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 ... |
|
|
| EVENT TOMORROW!
Free Info Session: Youth Mentor Training Program Wednesday, September 16, 2025 8:00 - 8:45am ZOOM
Join us for a 45-minute informational session to learn about a potential new workforce development program designed for company employees who mentor students through youth apprenticeships, Craftsman with Character, and other long-term career experiences.
The proposed program would provide approximately 12 hours of structured training to help mentors strengthen their skills, better support student growth, and create more meaningful outcomes for both students and employers.
This session is an opportunity for companies already engaged in youth apprenticeships and similar initiatives (or those that want to get involved) to share input, ask questions, and help shape the fine details of the training before it is launched.
Your feedback will play an important role in ensuring this program is valuable, practical, and tailored to the needs of both businesses and students. [Join the meeting] |
|
|
|
Here's your chance to win $5,000! Pitch Perfect, Empowering Regional Startups
November 12, 2025 Have a Good Idea for a Business? It might be worth $5,000! Perfect Pitch is a business idea competition that will be held on November 12 in Kenosha. In addition to cash prizes, it's a good opportunity to connect with potential investors. Anyone who wants to put together a pitch for their idea is welcome to tryout.
**The guidelines for this year have not yet been published; however, they will be similar to the last event, held in 2022. Click here for those details. Key Deadlines -
Applications Due: DEADLINE EXTENDED! September 17, 2025 by 11:59 pm
- Finalists Notified: October 1, 2025
- Finalist Workshop: October 13-17, 2025, at Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC)
- Pitch Practice Session: November 12, 2025, from 1 PM to 3 PM
- Pitch Perfect Event: November 12, 2025, at 4 PM
|
|
|
WCEDA's Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser for Kareers4Kids
Thursday, September 11, 2025, Lake Lawn Resort, Majestic Oaks Golf Course |
Thank you to all our golfers, sponsors and of course our venue sponsor, Lake Lawn Resort! |
|
|
** View all the photos on the event webpage here. ** |
|
|
| Attention businesses!
Get out your schedules because it's time to get some Career-Based Learning Experiences on the calendar! We are looking to meet with member businesses to come up with some dates for the 2025-2026 school year. Here are some ideas for experiences you might want to consider offering.
Look for an email or call from Leslie Gostomski or Lisa Pavett, or schedule a meeting at your convenience here.
|
|
|
Thank you to all those who have met with us this past month!
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa • Invenergy • PropShaft Supply • Lake Lawn Resort PremierBank • MPM • Fairfield • Radius Packaging |
|
|
| MIWC After Hours at Gordy's Cobalt Lounge August 26, 2025 Made in Walworth County members gathered on Tuesday, August 26 at Gordy's Cobalt Lounge for an After Hours networking event. Thank you to everyone who attended, and thank you Gordy's for hosting!
Stay tuned for the next MIWC event, coming early November. |
|
|
| Manufacturing Month Employer Visits
WCEDA's annual Walworth County high school manufacturing group tours are coming up soon. Sign up now! Dates available: - Tuesday, October 7, 8-9:30a or 10-11:30a
- Thursday, October 9, 8-9:30a or 10-11:30a
- Monday, October 13, 8-9:30a or 10-11:30a
-
Wednesday, October 15, 8-9:30a or 10-11:30a
- Wednesday, October 22, 8-9:30a or 10-11:30a
- Tuesday, October 28, 8-9:30a or 10-11:30a
[Sign up] [Questions] |
|
|
Successful Custom Course! |
| Successful Custom Course! |
| In-Progress (Module III) Custom Course! |
|
|
Spanish for Business
Managing a team with Spanish-speaking employees can be challenging when communication is limited. Misunderstandings can lead to safety risks, lost productivity, and decreased morale on both sides. Our Spanish for Business training helps your team develop practical workplace Spanish to give instructions clearly, improve teamwork, and ensure a smooth, efficient work environment.
Classes are tailored to individuals who interact with Spanish-speaking customers, clients and coworkers. This program was created based on a growing Spanish speaking population in our communities and the need of many local businesses struggling with language barriers that impact customer service, workplace efficiency and overall communication.
[Learn More] |
|
|
Entry- to Mid-Level Leadership Training |
|
|
Don't miss out on WCEDA's Fall Leadership Course! 48 Hours of Training! |
|
|
Fundamentals of Leadership
FKA Fundamentals of Supervision
Our Fundamentals of Leadership course is designed as a comprehensive four-part series (48 total hours) that builds essential leadership skills through progressive learning. Wednesdays • 8-11 am
Dates TBD 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. |
| |
|
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 Leslie Gostomski 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.
|
|
|
What is happening in the housing market in and around Walworth County The conversation around housing is growing louder, and right here in Walworth County, communities are taking action to address the shortage of workforce housing.
Whitewater: Leading the Way
Whitewater has been at the forefront of these efforts, making important policy changes to encourage new housing development. By reviewing and updating its zoning policies, the city created a new One-Family Residence District – Small Lots, which allows more homes to be built on land that previously held only a few large-lot houses. This change helps bring new homes within the price range needed for workforce housing.
Whitewater didn’t stop there. They also adopted an Affordable Housing Fund Policy, which directs special tax-increment funds toward building more affordable housing. Thanks to these efforts, three projects are moving forward that will bring 128 new homes to the community—including single-family houses, side-by-side units, and apartments. |
|
|
Countywide Progress
Other communities are also stepping forward. Delavan and East Troy have both completed land use studies to identify parcels suitable for housing development. This groundwork will allow municipalities and builders to plan future projects with confidence. Genoa City is moving ahead with a proposed development of more than 80 single-family homes, which will provide much-needed options for young families, local workers, and retirees. |
| Looking Beyond the County
Just over the county line, Jefferson County is also getting creative. Thrive of Greater Jefferson County launched the Live Local Development Fund—a resource built with support from community foundations, corporations, healthcare providers, and local banks. This fund helps both developers and future homeowners, making it easier to keep housing within reach.
Partnerships are also playing a crucial role. Collaborations with Habitat for Humanity not only expand opportunities for homeownership but also foster a spirit of community, generosity, and shared purpose. |
| Building Momentum
From Whitewater to Genoa City, East Troy, and Delavan to Jefferson County, the housing movement is gaining traction. Policies are changing, projects are breaking ground, and communities are coming together to create housing options for the people who keep our towns and cities strong. |
|
|
Why Workforce Housing Matters - Keeps essential workers - teachers, nurses, first responders - living in the communities they serve
- Supports local businesses by making it easier for employees to live nearby
- Provides stable housing options for young families and retirees
- Stabilizes school enrollment
-
Strengthens the overall economy y attracting and retaining talent.
The foundation has been laid—now it’s time to keep the momentum going. |
|
|
|
NEW! WCEDA News Notes Monthly Housing Newsletter
Would you like to stay up to date on the progress of WCEDA's Housing Initiative to address workforce housing in our county? Let us know and we'll add you to the News Notes email list! Email pam@walworthbusiness.com. |
|
|
| Racing the docks: Red Bull Rush Delivery lands in Lake Geneva Saturday, September 20 Riviera Beach, Lake Geneva FREE For the first time ever, Red Bull is turning our legendary Lake Geneva tradition into a high-speed competition. Inspired by the iconic mailboat jumpers, runners will test their speed, agility, & nerves as they leap from a moving boat to deliver packages — before hopping back on board. 40 participants will race against the clock. The top 10 advance to the finals. The top 3 will take home cash prizes. [Learn More] |
|
|
| Wisconsin Oven ships to space exploration company
Wisconsin Oven recently shipped a custom industrial oven with a powered load/unload table to a leading space exploration company. This batch oven will be used to stress relieve titanium parts and is designed to deliver exceptional temperature uniformity at multiple set points.
"This custom batch oven was designed to deliver exceptional temperature uniformity at multiple set points. Wisconsin Oven’s expertise in temperature control and optimized airflow distribution ensures consistent processing and superior part quality. This system also meets the stringent requirements of AMS 2750G, Class 3, Instrumentation Type A.” – Mike Grande, Vice President of Sales [Learn More] |
|
|
|
CDL Permit Exams September 20-22, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Gateway's Horizon Center, 4940 88th Avenue, Kenosha, WI Are you looking to get employees CDL (Commercial Driver License) certified? Whether they are getting a CDL-A or B, the first step is passing the permit exams.
Gateway Technical College is offering an intensive, three-day workshop to help individuals prepare for the three core written exams required for a CLP (Commercial License Permit). Our experienced instructors will guide you through complex material with practice exams and a supportive learning environment.
Who: New drivers, those preparing for their CDL-A or CDL-B program, and employers looking to get their employees certified.
Questions on this or other CDL training? Contact instructor Chris Jones at jonesg@gtc.edu. |
|
|
Was your business affected by the flooding in August?
If so, the SBA may be able to give you an EIDL loan!
Notice is hereby given that as a result of the President's major disaster declaration on September 11, 2025, applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal https://lending.sba.gov or other locally announced locations. Please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance.
[Learn More] |
|
| | Midwest Visiting Professors Symposium September 26-27 3rd St. Market Hall
275 West Wisconsin Avenue #Suite 100 Milwaukee, WI 53203
The Midwest Visiting Professors Symposium (MVPS) will bring together professors from the nation’s top universities (Notre Dame, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, Howard, and more) — plus international 2 professors from CETYS University in Mexico to teach in Spanish — for two days of hands-on masterclasses, September 26–27, right here in Milwaukee.
Learn More] |
|
|
WIS 50 Resurfacing (Lake Lawn Dr. to WIS 67)
The project is planning to resurface WIS 50 from Lake Lawn Drive to WIS 67 in Walworth County. The improvement will address the deteriorating pavement conditions and improve traffic operations. The work will consist of: - Removing existing pavement and placing new asphalt pavement on WIS 50.
- Removing existing pavement and placing new asphalt pavement on WIS 67 from Glenwood Drive to WIS 50.
-
New pedestrian curb ramps installed at Bailey Road and WIS 67. New sidewalk installed along WIS 67 from Bailey Road to the north on the west side only.
- New traffic signals at Town Hall Road and at WIS 67.
- Cleaning storm water structures between County F and Inlet Shore Drive.
- Replace the guardrail on the northwest corner of the bridge over Jackson Creek.
- New pavement marking and signing.
-
There will be some potential real estate needed for the signal work at Town Hall Road/South Shore Drive and for the curb ramps at Bailey Road.
[Learn More] |
|
|
| Walworth County 2025 Clean Sweep Events Business & Agriculture Clean Sweep - October 3
*Pre-Register by Friday, September 19
Residential Clean Sweep - October 3 & 4 Walworth County Public Works
W4097 County Rd NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121 *Click on the flyer for more info. |
|
|
|
What’s New in Wisconsin for 2026?
Journalists are buzzing with excitement and curiosity, asking, “What’s New in Wisconsin for 2026?” This is your chance to showcase your latest news! The survey below has nine quick questions to make sharing your updates easy.
Remember: We’re looking for information that will spark significant media interest — important anniversaries (and ways they are being celebrated), noteworthy developments or anything that aligns with current national trends or would have national appeal. Smaller improvements and updates are better suited for your local media efforts. Examples include: Opening of a new major attraction, Noc-tourism, America 250 Connect to the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WhatsNew26 Even if you don’t have complete details, getting new information on our radar as early as possible is very beneficial for planning. Please add any details you know now, and the survey will remain open throughout the year so you can add information as it becomes available. [Learn More] |
|
|
| 2025 Walworth County Community Health Assessment
Do you live, work, learn, play, or worship in Walworth County? Then we need YOU to take our 2025 Community Health Survey! The answers are completely ANONYMOUS, and the survey should only take about 15 minutes to complete. Thank you for your participation!
Please share this link far and wide! [Take the Survey]
|
|
|
Attention Construction Businesses and Construction Employees The CDC has reported that construction has the highest suicide rate among all industries and is about 4X the national average. Notably, the number of construction worker suicides exceeds other fatalities in the industry. NAHB recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month. |
|
|
|
The purpose of this survey is to better understand the current state of suicide prevention efforts within the construction industry. The insights gathered will help inform future prevention strategies and provide valuable resources and recommendations.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete a brief, 5-minute survey consisting of 11 questions related to your experiences and knowledge of suicide prevention and mental health in the construction field.
Participation is completely voluntary. No personally identifying information will be collected, and there are no negative consequences for choosing not to participate. Your responses are confidential—your employer will not have access to your answers or know whether you took the survey.
A collaborative effort between a researcher from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services. Workers Focus:
https://uwwhitewater.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a3K49EHOdTaUq3k Business/Owner Focus: https://uwwhitewater.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_57pO9LbnMMzfMDc
Participants can see the English-Spanish option button on the upper right when they first access the survey. |
|
|
|
Building your safety net: Actionable steps to enhance and protect the value of your small business Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 • Virtual Noon – 1:30 p.m. CT
[Register]
Business owners and leaders are constantly balancing the demands of running their organization now with proactively preparing for future regulatory, economic and technological developments. In today’s dynamic environment, it is nearly impossible to stay ahead of the curve — and the cost of inaction can be too high to ignore.
Join Baker Tilly Advantage for a panel discussion webinar designed to provide small businesses and organizations with practical strategies to enhance their back-office operations and protect their value in today’s changing marketplace.
Who should attend
Owners, presidents, CEOs, executive directors, CFOs, controllers, vice presidents or directors of finance, CHROs, HR directors and other HR or payroll leaders, and other leaders of small businesses, startups or not-for-profit organizations. |
|
|
| Southern Kettle Moraine Collaboration and the Bluff Creek SNA
Wednesday, September 24 • 11AM-2PM Camp Joy W7725 Kettle Moraine Drive
Whitewater, WI 53190 Join DNR experts and the NRF as we highlight our new Southern Kettle Moraine Collaboration. NRF has been active in the region and will be sharing information on a new effort to strengthen our shared conservation focus on the Southern Kettle Moraine.
Enjoy a hike before or after at the Bluff Creek SNA or nearby trails Whitewater Lake. Program at 11AM, lunch at 12PM, both at Lake Joy. Midwestern Salad Bar with homestyle BBQ. [Register] |
|
|
| Foundry Ridge Energy Center The Foundry Ridge Energy Center is a proposed 300+ megawatt natural gas peaker project located in Walworth County, Wisconsin that will generate American-made energy to meet the nation's growing demand for cleaner, more affordable, reliable electricity, while creating jobs and investing in local communities. Invenergy, a U.S.-owned and Midwest-based company, has been a proud member of the Walworth County community for years, supporting dozens of local organizations such as the Delavan-Delavan Lake Area Chamber, Darien Cornfest, and WCEDA's Kareers4Kids Golf Outing. [Learn more] |
|
|
Broadband Assessment
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is running 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]
|
|
|
Upcoming 54-hour full directional closures along I-894/43/41 in Milwaukee County
As part of the ongoing I-894/43/41 and Hale Interchange resurfacing and improvement project, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is notifying motorists of four (4) upcoming full, directional closures along I-894/43/41 through the Hale Interchange. 11 p.m. Friday, September 19 – 5:30 a.m. Monday, September 22 I-894 westbound/I-43 southbound/I-41 northbound between the Hale Interchange and Greenfield Avenue is scheduled to close for paving operations. 11 p.m. Friday, October 3 – 5:30 a.m. Monday, October 6
I-894/41 southbound between Greenfield Avenue and the Hale Interchange is scheduled to close for paving operations. Both the W-S (I-94 eastbound to I-894/41 southbound) and the E-S (I-94 westbound to I-894/41 southbound) system ramps in the Zoo Interchange will be closed during these operations. The southbound inside lane will remain closed between Lincoln Avenue and the Hale interchange from Monday October 6 until Monday, October 13. 11 p.m. Friday October 10 – 5:30 a.m. Monday, October 13 I-894/41 southbound between Greenfield Avenue and the Hale Interchange is scheduled to close for paving operations.
Both the W-S (I-94 eastbound to I-894/41 southbound) and the E-S (I-94 westbound to I-894/41 southbound) system ramps in the Zoo Interchange will be closed during these operations. [More info] |
|
|
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 0.51%, compared to 0.50% the previous market day and 0.09% last year. This is lower than the long term average of 0.85%. The 10-2 Treasury Yield Spread is the difference between the 10... |
| Orders of durable goods in the US fell by 2.8% from the previous month to $302.8 billion in July of 2025, extending the revised 9.4% slump from June, but slightly softer than market expectations of a 4% drop. The data reflected an... |
| Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 66.72, down from 69.19 last month and down from 78.12 one year ago. This is a change of -3.57% from last month and -14.60% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
|
|
| DNR Launches The Environmental Responsibility Navigator New Tool Helps Small Businesses With Environmental Compliance
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in honor of National Small Business Week, launched the new Environmental Responsibility Navigator (Enviro-Nav) to help small businesses with environmental compliance.
This tool, which was funded through the 2023-2025 state budget, provides a one-stop shop for businesses to easily understand the environmental requirements that apply to them, including those related to air pollution, water use/discharge and waste generation.
All types of businesses can benefit from the information offered in Enviro-Nav, and... [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]
|
|
|
|
