The Buzz from WCEDA - upcoming networking events you won't want to miss and much more... |
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WCEDA is your source for all things business - workforce, expansions, location resources, financial connections, legislative advocacy, career awareness with youth, networking events, and initiatives to address county-wide issues like housing. |
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“We must dare to be great; and we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage."
— Theodore Roosevelt |
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In this email... Upcoming Events l Membership News Workforce News l County Developments
Economic Indicators l Other News Valuable Resources |
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A few words from WCEDA's Executive Director, Derek D'Auria ... |
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| Annual Walworth County State of the County
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 • 7:30-9am
The Ridge
Free Event for Members • $15 non-members
From an economic standpoint, Walworth County is very strong. This is good for locals businesses and good for businesses looking to locate here.
Come find out more about the state of the county, including state and region perspectives. This is a great opportunity to learn how our taxes are being spent, as well as the tax implications for the future and how this all impacts business development going forward.
Additionally, WCEDA was the recipient of an award by Walworth County to explore and facilitate workforce housing across the county for workers such as teachers, firefighters, policemen, and workers in hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, and construction, to name a few. Some of these workers are our children, but all of them are necessary for us to maintain and grow our communities. A portion of this event will be dedicated to providing an update on our progress for this project. |
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2nd Annual Workforce Symposium
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 • 8-10:30am
Horticultural Hall, Lake Geneva
Visit the event web page, where you’ll find the event video, speaker presentations and other valuable information: https://www.walworthbusiness.com/workforce-symposium-2024 A special thank you goes out to our host, the Horticultural Hall, as well as all of our speakers for sharing their knowledge, insights and resources. Michaelene (Mickie) Healy
Lead Instructor/Director, SCC-University, Superior Crane Corp.
Elizabeth Oplatka
Leadership and Supervision Business and Workforce Solutions, Gateway Technical College
Elizabeth Erickson
Co-Executive Director, Higher Expectations for Racine County
Lisa Pavett
Program Manager Inspire Walworth County & Made in Walworth County, Walworth County Economic Development Alliance
Judy Newcomer
Walworth County Business Services Representative, Southeastern Wisconsin Workforce Development Board
Chris Trottier
Director of School to Work Opportunities, Elkhorn Area School District Susan Smolarek Business Services, Walworth County Economic Development Alliance | |
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Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is a progress; working together is success. ~ Henry Ford
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| I'd like to welcome our new member, SPX FLOW. I look forward to working together and building our next generation of workers! |
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As we say goodbye to the 2023-2024 school year, I wanted to thank the businesses that offered a variety of career-based learning experiences to the students. Some of these experiences included job shadows, where students had the opportunity to observe professionals in their chosen fields. Companies also organized tours, allowing students to visit facilities and gain insight into their operations. Mock interviews were conducted to help students practice their interview skills. These experiences collectively make a significant impact on the students' career development. If you would like to be part of the student experience the next school year please reach out to me.
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| Youth Apprenticeship Openings at R&L Spring
Are you a parent trying to keep your high school kids busy this summer?! Look no further! Our manufacturing company is here to take them off your hands and teach them the ropes of the industry.
With flexible hours, tenured mentors, and a work hard/play hard culture, your kids will gain valuable experience while having fun. Plus, a full-time permanent position is available after high school graduation. Don't miss out on this opportunity for your kids to jumpstart their careers. |
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Career & College Academy Graduation
On Friday May 24, I had the honor of attending the EASD Career and College Academy graduation ceremony. It was a very moving and memorable experience. The students were amazing, sharing some of their journeys getting to that moment. Being on the Governance Committee, I was on the stage shaking the students' hands after receiving their diplomas. Definitely a highlight of my career. Congratulations all graduates! |
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WCEDA's Career-Connected Learning Model Make connections with potential talent!
With unemployment rates so low, it may feel like good help is hard to find. Be a part of developing the workforce pipeline for Walworth County by getting in front of high school students early! Introduce your company and industry to future talent through WCEDA's new Career-Connected Learning (CCL) Model. Offer level 1 experiences like employer visits and job shadows to get to know local potential help that is already interested in your industry. Offer level 2 experiences like Youth Apprenticeships and promote your entry-level job openings on the WI Job Board to fill your workforce gaps NOW!
Check out the informational video of our recent event, "Hiring Head Start" by clicking here. |
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| Fairwyn Construction Job Shadow
Students from Delavan Darien High School did a job shadow hosted by Fairwyn Construction at their Harbor Club job site in Delavan. It was a beautiful day. Thank you so much! |
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Thank you to our sponsors!
We are immensely grateful for your generous support of the Elkhorn Downtown Flowerpot Program. Your contributions not only enhance the beauty of our downtown area but also provide invaluable opportunities for growth and learning.
Thanks to you, the High School Horticultural Program thrives, giving students hands-on experience in cultivating and planting these vibrant displays. Additionally, the Seeds of Hope initiative benefits greatly, fostering new growth opportunities for adults with developmental and other disabilities.
Your continued support year after year is the cornerstone of our success. We are proud to display your business names near each pot, showcasing your commitment to our community to all visitors.
Thank you for making a lasting impact!
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| Gold Sponsors: Elkhorn Saloon
Kunes Auto Group
Lyle's TV & Appliance
Mercy Healthcare
Reader Precision Plus
Someplace Else
Splashtime Pools and Spas
Stebnitz Builders
Wausau Homes Silver Sponsors:
Batterman Howl at the Moon
Pot Sponsors:
Associated Bank
Complete Staff
FireFly Art Design
Kehoe-Henry & Associates
Ketchpaw's |
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| WCEDA'S Leadership Training
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Leadership Training for Entry- to Mid-Level Managers |
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Fundamentals of Supervision Modules can be taken individually and in any order.
Fundamentals of Supervision Module III, the next stage in honing leadership skills, is scheduled to begin on June 12.
Registrations are currently open and can be completed online or by contacting Susan directly via email at Susan@walworthbusiness.com or reaching her via cell at 262.215.7254.
Don't miss this opportunity to further develop your teams supervisory abilities to excel in their managerial roles. Module III
Gateway Technical College, Elkhorn Campus Wednesdays, 8-11am June 12, 19, 26 July 10 |
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Leadership Training for Executive-Level and C-Suite Leaders
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Top Level Leadership
This advanced leadership series isn’t a one-off course. We’re presenting an opportunity to join others and work with an expert in organizational psychology, organizational development and change leadership on building the human side of your business. We know that our local business community is the most technically capable out there. We also know that what prevents us from realizing our greatness has a human face. Contact Susan Smolarek for information how your management team can join in the next session. |
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Other WCEDA Training Options
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Spanish For Business I
BIRDS EYE - CLASSES IN PROGRESS
We are currently in session with the Birds Eye group, who enrolled over 20 participants, showcasing the strong interest in enhancing communication within leadership teams with Spanish-speaking counterparts.
This class serves as an excellent foundation for fostering better understanding and collaboration across language barriers.
If you are interested in joining a multi-company class or scheduling a custom course for your business, please reach out to Susan via email at Susan@Walworthbusiness.com or contact her directly at 262.215.7254, to discuss. |
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Coming Soon! Bring Your 'A' Game
Empower your workforce with essential workplace skills, increase employment and promote lifelong success!
Bring Your ‘A’ Game is an engaging curriculum for building the seven foundational workplace skills of Work Ethic. |
- Attendance (Reliability)
- Attitude (Positivity)
- Appearance (Professionalism)
- Ambition (Initiative)
- Acceptance (Respect)
- Appreciation (Gratitude)
- Accountability (Integrity)
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The Leading Trend in US Cities
With the housing crisis upon us, the need to find solutions is at the top of every list. The country is short millions of housing units, whether owner occupied or rental, and Walworth County shares in this shortage.
One step toward increasing the housing supply is for communities to take a fresh look at their zoning rules that spell out what can be built where and what cannot. Many are finding the current zoning regulations are too rigid, focused on issues other than housing and are making it too hard and too expensive to build the needed homes. As a result, we are seeing many cities and states undertaking a process called zoning reform. New rules are being crafted to do things like allowing multifamily homes in more neighborhoods, encouraging more density and streamlining permitting processes for those trying to build. Though the leaders in this movement are often the larger cities, such as Minneapolis, the smaller, rural communities are taking up the task as they work to increase their housing stock.
Reducing minimum lot sizes is one step to increasing both single family and townhome inventory. The townhome development continues to give the “home” look and feel to the community and offers more affordable housing for both a home owner or a renter.
Zoning reforms look different in every city, but the message leading the reform is often in common terms such as “gentle density,” missing middle” housing and creating more choices. This is one step to consider as the housing shortage in Walworth County is tackled. |
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Welcome new WCEDA members!! Thank you for your support!
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Why support WCEDA? We are a 501(c)(6) non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life for Walworth County residents by working with public and private sector partners to advance efforts that create jobs and build private sector investment in our communities. We host events for local businesses that connect them with resources and education to facilitate their growth.
[Learn more] |
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| Precision Plus Recognized as a Green Master by Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council
Reader Precision Solutions (RPS) announced that Precision Plus, its subsidiary specializing in CNC precision machined and engineered solutions, has been honored with the Green Master Award by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council for its growing sustainability practices. This prestigious recognition places Precision Plus among the leading businesses in Wisconsin committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable operations.
The Green Master Award is part of the council’s Green Master Program, which distinguishes businesses demonstrating positive environmental practices across nine pillars of sustainability. Precision Plus has showcased its dedication to reducing environmental impact through its innovative recycling programs, solar energy initiatives, and community engagement efforts. [Read on]
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| Business Expo at Associated Bank Elkhorn
Get ready for the ultimate Business Expo at Associated Bank Elkhorn, June 5th. Indulge in delicious food, explore our local Vendors, & discover cutting edge technology from our partners at Fiserv.
Reach out if interested in being a vendor or meeting to hear all about Associated & Clover.
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| EASD offering ServSafe certification
Join Jenny Wehmeier, Certified Instructor/Proctor, to certify or re-certify your staff in ServSafe Food Manager.
Class will be held June 10 & 17 at Elkhorn Area High School. Learn more and register online at tinyurl.com/ServSafe-Elk.
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Grand Geneva, Lake Geneva Cruise Line win awards
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa won Iron Diamond Media's Wisconsin Bride Best of 2024 Awards for Best Resort and Best Spa Services, while the Lake Geneva Cruise Line won the Best Rehearsal Dinner venue award! [Read on] |
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Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is beginning a regional broadband assessment in an effort to bring broadband to more Wisconsinites. The first step in the process is to conduct speed testing across the region. To take the test, residents and businesses simply need to visit, from their home or work location. It will only take a few moments and personal information is always protected and never shared. [Take the Test]
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Second phase of WIS 11/US 12 project in Walworth County to begin in early June
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is notifying motorists of upcoming resurfacing and bridge reconstruction work along US 12 in Walworth County. Work is scheduled to begin the week of June 3 between WIS 20 and the WIS 67/US 12 split. [Learn More] |
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To read more about each indicator, visit the newsletter section of our website here. |
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| According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Wisconsin rose 0.1 percentage points in November 2023 to 3.3%. The state unemployment rate was 0.4 percentage points lower than the... |
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10-2 Year Treasury Yield Spread is at -0.38%, compared to -0.37% the previous market day and -0.72% last year. This is lower than the long term average of 0.87%.The 10-2 Treasury Yield Spread is the difference between the... |
| New orders for manufactured durable goods in the United States rose by 0.7% month-over-month in April 2024, following a downwardly revised 0.8% increase in March and defying market expectations of a 0.8% decrease. It... |
| Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 88.01, up from 83.55 last month and up from 82.46 one year ago. This is a change of 5.35% from last month and 6.73% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
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Rent Smart Mondays and Wednesdays 7-8 pm June 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, and 26 (check in Monday, June 3) The FREE Rent Smart Program is designed to help renters be more informed! Helping to make renting a great experience for you! The free online class is designed for renters! [More Info]
Volunteers and Professionals can learn to use the curriculum (free)
Tuesdays and Wednesday, July 9, 10, 16, 17, 2024 (central time) 10 am – 1 pm [More Info] |
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Financial Coaching Foundations
June 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 • 10am - 12:30pm • Zoom
Participants who complete all five sessions will be eligible to receive 1.4 CEUs through the University of Wisconsin. In the past this course has filled up fast and has drawn in a national (and even international) audience. [Learn More] |
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Encouraging Financial Conversations
FREE
Extension developed series that will help you engage in positive conversations around money. The training is geared for helping professionals (case managers, social workers, and other front-line staff), but open to anyone! You will learn how to help empower others to achieve their financial goals and manage their money. [Learn More] |
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Walworth County Financial Futures Incentive (WCFFI)
The Walworth County Financial Futures Incentive (WCFFI) Program can provide some help with reaching financial goals (including a financial boost of up to $500). [Learn More] |
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| | Wisconsin businesses eligible for federal disaster relief after unseasonably warm winter
Businesses may be eligible for federal aid through the U.S. Small Businesses Administration’s disaster loan program. The loans are meant to help businesses get through emergency situations that have led to economic losses. [Learn More]
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| Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)
C-PACE is a property tax-assessment financing mechanism for energy & water
efficiency and renewable energy improvements to commercial properties. Benefits include: finance up to 100% of hard + soft costs, fixed rate, long-term: 20 – 30 years, tenants share cost & savings, transfers to new owner upon sale, potential off-balance sheet treatment, reduce waste & improve experience. [Learn More] |
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WCEDA Loan Program
Are you having trouble getting a loan? Are your revenues under $1 million? WCEDA may be able to HELP. We have a loan program through the USDA for small businesses called the Hometown Entrepreneur Loan Program (HELP) that aims to help small business access capital. Many times we can work with banks or other programs like SBA or WHEDA to make a loan work for companies.
[APPLICATION]
[ADDITIONAL FUNDING SOURCES] [CONTACT WCEDA] |
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