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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"I've always thought of AI as the most profound technology humanity is working on. More profound than fire or electricity or anything that we've done in the past." - Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google |
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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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| WCEDA'S Annual Member Holiday Party
Members, please join us on Thursday, January 11 at the Elkhorn Chamber office! The Details:
5pm - 8pm
January 11th, 2024
203 E. Walworth St., Elkhorn
Drinks and Food Provided
RSVP by January 8th
kate@elkhornchamber.com |
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WCEDA's Annual Meeting - Wednesday, November 15, 2023 |
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Once again, our Annual Meeting was a great success! We have a lot to be thankful for, including the wisdom shared by our Keynote Speaker, Jeff Yabuki. It was an engaging and very thought-provoking presentation.
We look forward to working with you in the coming year to leverage economic opportunities that will benefit all of us. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit, WCEDA relies heavily on membership and sponsor support. That's why we are so grateful to this year's sponsors. We couldn't have made this event a success without them. Please consider patronizing the organizations that are listed below.
Congratulations Dave Bretl Community Betterment Award winner, Seeds of Hope and Walworth County Business Technology Investment Award Winner, Radius Packaging! |
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Multi-Chamber Networking Event at the Walworth County Historical Society Sponsored by Duesterbeck's Brewing Company, The Bottle Shop & Pastries By Chad
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It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.
~Mother Theresa
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! |
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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. The Higher Expectations group offers a pathway to overcoming 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! |
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Manufacturing Tours
Aday Custom Cabinetry & Brunk Industries, Inc.
We ended our manufacturing month tours with Elkhorn High School and Career & College Academy touring Aday Custom Cabinetry and Brunk Industries. The students found both tours very valuable and are interested in opportunities in both fields. |
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Badger Student Seeking Employment A current student at Badger is looking to gain experience in robotics. If you are interested in mentoring a summer intern, please reach out to me! Badger Career Fair A career fair is planned for Badger High School on March 14, 2024. Please contact me if you are interested in participating. More info to come...
Manufacturing Tours
Thank you Precision Plus and Hudapack Metal Treating, Inc. for hosting the Badger students for manufacturing tours on November 10. |
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Made in Walworth County Member Meeting November 28 • R&L Spring Company A big thank you to R&L Spring Co for hosting our MIWC member event. It's amazing what they can do making springs! The tour was very interesting, and we all enjoyed it a lot. |
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Are you guiding your employees to their best self? Are you encouraging them, mentoring them, and helping them earn and learn? Source: LinkedIn |
| The Crucial Role of Fundamentals of Supervision Training by WCEDA
In today's fast-paced and dynamic business world, effective leadership and management skills are more important than ever. That's why the Fundamentals of Supervision training, presented by WCEDA, is an invaluable resource for individuals and organizations alike.
Supervision training is a foundational element in building strong, efficient, and balanced teams. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills required to lead, manage, and inspire their colleagues to achieve their full potential.
If you have any questions about the program or are interested in enrolling, please reach out to us. We are here to help you take the next step in your leadership training. Watch for my email and do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have. Your leadership development is our priority! |
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Modules can be taken individually and in any order. Virtual Class - IN PROGRESS
Mondays, 3-5pm Module II dates: Oct. 30 Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27 Dec. 4
Next classes start Jan. 10! [More Info/Upcoming Sessions] |
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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] |
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Gateway's SPRING 2024 Online LEAN SIX SIGMA classes start on January 22. - 12-Week Lean Manufacturing Principles
- 2-Week LSS Green Belt - Part A
- 2-Week LSS Green Belt - Part B
- 12-Week LSS Green to Black Belt
Register at training.gtc.edu. Please contact Rick Lofy (lofyr@gtc.edu), or 262-215-6725 with any questions. |
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Do we buy, do we rent, can we find housing we can afford? These are all questions being asked today, and our workforce is searching to find housing close to their employment, their child’s school, and communities that support solid lifestyles. WCEDA is working to identify these issues of the housing crisis, the builders/developers willing to look at creating the housing needed by our workforce, and the companies, medical facilities, and schools whose staff are finding housing to be very limited and often unaffordable in Walworth County. We are talking with all parties to bring them together to work on this. As we gather information, it will be shared to help better understand what needs to be done as we move forward. Some of the needed information is in the survey below. |
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To better assess the need for workforce housing, it is important to understand the needs of the employers throughout Walworth County. Businesses, please fill out this very brief survey on housing. Your input is IMPORTANT. (Owner or HR department may be best to complete.) By taking a few minutes to answer the following questions WCEDA will be better prepared to address the needs and how the lack of such housing is negatively impacting your business.
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Please help us welcome WCEDA's recent new members! |
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| Radius Packaging recognized for Excellence for Blow Molding by the SPE Blow Molding Division Board!
The Recognition of Excellence for Blow Molding highlights a molder who looks forward and embraces the core values to promote the blow molding craft and industry. Criteria include molders that display innovation in their blow molding activities and make capital investments in their operations while growing and engaging their employees... [Read On]
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UW-Whitewater holds Intergenerational Technology Services grand opening
IGeTS provides free technology services for home and community based services (HCBS) enrollees aged 50+ and any adults aged 60+ that reside in Walworth, Jefferson, Rock, and Waukesha counties. Services are offered in English and Spanish and provided by UW-Whitewater students, faculty and staff members as well as community volunteers... [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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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 October 2023 to 3.2%. The state unemployment rate was 0.7 percentage points lower than the... |
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10-2 Year Treasury Yield Spread is at -0.36%, compared to -0.37% the previous market day and -0.70% last year. This is lower than the long term average of 0.88%. The 10-2 Treasury Yield Spread is the difference... |
| New orders for manufactured durable goods in the United States plummeted by 5.4% month-over-month in October 2023, reversing a 4.0% surge seen in September and significantly surpassing market expectations of a... |
| Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 89.08, down from 92.22 last month and down from 90.33 one year ago. This is a change of -3.40% from last month and -1.38% from one year ago.The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
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Non State Grant Application
The Grants for Local Projects program is a transformative initiative dedicated to supporting non-state organizations in their pursuit of construction projects with a statewide public purpose. The program was established by 2023 Wisconsin Act 19. To be eligible for a grant, non-state organizations must secure funding from non-state revenue sources covering at least half of the total project cost. [More Info]
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The Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund Funded by DoorDash, the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund provides $10,000 grants to local restaurants affected by state- or federally-declared natural disasters. Applications for the current round close December 29, 2023, at 6 p.m. ET. [More Info] |
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ChatGPT for HR in 2023: What Can ChatGPT Do?
Duration: 90 Minutes Access: 6 months
This highly interactive Webinar offers you and your HR team an array of practical tools and templates you can use to effectively manage your HR responsibilities. [More Info] |
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REMINDER: APPLICATIONS DUE TUESDAY |
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| Upskilling our Wisconsin Workforce Applications are currently being accepted for Standard and Expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward grant programs. - Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants - Applications due November 7, 2023
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Technical Education Equipment Grants - Applications due December 5, 2023
[More Info] |
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REMINDER: APPLICATIONS DUE TOMORROW |
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| 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] |
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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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Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Construction Materials and Products Grant
EPA has extended the deadline to apply for $100 million in grants to support efforts to report and reduce climate pollution linked to manufacturing of construction materials and products. The deadline to submit a grant application was originally Jan. 8, 2024, and EPA has extended the deadline until Jan.16, 2024. Additionally, EPA is extending the date to submit an optional Notice of Intent to apply from Oct. 27, 2023, to Nov.15, 2023. [More Info]
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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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