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The Buzz from WCEDA - upcoming networking events you won't want to miss and much more...

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.

ABOUT WCEDA • CONTACT US • VISIT SITE • BECOME A MEMBER

"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."  – Theodore Roosevelt

In this email...

Upcoming Events l Membership News

Workforce News l County Developments

Economic Indicators l Other News

Valuable Resources

A few words from WCEDA's Executive Director, Derek D'Auria ...

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Unlock the Possibilities of Your Future Workforce

A WCEDA Workforce Symposium Follow-up Event

October 17, 2023 • 8-9am • ZOOM

Let's dive a little deeper!

WCEDA will continue the discussion on how to unlock the possibilities of your future workforce by connecting with local high schools. On May 8th, WCEDA showcased numerous local and regional employers who partner with local high schools to train and employ their future workforce, and this follow-up event will dive deeper into how to partner up with local high schools and enroll your own pool of Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeships. This event will feature local employers, current Youth Apprenticeships (YA), local high schools, and WCEDA staff, while walking all participants through the YA process. In addition, employers will learn who to contact at and how to contact high schools, how to seamlessly connect with high school students, and discuss current strategies being used by local employers to feed their talent pipeline.

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Previous Event Video:

May Workforce Symposium

Register Now!
 

WCEDA'S Annual Meeting - Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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Jeff Yabuki, named among the most innovative leaders in America by Forbes magazine for his transformational impact in business, is coming to Walworth County on November 15, 2023!

Join us for WCEDA's Annual meeting, featuring keynote speaker Jeff Yabuki, Chairman at Motive Partners and former CEO of Fiserv.

 

We are entering a new era of significant economic, social and technological change across a more complex macro-environment. This change is raising the bar for business and leadership to develop new approaches to deliver sustained success. Outcomes will be spurred by innovation, adoption and a willingness to address these exponential challenges head on. We will discuss how leadership must adapt to create a winning economic environment.

 

WCEDA Member: $35 • Non-Member: $49

Follow the link below for registration and sponsorship information.

Register Now!
 

Multi-Chamber Business After Hours

 

Join us at The Treasury in downtown Delavan on October 5 for a networking event!

 

Cash Bar! Appetizers from local restaurants! Networking!

 

RSVP by OCTOBER 2!

 

The question isn't who is going two let me: Its who is going to stop me?

~Ayne Rand

What is Inspire?

Click here to learn more!

Newsletter archives can be found here.

What is Made In Walworth County?

Click here to learn more!

Newsletter archives can be found here.

 

Manufacturing Tours

We're gearing up to celebrate Manufacturing Month. High School tours are being scheduled, so if you haven't reached out to be included, please let me know ASAP!

 

Here are some photos from last year's tours.

 

Job Shadows

I currently have students interested in shadowing –

  • Electrician/HVAC
  • Welding
  • Nursing
  • Plumbing

If you would like to make a difference in a student's experience, please let me know if you are able to host them for a job shadow.

 

Higher Expectations Grant

Do you know someone who doesn't have their HS Diploma or equivalent?

 

We have partnered with Higher Expectations for Racine County to expand their program in Walworth County. Often there are personal or learning barriers that get in the way of education — maybe the pandemic even. Do you have employees that could benefit from high school attainment? Or maybe you know someone personally that feels like they are being held back due to lack of minimum education?

 

The Higher Expectations group offers a pathway to overcoming these barriers, and I am here to help increase high school attainment among our residents through personal guidance. BUT FIRST we need to identify those in need.

 

Please reach out to me today!

 

WCEDA is excited to announce the upcoming launch of Fundamentals of Supervision Module II, designed to help you enhance your leadership skills and confidence.

 

Beginning October 25, we’ll be offering this module in person — providing an immersive learning experience at Gateway Technical College, Elkhorn Campus. If you prefer virtual learning, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a ZOOM option starting on October 30.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your leadership journey, this module will equip you with valuable insights and tools.

 

For more information and details, please contact me; I will be happy to discuss via phone, or email more information to you. Online registration is available on our website at: https://www.walworthbusiness.com/fundamentals-of-supervision

 

Your leadership journey begins here. I look forward to hearing from you!

For junior leaders and new managers, The Fundamentals of Supervision training provides the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead a team, communicate with colleagues, and make informed decisions. This training can cover areas such as communication, conflict resolution, time management, and goal setting, among others.

Improved Communication Skills, Priority Identification, Conflict Resolution, Bad Behavior Management, Worker Engagement, Avoidance of Harassment and Discrimination, Development of Leadership Tools

 

Modules can be taken individually and in any order.

 

In-Person Class Option

Wednesdays, 8-10am

Module II dates:

Oct. 25

Nov. 1, 8, 29

Dec. 6, 13

 

Virtual Option

Mondays, 3-5pm

Module II dates:

Oct. 30

Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27

Dec. 4

 

[More Info/Upcoming Sessions]

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For senior leaders and those who need to brush up on their leadership skills, Top-Level Leadership training is crucial. This type of training may cover advanced leadership strategies, such as managing teams across different cultures and geographies, leading organizational change, and developing strategic vision and direction. It also includes training on emerging technologies, and other relevant topics that will help leaders stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in management.

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.

 

[More Info]

 

Other Training Options

Business and Workforce Solutions

Lean/Six Sigma Certifications

Culinary Arts

Advanced Career Training Programs

 

Gateway's Fall 2023 Excel Workshops

Get in on these inexpensive training opportunities!

 

Two-hour sessions: ($29-$49)

Excel Dashboards, Excel Look-Up Functions, Excel Pivot Tables and Charts, Excel Simple Macros,

 

[More info]

 

Tax Credit Compliance Training Course

November 8, 2023 • 8:30am - 4:00pm

WHEDA Headquarters (908 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53703)

 

This course is intended to be an overview of the program, compliance requirements, and WHEDA’s monitoring procedures. It is designed to be particularly useful to on-site managers and individuals who have not attended a previous Section 42 training. We will include general resident certification procedures, forms, and WHEDA’s reporting and inspection requirements. We will also cover what to expect when a physical and file review is conducted.

 

[More info]

 

For past & present county developments, visit the newsletter section of our website here.

 

To read more about each indicator, visit the newsletter section of our website here.

Unemployment Rates

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Wisconsin fell 0.0 percentage points in May 2023 to 2.4%. The state unemployment rate was 1.3 percentage points lower than the national rate for the...

Yield Spread

10-2 Year Treasury Yield Spread is at -0.45%, compared to -0.49% the previous market day and -0.35% last year. This is lower than the long term average of 0.89%.

The 10-2 Treasury Yield Spread is the difference...

U.S. Durable Goods

New orders for manufactured durable goods in the US unexpectedly rose 0.2% month-over-month in August 2023, rebounding from an upwardly revised 5.6% slump in July, and beating market forecasts of a 0.5% fall. Orders for...

Crude Spot Oil Prices

Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 84.72, up from 78.98 last month and down from 95.97 one year ago. This is a change of 7.27% from last month and -11.72% from one year ago...

 

Fore the Love of Golf!

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

 

WCEDA's Annual Golf Outing & Boat Cruise Fundraiser was held on Tuesday, September 19 at Lake Lawn Resort. Participants enjoyed a complimentary transfusion before golf, sponsored by Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, as well as a special fall-flavored Tito's drink on the boat. Julius Bindrim provided soothing sounds as we cruised around beautiful Delavan Lake on the Lake Lawn Queen.

 

Congratulations to our first and second place teams —First National Bank & Trust and Kunes Auto Group, as well as all our other winners!

Event Sponsor

Click on any picture above to expand.

Hole Sponsors

Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce, Royal Basket Trucks, Advia Credit Union, Lake Geneva Blind Co.

 
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Monday, September 25, 2023 • The Abbey Resort

 

Held at The Abbey Resort, Monday, September 25, the aim of the summit was to start county-wide discussions about challenges and potential solutions to the housing shortage. It also marked the start of a 12-month initiative led by WCEDA and funded by Walworth County, to work with municipalities that want to facilitate housing development in their respective communities.

 

[Housing Summit Web Page]

 

The Total Relationship: Four Steps to Breaking the Mold, Transforming the Financial Advisor-Client Partnership and Building True Wealth

by Tyson Ray of FORM Wealth Advisors

 

The Total Relationship explores the dynamics between clients and financial advisors. It presents a fresh perspective on the importance of a mutually beneficial partnership, challenging the prevalent performance-focused approach in the industry. By emphasizing the need for clients seeking professional advice and advisors with expert guidance, this book aims to create a meaningful relationship to show what is possible and better for the client and the advisor. [Get it on Amazon]

 

Futuremaker Partner Award

Precision Plus was named the recipient of the Futuremaker Partner Award by Gateway Technical College and the Wisconsin Technical College System. The award recognizes the unique and dynamic partnerships forged between Wisconsin’s technical colleges and their employer partners.

 

Read the full press release at https://lnkd.in/ggZVXvks.

 

Millennium hits the Inc. Magazine 5000 list for the ninth year in a row!

 

Millennium ranked #1685 overall and 2nd in the state of WI for their exponential growth! They are honored to continually make this list alongside the other hard working companies in- and outside of the telecom industry.

 

View the full article at: https://hubs.ly/Q01_4SWf0

Your input is needed!

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]

 

Vote Now for WHLA's Website & Lodging Directory Cover Contest!

 

Delavan Lake Resort has made it to the finals! They are up against the Landmark Resort in Egg Harbor for the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association's 2024 directory cover.

 

Vote by the end of the day (11:59pm) on October 1.

 

[More Info]

[Vote For DLR]

Visit our website for additional resources.

 

Choices in Childcare

 

Choices in Childcare is aimed at increasing child care slots across the state while also providing access to more affordable care. Reforms passed this month build upon the $960 million investment into childcare by Republicans in the most recent state budget. In fact, this nearly $1 billion expenditure includes an increase of over $90 million towards childcare in this budget alone. [More info]

 

Incumbent Workers Training (IWT)

 

In today’s ever-changing marketplace, the importance of job training has never been greater. Forward Careers's Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) grant is a way to keep your organization competitive.

 

Training programs may range from 1 day to 16 weeks and be held between January 1, 2024 and June 14, 2024.

 

Start your application now. The spring deadline is December 1, 2023. [Learn More]

 

Wisconsin Tax Bulletin 222

 

Wisconsin Tax Bulletin 222 (July 2023) has been posted to the Internet at https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/ISE/wtb-Home.aspx or go to the department's website and search "Bulletins".

 

[More Info]

 

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]

 

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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Walworth County Economic Development Alliance | 400 Country Road H | Suite 105 | Elkhorn, WI 53121