Developments is the bi-monthly e-newsletter for Door County Economic Development
Corporation investors and other stakeholders in the Door County community. 
DCEDC Developments
August 2015
Talent Attraction Video
Video Link

 

DCEDC and a number of local companies recently produced and released a new talent attraction video. The video, by filmmaker Brett Kosmider, 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 features interviews with Door County employers and employees, talking about their first impressions of the County, recreational amenities, the various communities in Door County, healthcare, schools and community engagement. The video is available for any and all Door County businesses to use for their talent recruitment efforts. Contact Sam Perlman for guidance on how to access or use the video links.

Eliot and Enquist
Community Foundation Board Chair Dave Eliot presents a check to Kathy Enquist from Dogma Diggs.
Business Financing

DCEDC recently provided Revolving Loan Fund program financing to Door County Brewing Co., and adjusted the loan terms for The Lodge at Leathem Smith and Sonny's Pizzeria. DCEDC administers Revolving Loan Fund programs for the County of Door, City of Sturgeon Bay and DCEDC Board of Directors, providing low interest financing for new or expanding businesses. There are currently 29 active loans between the three revolving loan funds. 

The Door County Community Opportunity Investment Network (COIN) microloan program approved their fourth loan to the new Dogma Diggs pet accessories retail store at the Country Walk Shops in Sister Bay, owned by Kathy Enquist. The Door County Community Foundation established the COIN fund in 2014 to stimulate economic activity and opportunity in Door County; DCEDC administers the program. 

Visit our Business Financing page to learn more about the COIN and RLF programs and other business financing tools.
Zach Paul with DCEDC's Sam Perlman
Business Plan Contest Winner

DCEDC, in association with the UW-Green Bay Small Business Development Center, recently announced that Dr. Zach Paul, owner of Integrated Health Services of Door County, is the winner of the $1,200 cash award for the best business plan originating from the 14th annual Door County Entrepreneurial Training Program course conducted earlier this year.
 
The $1,200 award was generously sponsored by Associated Bank, Bank of Luxemburg, Baylake Bank and FirstMerit Bank. The award is to be used for business expansion expenses. The Entrepreneurial Training Program course will again be offered in Door County beginning January 2016. Contact DCEDC for information about the class. 

 

Legislative Days Logo
Legislative Days Update

Organizers of the 2015 Door/Kewaunee Legislative Days event recently called the spring trip to Madison a very successful initiative. Issues of importance to Door and Kewaunee Counties were effectively and expertly delivered to state legislators, members of the Governor's administration and various state agencies. 

 

The Door/Kewaunee Legislative Days steering committee is very pleased with the immediate impact this year's event has had on several key issues, especially the Kewaunee Seawall project, the restoration of the Harbor Assistance Program funding and the reinstatement of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program. "These are very good results," said Legislative Days Steering Committee Chairman Bill Chaudoir. "The next state legislative session begins on September 15 and the steering committee will continue to promote and track the progress of our Legislative Days agenda items."

 

Job Center Logo
Fall Job Fair

Are you looking to recruit employees? Whether you are looking for full-time, part-time, permanent, seasonal, youth or seasoned workers - the Fall Job Fair is the event for you! Past Job Fairs have shown success with up to 244 job seekers attending.

The Door County Job Center is looking for more businesses to share in the success of their bi-annual event on Wednesday, September 16th, 2-6pm at the Cherry Point Mall, 1300 Egg Harbor Road, Sturgeon Bay. Contact Missy Forry for more information.
BoD Logo
New Board Members

At their July meeting, the DCEDC Board elected two new ex-officio members. Ken Pabich, new Administrator for the County of Door, and Josh VanLeishout, new Administrator for the City of Sturgeon Bay, were elected as non-voting members. We look forward to having these talented individuals join us! 

The Board also said a fond farewell to retiring City Administrator Steve McNeil and thanked him for his service to DCEDC and Sturgeon Bay.
Save The Date!

Succession Planning Logo
DCEDC and the Door County Visitor Bureau are in the early stages of organizing another Business Succession Planning workshop this fall. An essential strategic item for all businesses, a succession plan provides contingencies for a wide variety of situations, including family transitions, retirement, life changes or other causes. Tentatively set for Tuesday, October 20 in Baileys Harbor, the workshop will feature both local and statewide experts in succession planning, business valuation and will offer strategies that business owners of any age can use to maintain and grow the value of their business and establish an effective plan for the future. Stay tuned for more details soon!

Chaudoir and O'Hern
DCEDC's Bill Chaudoir with Pat O'Hern
Mariner Award

DCEDC congratulates our friend Pat O'Hern for receiving the Mariner Award from the Door County Maritime Museum and Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club. The Mariner Award is presented annually to recognize individuals who have had significant, positive and lasting impact on the Door County maritime community. Pat was instrumental in the planning, estimating, pricing, selling, marketing and execution of several key projects at Bay Shipbuilding. His vision and industry knowledge fueled the resurgence of new construction at Bay Shipbuilding in 1995, leading to the construction of 30 new boats over a 14 year span. Other awardees included the Sturgeon Bay Coast Guard Person of the Year, Petty Officer Matthew Hunt, and Posthumous Mariner Awards for Pat Haggerty and Martin "Mike" Kelsey II (Palmer Johnson) and John H. Purves (Roen Steamship Company).
 Door County Economic Development Corporation | 920-450-3113
info@doorcounty business.com | www.doorcountybusiness.com
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