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. |
|
|
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 ... |
|
|
Click on the thumbnail above to expand. |
| Register Now for WCEDA's 1st Annual
Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown! Sunday, January 26, 2025 • Lake Lawn Resort
[Register] |
Join us for WCEDA's first annual Walworth County Culinary Showdown, featuring teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs! |
Taste the creativity as teams present their take on a typical hot dog, deconstructed and brought to us in a whole new way. Each team will also bring a gourmet dish of their choice of encased meat, which could include lamb, beef, chorizo, Italian sausage, pork, etc.
Enjoy the samples, and vote for your favorites!!! $20 Standard Admission $35 VIP Hour |
|
| Thank you all for attending the WCEDA/Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce Annual Member Holiday Party!
January 9, 2025
Help us give a huge thank you to GRAND GENEVA for donating a TON of food, as well as the following others for providing excellent dishes: Next Door Pub, Evergreen Golf Club, Moy's, Hansen's IGA, Cotton Exchange, Farm House Sweets, Friends on the Square |
|
|
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” ― Maria Robinson |
|
| | Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown! (For more details see the "Upcoming Events" section above) Sunday, January 26, 2025 • Lake Lawn Resort [Register]
Local, professional chefs and high school culinary students have started planning for our first annual Culinary Showdown! The chefs and students will be meeting multiple times over the course of the next month to brainstorm ideas for their event dishes, test them out and get the final selections ready for the event. This is a wonderful opportunity for our local talent to mentor the next generation and promote high school culinary programs in our County! |
|
|
Craftsman With Character I'm excited to share that we will be launching our inaugural Craftsman with Character program on January 21! This program will bring 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.
Section 2 will begin in September of 2025. If you're interested in participating in this program, please feel free to reach out to me. I also hope to expand this program to other schools in our county. |
|
|
CCA Mock Interviews December 9, 2024
On December 9, I had the privilege of participating in mock interviews with the Career and College Academy. It was an excellent experience for the students, who all performed wonderfully. They truly represent the future of our workforce! |
|
|
| 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]
|
|
|
|
MIWC Member Event
On December 11, SPX hosted WCEDA's Made in Walworth County group. They provided an insightful presentation on the history of their company and shared their successes with the youth apprenticeship program. This was followed by a tour of their facility. A big thank you to Michele and the team for hosting us—it was truly a great experience. Also, thank you to our members who attended the event; it was wonderful to have you there! |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Leadership Training for Entry-Level and Mid-Level Supervisors & Managers
|
|
|
Fundamentals of Leadership
FKA Fundamentals of Supervision
Equip your team with the skills they need to excel in leadership, productivity, and workplace safety.
Module II: Doing the Right Things offers actionable insights and strategies to elevate performance and foster a strong, respectful work environment.
What Your Team Will Learn:
-
Onboard, Not Overboard: Seamlessly integrate new employees without compromising safety, quality, or productivity.
- Fear No Review: Master the art of giving impactful, constructive feedback.
- From Colleague to Boss: Navigate relationship shifts with confidence and build universal respect.
- Manage Energy, Not Time: Prioritize focus and energy for maximum effectiveness.
- The Gorilla in the Room: Recognize and prevent attentional blindness to avoid critical oversights.
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
January 22, 29
February 5, 12 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] |
|
|
Leadership Training for Executive-Level Leaders
|
|
|
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. |
| |
|
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.
|
|
|
Looking forward...
As 2025 begins, Walworth County stands poised to address the pressing need for workforce housing. Through the collaboration of municipal leaders, builders, developers, engineers, lenders, realtors, business leaders, school administrators, and citizens, we can take meaningful steps to expand housing opportunities for our workforce.
The progress made so far is inspiring. Whitewater led the way with its initial 33-unit housing development and continues planning for additional growth. Genoa City is actively working with builders to address their housing needs. Meanwhile, Delavan and East Troy have started exploring solutions, joining communities like Walworth, Sharon, and Fontana, all of which recognize the critical importance of workforce housing.
The time is now to build on this momentum. By securing resources, fostering partnerships, and removing barriers, we can create housing solutions that enable our workforce to live and thrive in the communities they serve. This effort not only strengthens our local economy but also supports vibrant schools and strong neighborhoods across Walworth County.
Together, we can answer the call, partner for progress, and build a brighter future for our communities.
Here’s to a successful 2025 and a thriving Walworth County. |
|
|
| LBA Builder Member of the Year, Tracy Group John Tracy, Tracy Group, recognized for his incredible effort to address workforce housing in Walworth County, serves on committees, panels and a County task force. Congratulations John! |
|
|
Welcome new WCEDA member, Exacto!! Thank you for your support! |
|
|
|
Why support WCEDA? We are a 501(c)(6) non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life for Walworth County residents by working with public and private sector partners to advance efforts that create jobs and build private sector investment in our communities. We host events for local businesses that connect them with resources and education to facilitate their growth.
[Learn more] |
|
|
| Kunes COO to speak at the 2025 NADA Show
Scott Kunes of Kunes Auto Group, has been honored to speak at the NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) Show in New Orleans this year. His session, called Passing the Torch, will examine the heart of the auto industry where you'll find family-owned auto groups — some stretching four, five, even six generations. But dealership family trees can be complex and complicated, and passing the torch can get fiery. Participants will learn how to keep their cool, plan for succession and ensure a smooth transition. [NADA Link]
|
|
|
| Radius Packaging selected as finalist, Baker Tilly hosts
We are proud to announce that two WCEDA members are involved in this year's WI MOTY Awards! Baker Tilly is, once again, one of the hosting sponsors and Radius Packaging is a finalist.
"We are incredibly proud and honored to announce that we have been selected as a finalist for the 36th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards! Huge shoutout to our Rad Team! Your commitment, creativity, and hard work made this happen. Our members are the driving force behind our success. We are proud to be part of Wisconsin's vibrant manufacturing community." |
|
|
| Wisconsin Oven Ships Two-Zone Belt Conveyor Oven for Steel Tempering
Wisconsin Oven Corporation is pleased to announce the shipment of a two (2) zone belt conveyor oven that will be used for tempering various steel parts after induction hardening. This oven is designed for precise temperature control and energy efficiency. The conveyor oven is capable of heating 2,400 pounds of steel per hour from 70°F to 350°F, with a maximum temperature rating of 500°F. [Read on]
|
|
|
| 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] |
|
|
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]
|
|
|
To read more about each indicator, visit the newsletter section of our website here. |
|
|
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... |
|
10-2 Year Treasury Yield Spread is at 0.37%, compared to 0.41% the previous market day and -0.28% 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 1.1% month-over-month to $285.1 billion in November 2024, following an upwardly revised 0.8% rise in October and much worse than market forecasts of a 0.4%... |
| Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 72.31, up from 72.29 last month and down from 75.72 one year ago. This is a change of 0.03% from last month and -4.50% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
|
|
Free Training: Planning Program & Public Facilities Program Grants
The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) will be conducting Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025 Application Training for the Planning (PLNG) Program & Public Facilities (PF) Program grants. Training Date/Time/Access Information:
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Microsoft Teams Webinar [Learn More] |
|
| | 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
|
|
|
| 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] |
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
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] |
|
|
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]
|
|
|
| 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]
|
|
|
| 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]
|
|
|
| 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]
|
|
|
|
