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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| Save the date!
WCEDA's Annual Workforce Symposium
May 13, 2025
8-10:30am The Lodge at Geneva National
[Registration coming soon] |
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| [Registration coming soon] |
| Save the date! WCEDA's Annual State of the County
**Tentative Date: June 17, 2025
The Abbey Resort 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. |
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| Save the date! Empowering Regional Startups Pitch Perfect
November 12, 2025
This competition welcomes participants at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey—from initial ideas to established ventures—who live or work within the tri-county area of Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and compete for cash prizes. Applicants will have access support in developing and honing their pitch.
[More info] *Click on the image to enlarge. |
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WCEDA's 1st Annual Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown!
Sunday, January 26, 2025 • Lake Lawn Resort |
Teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs were paired up for WCEDA's 1st Annual Pro/Am Culinary Showdown! The chefs mentored the students for months prior to the event to brainstorm and try out their dishes. On January 26, they brought their dishes to Lake Lawn Resort to present to our judges and almost 300 public attendees. Not everyone can win, but as you'll be able to tell from the images on the webpage, all these teams came up with extraordinary dishes! |
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Chef Ken Hnilo of Pier 290 & Elkhorn's Career & College Academy
People's Choice Best Deconstructed Hot Dog and Best Sausage Dish Winners! |
| Chef Nicholas Crawford of Oakfire & Williams Bay High School Judge's Choice Best Deconstructed Hot Dog Winners! |
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Chef Nathan Dettinger of East Troy Brewery & East Troy High School Judge's Choice Best Sausage Dish Winners! |
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Check out the event webpage for more images from the event and all the details about each team. |
| If you are receiving this newsletter, you will be notified when tickets go on sale for next year, but share this with others who may want to get on the list. |
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Craftsman With Character
We are starting our third week of our inaugural Craftsman with Character program, and so far we have had many successes! This program has brought together three students from Delavan-Darien High School and three students from Elkhorn High School.
CWC is a structured, semester-long course that immerses high school students in skilled trades, featuring 90 minutes of hands-on learning each day. The program aims to cultivate career skills and character through real-world experiences. Students will rotate among six local businesses, and Fridays will include a day of classroom instruction focused on professionalism, purpose, humanity, self-confidence, and dignity. If you're interested in participating in this program, please feel free to reach out to me. |
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| Build My Talent
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 4:30 - 6:30 pm County Line Hall, 103 200th Ave, Union Grove, WI Our goal is to bring construction business partners together to provide the following information:
- Overview of Youth Apprenticeship
- Insurance / Liability Information
- Student Learners/Ability to hire under 18
Bridging YA to Registered Apprenticeship (RA)
[More info/Register to attend] |
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| Badger High School Career, Job, and College Fair Thursday, March 20, 2025 1:24PM - 5:30PM
If you are interested in hiring for summer employment, we can help! If you are hoping to find long term hires, we can help! If you are looking to promote your post-secondary institution, we can help! If you simply want to speak with students and families about a rewarding career, we can help! This event is open for all Geneva Lakes area families, not just Badger High School students; this year the event will begin during our school day so that all Juniors and Seniors can attend. [Register]
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Successful Custom Course! |
Successful Custom Course! |
In-Progress Custom Course! |
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Spanish for Business I
WCEDA's Spanish for Business course is 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.
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.
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Leadership Training for Entry-Level and Mid-Level Supervisors & Managers
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Fundamentals of Leadership
FKA Fundamentals of Supervision
Equip your team with the skills they need to excel in leadership, productivity, and workplace safety.
Module III: Different Employees, Different Needs offers actionable insights and strategies to elevate performance and foster a strong, respectful work environment.
What Your Team Will Learn:
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The Ethical Supervisor
- The Respectful Workplace: Avoiding Harassment and Discrimination
- Psychological Safety at Work
- It’s Not Your Parents’ Workforce: How to Make the Most of and Make Peace with a Multigenerational Team
- The Power of Difference: How diverse people create stronger organizations
Act Now – Open Enrollment!
Contact Susan Smolarek at: 262.215.7254 or Susan@Walworthbusiness.com with any questions you may have. |
| Module II REVISED START DATE
Wednesdays
March 5, 12, 19, 26
Four weeks • 8-11am
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. [Learn More/Register Now] |
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Leadership Training for Executive-Level 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
Over the course of the past three years, housing has become an increasing priority for us (WCEDA) to address. 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... Go to WCEDA's Housing Page to learn more.
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As we all know, today’s youth are shaping the future with their energy, creativity, and determination. By learning and gaining hands-on experience, they are developing the skills and knowledge needed to become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.
This is evident right here in Walworth County, where young people are actively contributing to the construction of homes. Through partnerships with local builders and organizations, they are gaining valuable training in the trades and firsthand experience in the construction field.
Addressing the housing shortage, particularly for the "missing middle" or workforce population, requires collaboration among key stakeholders in the housing industry. To meet the projected need for over 5,000 new homes in Walworth County by 2030, builders will increasingly rely on the next generation of skilled workers.
The first year of the WCEDA Housing Program has already yielded promising results. Local municipalities and builders are actively working to address this housing shortage. Some developments are already underway, with new projects set to break ground this spring. Other communities are diligently seeking solutions to their housing challenges.
WCEDA continues to bring stakeholders together to collaborate on reducing the housing gap. Integrating student builders into this effort will further strengthen our workforce and help drive progress.
Stay tuned for more updates as 2025 unfolds and we make strides toward addressing this critical issue. |
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| Hoffman Newman development in Whitewater addresses housing crunch
"The city of Whitewater is growing. Families, professionals, and students are all choosing to call our city home, but with growth comes challenges — especially when it comes to housing. Let's take a closer look at where we stand, what's being done, and why these efforts matter for everyone right now. Whitewater faces a housing crunch, with a 7% vacancy rate. Renters and homeowners alike are feeling the squeeze. More than half of renters in Whitewater spend over 30% of their income on housing. That's why the city of Whitewater's Economic Development Department is taking action to address this issue head-on with thoughtful balanced initiatives... [Watch the video]
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| New Healer's Cafe and Brewology coffee and beverage station at Fort HealthCare
As part of the ongoing construction, the brand new Healer's Cafe and Brewology coffee and beverage station is open now! The updated space features two incredible murals by Spencer Jelinek Photography. The new cafeteria has been relocated to the first floor, making it more accessible to patients and visitors. [See More]
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| Wausau Homes hosts YouthBuild students
Wausau Homes Elkhorn is thrilled to have hosted students from the YouthBuild program at Gateway Technical College’s Career & College Academy at their set day on January 16.
[See More]
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| Palmer Hamilton invests in EAHS Esports Arena
The Elkhorn Area High School Elks esports team has unveiled an innovative new Esports Arena. The project was made possible by Elkhorn-based, full-service furniture and design company Palmer Hamilton in partnership with esports furniture provider, RESPAWN.
The space is the first dedicated location in the school for the esports program, which offers a unique opportunity for students who do not traditionally participate in team sports to share in the benefits of competitive extracurricular activities. Participants have included students with disabilities and students who do not participate in any other school extracurriculars.
[Read on] |
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| How to Protect Vehicles In Winter Weather
Scott Kunes, COO of Kunes Auto and RV Group, spoke about how drivers can protect their vehicles during the winter months on a recent segment of FOX Weather. Check it out here. |
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| Annual Delavan Chamber Dinner & Awards
February 21, 5:30-9:30pm Lake Lawn Resort
"It’s your time to shine on the red carpet! Join us for a night of unforgettable moments, where the world of cinema meets an evening of exceptional achievements. This year’s Annual Dinner & Awards Night promises to be nothing short of spectacular."
[More info] |
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| Cubicles for sale
FOR SALE. 4-pack of office cubicles. Great condition. As you see them, minus the 4 cabinets. Located in Elkhorn. Call Jim Pfeil @ Sierra Financial Services, 262-723-3898 to schedule a viewing. |
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| Gage Marine hiring for Summer 2025
Join the Lake Life Catering Team for Summer 2025! - Bartenders – Shake, stir, and pour by the lake!
- Catering/Banquet Servers – Serve unforgettable moments with us!
Be part of a fun, fast-paced team making summer celebrations shine!
Apply today at https://bit.ly/3bU5oUf and make summer 2025 your best one yet! |
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| Walworth County Sheriff's office is now hiring
Are you someone looking to join a team where you can wear many different hats? Do you like keeping everyday something fresh and new?
Whether you have prior law enforcement experience or just starting out on your journey we have the position just for you! We are always looking to hire great candidates regardless of your experience! Join our team today and kickstart your NEW journey!
[More Info] |
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| Medical Assistant recruiting event
February 19, 2025 • 11am-12:30pm Virtual Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the Aurora Health Care hiring team to hear more about available Medical Assistants positions and opportunities.
Register here. |
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| Summer internships at Radius Packaging
Stop by the Radius Packaging booth and chat with them at the Spring Warhawk Internship & Career Fair on February 12. February 12, 2025 • 1-3:30pm Williams Center Fieldhouse - EHS Intern
- Supply Chain Intern
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Operations Process Improvement
- Automation Engineering Intern
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Broadband Assessment
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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| New Delavan Lake Watershed Enterprise Area
Exciting news! More than 9,000 acres in Walworth County have been designated as the new Delavan Lake Watershed Agricultural Enterprise Area. This is a huge win for local agriculture and conservation. [Read on] |
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| Walworth County Human Resource Association Announces Scholarship Opportunity
The Walworth County Human Resource Association will offer two scholarships in 2025.
Applications will be accepted until May 12, 2025, for a $500 and a $1000 scholarship to be distributed for the following fall term. The WCHRA Board of Directors will review all applications and select recipients based on the following criteria...
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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 0.20%, compared to 0.24% the previous market day and -0.31% 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 fell 2.2% month-over-month to $276.1 billion in December 2024, following a downwardly revised 2% drop in November and far below market expectations of a 0.6% increase. The... |
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Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 78.16, up from 72.31 last month and up from 77.67 one year ago. This is a change of 8.09% from last month and 0.63% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
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| Institutional Asset Allocation and Retirement
February 11, 2025, 6pm Q & A and Discussion - Webinar Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 751 9748 7123 Passcode: 9HNZjp Please RSVP to marilee.engelman@tfaconnect.com and include your name,
email address and phone number. We look forward to seeing you!
*Click on the image to download the pdf of the event. |
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| | SBA Lender Match
Get $500 to $5.5 million to help you grow your business! SBA-backed loans range from small to large and can be used for most business purposes, including long-term fixed assets and operating capital. Connect with an SBA-approved lender: https://www.sba.gov/lendermatch
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WWBIC New Resources & Partners
WWBIC is offering more diverse trainings and events now than ever before! Fill out their updated Client/Business Information form by clicking the link below to make sure that you will be notified once any grants, networking events and more are available!
[Form] |
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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
When more Wisconsinites can participate in our state’s clean energy transition, we’ll reach our environmental and energy independence goals faster. That’s where the Green Innovation Fund comes in. The Green Innovation Fund leverages public and private funds to invest in strategic energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that benefit traditionally underserved businesses, residents, and communities across Wisconsin. By facilitating the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies, the Fund will ultimately improve overall quality of life in our state. [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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| 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 - PDF, Webpage]
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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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