Developments is the bi-monthly e-newsletter for Door County Economic Development
Corporation investors and other stakeholders in the Door County community. 
DCEDC Developments
December 2015
Happy Holidays!

The staff of DCEDC and DKBEP extend to you 
hopes for a joyful holiday season filled with family, fun, food and frivolity.
We wish you a safe, healthy, peaceful 
and prosperous New Year!

2015 Recap         


This year saw continued evidence of an improving global economy, and also saw progress on a number of Door County projects and initiatives. Therma-Tron-X purchased a 3-acre site and began construction on a 34,000 square foot addition to their existing plant in the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park. Segway Door County expanded by purchasing a new location in Fish Creek. Pro Products, Inc. completed construction of their new, 40,000 square foot facility. Cadence, Inc. began construction on their new 62,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility. Murrock Landscaping purchased a new lot in the Industrial Park and began building a 7,000 square foot addition. DCEDC and a number of local companies produced and released a talent attraction video which highlights the positive aspects of work and life in Door County, to assist local firms in recruiting the skilled workforce required for their continued growth. Another successful Door Kewaunee Legislative Days was held in May. Ninety adult delegates and forty student delegates traveled to Madison to deliver our legislative agenda to elected officials and key state agencies. The state budget included several initiatives from our legislative agenda, including restoration of funding for the Wisconsin Transportation Harbor Assistance Program and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. DCEDC continued work with City officials on the implementation of the plan for the redevelopment of the city's west side waterfront. The $8 Million, 76-room hotel development was approved by the City Council with a mid-2016 estimated construction start. Negotiations are in process with developers for the Smet/Titletown brewpub and a 42-unit apartment project.
2016 Forecast           


The DCEDC staff and Board of Directors are in the process of establishing our priority strategic objectives for 2016; top priorities include: continue to assist Bay Shipbuilding Company with their next phases of facility and employment growth; assist the City of Sturgeon Bay with implementation of the West Side Waterfront Redevelopment Plan; develop programming to address workforce shortage issues; assist other local communities implement downtown redevelopment plans; support initiatives to develop seasonal workforce housing; help the City secure property for the future growth of the Industrial Park. 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.
Door County Buy Local

Door County Buy Local is holding their next business networking mixer on Wednesday, February 3rd, 5:30-7pm at Starboard Brewing Company, 51 North 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay. The event will feature a presentation by brewery owner Patrick Surfus, talking about the establishment of his nano-brewery business. The mixer will also provide time for an update about the status and activities of the Door County Buy Local program. 
 
The networking event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the Buy Local initiative in Door County. Attendees are asked to make a $5 donation; refreshments and appetizers will also be provided. To RSVP for this event by Monday, February 1st or if you have questions, please email bill@doorcountybusiness.com or call 920-743-3113 ext. 200. 
Young Professionals Network

DCEDC is thrilled by the initial response to the launch of the Door County Young Professionals Network (DC YPN) in 2015. The first two YPN social events drew fantastic crowds in Baileys Harbor and Sturgeon Bay. The purpose of the Young Professionals Network is to help attract and retain young professionals in Door County through social, educational and community service programming.

The YPN Steering Committee is in the process of planning their schedule of events for 2016, and recruiting volunteers for the YPN Board of Directors. Visit the YPN Facebook page to learn more and follow their progress.
Business Plan Course Begins January 25th

DCEDC and the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center UW-Green Bay are proud to once again sponsor an entrepreneurial training program in Door County. Beginning Monday, January 25th at NWTC-Sturgeon Bay, the eight-week business planning course takes students through a step-by-step approach to researching and writing a professional business plan.

The cost for the Door County Entrepreneurial Training Program course is only $250, including books and materials. The course usually costs $1000, however the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is offering an Entrepreneurial Training Grant to qualified applicants that covers 75% of the tuition.
 
For registration forms and additional information, visit: 
www.doorcountybusiness.com/news/etp2016

Manufacturing Vitality Index

The sixth annual Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance's Manufacturing Vitality Index found the manufacturing sector remained strong over the past year. Manufacturing, which accounts for 23% of the region's employment base, continues as a bright spot in the discussion of the region's economic recovery and future. The region has also contributed significantly to the state's manufacturing employment growth.
 
75% of respondents expect an increase in sales in 2016, and  60% plan on plant modernization in the next 12-24 months. 30% of manufacturers are planning on hiring throughout each quarter in 2016. However, the study also found that 78% expect they will have difficulty locating talent in the region.
 
Click for the full report: 2016 Manufacturing Vitality Index
Bay Shipbuilding Company

Construction has begun on the reconstruction of the south dock wall at Bay Shipbuilding Company. This project is supported by a $2.65 Million Harbor Assistance Program grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation; total project budget is $3.31 Million. The project consists of rebuilding 430 linear feet of dock wall and the removal of 14,000 cubic yards of dredge material. In other BSC news, DCEDC wrote a letter in support of Bay Shipbuilding's proposed purchase and expansion into the former Palmer Johnson buildings. The letter was presented by DCEDC's Bill Chaudoir at the recent public input meeting held by the City Council. The Council is expected to make a decision on the BSC request in the coming weeks.
Board Moves
At their December meeting the DCEDC Board reelected the following members for a new, two year term: Mike Baudhuin (WireTech Fabricators and the Door County Manufacturers Association); Thad Birmingham (City of Sturgeon Bay); Kathy Schultz and Charles Brann (County of Door); Jerry Worrick (Ministry Door County Medical Center); and Patricia Vickman (Southern Door School District).
 
For the New Year, our current ex-officio Board members were also re-elected for a one-year term: Rob Burke (UW-Extension); Bill Chaudoir (DCEDC); Zeke Jackson (Village of Sister Bay); Jack Moneypenny (DCVB); Ken Pabich (County of Door); Pam Seiler (SBVC);Jim Stawicki (Sturgeon Bay Utilities); Dale Swanson (WPSC); Cheryl Tieman (NWTC); and Josh VanLieshout (City of Sturgeon Bay).
 
In January, our slate of Board officers will be officially elected; nominees include: Mike Baudhuin (Chair); Darren Voigt (Vice-Chair); Leslie Gast (Treasurer); and Bill Chaudoir(Secretary).
 
We greatly appreciate all of these individuals for their service to our organization.
 Door County Economic Development Corporation | 920-450-3113
info@doorcounty business.com | www.doorcountybusiness.com
STAY CONNECTED:
View our profile on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook
Find us on Google+View our videos on YouTube