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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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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Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Resort 8:30am shotgun start with lunch at the clubhouse after |
| WCEDA's Kareers4Kids Golf Outing Fundraiser
Event Sponsors: Interstate Insurance & Mode Industries
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Help Walworth County students plan their futures!
The Kareers4Kids program (FKA Inspire) is focused on facilitating activities for local youth career exploration.
Providing career-based learning opportunities is mutually beneficial to schools and companies. By connecting students with hands-on, career-based learning experiences (CBLEs), K4K helps students apply their academic and technical skills in the real world of work while also developing essential workplace skills critical to their future employment success. |
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Navigating AI: A Virtual Education Series Thursdays from 12:30-12:50pm August 29 - November 7, 2024
Have you experimented with ChatGPT but feel there's still so much more to learn? Are you seeking a marketing or prospecting solution but unsure where to begin? Do you feel overwhelmed by the multitude of AI app options and need help narrowing them down?
Join us to explore the basics, so when you’re ready to dive into AI apps, you'll feel confident taking the plunge on your own. We’ll help you narrow down your options by providing an overview of popular business solutions. *Sessions are stand-alone and can be attended individually.
This series is FREE and exclusive to WCEDA member company employees. If you are on our list as a member, you should be getting weekly emails. If you are not, please contact us at leslie@walworthbusiness.com. |
| Partial Schedule Week 3: AI & Websites Week 4: Placer.ai Location Intelligence & Foot Traffic Data Week 5: xiQ Personality-driven Sales and Marketing Week 6:
Copilot Microsoft 365 Assistant
Previous weeks: Week 1: ChatGPT Virtual Assistant Week 2: Adobe & DALL•E Creative |
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Fundamentals of Supervision
Wednesdays, starting September 18, 2024
Gateway Technical College, Elkhorn Campus
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. Four weeks, Wednesdays from 8-10am
[Learn More/Register Now] |
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WCEDA's Annual Meeting
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa • 11:30am - 2:00pm
WCEDA Members: $45 • Non-Members: $59
Building AI Agility: Human Flourishing in the AI Economy
In this talk, we explore how Generative AI is revolutionizing the way we work and learn. Positioned at the forefront of the Skills-Based Economy, this keynote offers a clear strategy to leverage AI for enhancing human capabilities and achieving business goals.
We emphasize the importance of balancing cutting-edge technology with cultivating uniquely human skills, essential for flourishing in the AI economy.
[Register Now] |
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Bring Your 'A' Game - Essential Workplace Skills
Tuesdays starting in October
Gateway Technical College, Elkhorn Campus
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
[Learn More/Register Now] |
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| Alternative Lending Options
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva • 12-1pm
Visit the event web page, where you’ll find the event video, speaker presentations and other valuable information: https://www.walworthbusiness.com/alternative-lending-options-2024
A special thank you goes out to our host, Harbor Shores, our lunch supplier, Simple Food Group, and our speakers, for sharing their knowledge, insights and resources. • Wes Walsh, Business Lending Partners
• Heather Lux, WWBIC • Mark Maurer, WBD |
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"When you've got something to prove, there's nothing greater then a challenge" ~Terry Bradshaw |
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| Check out our Career Connected Learning 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! If you're interested in hosting career visits for our students please visit our website to sign up, or give me a call and I can do it for you. It's a simple process.
Check out the informational video of our event, "Hiring Head Start" by clicking here. |
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| Aurora Employer Visit
On August 13, students from the Career & College Academy visited Aurora Health Care. They had the opportunity to tour various departments and observe the daily operations firsthand. |
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Inspire (Kareers4Kids) Golf Outing Fundraiser - Sept.10
Your participation will directly impact young minds by providing them with invaluable opportunities to discover their passions and chart their career paths. All funds raised support my efforts to create career exploration activities, mentorship programs, and educational resources for high school students in Walworth County.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking for a fun day out, your presence will make a difference! Scroll up for more information. |
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High School Manufacturing Tours
Contact Lisa to sign up! |
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October 2 One slot of choice open. Choose either 8-9:30am or 10-11:30am |
| October 8 8-9:30am - PropShaft 10-11:30am - MPM |
| October 10 8-9:30am - OPEN 10-11:30am - Continental Plastics |
| October 16 8-9:30am OPEN
10-11:30am Palmer Hamilton
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| October 18 8-9:30am - SPX 10-11:30am - Continental Plastics |
| October 23 8-9:30am - Precision Plus 10-11:30am - Palmer Hamilton |
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| November
I'm looking forward to arranging career experiences in the hospitality industry during the month of November. If you're open to hosting students, please reach out to me or sign up through the Career Connected Learning Model above. |
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| Craftsman With Character - Walworth County
Only two employer slots left! Sign up today! Program starts next semester!
Program goals: • A sustainable workforce • Student Empowerment • High School Solutions Overview:
• Program spans one semester • Job Shadowing: Each business hosts one student per week (four days) for the equivalent of one class period per day.
• Classroom Instruction: On the fifth day, all the students gather for class instruction at either one of the businesses or at Gateway.
[Full Program Description] |
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Unlock the potential of your team with WCEDA's Spanish for Business Class!
Basic, Intermediate & Advanced phrases for basic/entry-level Spanish speakers.
A great way for your supervisors and managers to better communicate with their Spanish speaking teams.
Led by our experienced instructor Joel Espinoza, this tailored program brings the classroom to you.
Option 1: Join a multi-company session.
This is a hybrid course consisting of ten, 90-minute sessions (nine hours online, six in person), that is oriented to basic/entry-level Spanish speakers. Participants who complete the course will receive a completion certificate.
Where:
The in-person portion of this course would be held at Gateway Technical College - Elkhorn Campus, South Building.
The virtual portion of the course would take place on Zoom.
Option 2: Custom Course
Do you have at least 10 participants? We can create a customized program based on your needs, at the basic, intermediate, or advanced level, with a minimum of 12 instructional hours, that can be broken down into multiple sessions.
Pricing for these classes: $365 per person for WCEDA members, and $465 per person for non-members.
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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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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About WCEDA's Workforce Housing Program
In 2023, WCEDA’s board determined that efforts relating to workforce housing align with its mission. Workforce housing is essentially what is being called the “missing middle,” and encompasses entry level workers as well as professional workers such as physicians and everything in between including public employees, like teachers, police officers, and public works staff members. Many counties in the region are facing similar challenges and are in various stages of addressing this issue — an issue that may be the number one barrier for workforce at the moment. In Jefferson County, Green County, and Washington County (and likely many others) housing efforts are being led or co-led by economic development agencies like WCEDA... Go to WCEDA's Housing Page to learn more.
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New Funding Opportunity
August 13, 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the availability of $100 million in competitive grant funding to cut red tape, build more homes, and lower the costs of renting and buying a home. Through HUD’s Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) program, communities across the nation are eligible to apply for funding to remove barriers to local housing production.
“This funding is designed to cut red tape, and make sure that we’re building more homes, especially affordable homes, with urgency because people need help now,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. [Read On]
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| Warhawks' men's and women's wheelchair basketball programs were described as a national "bedrock"
As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games continue this week, the Warhawks' men's and women's wheelchair basketball programs were described as a national "bedrock" for the sport in an article published by The New York Times and The Athletic last week. UW-Whitewater's passion for serving students with disabilities has been a priority mission of the university for more than 50 years. [Read On]
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Now Hiring: Walworth County |
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| Crisis Intervention Specialist
Earn Up to $38.94 Hourly
Eligible for Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Scheduled and Personal Time Off
Holiday Pay
Wisconsin Retirement
[Learn More]
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| Communications Officer - 911 Dispatcher
Earn Up to $35.31 Hourly
Eligible for Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Scheduled and Personal Time Off
Holiday Pay
Wisconsin Retirement
[Learn 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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Gov. Evers, WHEDA Announce New Allocation Plan for Housing Tax Credits
Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), announced the final 2025-2026 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). The QAP is the plan for administering federal and state tax credits that finance low- to moderate-income housing and establishes parameters and priorities for awarding the coming years’ housing tax credits, including federal nine percent and four percent credits, as well as state four percent credits.
“Building affordable housing in every corner of our state is critical to making sure that Wisconsin is prepared to meet the needs of a 21st-century workforce in a 21st-century economy, including addressing our state’s generational workforce challenges and recruiting, training, and retaining talented folks across our state,” said Gov. Evers. “These tax credits are vital to expanding access to affordable housing, driving economic development, and extending the reach of community services.”
[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 -0.02%, compared to 0.01% the previous market day and -0.71% last year. This is lower than the long term average of 0.86%. The 10-2 Treasury Yield Spread is the difference... |
| New orders for manufactured durable goods in the US surged by 9.9% from the previous month in July of 2024, making up for the downwardly revised 6.9% decline in the earlier period, the most since May 2020 and firmly above... |
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Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 78.12, down from 83.26 last month and down from 84.72 one year ago. This is a change of -6.17% from last month and -7.79% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
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Unlock Success: AI and SEO Tools for Small Business Marketing Wednesday, October 2, 2024 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Online Discover game-changing solutions that elevate your brand, engage customers, and boost growth. Wisconsin SBDC Student Consultants will provide insights and real-world examples using AI tools for video and photo editing. SEO, copywriting and social media efficiencies will also be covered. Don't miss out on the future of marketing!
[More Info]
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Wisconsin Latino Unsummit
Friday, September 20, 2024 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Milwaukee South Join SBA staff and other presenters to focus on access to capital and strategies for marketing and branding in an inflationary environment.
[More Info] |
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Property Values and Taxes DataTool
This datatool explores key trends in statewide property values and tax levies, which are important indicators of the state's economic health, the cost borne by taxpayers, and the finances of its local governments. In this streamlined interactive format, users can view separate analyses of southeast Wisconsin and Dane County data, or explore the statewide data themselves, filtering by municipality or county to easily create custom reports.
Check out the tool |
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| Small Business Development Grant (SBDG)
The Small Business Development Grant (SBDG) Program will offer financial incentives for communities and organizations to develop innovative programs that directly support small businesses and small business creation. [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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Encouraging Financial Conversations
FREE
Tuesdays, 11:00am – 12:00 pm, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5
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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| | 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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