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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Monday, February 15, 2021 |
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City of New Holstein Secures Grant Funding for Tecumseh Site Redevelopment |
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The City of New Holstein has secured $1.16 million in state and federal grants for the planned Tecumseh site redevelopment. Awarded funds will facilitate demolition of the former Tecumseh Industrial building to enable the city’s vision for redevelopment of the 40-acre site into a vibrant mixed-use development that promotes economic development and community engagement.
Funding has been obtained through the Idle Sites Redevelopment program and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-CLOSE program. The Idle Sites Redevelopment Grant was obtained from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for the redevelopment of sites that have been idle, abandoned, or underutilized. Funds from the CDBG-CLOSE program, administered by the WI Department of Administration for the US HUD, were allocated to New Holstein through Calumet County’s CDBG RLF program for the purpose of blight elimination. As the city’s consultant for the Tecumseh site, design and engineering firm Stantec was instrumental in providing grant writing, demolition planning assistance, and market analysis to support the City’s redevelopment goals for this property. Building demolition is scheduled to occur in mid-2021.
The Tecumseh Plant, formerly one of the largest employers in Calumet County, closed its doors in 2007. The City of New Holstein acquired the property through tax foreclosure in 2017. Since that time, the City has been working to acquire funding to demolish the 400,000 square foot structure and position the property for redevelopment. “This has been a work in progress for many years. The City Council and CDA members have been extremely active to get to this phase of the project and are looking forward to the redevelopment phase of the project. This site will open new opportunities for our community,” said Casey Langenfeld, City Administrator.
“This funding is critical in enabling the City of New Holstein to transform this underutilized site and further complement the nearby downtown,” said Stu Gross, Stantec Senior Project Manager. “By razing the existing building and creating a shovel-ready property, the site will be positioned for redevelopment and more attractive to potential developers.”
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The COVID Economy: The Economic Impacts of COVID-19 in Wisconsin |
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Since mid-March 2020, residents, businesses, and governments in Wisconsin and elsewhere have been dealing with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing protocols and government orders have significantly impacted both Wisconsin families and the state economy. This report explores the varied impacts in the nine months from March through November 2020.
Generally, the data show an economy that faced an unprecedented decline in April and part of May followed by a fairly rapid rebound. However, the pace of recovery slowed after August. The slowing recovery combined with surging COVID-19 cases in October and November were ominous indicators for the rest of the year and the first half of 2021. However, declining infections in mid-December, the rollout of a vaccine, and a new federal stimulus package are all good news for both residents and businesses.
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Note: This 14-page report provides an exceptional analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 on various sectors of Wisconsin’s business economy and governments. It is well-worth a read! |
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Entrepreneurs – Your Input is Needed |
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New North, Inc. has created the New Launch Alliance, in which Calumet County Community Economic Development is a partner. This is a valuable system to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem and entrepreneurial success in Calumet County and the New North Region. Information on the Alliance may be found at https://www.thenewnorth.com/entrepreneurship-in-the-new-north/
Calumet County Entrepreneurs, Mentor Candidates, Equity Investors, and Innovators can provide valuable information to the New Launch Alliance. If you fall into one or more of the categories, please complete the appropriate survey below. Your responses to the questions in the attached survey(s) can make a difference in the resources available for your business and entrepreneurs in Calumet County.
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Local Employers – Learn More about Youth Apprentice Opportunities
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The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program integrates school-based and work-based learning. Students accepted into an approved Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program continue taking classes at their high school while working as an apprentice at a participating business. Students also enroll in a technical class related to their youth apprenticeship program. A CESA school-based coordinator makes sure the YA experience is a good fit for student and employer, and also supervises the learning experience.
This month’s featured student is Kaitlyn Watson, who graduated from New Holstein High School in 2020 following a YA experience at Ascension Calumet Medical Center in Chilton. Interested employers are encouraged to review CESA’s Employer Guidebook for more information. |
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Calumet County Business Assistance |
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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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Calumet County Offers COVID-19 Testing Site |
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Calumet County currently offers a FREE drive-thru testing site utilizing a federal mobile testing unit operated by ThedaCare. This “self-swab” and appointment-only registration process operates at Christ the Rock Church Community Church every Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Christ the Rock Community Church is located at W6254 US Highway 10/114
in Menasha. Anyone experiencing symptoms, those who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and anyone who is worried about possibly having the virus can be tested. The site is open to anyone regardless of county of residence, and testing is not limited to ThedaCare patients.
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Sweet Success
Hilbert Entrepreneurs Tap into Growing Maple Syrup Market
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Angela and Jim Schumacher knew they were getting themselves into a sticky situation, literally, when they both quit their jobs a few years ago to launch their business, Smoky Lake Maple Products in Hilbert.
But their leap of faith has paid off — the couple’s Calumet County business was named the 2020 Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration Wisconsin District. Despite their serendipitous beginning, they are already looking at their second expansion in just five years.
Angela Schumacher’s passing interest in maple sugaring led to the creation of the business that manufactures stainless steel evaporators and flue pans as well as tooling and equipment for tapping, filtering, testing and bottling maple syrup.
Her interest was sparked at Maywood Flapjack Days at the Ellwood H. May Environmental Park in Sheboygan in 2008, which led to a weekend tapping trees and the couple starting their first batch of maple syrup.
“I like to try new things,” Angela Schumacher says. “I never imagined in a million years (what would develop). It just started out as us having fun.”
Around 2008, Angela Schumacher, an art director at an advertising agency in Sheboygan, and Jim Schumacher, a licensed plumber in Kaukauna, began visiting their cabin in Upper Michigan between the shores of Big Smoky and Little Smoky lakes on the weekends to make maple syrup. They enjoyed the process, but Jim Schumacher, especially, was obsessed with increasing their efficiency.
“Every year, he took what he learned and improved upon the year before,” Angela Schumacher says.
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New Holstein's MT Glass Changing Owners |
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Jim and Chris Leavitt have announced that it is time for retirement by transferring ownership of the MT Glass Bar to new business owner Isaac Beirne.
For 18 years Jim and Chris have poured everyone’s favorite refreshments, along with preparing burgers, fries, Friday fish fries, and more. Jim said he had been looking for some time for the right person to transfer ownership to, and Isaac was the right person. Jim also reflected on the bravery of Isaac’s decision.
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Isaac Beirne (center) has purchased M-T Glass bar and grill in New Holstein from Jim and Chris Leavitt. Dave Kohls photo
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Jim said, “It is more than impressive to have a young person offer to buy the business in these uncertain times. Isaac is looking forward to serving you with a new menu and youthful enthusiasm.”
When asked to reflect on those 18 years, Jim jokingly said, “It took me 18 years to know that I should not have owned the business.” As the laughter quieted a bit, he went on to say that the last couple of years were tough, but they had many good times too.
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Mae Rylie's Excited About New Location |
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Vickey Anhalt said she is extremely pleased with her new location for Mae Rylie’s Screen Printing & Embroidery, and in more ways than one. Anhalt officially moved into her new location at 1327 Milwaukee Dr. (STH 32/57) as of Jan. 1. The new location is adjacent to Roadside Service.
Mae Rylie’s had been located on the Wisconsin Avenue portion of the highway for several years, but her new spot gives her even better visibility and much more space in which to operate.
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The New Holstein Area Chamber of Commerce recently helped Vickey Anhalt cut the ribbon on her new location of Mae Rylie’s at 1327 Milwaukee Dr. (STH 32/57) in New Holstein. Taking part in the ceremony were (from left) Chamber Board member Mike Hartmann of The Laundromat/Stardust Limousine, Chamber Vice President Phil Kubichka of Edward D. Jones, Chamber Board member Randy Jaeckels, Anhalt, Chamber Board member Dave Amel of Premier Properties, Mae Rylie’s employee Stacy Birschbach-Stilp, and Chamber Secretary Sonny Schaar of Premier Financial Credit Union.
Mark Sherry photo
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“It’s really been good,” Anhalt said last Friday as the New Holstein Area Chamber of Commerce helped her cut a ribbon dedicating the new location. “I absolutely love it.... It gives us more opportunity to move things around if I want to.” Anhalt and her employee of the past 2-1/2 years, Stacy Birschbach-Stilp, needed that extra space as they have a lot of apparel and other items on their racks and shelves and all of it can be purchased on the spot. Mae Rylie’s has team wear supporting the schools in New Holstein, Kiel, Chilton, Holyland, Divine Savior, and Stockbridge. |
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Chilton Chamber Welcomes New Member |
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(l-r) Sheila Diefenthaler Employee; Amy Jo Stevenson, Owner of Shirtz n Giggles, The Cookie Crate, and Mama's Za all three businesses located in New Holstein; Kari Meyers, 2021 Chilton Chamber of Commerce President. Chilton Journal, February 4, 2020
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Smaller format stores continue to gain traction throughout retail, but especially in grocery where a rethinking of category space allocations and operational function is taking place.
Determining the optimal size of stores has always been an issue in retail. The trend of opening ever larger stores gave way several years ago to a shift to think smaller about physical spaces. The small trend continues to gain momentum in 2021 and has retailers rethinking their real estate strategies and the role of stores in serving tomorrow's shoppers.
Dollar General is the newest member of a group focused on ridding the retail industry of seldom recycled plastic bags. It joins other notable retailers as part of the Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag.
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New PPP, Funding Options Sessions Added |
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Get the most current information to help your small business with PPP and coronavirus tax relief. Webinars review the program and there is opportunity to ask questions.
Paycheck Protection Program: Re-Launch
Learn about the re-opened Paycheck Protection Program and PPP Forgiveness and get the latest information on how it has changed. During the webinar, SBA will discuss: - Forgiveness Process & Requirements - Paycheck Protection Program - SBA Resource Partner Services. Register at the following links:
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SBA Funding Options
SBA-backed lending is available for almost any business purpose through banks, credit unions and community lenders. In this webinar, learn more about your options and get your questions answered. COVID19 relief and SBA's regular loan programs will be discussed. Register for the February 25, 2:00 pm webinar.
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June 10: New North Summit in-person event at Lambeau Field
This year’s New North Summit will be a series to allow increased engagement with New North stakeholders. The summit will occur over three virtual events and culminate with a large in-person event at Lambeau Field. It will continue to follow the theme of, ‘Playbook for Recovery – the Rules of the Game Have Changed,’ with regional business leaders describing their year’s activities relating to “Offense,” “Defense,” and “Special Teams.”
The dates and times for the New North Summit 'Playbook for Recovery' Series are:
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Thursday, March 11, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - 90 Minute Virtual Pre-Game (virtual event)
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Wednesday, April 14, 2021 – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - Business & Community Growth Training Camp (virtual event)
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Wednesday, May 12, 2021 – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - Education and Talent Attraction Training Camp (virtual event)
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Thursday, June 10, 2021 – 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - In-Person New North Summit at Lambeau Field, inside and outside venue
- Includes ample networking opportunities, as well as, a Luncheon on the Miller Lite Deck
Online registration remains open at www.newnorthsummit.com. Early registration is available at the discounted rate of $75 until Friday, March 5. The entry fee will increase to $90 on the ensuing day and to $100 at the door on the day of the in-person event. Student tickets are priced at $15.
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ExporTech™ - Strategic Growth Through Exporting
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Regardless of where your company is today, ExporTech™ takes you to the next strategic level. Build your customized, strategic export expansion plan with data, best practices, and a repeatable, results-proven process focused on ROI, execution, and minimal risk.
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Virtual ExporTech - Monday thru Friday, 1:00-3:30 pm over 3 weeks. Wk March 8, Wk April 26, Wk June 7
- You will learn: 1) Process of exporting using best practices; 2) Process of development of an export strategic expansion plan, and 3) meet key Fed/State and private sector entities to best support your growth. All materials transparent, electronic, repeatable.
- Customized coaching in between sessions for 1) Value Proposition/Target Market Research; and 2) Personal strategy development coaching by me. You will have assigned coaches from the US Commercial Service to support you in development of Target Market Research using data to identify top markets; then using your industry knowledge, competitor knowledge; we will focus that in on next best 3 target countries with highest ROI potential/least risk.
- Final session – Your plan is “shark tanked” by +3 Export Experts to provide additional pros/cons, recommendations for success.
Cost: $7,500, less $3,000 WEDC Scholarship = $4,500 PAID out of pocket. Full company, all 3 participants. Attendees – Three key roles preferred: CEO/President, CFO/Controller, and VP Sales (flexibility is available). Scholarship applications accepted through February 22.
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WWBIC offers classes statewide for new entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and anyone looking to improve their financial health.
One-hour, online classes, held in English and Spanish, are available in the following categories:
- Starting a business
- Managing a business
- Growing a business
- Financial capabilities
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It can be in times of crisis that new opportunities arise. Companies will emerge stronger from the current economic downturn if they take steps now to pursue opportunities and new ways of doing business—and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is here to support them. To help Wisconsin companies make connections in Canada, WEDC is organizing a virtual Global Trade Venture from March 22-26, 2021.
To adapt to the pandemic, WEDC has converted its Global Trade Ventures into a virtual format that consists of online meetings between Wisconsin companies and potential customers, distributors and other prospective partners in international markets. After learning about your company and products, WEDC’s in-country trade representatives will bring potential partners and distributors to you. All participants need to do is show up ready to make their pitch and ask questions to determine if the potential partner is a good fit.
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E-Seed Express: Entrepreneurship Training |
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E-seed™ provides practical tools to prepare a business plan that can be applied immediately to your start-up or existing business. Gain awareness and expand your entrepreneurial and small business skills with these hands-on and interactive series.
Starts Monday, February 22, 2021
Location: D. J. Bordini Center, FVTC Campus, Appleton
Cost: $299
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Explore Starting a Business
March 10, 2021
April 14, 2021
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Work for Yourself at 50+
March 10, 2021
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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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