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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LAST CHANCE — ONLY 25 SEATS LEFT!
Limited seats available for WCEDA's 20th Anniversary Annual Meeting. Join us for an afternoon of reflection of 20 years of business growth, support and advocacy in Walworth County while enjoying an inspiring keynote from Wisconsin business owner, Craig Culver. Don't miss a great opportunity to network and connect with businesses and leaders throughout the region. Reserve your spot today! |
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✨ Join Us for a Festive Multi-Chamber After Hours Mixer! ✨
Kick off the holiday season in style at The Market of Lake Geneva! Enjoy an exclusive evening of networking, nibbles, and nostalgia as we mix, mingle, and shop our way through the charming shops, open just for this private event.
Appetizers, holiday decorations, and a classic Wisconsin Old Fashioned will keep spirits bright while you explore each shop’s seasonal delights. Come ready to connect with fellow members, get a head start on your holiday shopping, and soak up the cozy, festive atmosphere that makes Lake Geneva shine this time of year.
Date: Wednesday, November 19
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Location: The Market of Lake Geneva | 830 W. Main St., Lake Geneva
RSVP today—let’s toast to community, collaboration, and a cheerful holiday season! |
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| WCEDA's 2nd Annual Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown Sunday, January 25, 2026 Noon-2pm Lake Lawn Resort Tickets are on sale now for WCEDA's 2nd Annual Culinary Showdown! This event features teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs! The teams are almost set and the cuisine will be announced soon. Last year tickets sold out, so get yours now. You don't miss this exciting and fun event! Check out last year's event here! |
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| 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 current school year. Here are some ideas for experiences you might want to consider offering.
Look for an email or call from Leslie Gostomski, or schedule a meeting at your convenience here.
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Employer-Student Tours
October was filled with many student-employer opportunities. Thank you to our employers who have graciously opened their doors and donated their time to showing students throughout Walworth County exciting career opportunities in our area! |
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| Reader Precision Celebrates New Youth Apprentices
On Saturday, October 18 WCEDA Kareers4Kids partner Reader Precision Solutions welcomed six new youth apprentices to their Reader team. Part of their grand opening event, this recognition was a celebration of Reader Precision's commitment to youth mentorship and career preparation, while also showcasing their beautiful new 130,000sf facility. Congratulations to these six young professionals from Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, Whitewater and East Troy; and thank you Reader Precision Solutions! [More info]
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Successful Custom Course! |
| Successful Custom Course! |
| Successful Custom Course! Modules I-III |
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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] |
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Entry- to Mid-Level Leadership Training |
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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. |
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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 Leslie Gostomski for information how your management team can join in the next session. |
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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.
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| 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. |
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How Will Housing Develop?
Knowing we need an additional 6,000 housing units in Walworth County by 2050 is one thing — but figuring out how to make that happen is another. There isn’t just one solution. Instead, a mix of housing types and creative approaches will help us reach that goal.
Some of the possible projects include single-family new builds, single-family rehabs, duplexes, townhomes, condominiums, tiny homes, and apartments. Available land may allow for smaller projects of 20–40 single-family homes, while larger developments could exceed 100 homes. Many of these new neighborhoods could feature a mix of home sizes and designs, creating true communities where families of all types can live and grow together.
Rehabbing homes also gives families an opportunity to move into a safe, updated, and affordable home — one that’s ready for them to make their own. Rehabilitation can also extend to larger, underused buildings. Empty business spaces, old hotels, schools, and churches can all be converted into much-needed housing. The Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa Hotel is being converted into 146 below-market-rate apartment units, pending city approval. Construction could begin in January, creating a mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with rents ranging from $975 to $2,100 per month — about 15–20% below market rate. The first floor of this building will include commercial spaces, a fitness center, community room, and coworking areas — amenities that support both residents and the surrounding community. “Replacing a financially challenged property with affordable housing enhances and diversifies the city’s economic base. It turns a declining tax source into a consistent one while helping retain local jobs and attract a diverse, educated workforce.”
So, can this be done in Walworth County?
Are there existing properties — big or small — that could be converted into homes for our workforce, families, and future residents? It’s time to look around our communities, identify those opportunities, and invest in the places and people that make Walworth County strong. By doing so, we can both enhance our economic base and build the housing our county needs — now and for generations to come.
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Public Comment Period Open: Substantial Amendment #1 to PY 2025 Annual Action Plan
The Wisconsin Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) has released a draft Substantial Amendment #1 to the Program Year 2025 Annual Action Plan, part of the State’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan. This amendment proposes updates to the Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan, specifically reflecting revised housing rehabilitation standards.
🗓️ Comment Period: Open now through November 21, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
📄 View the Draft: Available online at energyandhousing.wi.gov or in person at the DEHCR office.
✉️ Submit Comments: DOADEHCR@wisconsin.gov
Mail:
Department of Administration
Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources
P.O. Box 7970
Madison, WI 53707-7970
All feedback received during the comment period will be considered in the final submission to HUD. A summary of accepted and rejected comments will be included in the final document. |
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NEWS ALERT! Zoning Scam
We continue to receive reports of fraudulent emails and invoices that appear to be official correspondence from our zoning and planning staff. These fraudulent solicitations direct residents to promptly pay an invoice via wire transfer so the department can finalize a zoning permit. These scams are extremely sophisticated, appear professional, use our official logo on what appears to be official letterhead, and may even use the names of Walworth County zoning and planning employees to appear legitimate. These emails were not sent by Walworth County zoning staff, and the department would never send emails requesting wire transfers in exchange for permits. Please do not respond to these notices, and exercise caution with any unsolicited email you receive. Red flags that indicate the email is fraudulent include:
- Suspicious contact information not affiliated with Walworth County. All emails from Walworth County’s Land Use division end with @co.walworth.wi.us.
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Pressure to pay promptly via wire transfer. The Land Use and Resource Management Department accepts cash, checks, or credit card payments and will never send unsolicited emails pressuring residents to pay zoning application fees.
Anyone who receives a suspicious email or invoice should avoid making payments and call the Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management office at (262) 741-4972. |
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Jesse Adams of Adams Power Wisconsin Earns Spot Among 2026 Titan 100
The Titan 100 program recognizes Wisconsin’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that include demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Collectively, the 2026 Wisconsin Titan 100 and their companies employ over 64,000 individuals and generate over $14 billion in annual revenues. Congratulations, Jesse! [More info]
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| Lake Lawn Resort Wins 2026 WHLA Cover Contest
We're thrilled to share that Lake Lawn Resort has been selected as the winner of the 2026 Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association Cover Contest! 🎉 WHLA Board Chair Rory Madsen is featured in this photo right after the winner was announced. [More info]
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Chancellor Corey A. King, EdD Named 2026 C-Suite Star
Congratulations to WCEDA Board member Chancellor Corey A. King, who was named a 2025 C-Suite Star by the Milwaukee Business Journal! Under Chancellor King's leadership, UW-Whitewater has seen three consecutive years of enrollment growth and a renewed sense of pride behind his mantra, Warhawk Bold. [More info]
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| Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Wins Top Spot from Conde Nast Traveler
We’re honored to share that Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has been named the #1 Resort in the Midwest by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards! [More info] |
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| Visit Lake Geneva Awards Gregg Kunes
Please join us in congratulating Gregg Kunes, Founder of Kunes Auto Group and the Kunes Family Foundation, for being named the Outstanding Citizen Award winner at the VISIT Lake Geneva Impact Awards 2025!
Presented by Visit Lake Geneva, this award recognizes individuals who make extraordinary contributions to the community. [More info] |
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| Business Partnership Award
First Citizens State Bank, a community partner of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater since the university’s founding in 1868, is a 2025 recipient of the Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award. The bank’s mutually beneficial relationship with the university includes financial investments into key campus initiatives, active participation in events inside the classroom and in the community, and the hiring of dozens of UW-Whitewater graduates to staff positions. [More info]
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Wisconsin Economic Summit 2025
Building a thriving economy in Wisconsin takes cooperation, collaboration, and a determination to pursue a vision for the future, speakers told the 2025 Wisconsin Economic Summit. Unlocking investment in Wisconsin’s economy was the theme for this year’s conference, held Oct. 15-16 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. More than 400 people were registered to attend the event. For a review of the event's impact click HERE.
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| Pitch Perfect Finalists The stage is set for Pitch Perfect — Southeast Wisconsin’s regional pitch competition highlighting the next generation of innovators. Huge thanks to our Planning Committee and regional partners who made this event possible through collaboration, creativity, and commitment to entrepreneurship. 💡
Join us November 12 at the Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC) to cheer on our finalists and celebrate the growing innovation ecosystem in our region. 👉 [RSVP] |
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AI Survey
Gateway Technical College is conducting a survey to better understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting local industries and workforce needs. Your input will help us align our academic programs and training opportunities with the evolving skills employers need most.
All responses are confidential. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will directly inform how we prepare students and current workers for the future of work. The time you’ve taken to share your insights will help us refine our curriculum, ensuring our programs remain relevant, industry-driven, and aligned with workforce needs. Please complete the survey by Wednesday, November 26th. [Take the Survey]
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective. Your insights are essential to shaping responsive, relevant education and training in our region. |
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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]
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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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The 10-2 Treasury Yield Spread is the difference between the 10 year treasury rate and the 2 year treasury rate. A 10-2 treasury spread that approaches 0 signifies a "flattening" yield curve... |
| New orders for manufactured durable goods in August, up following two consecutive monthly decreases, increased $8.9 billion or 2.9 percent to $312.1 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced... |
| Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 66.46, down from 66.72 last month and down from 72.42 one year ago. This is a change of -0.39% from last month and -8.24% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
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| 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] |
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| 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
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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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Small Business Access to Capital with Associated Bank Manager Shane Griffin Thursday, November 13
9-10:30am Elkhorn Gateway Technical College, Room 112
In this workshop, you will learn different types of capital resources, how to be application and loan ready, how to interview and be interviewed by a banker, and how to present a loan committee. Associated Bank and WWBIC lending experts will lead the session and answer all your questions. Walk-ins welcome [Register] |
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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
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]
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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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| 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]
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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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Thanksgiving Community Dinner |
Click on the image above to enlarge. |
| 🎁 Be a Holiday Hero – Join the Elf Squad |
The Tree House Child and Family Center is calling on community members to become Shopper Elves and help brighten the holidays for children in Walworth County who have experienced abuse or trauma. With over 200 children expected to be served this season, your support can make a meaningful difference.
How to Help: - Sign up to be a Shopper Elf by clicking HERE.
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Sponsor a child anonymously by purchasing gifts valued around $100.
- Receive a personalized wish list with the child’s age, needs, and preferences.
- Deliver unwrapped gifts to Tree House by Friday, December 5.
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Prefer to donate? Monetary contributions and toy drives are also welcome!
📍 Tree House Child and Family Center
W4063 County Rd NN, Elkhorn, WI
🕘 Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm
To sign up or learn more, contact Jenna Conrad at jenna@treehouseforkids.net or call 262-374-2242. Let’s help make this season magical for every child in need! |
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