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Developments

May 2015 
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in this issue
DCEDC Annual Meeting
Entrepreneur of the Year
Industry of the Year
Wellness Works Awards
DCEDC on TV
2014 Annual Report
Meeting Sponsors

Another Near-Record Crowd for DCEDC Annual Meeting 

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WMC CEO/President Kurt Bauer presenting his keynote address on "The State of Wisconsin's Business Climate."
We are thankful for the 370 community and business leaders who joined us for the DCEDC annual investors meeting on Wednesday, April 29, at the Stone Harbor Resort and Conference Center in Sturgeon Bay. Keynote speaker Kurt Bauer of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce discussed "The State of the Wisconsin Economy." The Jim Olson Automotive Group was named the Door County Industry of the Year, and The Lautenbach Family, owners of Orchard Country Winery & Market, received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The luncheon meeting included Executive Director Bill Chaudoir's report to the community about the activities and accomplishments of DCEDC during 2014 and the debut of a new talent attraction video produced by DCEDC and a number of local companies. The video, by filmmaker Brett Kosmider (www.borealsky.com), highlights the positive aspects of work and life in Door County that can assist local firms in recruiting the skilled workforce required for their continued growth in our community. The video will be released to the public and the business community shortly. 
Jim Olson of the Jim Olson Automotive Group holds the plaque for Industry of the Year, while Bob Lautenbach and his daughters Carrie Lautenbach-Viste and Erin Lautenbach are recognized with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Lautenbach Family Named Entrepreneurs of the Year
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Watch the Entrepreneur of the Year Video!
Since 1955, the Lautenbach family has been planting, harvesting and producing quality fruit products in Door County. Situated on 100 acres of blossoming orchards and lush vineyards, the family estate is home to a winery, cider mill and farm market. 

Established in 1985, the winery resides in a restored dairy barn and produces most of its award-winning wines from fruits grown on the property. The spacious farm market offers hundreds of Door County and Wisconsin-made products, many featuring the popular tart Montmorency cherry. Bob Lautenbach currently owns and operates Orchard Country Winery & Market with his daughters Carrie Lautenbach-Viste and Erin Lautenbach. (Read More)

Jim Olson Automotive Group Named Industry of the Year

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Jim Olson Automotive Group Named Door County Industry of the Year
Watch the Industry of the Year Award Video

Jim Olson Automotive Group is the winner of the Door County Industry of the Year Award. The annual award recognizes a local construction, service or manufacturing business that has made a substantial impact on the community and enjoyed significant accomplishments during the past year.
 

The Jim Olson Automotive Group consists of four divisions, all located in Sturgeon Bay, WI: Jim Olson Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac); Jim Olson Express (quick lube, tire and brake center); Jim Olson Motorcars (Chrysler, Dodge Jeep and Ram); and Jim Olson Ford Lincoln. Between the four divisions, the company currently employs 85 full time and 20 part time employees. (Read More)

Wellness Works Awards

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This year saw the debut of the Wellness Works Awards, a collaboration between DCEDC, the Door County YMCA and Ministry Door County Medical Center, recognizing business leaders who encourage employee wellness. Hatco's Jackie Bongle and Sturgeon Bay School District's Dan Tjernagel and Jenni O'Handley accept Wellness Works awards on behalf of their organizations.

Look for DCEDC on TV!

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The 2015 DCEDC annual investors meeting will be airing on Charter Cable channel 989 May 18-23 at 11am, 2pm, and 8pm daily. The meeting was recorded for rebroadcast courtesy of Soik Communications, who also produced our award videos.

Annual Report Available On-Line
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DCEDC announced that the corporation's recently released 2014 Annual Report to investors is now available on-line at the organization's website. The report, which was released to the public during the DCEDC annual investors meeting on April 14th, presents a look at the accomplishments of the organization over the past year.
 

"We are pleased to share our annual report with the community," DCEDC Executive Director Bill Chaudoir recently said. "DCEDC continues to work hard each day to improve the economic vitality of the county and its residents; we welcome the opportunity to share the successes of our organization."

Our Benevolent Sponsors
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We are very fortunate to have local businesses who support our annual meeting each year, allowing us to produce a stellar event and our award videos. We thank each and every one for their contribution. 

GOLD Sponsors

Bay Shipbuilding Company
 
Therma-Tron-X
 

 

Silver Sponsors

  

Bronze Sponsors