive the award.
This is the twelfth year that the Journal Sentinel has published the list of top workplaces, and the first year that Viking Masek has participated.
The list is compiled solely based on anonymous employee feedback gathered through a survey administered by Energage, a culture technology company.
The survey measures employee engagement as the percentage of employees who are highly motivated, committed to staying with their organization, and willing to recommend the organization to others.
"We practice our core values every day from top management all the way through every level of our organization," comments Scott Miller, Viking Masek VP of Product & Technology and co-owner. "We value our employees and realize we owe a great deal of our success to them. Each of them has a voice and we encourage them to use it."
The survey revealed that Viking Masek's overall employee engagement is 80%, which is 20% higher than the benchmark. An impressive 84% of Viking Masek team members completed the survey.
"We have great employee engagement because we hire great people," said RC Huhn, Viking Masek CFO and co-owner. "We try to show team members that we appreciate them and we invest in creating an inspirational facility for them to work in. It is very important to us to make their workday as good as it can be."
“It’s the people that make the company," comments Rick Leonhard, Viking Masek President and co-owner. "The people that work here are truly amazing and people that I trust wholeheartedly.”
Why Viking Masek made the list
Viking Masek scored well above its peers in areas of innovation and interdepartmental cooperation. Driven employees, flexibility, and winning mindsets were also highly rated.
Overall employees feel new ideas are encouraged at Viking Masek and managers enable team members to work to their full potential and care about their concerns.
“By empowering every individual and ensuring their full participation in the business, innovation has increased, productivity is on the rise, the entire company has become more efficient, and employee satisfaction is high,” comments Robb Leonhard, Viking Masek Executive Vice-president and co-owner.
Plans for future workforce growth
Viking Masek's workforce has more than doubled in the past 5 years and grown by 40% in just the past year alone. Viking Masek is currently looking to fill positions in multiple departments.
A 33,000 sq ft addition to Viking Masek's US headquarters is nearing completion to provide more space for their growing workforce as well as double their production capacity to better serve their clients.
"We've worked extremely hard over the years to build a strong workplace culture that truly reflects our values of innovation, drive & passion, a winning attitude, and teamwork, with a healthy balance of fun along the way," comments Ty Weinhold, Viking Masek COO. "Being named as a top workplace is a credit to the incredible contributions from all of our employees to reach that goal."
“As I walk around the building and talk to everyone I thank God that I am surrounded by such great people," says Viking Masek President and co-owner Rick Leonhard. "That means more to me than any award. It’s the vision, dedication, and creativity of our team that will continue to make this a great place to work.”
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Congratulations, Viking Masek! |
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Village of Random Lake to Host Public Listening Session on Proposed Krier Foods, Inc. Corporate Office Location in Downtown Random Lake |
Random Lake - The Village of Random Lake has been approached to sell the Village parking lot (corner of Lake and Butler) in downtown Random Lake to accommodate the new Corporate Office location for Krier Foods, Inc. The Village of Random Lake invites you to a public presentation and listening session on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Random Lake High School Auditorium to learn about the proposal and discuss the project and potential enhancements to the downtown area of Random Lake.
As proposed, the office facility would allow for the creation of Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) District #5, which would be focused on downtown revitalization efforts and creation of community amenities for Random Lake. The Village of Random Lake and Krier Foods, Inc. are both interested in hearing the public’s view of the proposal and what the potential benefits could mean for the greater community.
“After initial discussions with the company, the Village Board wanted to host this public presentation to start a public process that will help ensure the Village of Random Lake Board and community has a comprehensive approach to this opportunity.” stated Village President Mike San Felippo. “After the public presentation and listening session, the Village Board will consider the formation of a Taskforce consisting of community stakeholders to ensure that this project and any potential improvements are consistent with the core values of our community.”
A driving force for Krier Foods, Inc. (KFI) is family values and involvement in the community where we live and work. To give back and support Random Lake, KFI proposed relocating its corporate headquarters to downtown to spur additional opportunities in the community. The new multi-purpose building, when located in a downtown TIF District, will allow new amenities and financial tools to be introduced into the downtown area to further enhance the Random Lake experience! Krier Foods, Inc. is not seeking any direct incentives to support this location decision.
“The move into downtown Random Lake would be an exciting next step that supports KFI’s continued growth while also supporting the growth of the greater downtown business community,” noted President of Krier Foods, John Rassel. “The new building will offer residents of Random Lake and KFI employees access to all the existing amenities of downtown while providing a financial mechanism to support the creation of new enhancements for our community that have been discussed for over a decade.”
About Krier Foods, Inc.
Krier Foods is a fifth-generation family-owned and operated contract beverage manufacturer known for its service-orientated attitude and family driven culture. For more than 100 years, Krier Foods has partnered with businesses to fulfill production for alcoholic and non-alcoholic sodas, sparkling waters, carbonated and non-carbonated energy drinks, dietary supplements, fruit juices and drinks, functional and relaxational beverages, teas and coffee drinks. The manufacturing facility at Krier Foods in Random Lake is over 300,000 square feet and houses some of the most efficient start-to-finish beverage production equipment in the industry. To learn more about Krier Foods, visit www.krierfoods.com.
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Proposed corporate office location may spur formation of Public Taskforce. |
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Rockline Industries Inc.: Expands Operations in Sheboygan |
Wisbusiness.com - Rockline Industries Inc., a family-owned wet wipe manufacturer, is expanding a factory in Sheboygan—a $19.7 million project expected to create 54 jobs over the next three years.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting Rockline’s expansion with up to $380,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years.
“WEDC is proud to be able to assist Rockline in continuing its growth in Sheboygan County,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “These expansions will allow Rockline to double production of disinfecting wet wipes.”
The actual amount of tax credits Rockline will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.
“Rockline has a long history of supporting Sheboygan County and the State of Wisconsin,” said Craig Roush, executive vice president. “The WEDC’s assistance is welcomed and will help us continue to grow our presence here now and for years to come.”
Rockline plans to double its household disinfecting wipes manufacturing capacity, with most of the expansion taking place at its factory at 1113 Maryland Ave., Sheboygan. Two new production lines are planned at a cost of $19.7 million.
“Rockline Industries is the American Dream—a family-owned company creating jobs and realizing the success of their hard work and ingenuity,” Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said. “Their economic impact is a tremendous asset to the area, and the fact that they chose to expand in Wisconsin says a lot about our state and their commitment to the greater Sheboygan community.”
In addition to the 54 jobs expected to be created by Rockline, an economic modeling study estimates the project could indirectly generate 25 additional jobs in the region. Those 75 new jobs are expected to generate $127,467 in state income tax revenue annually.
“Rockline Industries has been a fixture in Sheboygan County’s economy for decades,” said Rep. Terry Katsma. “I’m very pleased that manufacturers such as Rockline—who could choose anywhere they like to expand upon their success—remain committed to Wisconsin and continue to recognize our county and our state as the ideal location to grow.”
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Thank you, Rockline Industries, for your continued investment in Sheboygan County. |
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Masters Gallery Foods Partners with Oostburg School District |
Oostburg - Masters Gallery Foods has made a five-year commitment to support Oostburg School District’s ongoing capital improvements.
The donation will be used for a new student cafeteria and kitchen area which will be named the Masters Gallery Foods Cafeteria. This gift is part of an ongoing partnership between Masters Gallery Foods and the Oostburg School District which includes investments in a unique Industry 4.0 collaboration that focuses on student academic and career planning and equipping area schools with industry standard manufacturing training equipment.
“Masters Gallery Foods’ investment extends far beyond their state-of-the-art physical plant in Oostburg’s industrial park. They have quickly become a critical community partner not only through financial support of our facilities and equipment, but also through the time they give in helping us grow our understanding of competencies students need to be successful in a manufacturing setting. This helps us achieve our overall mission,” said Kevin Bruggink, Superintendent, Oostburg School District. “We are grateful for this generous gift and for Masters Gallery Foods’ ongoing support through our Industry 4.0 collaboration.”
The new Masters Gallery Foods Cafeteria will be over 4,800 square feet and feature space for expanded a la carte offerings, increased natural lighting and flexible seating options for students and adults. The new space will not only be a centerpiece for district food service but will also serve as a gathering area for special events, particularly those associated with new theater and library spaces.
“The partnership between Masters Gallery Foods and the Oostburg School District serves a critical role in preparing students for success after high school. Students considering college may overlook manufacturing as a viable career path because they don’t realize the diverse career opportunities available in manufacturing. Students who are undecided in their plans after high school graduation can start their careers at Masters earning at least $40,000 or more per year and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement through our company when they are ready to advance within,” said Jeff Gentine, President and CEO of Masters Gallery Foods.
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Thank you, Masters Gallery Foods, for this generous donation. |
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Warehouse on Kentucky Avenue in Sheboygan is Being Brought Back to Life |
Sheboyganpress.com - Plans to redevelop an unused warehouse on the corner of Kentucky Avenue and South 13th Street were given the final OK from the city.
Scott Meyers, owner and CEO of Self Storage Investing, said he originally bought the building in 2017 to fill a need for self-storage.
The city wasn't keen on the idea, but it was on board with Meyers' proposal for a mixed-use space: part self-storage, part office space.
The pandemic put a damper on the plans, he said, because people weren't in the market for shared office space, but now they are working with Quasius Construction to get the project back on track.
Starting in the basement, the floors will alternate storage and office/maker space for artists and start-up businesses. In addition to incubator space for entrepreneurs, the top floor will have a large event space and access to a rooftop deck where people will be able to eat lunch with views of the harbor.
The first phase of renovations — including work to the exterior, adding the storage units and creating a framework for the office spaces — will cost upward of $2.5 million, Meyers said.
Tenants will be able to customize the office space, but Meyers said they will already have some basics such as conference rooms, corner offices and open space for cubicles. There will be some specialized spaces added, such as a soundproof room for podcasting.
The space is meant to be a hub where entrepreneurs, small business owners and artists can access shared and inexpensive office space. There will be some specialized tools onsite for people to use, such as those for woodworking.
This could be a good next step for the independent worker who has outgrown their garage or working at their kitchen table and is looking to grow their business, Meyers said.
Meyers said the building will be laid out so the 236 units of self-storage are not the prominent part. The units will come in various sizes from 5 feet by 5 feet to 14 feet by 20 feet.
Meyers said he has talked with Lakeland University about working together to host students as part of their property management curriculum. It isn't finalized yet, but the idea would be to have two student property managers: one to run the leasing and programming of the maker spaces and offices and another to run the storage at this site and at the other building they own at 1336 Kentucky Ave.
There is potential to add a coffee shop in the building, but Meyers said if that were to happen, they would lease the space out to someone else to run.
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Great to see this unused warehouse being developed for mixed-use space. |
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Wisconsin Child Care Business Initiative: Build It Strong: Child Care Business Foundations Course |
Madison - Center for Community & Economic Development Division of Extension is proud to be facilitating the Wisconsin Child Care Business Initiative – a business development opportunity for childcare providers with support from Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and Wisconsin Small Business Development Center. Wisconsin Child Care Business Initiative includes workshops on essential topics, individual planning with professional business consultants, and networking with presenters and classmates.
Through instruction, guest speakers and coaching, Wisconsin Child Care Business Initiative supports childcare business owners looking to improve or grow their operations and helps new owners chart their course to success.
Course Highlights
- Five “Build It Strong” courses offered by trained WECA staff between now and the end of September 2021 (maximum of 30 participants per course).
- Two trainers per course (one who owned/operated a family child care business and the other with center-based administrative experience).
- Each business course includes either eight 2-hour session or four 4-hour sessions (16 hours of content).
- Program highlights include: basics of child care business, operations overview, outside service needs (e.g., insurance and legal), accounting and record keeping, funding strategies, determination of program type (e.g., LLC, C-Corp, group center, family child care), and professionalism in early child care education.
- All for-profit participants will receive one-on-one general business consulting services from the WI SBDC.
- Sessions are presented online via Zoom, with simultaneous interpretation in services as needed.
- Participants will receive Registry credit for each completed session.
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Evers: Small Businesses Will Remain A Priority For Federal COVID-19 Aid, Despite Funding Cut |
wpr.org - Support for small businesses, restaurants and bars will remain a priority for federal COVID-19 stimulus money in Wisconsin despite a $700 million decline in anticipated aid, Gov. Tony Evers said Wednesday.
The U.S. Department of Treasury announced that Wisconsin will receive $2.5 billion in aid under the latest federal coronavirus bill — $700 million less than Congressional Research Service estimated the state would receive when the bill passed. The department also said it plans to disburse money to some states, including Wisconsin, in two payments staggered 12 months apart, rather than a lump sum. States set to receive staggered payments saw lower unemployment rates increases during the pandemic.
Evers, who controls how federal money directed to the state is spent, had already announced plans to spend $2.5 billion on economic development aid, $500 million on continued pandemic response and $200 million on infrastructure, including statewide broadband expansion.
Speaking at a virtual press conference Wednesday, Evers said the funding cut "hurts," but he remains committed to sending substantial support to struggling businesses.
"Obviously, that $700 million makes a difference. It’s $700 million that we can’t (use to) help people, small businesses and others, to recover as quickly as we wanted to," he said. "It may impact some of the amounts, but when we think about the areas of the state that have been struggling so mightily, it’s small businesses, Main Street businesses, bars and restaurants and so on. And we will continue to make sure that they are a priority, even with the $700 million less."
In his initial plan, Evers said $600 million would be directed to small businesses, including the continuation of a grant program funded by previous federal coronavirus response bills. According to the state Department of Administration, about 53,000 small businesses statewide have already received about $125 million through a state recovery program funded by the first federal coronavirus aid bill and second federal COVID-19 bill, which passed in December.
Evers and Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin sent a letter to the Treasury Department Tuesday, urging the federal government to reconsider its plan to send the second aid payment 12 months after the first.
"This will significantly reduce the funding that will be available for Wisconsin’s current pandemic response operations and to continue to meet immediate needs and restore economic well-being," the letter read.
At Wednesday’s press conference, the governor said the Treasury Department had received the letter, but that he had not yet gotten a response.
"We need that money now. Period," Evers said. "And waiting a year, we’ll have to do some prioritizing, obviously."
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Our small businesses need your continued support - shop local. |
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"It's Experiential Learning at its Finest": College Helps Students Earn Work Experience and Decrease Debt |
Spectrumnews1.com - Lakeland University is providing an opportunity for students to gain real-world work experience, earn wages, and earn college credit while pursuing a college degree. The Sheboygan private institution offers this to its students, in the form of Cooperative Education.
“We’ve partnered with hundreds of area employers since we started this four and a half years ago,” said Jessica Lambrecht, Lakeland University’s Associate V.P. of Cooperative Education and Career Planning. “Our students can work for companies year-round at various credit loads, but ultimately be able to land a better than an entry-level job with minimal debt.”
Students can begin earning credit through work-based experiences as early as their freshman year. They have a professional staff member working with them as a mentor, guiding them through the working world. They work with students on everything from how to dress professionally to how to manage their wages to pay down tuition.
“I have substantially decreased my loans this semester,” said Emily Federspiel, who is working for CliftonLarsonAllen as part of this co-op program.
She recently got offered a full-time position, post-graduation. It’s the first time this company has offered employment to a student this early on in the program.
“I was very surprised because I wasn’t expecting to get an offer so soon, but I was also very excited,” Emily said.
“We see good things in her,” said Ryan Gartman, Tax Principal at the public accounting firm. “Enough to say we want you here next year and even two years from now when her senior year is complete.”
Lambrecht adds that last fall, 90% of Lakeland University’s freshman class enrolled with an interest in cooperative education. Co-op education can include marketing, hospitality, computer science, manufacturing, accounting and beyond.
Lambrecht adds the university partners with certain companies that offer both housing and tuition scholarships to participating students.
“We just graduated our first class after developing the program, but many of them go on to stay in Sheboygan County,” Lambrecht said.
Wisconsin’s Department of Financial Institutions reports more than 700,000 Wisconsinites have federal student loan debt.
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Great partnership with Lakeland University and area businesses. |
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DWD Announces a New Resource for Wisconsinites:
Apprenticeship Navigators
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Madison - The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has created five new Apprenticeship Navigator positions to help Wisconsinites find open apprenticeship opportunities.
Apprenticeship is an industry-driven training model that combines on-the-job learning with job-related classroom instruction. As an "earn and learn" model, apprentices are employed and earn wages from their first day on the job. Upon completion of their programs, apprentices earn an average of $80,000. Apprenticeship opportunities are available in the traditional construction, manufacturing, utility, and service sectors, as well as emerging areas like health care, information technology, finance, transportation, biotech, and agriculture.
DWD was awarded a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Expansion grant in 2019. Using the grant funds, DWD created Apprenticeship Navigators to educate and assist people in every region of the state who are interested in becoming apprentices. It took a little more than a year to create and fill all five positions, with the last two navigators coming on board just a few weeks ago. The team will personally guide those interested in getting into a program through the Wisconsin Apprenticeship System and refer them to opportunities that meet their specific needs and professional goals.
Navigators will largely focus on underrepresented populations who have had historically low apprenticeship participation numbers. They will serve as mentors, providing details of each apprenticeship program and guiding their mentees to an apprenticeship path that fits their interests.
"Apprenticeship is for everyone," said Joshua Johnson, director of Wisconsin Apprenticeship System. "It's all about finding the right fit for each individual. Navigators will set individuals up for success by providing them accurate tools and resources."
Navigators will:
- Guide people through the various programs to determine which apprenticeship is right for them,
- Help people develop their apprenticeship portfolio,
- Educate people on the qualification requirements for apprenticeship programs they are interested in,
- Connect and network with community members to help market, educate, and promote apprenticeship programs, and
- Help build a talent pool of apprentices for employers to select from.
Navigators will also assist organizations with the application process to build a certified pre-apprenticeship program.
Four out of the five navigators will work with the general public, while the fifth navigator will be dedicated to working with people who are incarcerated within the Department of Corrections (DOC). The DOC navigator will connect incarcerated men and women to certified pre-apprenticeship opportunities prior to their release. Upon re-entering society, the navigator will support them in finding apprenticeship opportunities in their area.
"I'm really excited to be part of the solution to reduce recidivism and provide legit paths for folks when they leave the institution," said DOC navigator Milton Rogers. "I feel like Wisconsin, of all places, could be a leader and develop a model that could be adopted nationwide."
Navigators will be a valuable resource for many people, including those who are looking to change professional industries, veterans, dislocated workers, individuals with disabilities, and individuals who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated.
"After working in the private sector doing Human Resources for 30 years, I always felt that Registered Apprenticeship was the best kept secret to employment," said Dawn Pratt, a navigator for southeast Wisconsin. "Registered Apprenticeship is an additional post-secondary opportunity that can provide a family sustaining income. This opportunity especially applies to our younger generation that do not want to be burdened with student debt."
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Navigator Dawn Pratt (email; 414-216-4926) will service Sheboygan County.
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Upcoming Events
Public Presentation and Listening Session - Krier Foods, Inc. Corporate Office
Date: May 18
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Random Lake High School Auditorium (masks will be required)
'Rising Tides' Event (virtual)
Date: May 20
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wisconsin Main Street Downtown Pitch Contest
Date: May 28 (application deadline)
Pop-Up Shop Program
Date: June 30 (application deadline)
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Great Business COVID-19 Links
Sheboygan County EDC Vetted Resource Page
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Topics: Interim guidance for employers, disinfection recommendations
WEDC Strategies for Small Business
Topics: Small business strategies, funding and technical resources
Small Business Administration
Topics: general guidance and financial assistance
Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Topics: Workplace recommendations, response planning, recovery planning & more...
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SCEDC team contact information:
Brian Doudna, Executive Director
C: 920-946-9378
Mary Motiska, Marketing & Design Coordinator
C: 920-980-0177
Ray York, Entrepreneurial Development Specialist
C: 920-946-9379
Nick O'Brien, Director of Innovation & Engagement
The Surge Innovation Programming
C: 920-452-2350
Salaseini (Sala) Sander, Coordinator
Wisconsin Internet of Things Council (WIoT)
C: 630-200-0786
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