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2011 Recap/2012 Forecast
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2011 continued to be challenging for Door County businesses and DCEDC, but it was a year that also saw significant progress on a number of projects and initiatives. Cellcom began building a new fiber optic network in Door County and Frontier Communications began offering DSL service in Northern Door. The Sturgeon Bay Waterfront Redevelopment Authority and Common Council approved a plan for the redevelopment of the city's west side waterfront, which includes the vacant Applebee's and the former Door County Co-op site. 2011 saw the construction of two model homes at the Sunset Hill #2 development (the former WireTech site) for workforce housing. DKBEP and NWTC unveiled a CNC Mobile Manufacturing Lab. The Federal Highway Administration awarded $355,000 in grants to two Door County Coastal Byways projects. HTF began construction on an expansion of their facility in the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park. The Door County Buy Local program grew membership to nearly 150 members in 2011 and hosted seven business networking mixers. DCEDC helped organize and facilitate seven Door and Kewaunee County wineries to form the Door County Wine Trail, Inc. Private developer Keith Garot began construction on a new workforce condo development and two 8-unit rental buildings in Sister Bay. A summary of our 2011 Major Accomplishments is available online.
The DCEDC Board of Directors is in the process of establishing our priority strategic objectives for 2012, including: implement the final phases of the Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding Cluster Master Plan; partner with other groups to help strengthen the tourism industry; assist local communities develop and implement downtown redevelopment plans; continue the process to have Sturgeon Bay designated as a Coast Guard City; survey the business community to identify any local regulatory barriers to business; coordinate with NWTC and local businesses for use of the mobile CNC training center; investigate ways to increase organic agriculture production and expand markets for local producers; and begin to leverage telecommunications improvements for business retention, attraction and expansion. As always, the DCEDC staff will continue to be available to provide on-going guidance and assistance to the entrepreneurs and business owners of Door County.
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| WireTech Wins Again!
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WireTech Fabricators of Sturgeon Bay was one of five Northeastern Wisconsin companies that received Manufacturing Awards of Distinction in November from Advance, the economic development arm of the Green Bay area Chamber of Commerce. As the reigning Door County Industry of the Year, DCEDC was pleased to nominate WireTech for this prestigious regional award. |
Manufacturing Vitality Index
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 The second annual Manufacturing Vitality Index results were announced on December 7 by the Northeastern Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance. The study focused on northeast Wisconsin manufacturers' plans for 2012. The study surveyed employers that had 3 million or more in annual revenue and 25 or more employees. There were 193 manufacturers that responded to the survey.
- Business Growth: 71% expect an increase in sales in 2012.
- Capital Investment & Plant Modernization: 36% plan on plant modernization in the next 12-24 months.
- Workforce Growth & Recruitment: Manufacturers are planning on hiring throughout each quarter in 2012. The survey found 43% plan on hiring, however 45% expect they will have difficulty locating talent in the region.
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DCEDC Takes Entrepreneurs to the NxLevel™ of Business Planning
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DCEDC, in association with the UW-Green Bay Small Business Development Center, will once again sponsor the annual NxLevel™ Entrepreneurial Training course in Door County. Beginning in February 2012, this course takes students through a step-by-step approach to writing a professional business plan. The course is designed for those who are considering starting their own business, existing small businesses struggling to get a handle on all the details or successful businesses looking to grow.
Details for the 2012 NxLevel™ Entrepreneurial Training course are still being finalized. Registration forms and additional information will be available on the DCEDC website in January: www.doorcountybusiness.com. If you are interested in receiving the registration materials as soon as they are available, please contact Cindy Wick.
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The New Year will bring three new members to the DCEDC Board of Directors. We are pleased to welcome Mike Baudhuin (WireTech Fabricators and Door County Manufacturers Association) and Joe Stutting (Sturgeon Bay Schools) as voting members of the Board. Karen Hintz (UW-Extension) joins the Board as an ex-officio member on a temporary basis, replacing Rob Burke until his safe return from Afghanistan next summer.
Other voting members reelected to the board included: Thad Birmingham (City of Sturgeon Bay); Leroy Liebe (County of Door); Dan Austad (County of Door); David Ward (Northstar Economics) and Scott Baker (Village of Sister Bay).
Additionally, all other current ex-officio Board members were re-elected: Jim Stawicki (Sturgeon Bay Utilities); Bill Chaudoir (DCEDC); Jack Moneypenny (DCVB); Dale Swanson (WPSC); Steve McNeil (City of Sturgeon Bay); Mike Serpe (County of Door); Bob Kufrin (Village of Sister Bay); and Todd Trimberger (SBVC).
We are grateful to retiring board members Roger Kinnard (TTX and Door County Manufacturers Association) and Joe Innnis (Southern Door Schools) for their service to DCEDC. |
