Economic Developments is a weekly publication from the Door County Economic Development Corporation intended to keep investors and other stakeholders of the Door County community informed. DCEDC is a public/private partnership dedicated to improving the economic vitality of Door County and its residents.

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Non-Traditional Finance | Business Assistance | Workforce Development
Economic Developments
May 3rd, 2020
A Message from our Executive Director
The strongest oak with the deepest roots is the one on a hill battered by storms and wind.

We are certainly in the midst of a storm that is unimaginable. But we will endure and, like the mighty oak on the hill, become stronger with resiliency and endurance.

As individuals, businesses and communities it is important that we understand and embrace change. To some, change is a threatening prospect but to others it opens new doors of opportunity and at times prompts examination of our approaches to the future. Change also requires us to be adaptable and flexible because change typically creates more change. The world has gone through much since its creation but there is one constant…the sun comes up again each morning offering a fresh start.

Moving from the COVID-19 health crisis to economic recovery, let’s all commit to be like an oak on the hill… strong, flexible, resolute and resilient. We will prevail together helping each other, our businesses and communities. That is what Door County is about!

Stay safe and healthy,

Steve Jenkins
Executive Director
During this critical time, the DCEDC staff is readily available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance or have questions.

DCEDC Team Update: Tom Strong
Over the recent months, Tom Strong has been an important member of the DCEDC. Tom has announced that he will be moving on to another opportunity. We wish Tom the very best in the future and extend to him our gratitude for his excellent work while at DCEDC.

The Executive Director is reviewing the position in light of the future needs for the organization and community during the upcoming economic recovery.
Dear Business Leaders:

We need you! Your input and responses to this survey will be vital in the development of an economic recovery and resiliency strategy for the future.
To make sure this data is timely, please respond by May 8th.

Please note, this survey is seperate from the UW-Oshkosh Economic Impact Survey. We encourage you to please complete both surveys.

Click the link below to complete the survey.
3.6 Million County Employees Put it All on the Line Every Day – THANK YOU!

County Task Force Formed, Working On Safe Business Reopening
For Immediate Release Date: 5/1/2020
Contact: Daniel Kane – Emergency Management Director
920-746-719

In response to the current health crisis, Door County’s Emergency Management office has established a task force charged with providing guidance on recovery efforts in the county. The task force, comprised of local public health, health care, government and business leaders, will provide information to help Door County businesses and organizations manage and prepare for the evolving ways of safely operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Working in conjunction with local business representatives, the task force plans to share resources and protocols, based on public health guidelines that businesses and organizations can use to prepare for opening in conjunction with state’s Badger Bounce Back plan. More details will be announced as the work of the task force progresses. 

Please visit the Door County Government website for further information on COVID 19: www.co.door.wi.gov .
Are you are a supplier/producer or are searching for PPE?
The Wisconsin Suppliers Network is designed to connect buyers and suppliers. If you are looking for new sources for supply chain, please check out this resource.

Late the week of May 4, it is anticipated that the WSN will deploy a new resource for PPE. If you produce PPE equipment or looking to source PPE, please monitor this site if you are a supplier/producer or are searching for PPE.
WWBIC Small Business Class Offerings
for May
For over 33 years Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, WWBIC has provided support to entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Wisconsin and plan on providing all we can during these new and different times!

Even though WWBIC’s offices are physically closed for the time being,  WWBIC is open for business virtually to all! 

You will find up to date information below on WWBIC services and resources, and we hope you will share with anyone in need of this assistance. Please feel free to check out and share our business and financial educational programming on-line and on-demand for May!
Think Like a Germ!
I’m a virus and I’m on the attack!

I’m looking for you to be careless and not sanitize, fail to practice social distancing, refuse to wear a mask or face covering in public, refuse to wash your hands often, refuse to stay home or just think I won’t invade your body! Think again!

EVERYONE , please follow all guidance given by the CDC and health officials. By doing so, you can keep yourself and others healthy and may even SAVE A LIFE.

Together and only together , we will defeat this virus!
United Way of Door County wants to hear about your child care needs!  
If you  live or work  in Door County and have one or more children younger than 13 who you would like to have child care for at least occasionally (or you expect to have a child in the next 9 months), please complete this survey.  

Child care is an important community-wide issue, and United Way wants to hear from as many parents as possible in order to understand how the COVID-19 epidemic and "Safer at Home" mandate have impacted parents' needs and concerns.

The estimated amount of time it takes to complete the survey is 15-20 minutes. Feel free to share the link with parents of children younger than 13 who live or work in Door County any time during the year (year round or seasonal)."
Celebrating Economic Development Week
May 4-9, 2020
What is Economic Development week?
Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council in 2016 to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.
Did you know DCEDC did that?
Over the course of 2019 & 2020, the Door County Economic Development Corporation, in conjunction with County of Door and the City of Sturgeon Bay provided over $930,000 in loans supporting the startup and growth of many local Door County businesses.
Items of Relative Importance :)
Business Rebuilding after COVID-19:
Try these Strategies
SOURCE: PAUL FOURNIER / THOMAS NET

Who would have thought such a global calamity like COVID-19 could have occurred? It doesn't matter how or who started the virus; it’s here and its repercussions will continue for some time.

How business management proactively responds is the greater challenge.
Some industries have taken a severe beating, like hotels, restaurants, airlines, and entertainment. Many other businesses have been bruised and battered. A few businesses have escaped the financial challenges, but probably not the emotional trauma; every death is an emotional and tragic event.

If your business was one of the many impacted globally, here are a few strategies for rebuilding once the virus begins to slow and businesses start reopening. 
A Message from Door County
Medical Center
Dear business community member,
 
In an effort to keep our community safe and informed regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Door County Medical Center (DCMC) has collaborated with leaders from Door County Public Health to develop our online information center at  https://www.dcmedical.org/coronavirus

Individuals with underlying illness or immunocompromised status are at greatest risk, but anyone can be tested who is experiencing one or more of these symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea, an alteration in taste or smell, or any respiratory illness/viral illness symptoms.  Please call the DCMC COVID-19 Hotline at 920.746.3700 - Open 7 days a week from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.   Individuals experiencing shortness of breath should go directly to our Emergency Department which is open 24/7.
 
In addition to our hotline, virtual online COVID-19 screening is now available on the DCMC Patient Portal for individuals who are concerned about whether they have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. Patients can log in or set up a profile on the DCMC Patient Portal to schedule a virtual visit in the comfort of their own home with a Nurse Practitioner through a computer or mobile device. These free virtual visits are for individuals with minor to moderate symptoms.

and our Patient Portal at  https://www.dcmedical.org/patient-portal
 
DCMC has a robust infection control process and team, and stands ready to treat members of our community with COVID-19. DCMC will continue to work with federal, state, and county health agencies to ensure an appropriate coordinated response that meets the needs of the patients we serve and protects the safety of all patients, staff, and community members. Thank you and be safe!
Mental Health & Emotional Support in Door County During COVID-19 Crisis
The Door County Emergency Support Coalition (DCESC) was formed by the Door County Fire Chiefs to help residents and visitors connect those in need with those who can help. To date, 570 volunteers have committed 4,086 hours providing NON-EMERGENCY support for those in the greater Door County area who are practicing social distancing in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. As your organizations in Door County make contacts and connections with individuals to assist them with basic needs, access to food, health concerns, financial difficulties, etc., you have perhaps noticed that the mental and emotional support needed to cope with COVID-19 has increased exponentially.

At  https://doorcountypulse.com/tag/covid-19 , those in need of mental health support can Request Assistance or Volunteer to serve on-call for the Mental and Emotional Support Helpline (MESH).

DCESC has initiated this helpline comprised of volunteers with experience in human services, counseling or social work to reach out to those who request NON-EMERGENCY assistance for mental health or emotional support via the Pulse link or calling 920-421-9111 for Northern Door or 920-746-6927 for Central/ Southern Door. Between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily, approximately twenty MESH volunteers have signed up for a shift to reach out to callers experiencing anxiety, loneliness, isolation, fear, grief, and other COVID-19 related emotions. At the initial and follow-up call, volunteers will work with callers to listen to their concerns, help them feel more connected, practice healthy self-care and explore additional resources.We care and hope you will encourage your clients and staff to reach out to us when the need for mental and emotional support needs a little TLC. A Nurse Support Helpline is also available through DCESC by accessing the same Pulse link or Door County Fire Chiefs call center to assist with health questions and concerns.

In addition to MESH, there are multiple other local resources available during COVID-19 for "protecting our own" and providing medical and mental health support. Door County Medical C.nter has a HOTLINE if you are concerned about COVID-19 exposure. Call 920-746-3700.. Behavioral Health Support from the Door County Department of Health and Human Services can be accessed at 920-746-7155. Door County Public Health is an important resource for providing information and updates on COVID-19 at 920-746-2234.

Local churches are also providing reach-out care and concern via phone calls through "A Friend by Your Side" (also available at the Pulse link). As social distancing increases family stressors, violence in the home may increase and the Help of Door County Hotline is accessed at 920-743-4949. Youth and their families may reach out to STRIDE at 920-746-2234 or Jak's Place 920-818-0525. In addition to the MESH contact, Door County schools continue to be open with virtual support and may be contacted with concerns related to school-age youth and COVID-19.  

Residents currently receiving professional therapy and counseling in Door County are encouraged to check-in with their therapists. For other information and referral questions, please refer to 211 for additional resources and supports. Dispatch and MESH volunteers at DCESC are trained to refer EMERGENCY calls to 911 or Crisis Response at 920-746-2588. There are also HOTLINES which are statewide or national, including the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.

Thank you for your compassion and care for those you work with and those who work with you. If you have questions about the MESH program or referrals of mental health professionals as MESH volunteers, please reach out. Door County is grateful for all of the support that you and other Door County agencies and organizations provide.
Hatch Distilling Company
Hatch Distilling Company in Egg Habor is producing hand sanitizer for the community. Hand sanitizer is avaliable in 1 gallon jugs for $30 plus tax.

They are open for curbside sales from 12pm-4pm on Saturdays or by appointment by emailing croedl@hatchdistilling.com or calling 920.212.8336.
During these extraordinary times of uncertainty, our Door County community has pulled together in amazing ways to help support those in need during these trying times. Each week we will be spotlighting a local business (or 2!!) or organization that have stepped up to support the needs of the community and the nation as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

If you are a business or if you know of a business or organization who've converted some of it's capacity to produce much needed equipment and supplies in this crisis, send us an email!

Send an email to steve@doorcountybusiness.com or kelsey@doorcountybusiness.com.

We'd love to feature your story and share the Good Deeds happening in our community!
Words of Encouragement
COVID-19 Business Resources
Supply Chain Disruption Resources
Are you searching for new suppliers and can provide supplies, the following are valuable links:
COVID-19 Community Resources
COVID-19 Financial Resources
COVID-19 Local Resources
Want to receive your own copy of Economic Developments? Email us HERE
Door County Economic Development Corporation | Business by Nature

Steve Jenkins, Executive Director

Janet Proctor, Administrative Assistant
920-743-3113 x 200 | Janet@DoorCountyBusiness.com

Kelsey Fox, Workforce Development Specialist
920-743-3113 x 204 | Kelsey@DoorCountyBusiness.com



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