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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| Navigating AI: A Virtual Education Series Thursdays from 12:30-12:50pm
August 29 - November 14, 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. |
| Schedule Week 10: November 7 Google Chrome Extensions & Note Taking Previous weeks: Week 1: ChatGPT
Week 2: Adobe & DALL•E
Week 3: AI & Websites
Week 4: Placer.ai
Week 5: xiQ
Week 6: Copilot
Week 7: Personas
Week 8: Copilot, Part 2
Week 9: Education & Considerations |
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WCEDA's Annual Meeting
presented by Mercyhealth |
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.
Keynote Speaker: Todd McLees
Todd McLees is Founder of HumanSkills.AI, dedicated to helping millions flourish in the AI Economy. A recognized thought leader in Generative AI’s impact on people, work, and learning, Todd’s frameworks on AI Agility, Human-AI Mindsets, and Human Skills for the AI Economy are pivotal in driving transformation across diverse industries and academic institutions... [Read On]
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County-Wide, Off the Clock Networking Event Nov 12, 2024 • 5-7pm
Maxwell Mansion Join us at the historic Maxwell Mansion, 304 S Wells St, Lake Geneva for our November Multi-Chamber Business After Hours event. The Mansion, its outdoor spaces, The Apothecary Bar and The Speakeasy will be open for partners from all of our Walworth County Chambers to network and connect.
Bring your business cards and enjoy an evening learning more about this iconic Lake Geneva estate while connecting with others about your business.
To RSVP, please Email Christi by November 8. |
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| Save the Date for WCEDA's 1st Annual
Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown! Sunday, January 26, 2024 • Lake Lawn Resort
Join us for WCEDA's first annual Walworth County Culinary Showdown, featuring teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs! Enjoy the samples, and vote for your favorites!!!
Registration information coming soon... |
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Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievements, in the trill of creative effort. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. |
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| Made In Walworth County Member After Hours
Our next MIWC event will take place at SPX in Delavan on December 11 from 4-5:15pm. They will be discussing their successes with the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program, with a tour to follow. I'll send out a reminder to everyone in a few weeks. Hope to see you all there! |
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High School Manufacturing Tours
October was a busy month for Kareers4 Kids (AKA Inspire). We hosted manufacuting tours for 90 students from four schools who visited various manufacturers across the county. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the companies that hosted tours this month: Continental Plastic, MPM, Prop Shaft, SPX, R&L Springs, WI Oven and Pentair. From left to right: First two from left - Big Foot HS at Continental Plastics, 10/10
Delavan-Darien HS at R&L Spring, 10/29 Elkhorn Area HS at Gateway, 10/16 |
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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 so I can get you loaded into the Career Connected Learning Model. |
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Successful Custom Course! |
In Progress Custom Course! |
| 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 Supervision “We value you and believe in your growth.”
While company training teaches the essentials of the job, pursuing additional skills independently builds expertise, boosts confidence, and sets you apart. Company training beyond how to do the job, also shows dedication and initiative—traits that employees notice and value.
Employees feel more engaged when they see their company investing in their potential, not just their job. This commitment builds trust, increases job satisfaction, and often translates into longer tenure.
By fostering continuous learning, you’re not just strengthening your team’s capabilities—you’re creating a supportive environment where employees can thrive and grow alongside the company.
WCEDA offers The Fundamentals of Supervision training in four modules, that do not need to be taken in any order. Four classes per module, held at Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn, with Liz Oplatka as the instructor.
Contact Susan Smolarek at: 262.215.7254 or Susan@Walworthbusiness.com with any questions you may have. |
| Module II Wednesdays, starting November 20, 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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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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Essential Skills Training
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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
[Learn More] |
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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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Housing is Economic Development
Throughout much of the industrial 20th century, housing development served as a significant economic driver by stimulating demand for various consumer goods. The expansion of suburban housing not only increased the need for automobiles and appliances but also created substantial employment opportunities in American factories, fostering a cycle of economic growth.
Currently, however, housing affordability has reached critical levels, with over 40% of renters classified as cost-burdened—spending more than 30% of their income on housing. In approximately 80% of U.S. markets, housing prices are escalating at a rate outpacing wage growth, thereby straining moderate-income families and younger generations who struggle to manage debt and achieve stable, desirable living conditions. The existing housing shortage is... [Read On]
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WCEDA's Pam Carper Recognized Pam Carper received a Recognition of Quality certificate from the Lakeland Builders Association for her efforts on workforce housing in Walworth County. Congratulations Pam! |
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| Gateway receives Best College/University awards
• Best of Kenosha County • Best of Racine County • Best of Geneva Lake For more than 110 years, Gateway has been proudly offering life-changing educational opportunities and career training to Southeastern Wisconsin and are honored to provide cutting-edge education to our area for many years to come. |
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| UW-Whitewater ranks No. 1 in Wisconsin for student experience, Wall Street Journal finds
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is the state’s top college or university for student experience, a Wall Street Journal study has found. The study was part of the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. ranking, developed and executed in collaboration with its research partners College Pulse and Statista. In a survey, more than 50,000 students and recent graduates were asked about campus facilities, including food, housing options, and extracurricular activities, the WSJ said. Questions also focused on students’ satisfaction with the sense of community on campus, mental health support, safety, and social scene. [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 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 0.15%, compared to 0.07% the previous market day and -0.33% 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 decreased by 2.2 billion or 0.8 percent to $284.8 billion in September 2024, following a revised 0.8 percent decline in August and compared with market expectations of a 1 percent... |
| Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 73.97, up from 72.42 last month and down from 89.08 one year ago. This is a change of 2.14% from last month and -16.96% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
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Gateway Apprenticeship Open House & Career Fair
Elkhorn Campus: Wednesday, Nov 20th, 3 PM - 6 PM - Meet Employers: Connect with apprenticeship employers and sponsors looking to recruit new talent.
- Learn About Apprenticeships: Discover the benefits of bridging Youth Apprenticeship to Registered Apprenticeship.
- Resources and Support: The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and Gateway's Career and Employment Services will be on hand to support apprenticeship sponsors in their recruitment efforts.
This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in exploring the world of apprenticeships, connecting with employers, and learning about valuable resources.
This event is free to attend, and we encourage everyone in the community to take advantage of this valuable opportunity! [Reserve Your Spot] |
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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
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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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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