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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Happy 4th of July! May peace and blessings be with you on this occasion as you celebrate with family and friends. |
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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
Visit the event web page, where you’ll find the event video, speaker presentations and other valuable information: https://www.walworthbusiness.com/sotc2024
A special thank you goes out to our speakers for sharing their knowledge, insights and resources. - Mark Luberda, Walworth County Administrator
- Tom Walsh, Economist for the Department of Workforce Development
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"True herosim is remarkable sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpress all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." ~Arthur Ash |
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Summer is here, which means planning for the upcoming school year. I look forward to collaborating with you and the students, providing them with career opportunities and valuable experiences. 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. If you are interested in hosting students please reach out to me! |
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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.
? Introducing Our New Fundamentals of Supervision Module! ? We are thrilled to announce our latest offering: the Fundamentals of Supervision IV! This comprehensive program is designed to equip current and aspiring supervisors with the essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in today’s dynamic work environment. Module IV Highlights:
Call Me Irresistible: Learn how to build and measure employee engagement to foster a motivated and productive team.
Finding, Keeping: Master the art of attracting, interviewing, and retaining a capable and committed workforce.
Rethinking Conflict: Discover strategies for moving forward together by managing and resolving conflicts constructively.
The Good Fight: Gain insights into negotiating the positive side of conflict to achieve win-win outcomes.
Change Leadership: Develop the skills to lead change initiatives successfully and inspire your team through transitions. Whether you’re a seasoned supervisor or just stepping into a leadership role, this class will provide you with valuable tools and techniques to excel. Join us to enhance your supervisory skills and make a positive impact on your organization! |
| ? Enroll now and take the first step towards becoming a more effective leader! Next class: AM Session - 8-11am
Gateway Technical College, Elkhorn Campus
Wednesdays July 24, 31
August 7, 14 |
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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.
The next multi-company class starts in September. More information to come...
If you are interested in joining 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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Starting Aug. 20! 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)
Six weeks Tuesdays from 7:30-10am, starting August 20. |
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Housing stretches the budget
More than 18 million Americans are currently grappling with housing costs that strain their budgets well beyond what's considered financially healthy. This burden is compounded by the escalating expenses of childcare, elder care, and essential utilities such as food and gas. As these challenges mount, the necessity for affordable housing becomes increasingly urgent. A recent report by Lending Tree highlighted that 18.3 million homeowners nationwide are categorized as "house poor," facing significant financial strain due to housing costs. This issue hits close to home in Walworth County, where over 10,000 households are burdened by housing costs, including nearly 5,600 homeowners and almost 4,800 renters. These households spend more than 30% of their monthly income on housing expenses, whether through rent or mortgage payments.
Addressing this issue requires housing options that are affordable for families, the workforce, and seniors alike, alleviating the financial stress associated with housing costs. The median home sale price in Walworth County for the first four months of 2024 was $359,000, whereas affordability for the local median wage demands prices at or below $300,000.
Offering single-family homes on modest lots, side-by-side townhomes, and modular home communities are promising solutions to meet these affordability challenges. It will take concerted efforts from communities, builders, financial institutions, industry leaders, and the public to ensure the development of cost-effective housing options.
The urgency to address the housing shortage is critical, aiming to support our workforce, young families, and seniors in meeting their housing needs effectively.
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| Enjoy the food without the lines!
July 10 • 5-7pm
Celebrate in the VIP tent at Elkhorn's annual Ribfest! RSVP to save your seat for dinner and a show. [More info]
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The Elkhorn Area School District has two great full-time positions available—starting immediately!
The Buildings & Grounds Admin. Assistant & Logistics Specialist: This role supports the Buildings & Grounds supervisor and department and manages EASD's shipping and receiving. To learn more and apply, visit https://wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/212248. Business Office Accounting Assistant: This role serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Business Manager as well as the back up for payroll. To learn more and apply, visit https://wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/212110. |
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| Wisconsin Oven Ships Electrically Heated Drop Bottom Furnace to the Aerospace Industry
Wisconsin Oven is pleased to announce the shipment of one (1) Electrically Heated Drop Bottom Furnace with traveling quench tank and maintenance platform. This system will be used for the solution heat treatment of aluminum parts for the aerospace industry. [Read On] |
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Water Reclamation Operator needed
Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District (WalCoMet) is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Water Reclamation Operator.
The successful candidate for this position will work alongside other operators and support personnel for the efficient operation and maintenance of the water reclamation facility and sanitary sewer collection system equipment and facilities. [Learn More]
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US 12 Rehabilitation - Whitewater
To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Governor Evers has approved a $948,000 improvement project along US 12 in Walworth County, between the Walworth/Rock County line and Cox Road near the city of Whitewater. Payne and Dolan is the prime contractor for the project. Construction is scheduled to begin July 8. [Read more] |
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Buona Beef
VISIT Lake Geneva recently joined the Buona Beef team at their brand-new Lake Geneva location for an official ribbon (and sandwich) cutting! This third-generation family-owned business is serving up their famous Italian beef sandwiches, freshly made pastas, iconic Rainbow Cones, and so much more at 393 N. Edwards Blvd. |
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| | Reader Precision Holds Groundbreaking, Announces Headquarter Relocation to 110,000sf Southeast Wisconsin Facility
Reader Precision Solutions, the parent company to Precision Plus and Iseli Precision, announced the relocation and consolidation of its Wisconsin headquarters and advanced manufacturing operations to a 110,000 square foot facility in the community of Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in the company's growth trajectory and strategic integration, further enhancing its precision machining capabilities and service offerings to current and future clients across various sectors. Congratulations! [Read more] |
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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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2024 CEDA Award Nominations Now Open Nominations Close July 15
The CEDA Awards were established by WEDA to recognize projects, businesses, and organizations that are making exceptional contributions to advance economic growth and prosperity in Wisconsin. This exciting event that celebrates economic development across Wisconsin will be held as part of WEDA’s 2024 Fall Best Practices Conference in Eau Claire, WI on September 25, 2024.
CEDA Award nominations in four different categories are NOW open. Please help us celebrate economic development and highlight your community by nominating an innovative project for a 2024 CEDA Award... [Read On]
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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 -0.29%, compared to -0.35% the previous market day and -1.06% last year. This is lower than the long term average of 0.87%. The 10-2 Treasury Yield Spread is the difference between the 10... |
| New orders for manufactured durable goods in the United States rose by 0.1% month-over-month in May 2024, following a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in April and better than market forecasts of a 0.1% fall. It marked the... |
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Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 81.44, down from 88.01 last month and up from 74.12 one year ago. This is a change of -7.46% from last month and 9.88% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
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| How to Hire International Workers
The Jefferson County Human Resources Management Association (JCHRMA) has recently embarked on an exciting new chapter! We are laser-focused on empowering local and Wisconsin HR professionals and business owners to tap into the talent of newcomer workers from immigrant, ESL and refugee communities through programs like humanitarian parole, Welcome Corps, visas, and international workforce/asylee initiatives. [Learn More]
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| Wisconsin Green Innovation Fund
Our friends at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), via the Wisconsin Green Innovation Fund, have been invited to compile a portfolio of fundable projects to submit to the Coalition for Green Capital (CGC), a national green bank.
This is a chance for your project(s) to impact the future of clean energy in Wisconsin. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to submit a proposal to the Wisconsin Green Innovation Fund! [Learn More] |
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| RelyLocal
The national economy depends heavily on the health of local economies, and the local economy depends on the health of the local businesses. Local businesses not only contribute to the local economy, but are the foundation of a healthy community overall. Our goal? To develop strategies to support local businesses (across the country) by Developing new solutions to support local businesses, creating local campaigns to revitalize local communities, and putting America back to work. [Learn More]
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Unlock Success! AI Tools for Small Business Marketing-Webinar July 10, 11am
Discover game-changing AI solutions to boost your business. Wisconsin SBDC Student Consultants will provide insights and real-world examples using AI tools for video and photo editing, and will cover SEO, copywriting and social media efficiencies. Hosted by SBA Wisconsin. [Learn More]
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Rent Smart Monday and Thursdays 1-2 pm – August 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, and 29 (check in August 5 1-2 pm)
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] |
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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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