Pulse of Business: A Lot Happening at DCEDC
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| Although COVID-19 has crimped many things in society and the economy, the DCEDC has forged on. In addition to directly assisting over 230 businesses when COVID emerged, forcing lockdowns and reduced activity, the DCEDC staff continued to work for the Door County business community and the residents. This includes over 118,000 communications with business clients and over 140 eBlasts informing the DCEDC constituents of assistance and processes to secure assistance. We are also growing. Recently, Jake Cummings joined DCEDC as Director of Business Development. Jake is a native of Door County and his background and experience are a great addition to the organization’s staff resources. Jake will focus on the existing business community in Door County, large and small, with business counseling and assistance to support stability and growth. On Nov. 2, Erin O’Toole will be joining the staff as the Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator for Door County. This is a partnership with the Ahnapee Regional Youth Apprenticeship Program. Erin’s entire focus will be devoted to the Door County school systems, their students, and the employers of Door County. DCEDC was also a recipient of a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) for a special COVID-19 CARES Act Recovery Revolving Loan Fund. This fund is intended for existing small businesses with 20 or less full time equivalent employees. The minimum loan will be $10,000 with a maximum of $50,000. The term is not more than five years with an interest rate of 4 points below prime with a floor of 1%. For more information, contact Jake at DCEDC. DCEDC is also heavily involved with sourcing funds to undertake a Broadband Engineering Assessment of the entire County to determine exactly what Broadband services are available, coverage, capacity/bandwidth, ownership, current operational status, and where the voids in coverage exist. This will be used to develop and implement a comprehensive Broadband strategy for the entire County. This will be critical to seeking financing for a solution to the Broadband challenges faced by residents and businesses. This week, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority notified DCEDC that the County would be one of three pilot communities to explore innovative solutions for affordable workforce and seasonal housing. This is a collaborative effort involving the Door County Community Foundation, that will serve as the “convener” of the six-month process, the County, City of Sturgeon Bay, and a variety of private and other nonprofit entities. The process will encourage us to look beyond the traditional solutions for affordable housing to more sustainable approaches. Special thanks to Bret Bicoy of the Door County Community Foundation, Mariah Goode & Rebecca Kerwin of the Door County Department of Land Use Services, and Marty Olejniczak, Community Development Director for the City of Sturgeon Bay. |
