IMPACT THEIR G M IN K AR
MA K
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY 2016-17
QUESTIONS with PEOPLE
WHO
IMPACTDOOR COUNTY
also inside:
LOCAL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LAVENDER DREAMS • DCEDC WWW.DOORCOUNTYADVOCATE.COM
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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Shipyard Tour Sturgeon Bay and Door County have long celebrated its shipping and boatbuilding industries, and one of the highlights of the year for maritime buffs is the annual Shipyard Tour, which gives people the chance every May to get inside looks, which they otherwise can’t, at the shipyards and maritime businesses on the downtown Sturgeon Bay waterfront. The tour is sponsored by the Noon Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay, with proceeds going to Rotary youth programs. Here, the freighters John G. Munson, foreground, and Lee A. Tregurtha bookend the tug Michigan at Bay Shipbuilding Co. on this year’s tour. Tina M. Gohr/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Shipyard Tour guide Jim Brauer shows visitors to Bay Shipbuilding the company’s large graving dock, where vessels are constructed on land. Tina M. Gohr/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin PAGE 2
Ilan Shapiro repairs side panels for his sailboat at CenterPointe Yacht Services during the Shipyard Tour. Tina M. Gohr/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
IMPACT BUSINESS & INDUSTRY 2016-17
Sample Door County’s tastes
Welcome to Impact 2016-17 Readers, you are holding Impact 201617, the Door County Advocate’s fourth annual look at noteworthy local businesses and business and community leaders who are making a difference on the Peninsula. For this year’s edition, you’ll find the popular “10 Questions with …” features, which this year has leaders in retail businesses, theater, farming and conservation on the Peninsula answer some insightful, some fun questions about themselves and their work. You’ll also find columns by local business, tourism, charitable and real estate leaders on the state of their organizations. Plus, you will read a story on a Washington Island couple who’s using their
lavender farm as a launching pad for building preservation and making the island a better place to live and work. And, you’ll learn about a local organization working to give young professionals in any field a reason to make the Peninsula their place of residence and work, along with mini-profiles of a dozen people ages 30 and younger who are making a difference through their work in Door County. Finally, you’ll see lists of the biggest employers in the area, Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park and incubator businesses, provided by the Door County Economic Development Corp. So, for a fourth straight year, the Door County Advocate invites you to Impact. Read it, learn from it, use it – and above all, enjoy it.
Warren Bluhm, news editor, Door County Advocate Christopher Clough, Impact editor
features
3 Lavender Dreams 6 NextGen Connections 8 Young Professionals
10 questions
with people who impact door county
10 Robert Boles & James Valcq 12 Terrie Cooper 14 Thomas Lutsey
organizations
16 Mitch Larson 17 Terry Ullman
22 Door County Economic Development Corp: All economic sectors of county 19 Door County Visitor Bureau: Mission remains the same showing growth after 132 years 24 Door County Community 21 Door County Board of Foundation: Working to build a better Realtors: Realtors keep up with community changes, complexities 25 United Way of Door County: of market New initiatives show evolving role in our community
Jamie Mead of Shoreline Restaurant in Gills Rock offers a sample of Sawdust Pie, a coconut-pecan pie drizzled in a hot butter rum sauce with whipped topping, at this year’s Uncork Summer. Tina M. Gohr/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Door County has long been known as a destination for cherries and apples, peaceful scenery and the arts, but in the past few years it’s also drawing appreciative visitors – and pleasing residents, too – with a growing variety of award-winning specialty restaurants and food makers, wineries, craft breweries, distilleries and cider pressers. As a result, the Peninsula is definitely becoming a “foodie” destination as well, with opportunities to sample these wares at food and drink festivals such as the Door County Beer Festival in Baileys Harbor, Door County Wine Fest in Egg Harbor, Uncork Summer in Ellison Bay, and Egg Harbor Ale Fest. Plus, the food and beverage producers often bring their goods to popular community festivals held throughout the summers and falls. With a variety of flavors and cuisines available, and the chances to try them at just one sitting, Door County is making its mark, and tempting taste buds, in the world of food and beverages. -- USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin ON THE COVER: Terry Ullman serves up a dish of sweets at his Door County Candy shop in downtown Sturgeon Bay.
Tina M. Gohr/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Scott Johnson / Publisher Terrie Haen / Operations Manager Warren Bluhm / Advocate News Editor Christopher Clough / Section Editor Ruth Johnson / Special Sections Coordinator Sara Reznichek / Graphic Artist
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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Lavender dreams Couple seeks to make Washington Island a more sustainable community BY: KAREN EBERT YANCEY | USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN
Marsha Williams and Scott Sonoc on the deck of their Historic Island Dairy overlooking their Island Lavender Co. fields on Washington Island. The couple has renovated buildings it uses in its businesses on the island and hopes to make the island a more sustainable place to live and work. Karen Ebert Yancey/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
It is late on an August Friday afternoon and Marsha Williams is just saying goodbye to the last customer at the Island Lavender Co. store as her husband, Scott Sonoc, locks up the shop on the first floor of Historic Island Dairy. Ten years ago, the dairy building on Washington Island was a rundown old cheese factory with broken windows and rotting beams on five acres in the center of the island. Today, thanks to Sonoc and Williams, the building has been restored into an island gathering place and lavender farm with thousands of lavender plants creating a kind of wonderland on what was once a blighted property. Several of the lavender plants are in their second bloom and Sonoc warns a visitor PAGE 4
that the herb, which is known for its relaxing properties, can make people sleepy. But working with lavender hasn’t slowed Sonoc and Williams, a high-energy couple who have successfully implemented visionary design and business ideas on the island that they hope will help its community to thrive – making it more self-sustaining and less dependent on seasonal tourism. “We want to create jobs and businesses that will support a family of four,” said Sonoc, an architect from Chicago who designed and oversaw the renovation of the dairy building from 2009 to ‘12.
Dairy ballroom gives new style To give it a new, modern look, Sonic brought steel beams across on the
Washington Island Ferry and used island craftsmen to build a tall stone fireplace that serves as the centerpiece of the upstairs ballroom. His dark flooring, high ceilings, innovative lighting and white interior give the building a 21st century look while still blending it with island style and a timeline and exhibit of island history. The ballroom is one of the few venues in Door County that seats 200, Sonoc said. Since it opened in 2013, it has been the setting for dozens of weddings and other special events. “One of the first groups to use it was the island’s high school students who held their first-ever formal dance – The Snow Ball,” Williams said. The dairy also houses an art gallery and boasts the first elevator on the island, DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
Scott Sonoc and Marsha Williams are shown inside an old Viking chapel they found in Door County, restored and moved to Washington Island to serve as a place to dry lavender for their business. Karen Ebert Yancey/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
providing access to the second floor for people with disabilities.
Incubator businesses encouraged For several months this summer, the ballroom was a studio for an artist-in-residence program, which will grow by two more artists next year, Williams said. In addition, the dairy has two commercial kitchens for people to develop incubator food businesses, including those from locally grown products. Developing new food products is just one of the ideas that the couple has for growing businesses that are profitable on the island. Like many local residents, they have watched the school’s population decline in the last 20 years as the children of fourth- and fifth-generation Islanders leave for better job opportunities on the mainland. “Sustainability is the key,” said Sonoc, who noted that the lavender farm is just one of the incubator business ideas they have. Goat farming, furniture making and beekeeping are some of the other ideas that they are pursuing and encouraging for others, he said. Williams, who grew up in Indiana, has a background in business and finance, while Sonoc, an architect, recently sold his firm so the couple could spend more time on the island. The couple first arrived on the ferry in 1996 and bought a home on the island’s west side the same day. “It struck me that day that this place was unlike any other place we’d been – very unique and special,” Williams said. Since then, they have bought and renDOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
Scott Sonoc examines a second bloom of lavender in his field at Island Lavender Co. Karen Ebert Yancey/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
ovated six homes and barns, many of which have been on the island’s home tour for their innovative designs and furnishings. The homes are used to house their employees and guests, as well as artists-in-residence. The renovations also provided jobs to many island carpenters and craftsmen, particularly in the recession years.
They also planted a demonstration garden to test other lavender varieties for the island climate. Their first lavender was planted on the island in the “spirit of a community barn-raising,” Williams said. Dozens of friends and neighbors planted 2,300 plants in about a week and since then thousands of additional plants have been added, she said.
Internet spurs lavender sales
Living wage important
Products made on the island, such as the 150 products made by Island Lavender Co., can be sold worldwide via the Internet, and island businesses no longer have to be dependent on the summer tourists as the only market for their products, Sonoc said. The couple’s idea for the lavender farm grew after they visited one in the state of Washington while they were looking at additional uses for the five-acre dairy property. They then visited lavender farms in England and other places around the world to learn more about the varieties of the plant and which could be successfully transplanted to the island. “Lavender is easy to grow,” said Sonoc. “As long as the ground drains well, the soil pH level is between 6 and 8 and the weather is mostly sunny, lavender is sustainable and can grow for up to 10 years.” Fortunately, when the couple had their soil tested for pH. it measured between 7.4 and 7.5. “But the most important feature of lavender for the island is that it is deer-resistant,” Sonoc said, noting there is an overpopulation of deer on the island. After more research, the couple decided to use an English lavender, Royal Velvet, and an English/Spanish lavender, Grosso.
The farm pays island residents upwards of $15 an hour to help weed and tend the plants and assist with the harvest, Sonoc said. The buds are harvested in late June and July before they burst open and flower on the stems. Island Lavender Co. has four full-time employees and several part-time employees. “It is a living wage that supports a family,” he said. Some of the plants are sorted, cleaned and hung to dry in a renovated Viking garden temple that the couple found in Door County and delivered in two pieces on the ferry before renovating it and placing it in the fields. In addition, Sonoc has his own “still” in one of their barns for producing the lavender oil that is used in many of the company’s products. The products are made during the winter, when the ballroom becomes a production center, employing many islanders during the off-tourist season. The Royal Velvet lavender is primarily used for culinary products, such as sugar, honey, salads, baked goods, vinegars, oils, jellies, teas, chocolates and even beer and wine. The Grosso oils are most often the scenting fragrance for aromatherapy, candles, lotions, soaps, deodorants and other
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products. When dried, the Grosso plants still retain a strong fragrance and are used in sachets and potpourri.
Promoting buy local, philanthropy In addition to the lavender business, Sonoc is busy promoting a Buy Local campaign on the island to encourage more use of local business products and services yearround and a stronger business networking organization for the island. “The Chamber of Commerce on the island has traditionally been focused on growing tourism,” Sonoc said. He said that he would like to see it focus more on existing business networking and business development activities and working with the ferry line to promote business-friendly pricing. As technology continues to grow, it is even easier to ship products worldwide throughout the year, rather than focusing staffing and other resources on the shorter tourism season, he said. The couple has continued to invest in philanthropic efforts to boost the local
community. Several years ago, they noted the large number of their island friends who had learned to swim at what was a little-used beach — Gislason Beach, across from the Red Barn park on the south shore of the island. So, the couple worked with other residents and donated the funds to restore the beach, adding sand, dune grasses, an historical marker and benches to make it more attractive to families, particularly those with small children. The couple was among the investors in the Washington Island Observer newspaper and Williams served on the board for five years. The couple also provided much of the energy and expertise behind the island’s recent Bird City U.S.A. and Rustic Roads designations.
Honoring history and artists While Williams and Sonoc had been based in Chicago for many years, they recently sold their home there and are spending winters in Beaufort, S.C., where they have bought and renovated a 1790s home that includes a guest house for family and
friends. As on Washington Island, the couple has brought new ideas to that community, helping it to develop historical markers honoring the community’s rich history. In addition, they plan to encourage more artists from South Carolina to spend their summers on Washington Island, where they can exchange ideas and techniques with the island’s art community. Sonoc, using his own artistic talents, has designed a series of drawings with different island activities and themes, from fishing to music to boating, that are sold framed in their lavender shop and have become favorites among residents and visitors. The couple said that with its reasonable cost of living and natural beauty, much of the island’s growth could come from supporting a larger arts community. “The island is an ideal environment for artists with its extreme beauty and solitude,” Williams said.
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DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
Young and working – locally The NexGen program aims to make Door County attractive to younger professionals
Nea Kettering, front, and Emily Hanley create pottery at Hands On Art Studio in Fish Creek during a NexGen get-together. Submitted
SAMANTHA HERNANDEZ | USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN A movement is afoot in Door County to help retain and grow a younger professional workforce. The Door County Economic Development Corp. (DCEDC) launched NexGen, then called the Young Professionals Network, with two kick-off events at the end of 2015. The group is part of a movement to not only retain and bring in professionals between the ages of 20 to 40, but also help promote openings at Door County businesses.
“Really what we’re looking for are people with a really progressive mindset, people who are movers and shakers in the community,” said Aubrey Immel, NexGen program manager. The group is unofficially partnered with the group Newaukee in Milwaukee, Immel said. Newaukee helps link other young professional networks across the state with one another. According to its website, Newaukee was founded in 2009 as a way to “socialize and explore the city with
their peers that did not entail hauling a stack of business cards to a stuffy networking event” and build relationships. Research into forming a young professionals group in Door County started more than a year and a half ago, said Sam Perlman, DCEDC Economic Development Manager. “Wisconsin is really at the leading edge of this movement in terms of network and engaging young professionals at a statewide level,” Perlman said. After the first two events in 2015, the <<< SEE NEXGEN CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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most common comments the DCEDC heard dealt with people having no idea there were so many young people in Door County and that young people were meeting many of their peers for the first time, he recalled. “People were impressed that there are more young people in the county,” he said.
Meet, learn and teach NexGen has held a number of events, including brewery tours, a trip to Washington Island and a relaxation event, and it hosts a monthly happy hour. “It gives people who are new a chance to meet other people who are new in the community,” Immel said. The gatherings sometimes have learning components. “We’ve done a few educational events. One of them was growing older in Door County,” Immel said. The group also has presentations about Door County industries. “(We’re) trying to touch the different aspects of the Door County economy,” Perlman said. “We have had (agricultural) presentations, professional development opportunities (and) community
outreach opportunities.” In the future the group wants to further explore what young professionals love or want to change in the Door County community, Immel said.
Open to all Inclusiveness is another aspect the group is working on. NexGen wants to include people passionate about the county regardless of their vocation, Immel said. “Technically, if you have a job, you are a professional,” she said. NexGen does not just want the “white collar professionals,” but all young people, Perlman explained. This is why the days and times of the gatherings shift. “We want this to be a very inclusive networking group,” he said. There are several different types of membership: individual, business and premier. Currently the group has a membership of 12 individuals, two business and two premier sponsors. Individual membership is $50 a year. According to Perlman, Therma-Tron-X in Stur-
Young Door County workers in the local NexGen program perform yoga exercises at The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor during one of the group’s events. Submitted
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geon Bay and Scandia Village in Sister Bay are the premier sponsors. The various levels of business memberships have different benefits. The first level runs $300 a year and covers 10 memberships for employees. The premier membership is $1,500 and covers an unlimited number of employees; also, the company’s logo is placed on promotional materials, job openings are promoted on social media and tours are given to newcomers to the county based on their interests. svhernande@doorcountyadvocate. com, Samantha Hernandez on Facebook or 920-743-3321, Ext. 112.
FYI To join NexGen or for more information on the program, visit the “NexGen Door County” Facebook page, go to www.doorcountybusiness. com and click “Community Development” or email Aubrey Immel at Aubrey.encore@gmail.com.
WI-5002044622
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DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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12:30 local Twelve people ages 30 and younger who are making a difference in Door County
BETH ZIOLKOWSKI TARL KNIGHT Beth Ziolkowski, 26, is a behavioral health therapist with Door County Department of Human Services in Sturgeon Bay. Ziolkowski, who moved to Door County in October 2014, works with clients who deal with diverse mental health diagnoses. She has a special interest in children and adolescents with a history of trauma.
Tarl Knight, 20 (turning 21 in September) is a well-known regional singer/songwriter who moved to Sturgeon Bay about a year ago. He now hosts the Writers Night songwriting showcase each Thursday in the Tambourine Lounge next to the Holiday Music Motel and soon will release an album recorded in the studio at the Holiday.
It took me a year after completing graduate school to find a full time position I was I truly passionate about. When I was offered the job with human services here I was thrilled find a job close to my home town of Manitowoc but far enough away to build my own life here.
I performed at the 2009 Steel Bridge Songfest (I had just turned 13). Since then, I knew I had to write and record. I moved to Sturgeon Bay for the Steel Bridge Songfest and the amazing community of songwriters. The tourists and venues across the area are amazing for a career, while really having fun.
MORGAN RUSNAK EMILY HANLEY Morgan Rusnak, 26, is the visitor’s service assistant for the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor. Rusnak works with another person on a number of tasks including working with volunteers and visitors, event planning and managing the Ridges’ Nature Store. She has lived in Door County for 3 ½ years. I grew up in the Milwaukee area, went to Marquette for college and stayed in the city for a little bit afterwards- it was definitely time for a change and some fresh air. My career goals included (and still do include) working for or closely with a community association or cultural nonprofit and Door County offers so many well-respected groups to learn from. PAGE 10
Emily Hanley, 26, owns the home décor store Silver Birch in Sister Bay. After graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2014 with a masters in music performance, Hanley decided to make Door County her full-time home. Since spending each summer of my life in Door County, it has always been my dream to be able to call this amazing place home. Living in such a beautiful part of the world is truly a blessing!
JESSICA HECK Jessica Heck, 29, is the director of operations at the Boys and Girls Club of Door County who moved to Door County four years ago. Door County is a unique place, unlike any I have been to before. The club has introduced me to compassionate and caring individuals who take pride in the community we live in. I can’t think of a better place to settle and raise my daughter.
JOHN BACON John Bacon, 27, of Sturgeon Bay is a third-generation accountant at Inge Alverson Bacon CPA and chair of the Friends of the Grand Traverse Islands. Bacon has lived in Door County his entire life, minus a four-year college stint. As a National Outdoor Leadership School graduate and former sea kayak guide, my heart has always been in wide-open, wild places, but I also love the arts, fine dining, and entertainment so often found only in the city. Four years ago, my wife and I took a three-month road trip out west for our honeymoon, exploring every national park we came across and keeping our eyes out for a community to settle down in. Over 9,000 miles later, we came to realize that Door County combined the bucolic beauty of the countryside with the cosmopolitan influence of the city in a way that most places in America can only dream of. Now if we just had a few mountains. DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
GINA GRENFELL Dr. Gina Grenfell, 30, is a dentist and partner at Dentistry by Design in Sturgeon Bay who moved to the city more than two years ago. We love living in a more rural area, however, Door County is unique in that there are also lots of great activities and events to attend with family. There is a wonderful sense of pride and community that has embraced us from the moment we moved here. It is these special qualities along with so many others that make Door County a great place to raise a family.
LAUREN BREY Lauren Brey, 25, of Sturgeon Bay runs Brey Cycle Farm LLC, a dairy farm, with her husband, Jacob, and his brother and sister-in-law. Brey has lived in Door County for about two years and works for the Dairy Business Milk Marketing Cooperative in Green Bay. I ended up in Door County by fate when Jacob and I got engaged, it was part of the deal to move here to be on the farm. I’m glad it worked out that way, though, because there is so much to do here and lots of opportunities for young professionals. I’m looking forward to meeting more people in our community and getting more involved.
RYAN KERNOSKY Ryan Kernosky, 24, is the city planner/zoning administrator for the city of Sturgeon Bay. Kernosky has lived in Door County for almost a year. I’m an active outdoorsman, so when applying for jobs I was looking for communities that would be able to fit that lifestyle. Sturgeon Bay offers excellent biking, hiking, and kayaking opportunities. I was also looking for communities with strong downtowns, progressive development initiatives, and a desire to grow in several ways. Sturgeon Bay offered me all of those opportunities.
MOLLY PETERSON AUBREY IMMEL
SARA MCKILLOP
Molly Peterson, 29, a Sturgeon Bay native is the branch manager of Associated Bank in Sister Bay. Peterson left the county for four years to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication.
Sara McKillop, 29, is the community educator for Healthy Door County 2020, a program of United Way of Door County. McKillop’s work takes her all over Door County. McKillop lives in Algoma but has worked in Door County since 2011.
I’ve always been passionate about this community because Door County is where I grew up. After college, it was such a natural choice to come back and start my life here. Since then, I’ve been able to make more connections personally and professionally and have come to realize that I can truly influence change for the future of Door County by becoming more involved.
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
Aubrey Immel, 30 owns Encore Event Management and is NexGen Door County program manager. Immel splits her time between the Fox Valley and Door County. She has lived in Door County for more than a year. My family has vacationed in Door County for over 10 years so when I had the opportunity to move here and expand my business, I jumped at it. I love all of the activity that is perpetually happening here and the abundant access to natural resources. I feel as if Door County is on the cusp of technological advancement in social media and e-commerce and I look forward to participating in the community’s continued growth and success.
Door County is not too timid in challenging themselves in building a stronger community that strives to make all people feel valued and important. The teamwork I have experienced through my line of work is truly motivating!
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Robert Boles and James Valcq have been co-artistic directors of Third Avenue Playhouse since 2011. Their
QUESTIONS with PEOPLE
WHO
focus on bringing year-round theater and other entertainment to TAP has played an important role in the
IMPACTDOOR COUNTY
vibrancy of Sturgeon Bay’s down-
ROBERT BOLES & JAMES VALCQ
Boles has been an actor, director
AGE AS OF SEPT. 1: Boles, 63; Valcq, 53 FAMILY: Engaged; both have family, with Boles having a brother, sister and nephew who live in Little Rock, Ark. CITY OF RESIDENCE: Sturgeon Bay
town, especially on Third Avenue. and educator most of his professional career, working out of New York for 30 years before coming to Door County. He’s performed on Broadway and with regional theaters around the country, including TAP, and was director of the theatre program at the University of New Haven (Conn,) for six years. Valcq has worked all his life in theater, including on and off-Broadway, national tours, and regional theaters across the country. Locally, along with TAP, he’s worked with Door Shakespeare and Northern Sky Theater. Over the years he’s been a composer, conductor, performer, director, choreographer, and producer. Since coming to TAP the list has increased to include lighting designer,
Third Avenue Playhouse co-directors James Valcq, left, and Robert Boles on the set of “Madame Sherry” at the downtown Sturgeon Bay theater. Tina M. Gohr/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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set designer, and arts administrator.
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
ROBERT BOLES • JAMES VALCQ
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WHAT DOES YOUR BUSINESS DO? Boles: TAP is a year-round professional theater company. We produce 7 to 10 plays a year from March through December. Since the summer of 2012 we have produced over 30 main stage productions, as well as a number of productions for our StageKids program – our educational outreach program for students from throughout Door County. In addition we occasionally host concerts and other events. Valcq: TAP opened in 2000 as a performing arts venue presenting a grab bag of events in the former Donna movie theater. Arriving in 2011, Bob and I converted a storage space into a “black box” studio theatre and have shifted TAP’s focus to producing professional theater in-house. Our varied repertoire has included comedies, dramas, musicals, and even opera. We are also dedicated to providing theater education to students of all ages. Our mission statement is simple – To entertain and educate by provoking thought, laughter and tears.
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Valcq: (The year-round operation) is significant because even though Door County is primarily “rural,” its residents expect certain quality-of-life things that are usually found in urban settings: fine food, fine art, fine music, and fine theater. Our primary venue is also unique … where the connection between actors and audience is palpable.
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DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, BUSINESS- OR LIFE-RELATED, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS? Boles: Follow your passion wherever that may take you. Find out what is most important to you and work hard at it. There is nothing more satisfying than waking up every morning and working for something you love.
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WHAT BOOKS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? Boles: “Stop-Time” by Frank Conroy and “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Valcq: Two books that I’ve given to friends over the years are “Was” by Geoff Ryman, a daring and dizzying riff on the entire “Wizard of Oz” mythology, and “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel, a thrilling piece of magic realism revolving around my greatest non-theater passion – food.
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IF YOU WEREN’T DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Boles: I’d be writing more. Traveling more. When I was growing up, I thought the best job in the world would be to work as a movie theater usher because I’d get to see all the movies I’d want to see for free. I still have that as a back-up plan. Valcq: I would be cooking. I love inventing new dishes, especially with fresh Door County produce.
WHAT IS THE NICEST THING ANYONE HAS EVER DONE FOR YOU? Boles: I had gone to a high school teacher for advice on making a very serious decision. I’m sure I wanted him to tell me what to do. Instead, without influencing me one way or another, he told me to think very hard about my choices and the possible consequences of each. Once I made my decision, he told me to never regret a decision I make after such thoughtful consideration. Life is too short for regrets. Move on. Valcq: Well, one nice thing that actually happens quite often is that after a TAP performance an audience member will say “Thank you for being here,” or “You and Bob are a gift to Door County.” The truth is that Door County has been a gift to us, and we are forever grateful.
Valcq: Change is the only constant. If you’d told me 10 years ago that I’d be designing lights or writing an opera translation, I’d have laughed. You never know where life will take you or what new challenges you’ll face.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Three full-time and two part-time employees. We job in performers for the productions. That number varies from year to year. WHAT MAKES YOUR ORGANIZATION SPECIAL IN DOOR COUNTY? Boles: We are the only yearround professional theater in Door County. We present our productions in an intimate, 84-seat theater, creating an atmosphere unlike any other theatrical experience in the county. Our motto is “Theatre – up close and personal.” We provide educational experiences to the students of Door County in the form of classes in acting, playwriting, stage combat and other theatrical disciplines. In addition, we produce two plays a year with these students in the winter and spring.
Come over sometime for my Montmorency Cherry Chili!
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WHAT ONE PLACE IN DOOR COUNTY DO YOU LOVE OR STANDS OUT FOR YOU? Boles: There is a spot in Newport State Park with the most magnificent view of the water and the surrounding landscape. It is jaw-dropping and inspiring. Valcq: Cave Point. Its beauty is different with every visit.
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WHAT IS YOUR “AT-BAT” OR RING ENTRANCE SONG? “Fate Yanagi” by Rap Reiplinger. People from my home state of Hawaii would laugh at that one. If you want a loud, get-the-crowdrocking entrance song that is appropriate for me, then let me suggest Chuck D’s “Don’t Believe the Hype.” WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GUILTY PLEASURE? Boles: I’m not embarrassed to say I love anchovies. Valcq: Cheese curds. PAGE 13
QUESTIONS with PEOPLE
WHO
IMPACTDOOR COUNTY
TERRIE COOPER Terrie Cooper has been Director of Land Program for the Door County Land Trust since 2006. She has been with the trust since 1999, first hired as its second staff person as Associate Director. She also served for two years on The Ridges Sanctuary Board of Directors, The Clearing Folk School’s Program Committee and teaches a variety of environmental and nature-based classes at The Clearing and for Road Scholar and credit courses for teachers as an adjunct faculty of the University of WisconsinStevens Point. AGE AS OF SEPT. 1, 2016: 55 CITY OF RESIDENCE: Ellison Bay
Terrie Cooper, Director of Land Program for the Door County Land Trust, on land near Baileys Harbor that’s protected by the trust. Tina M. Gohr/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
TERRI COOPER
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WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION DO? The Door County Land Trust’s mission is to protect the county’s exceptional lands and waters – forever. We are a local, nonprofit, community-based organization that actively works to conserve lands through purchase or acceptance of donations of land or conservation easements. Founded in 1986, the Land Trust has protected more than 7,500 acres of the county’s scenic and open spaces and lands of high ecological integrity, and is supported by more than 2,200 members. Door County Land Trust nature preserves are open year-round to the public at no charge for hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife observation, some forms of hunting, and other low-impact, non-motorized recreational activities.
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grant funding from the Knowles-Nelson State Stewardship program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other granting partners; and support from our conservation partners, The Nature Conservancy, The Ridges Sanctuary, Department of Natural Resources and USFWS, our success has grown exponentially, from 100 acres protected in 1999 to over 7,500 acres today.
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HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION? Ten staff, 19 Board of Directors members and hundreds of Door County’s most committed and talented volunteers WHAT MAKES YOUR ORGANIZATION SPECIAL IN DOOR COUNTY? The Land Trust is community-based, with the broadest land protection mission of any group in the county, dedicated to protecting lands in Door County so that future generations will reap the benefits of clean air and water, a diversity of biological wealth, inspiring natural places to visit and enjoy, and a strong economy that is sustained by land and water protection efforts.
summers in Russia, training teachers and students at Ryazan University in environmental education and natural resources management. If I could design a new life, it would be focused on travel, working for an international environmental organization on protecting this planet’s biodiversity, becoming fluent in French and Spanish and perhaps teaching English as a Second Language.
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, BUSINESS- OR LIFE-RELATED, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS? Follow your heart! I have always known my passion was being out in the natural world and working to protect it. In college, when most of my friends were waitressing up here and earning four times an hour what I earned, I worked at Newport State Park leading nature hikes, cleaning pit toilets, maintaining trails. I did whatever it took to be working out in the natural world. My first job after I graduated with my Master’s Degree in 1989 paid $12,000 a year with the pleasure of living in an uninsulated cabin on 500 acres of land in the middle of the coulees near La Crosse, teaching nature programs to local school children.
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WHAT IS THE NICEST THING ANYONE HAS EVER DONE FOR YOU? Nominated me for this publication! And the other nicest thing is my Australian family, the Welches, who in 1979 opened their home for me to live for a year as an exchange student. The world expanded a thousand-fold and I understood what is meant to be a truly global citizen.
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WHAT ONE PLACE IN DOOR COUNTY DO YOU LOVE OR STANDS OUT FOR YOU? The very tip of the Peninsula, where the turbulent waters of Lake Michigan collide with those of Green Bay in the strait known as Death’s Door passage. I love the energy and ever-changing moods of the lake, its power and immensity and how humbled I feel when I kayak through this passage and think of the thousands who have traveled these waters before me: the Native Americans, French voyageurs, European settlers, the crews on the Great Lake schooners and freighters who have laid their eyes on these very same ancient white cedars clinging to the rocky shores of these islands.
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WHAT IS YOUR “AT-BAT” OR RING ENTRANCE SONG? The Nylons, “This Island Earth.”
I followed my heart and made a lot of financial sacrifices throughout my early career, but the honor of doing work that will outlast my lifetime, and sustain life on this planet, is highly motivating and rewarding.
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Thanks to the tremendous community support, private donations from our members, DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
WHAT BOOKS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? “The Moon by Whale Light: And Other Adventures Among Bats, Crocodilians, Penguins and Whales” by Diane Ackerman, and “An Unspoken Hunger” and “Refuge” by Terry Tempest Williams. IF YOU WEREN’T DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? I have always had a burning passion for travel, foreign culture and languages. I was an exchange student in high school to Australia and in college traveled a semester throughout 16 countries of Europe on $10 a day. I worked three
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WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GUILTY PLEASURE? The consumption of high-quality chocolate in ANY form! PAGE 15
QUESTIONS with PEOPLE
WHO
IMPACTDOOR COUNTY AGE AS OF SEPT. 1: 67 FAMILY: Wife, Sharon Lutsey; sons Matt (40), Jeff (37), Nic (37), and Andrew (33); daughters-in-law Melissa and Catie; grandchildren Cole, Henry, Simon, and Axl. Matt and Jeff also work at Waseda Farms. CITY OF RESIDENCE: Egg Harbor
Thomas Lutsey and his wife, Sharon, operate Waseda Farms, a certified organic farm for beef, poultry, pork and produce, which Lutsey started in 2008 after retiring from Gold Bond Ice Cream in Green Bay. Along with supplying restaurants and schools, Waseda operates stores in Baileys Harbor and De Pere. Lutsey is a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Door County, Horseshoe Bay Golf Club, and the Green Bay Packers, and Waseda works with numerous nonprofit organizations in Door County.
THOMAS LUTSEY
Waseda Farms founder Tom Lutsey, front, is joined by, from left, Chris Schuh, director of farm operations for Waseda; Jeff Lutsey, sales manager; and Sayard Geeve, store manager. Tina M. Gohr/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
THOMAS LUTSEY DOES YOUR COMPANY 1 WHAT DO?
standard of living for our animals and steady improvement in the health of our grass, soil and its underlying ecosystem. This is best for us, for the animals and for the grass and earth ... and best for the long term.
We at Waseda Farms raise cattle, pigs, chickens, fruits, and vegetables on 500-plus acres of organic land in Baileys Harbor and Jacksonport. We also work with our farm landlease neighbors to organically farm and improve their land as we harvest grass for our cattle and grains for our chickens and pigs. We started with cattle in 2005 and slowly have raised additional animals and produce every year since. We have two retail stores – our year-round country store at the farm and full-service deli/meat/ grocery store in De Pere. And we are thrilled to be working with 20 wonderful restaurants, markets, and schools in Door County.
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HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Special to our farm is the deep connection to our land upon the greater Niagara Escarpment. This place of rocky cliffs, glacial deposits, shallow topsoil, extreme winters and awesome beauty demands respect, a little humility, and lots of teamwork. We do everything we can to maintain our farm open to the community with special events and with open access for walking, so that we can all keep learning and sharing the gifts of this land. ONE PIECE OF ADVICE 4 WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS?
Eighteen in Door County, farm staff and farm market staff; and 30-plus in De Pere, store staff including deli, grocery, produce, and meat specialists.
Speak and listen in proportion to your God-given one mouth and two ears.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS SPECIAL IN DOOR COUNTY?
“Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan and anything by Joel Salatin, a great and inspiring farmer who taught us (all of us) so much.
Similar to many in Door County, we are each eccentric, motivated people that have a deep appreciation for our land and cultural values. Our focus is to provide our neighbors and friends with meats of the highest nutrition and highest quality. And our emphasis is on providing the best
BOOKS WOULD YOU 5 WHAT RECOMMEND?
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IS THE NICEST THING 7 WHAT ANYONE HAS EVER DONE FOR YOU? In the beginning (2008), I was working on the farming and Sharon was working on “sales.” Her expert sales work consisted of making connections with and talking to close friends about the quality of the meat and the use of it in different delicious recipes. At one point, friend and old farm sage Kevin Kiehnau asked, “What are you going to do when you run out of friends to sell meat to?” The next year, we opened up our farm store. Often nice things can come in the form of a provocative question. ONE PLACE IN DOOR 8 WHAT COUNTY DO YOU LOVE OR STANDS OUT FOR YOU? Eagle Tower. A unique place for me (that we all seem to have up here), that upon visiting it at an early age, opened my eyes to that special something here in Door County. IS YOUR “AT-BAT” OR 9 WHAT RING ENTRANCE SONG? “Gonna Fly Now,” the “Rocky” theme song.
IS YOUR BIGGEST GUILTY 10 WHAT PLEASURE?
IF YOU WEREN’T DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Making ice cream. Or maybe just eating it.
Grumpy’s fresh-made Maple Kettle Corn with extra salt. Not ice cream, which is of course a food staple!
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DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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PAGE 17
QUESTIONS with PEOPLE
WHO
IMPACTDOOR COUNTY
TERRY ULLMAN Terry Ullman pours chocolate to create confections at his Door County Candy in downtown Sturgeon Bay. Tina M. Gohr/Door County Advocate
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Self-described “Candy Man” Terry Ullman is owner of Door County Candy, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is one of the linchpins of the historic Third Avenue business district in downtown Sturgeon Bay. Ullman serves on the board of the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center Board and Third Avenue Business Association and is on the pastoral council at St. Joseph’s Church. He also was involved in theater and show choirs and, as a member of Up With People, performed in the halftime show of the 1986 Super Bowl.
AGE AS OF SEPT. 1 2016: 52 FAMILY: Wife, Rebecca; four children, Joseph, Collette, Levi, Ruby; plus many siblings in the immediate area that have all helped in numerous ways throughout the years. CITY OF RESIDENCE: Sturgeon Bay
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
TERRY ULLMAN DOES YOUR 1 WHAT BUSINESS DO?
Door County Candy is celebrating its 20th anniversary since opening our doors in 1996. I started the business working out of a much smaller store, about 400 square feet, that was known as Copper Kettle Confections. At that time we focused on the gourmet popcorns and fudge. After outgrowing that space we contacted the landlord and grew into a vacant space that opened up behind that location. It was home to my business for the first 14 years, and we managed to add hand-dipped ice cream to our offerings. The business struggled in those early years in part due to the oneway streets. In 2010, after a long struggle, the downtown business district was able to get a four-month trial with two-way traffic and it drastically improved business. I was able to acquire a vacated bike store, taking our retail size from about 900 square feet to almost 1,700, which we currently occupy. Another acquisition happened in April of the adjoining property; it sort of happened mid-stride of a store remodeling. The store has been exceptionally busy this year within the current location as a result of my staff’s hard work, the store remodel, refining our product offering, and focusing what is most important to our customer -- exceptional product and great service.
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assisting customers. In addition, we employ six seasonal staff, plus my children who make great taste testers, greeters and help out during busy times. MAKES YOUR BUSI3 WHAT NESS SPECIAL IN DOOR COUNTY? It’s pretty cool to own a time machine. Folks really get a kick out of it. From the moment they step inside Door County Candy, they are in amazement of all the sights, sounds and the aromas one would expect of a candy store. It’s an intoxicating cavalcade of candy and ice cream that makes such an impression that excites all ages – a lasting impression that brings folks back time and time again. We are now seeing third generations of families – we have to bring the grandkids here. ONE PIECE OF 4 WHAT ADVICE, BUSINESS- OR LIFE-RELATED, WOULD
YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS? Whatever path you take, make sure it’s one you enjoy. Then do it living each day to the fullest.
IS THE NICEST 7 WHAT THING ANYONE HAS EVER DONE FOR YOU? Given the odds, being born certainly ranks high on the list. But my parents introducing me to this special place is right up there too, seeing how Door County is the place where I met my beautiful wife and it’s the place we’ve chosen to raise our two children. ONE PLACE IN DOOR 8 WHAT COUNTY DO YOU LOVE OR STANDS OUT FOR YOU? There are so many – in the arms of the ones I love, my kids, my wife; spending time experiencing the Door’s beaches, parks, outdoors, entertainment, grilling. As long as it’s with family, it’s on the top of my list. IS YOUR “AT-BAT” OR 9 WHAT RING ENTRANCE SONG? “It’s Your Thing (Do What You Wanna Do)” by the Isley Brothers.
IS YOUR BIGGEST 10 WHAT GUILTY PLEASURE?
Toss-up between chocolate-dipped bacon, fire-roasted asparagus, leopard-print stuff – you asked.
BOOKS WOULD YOU 5 WHAT RECOMMEND?
Not a lot of free time, so my go-to reading is usually hunting-, fishing-, or travel-related, I also enjoy reading cookbooks.
YOU WEREN’T DOING 6 IFWHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU
HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS? In addition to me, we have two fulltime candy aficionados who help make the chocolates, fudges, candies, and gourmet popcorns while
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
DO? Not a lot of free time, so my go-to reading is usually hunting-, fishing-, or travel-related, I also enjoy reading cookbooks.
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Mitch Larson is the owner/buyer for On Deck Clothing Company, which has locations in Fish Creek, Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay, including a recently opened outlet store in Sturgeon Bay. On Deck is celebrating its 30th year this year.
QUESTIONS with PEOPLE
WHO
IMPACTDOOR COUNTY
MITCH LARSON 1 2
WHAT DOES YOUR BUSINESS DO? We own and operate retail clothing stores throughout Door County, selling better men’s and women’s clothing and footwear. This year, we are celebrating 30 years in business.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK FOR YOUR COMPANY? In the peak season, we employ about 40 people, many of which are now year-round jobs.
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WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS SPECIAL IN DOOR COUNTY?
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WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, BUSINESSOR LIFE-RELATED, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS?
Our long history in Door County. My family has been in the retail business going back to the late 1800s.
If you have a passion for an idea in business and work hard, you will succeed. Explore other areas similar to Door County to draw on ideas. At On Deck, we are constantly changing – new locations, product changes, renovations. Keep your business new and exciting and your customer base will continue to grow.
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AGE ON AUG. 1, 2015: 57 CITY OF RESIDENCE: Fish Creek
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IF YOU WEREN’T DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
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WHAT IS THE NICEST THING ANYONE HAS EVER DONE FOR YOU?
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WHAT ONE PLACE IN DOOR COUNTY DO YOU LOVE OR STANDS OUT FOR YOU?
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WHAT IS YOUR “AT-BAT” OR RING ENTRANCE SONG?
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I was in the cherry processing business for years, first with my family and then with the Seaquists. I enjoyed that very much.
Too many things to list, but my mom and dad helped me get started in business.
I love all of Door County, but having a business here makes it nonstop work. I love to escape to Washington Island. Such a nice place to relax.
(Not answered.)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GUILTY PLEASURE? I love mountains, skiing, mountain biking and hiking. If I can be on a mountain, I am happy. My favorite quote is from John Muir – “The mountains are calling and I must go.”
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WHAT BOOKS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? Basic business books and customer service books. We are in the business of selling merchandise. Walt Disney put it best – “MERCHANTAINMENT.”
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DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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DOOR COUNTY VISITOR BUREAU
Mission remains the same after 132 years
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County communities were members of the Door County Tourism Zone, collecting a 5.5-percent room tax and marketing Door County as a single entity. We would be remiss if we did not recognize all of the Door County innkeepers that collect the room tax and remit it to the Door County Tourism Zone Commission, which collects and distributes those funds to the local communities and the DCVB for marketing efforts. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s numbers supplied from Tourism Economics for 2015, Door County’s visitor spending increased $18.2 million, or 5.8 percent, over 2014 and state and local taxes jumped $1.7 million or 5.13 percent. Some other impactful statistics follow: Room tax collections have grown 36.52 percent or $1,105,070 over the last seven years.
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When we talk about impacts on the local community, how can we not discuss tourism and its impact historically, currently and in the future of Door County? 2016 is a special year for the Door County Visitor Bureau. This year we celebrate our 125th anniversary of incorporation, which happened April 8, 1891. Although 125 years of continuous service in Door County is quite a milestone, we are also on record as the third-oldest destination marketing organization (DMO) in the United States, behind Milwaukee and Des Moines, Iowa, both incorporated in 1888. We do stretch back even
Door County prosperous. Although our mission has remained consistent over the years, the Door County Visitor Bureau has seen some name changes during that time: 1884 to 1891: Door County Business Men’s Association 1891 to 1915: Business Men’s Association of Sturgeon Bay 1915 to 1921: Sturgeon Bay Commercial Club 1921 to 1924: Sturgeon Bay Chamber of Commerce 1924 to 2004: Door County Chamber of Commerce 2004 to 2006: Door County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau 2006 to 2016: Door County Visitor Bureau So, how are we doing? Door County has shown tremendous growth year over year since 2009. We consider 2009 the base year, as it was the first year that all 19 Door
In so no fin lut vat ish io ive in ns g in eq p ui ain pm t en t.
JACK MONEYPENNY DOOR COUNTY VISITOR BUREAU
a bit further, however. The organization had bylaws and a constitution dating back to 1884 and was a functioning association for seven years prior to incorporation. The date was March 13, 1884. Forty to 50 businessmen traveled from all over the Door Peninsula to a meeting in Sturgeon Bay. This was no easy task considering the mode of transportation at the time was a horse and buggy, which traveled 3 or 4 mph. So the men coming from the north could very well have spent eight to 12 hours on the road to attend this very important meeting. By the end of this meeting an executive committee, board of directors, and a committee to draw up bylaws had been established. The goals of this fledgling organization in 1884 was quite similar to our goals today -- to be the vacation destination for those outside our area and make all of the businesses in
Serving Northern Door County for over 50 years. BAILEY’S HARBOR • PHONE 920-839-2070 • FAX 920-839-9189 DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
Total room revenues have grown 37.92 percent or $20,863,104 over the last seven years. Occupied rooms have grown 20.49 percent or 90,687 rooms over the last seven years. Occupancy has grown 6.66 percent over the last seven years. Average daily rate has increased 15.51 percent or $18.00 over the last seven years. Doorcounty.com, our website, receives over 2.5 million visitors a year The DCVB distributes 230,000 official visitor guides both in and out of the county each year. We think the founding fathers of this tourism movement in 1884 would be as-
tonished and amazed at how far their thoughts of growing tourism have grown over the last 132 years. The world is certainly in a different place, but if we look past broadband connectivity, social media or print versus electronic media, at the heart of it all still lies this question â&#x20AC;&#x201C; How can we bring more people to Door County for rest and relaxation, being mindful of sustainable tourism, to impact the residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; quality of life and the prosperity of Door County businesses? Jack Moneypenny is president and CEO of the Door County Visitor Bureau. For more information, call 920743-4456 or 800-527-3529, email info@doorcounty.com or go to www.doorcounty. com.
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DOOR COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS
CINDY KREUTZER DOOR COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS
Realtors keep up with changes, complexities of market
The Door County Board of Realtors is made up of over 200 Real Estate Agents who work together to promote property ownership in our area. Our agents are members of the National and Wisconsin Realtor Associations and are guided by the Realtor Code of Ethics. We know that we are helping people follow their dreams of home ownership, whether that be a primary residence, vacation home or land purchase, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Realtors are required to advance their knowledge by attending Continuing Education Classes and encouraged to gain additional knowledge with further certification courses. The real estate market is ever changing and keeping up with those changes is of the utmost importance. Speaking of changes in the market, the world of financing a mortgage is constantly changing. In today’s market a seller wants to know that the buyer making an offer on their property is “qualified” to complete the buying process. It is imperative that buyers be pre-approved with a lender before starting their home/property searches. There are more regulations that lenders and buyers need to follow to be successful in obtaining the loan. Having your homework done before making the offer helps to make the process go smoothly without PAGE 24
headaches. No buyer or seller want to get three-quarters of the way through the sale process only to have the lender deny the loan. Buyers, be prepared and save yourself stress and heartache down the road – talk to your lender first. In the last two years the real estate market has seen increased sales volume. After years of a slow market, sales picked up dramatically in 2015 and are continuing to be strong. In 2015 there were 205 residential properties sold in Door County from January through June. In 2016, we have sold 211 in the same time frame. The median home sale price for 2015 was $205,000 and in 2016 it is $231,000. With sales increasing, inventory is decreasing. We are hearing from buyers that there is not the amount of choice as past years, and that is true. When you find the home that fits your needs, don’t delay, it may be sold tomorrow. Gone are the days where you can think about a house for weeks or even months and it is still available when you finally make a decision. Back in the market are second/vacation home sales. With the economy overall getting back on track, buyers are returning to the second home market. It’s no surprise that Door County continues to lead the way in vacation home ownership. Our area has so much to offer, from the natural beauty of our shoreline and state parks to our bustling shopping and arts culture. Honestly, Door County has it all and it’s no secret we
are the place to vacation and relax. I often say, “We are so fortunate to live where other people plan to come for their once-a year-vacation.” Realtors are not only busy helping people find their dream homes; we are also busy helping our community to make Door County the wonderful place to live that it is. We just held a successful golf outing to raise money for the local Habitat for Humanity’s “Brush with Kindness” Campaign, raising $7,000. Additionally, each year we do food drives for the local pantries at our holiday party and collect toys for Toys for Tots. New last year, the Door County Board of Realtors implemented our Community Impact Grants programs funding the signage and kiosk for the one of the bike loops in the Northern Door area. More are planned in the future. We recently were successful in obtaining a grant from the National Association of Realtors for producing a professional video highlighting
LIVE
the available Home Buyer Assistance Programs. The board is working in conjunction with Door County Economic Development Corp., Lakeshore CAP and Peninsula Film Works to bring this video to the public. Buying and selling real estate is more complex than ever before. From the marketing and pricing of a property to negotiating the purchase; from helping wade through the lending process to deciphering the local zoning codes and all the other issues in between, Realtors have the knowledge and expertise to benefit sellers and buyers. For more information and a list of Realtors in the area, call the Door County Board office at 920-743-9651 or go to www. dcbr.org. Cindy Koutnik is president of the Door County Board of Realtors. She is the Broker Manager of Action Realty in Sturgeon Bay.
United Way of Door County
920-746-9645 www.unitedwaydc.com UNITED WAY FIGHTS FOR THE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL STABILITY OF EVERY PERSON IN EVERY DOOR COUNTY COMMUNITY. WE WIN BY LIVING UNITED. BY FORGING UNLIKELY PARTNERSHIPS. BY FINDING NEW SOLUTIONS TO OLD PROBLEMS. BY MOBILIZING THE BEST RESOURCES. AND INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS TO JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST A COMMON FOE: EACH COMMUNITY’S MOST DAUNTING SOCIAL CRISES.
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DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
DOOR COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
BILL CHAUDOIR DOOR COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
All economic sectors of county showing growth
During 2016, we at Door County Economic Development Corp. saw healthy economic growth in the county as the United States continues to rebound from the recession. What was very encouraging was that the growth was in all areas of the local economy, including manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. • Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park In the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park, Cadence, Inc. completed and occupied its new 62,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility at 1425 S. Neenah Ave. Cadence is a leading supplier of advanced products, technologies and services to medical, life science, automotive and industrial companies worldwide. DCEDC assisted Pro Products, Inc., a precision CNC machine shop, acquire from the city the 2.74-acre parcel adjacent to its new facility. It will be constructing an additional 5,625 square-foot warehouse building to replace warehouse space in its current building, which will ultimately be convert-
ed into manufacturing production use. The city of Sturgeon Bay sold an additional three-quarter-acre lot in the Industrial Park to the Murrock Yard Maintenance company to facilitate expansion of that business. The parcel is adjacent to Murrock’s current building on Keel Court and is the site for its new 7,000 square-foot building. Sunshine House began expansion of its facilities and also expanded its program offerings to include senior day care. Finally, the Industrial Park was included on the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) statewide listing of Gigabit Business Parks, recognizing the availability of ultra-high broadband fiber optic telecommunications services in the park. • West Side redevelopment Sturgeon Bay and DCEDC celebrated the groundbreaking for the $7.7 million Bay Loft apartments development at 49 N. Madison Ave. The project is the first in the city’s West Side Redevelopment area. Its 37 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom, market-rate apartments will feature in-building parking, a community room, fitness center, business center and other amenities. The development also includes 2,350 square feet of commercial
space along Madison Avenue. We are hopeful that this project – and subsequent new development in the area – will help with our employers’ workforce recruitments and retention efforts. DCEDC has worked very closely with Sturgeon Bay officials and consultants on the continued implementation of the plan for redevelopment of the city’s West Side waterfront. • Fincantieri- Bay Shipbuilding Co. Door County’s largest employer, Fincantieri- Bay Shipbuilding Co., had a very active year. Fincantieri signed a contract for the construction of an Articulated Tug Barge Unit (ATB) for delivery in late 2017, and the option for a second ATB unit to be potentially delivered in 2018. When complete, the ATB will operate on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. DCEDC supported the application by Bay Shipbuilding for a Harbor Assistance Program (HAP) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The proposed project is Phase III of a three-phase project to improve the ship docking capacity in the South yard of the shipyard. This investment will have a huge financial impact to Bay Shipbuilding and Door County by generating new direct shipyard jobs and indirect work for suppliers of materials
and equipment. Completion of the dock wall construction and dredging project will significantly increase the production capacity of the shipyard and enhance the efficiency of its operations. As a result, the shipyard will be able to undertake more ship building and repair/outfitting projects, which will enhance the shipyard’s revenue-earning capacity. Its multi-year backlog of work is positive evidence that these investments will undoubtedly help sustain the shipyard and its hundreds of jobs well into the future. Bay Shipbuilding also invested heavily in the acquisition and upgrade of buildings formerly owned by Palmer Johnson Yachts, as well as new equipment and technology to stay on the cutting edge of the global shipbuilding industry. The company worked with DCEDC and the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center to leverage design assistance from the WEDC Main Street Program for its new property. • Door/Kewaunee Legislative Days In another achievement for the 2015 Door/Kewaunee Legislative Days event, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently announced that it will begin adopting new rules for manure handling specific to the karst region via the administrative rule process.
<<< SEE DCEDC CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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<<< DCEDC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
Protecting the public’s drinking water in at-risk karst geo-regions was one of the major objectives of Legislative Days agenda, and the event helped increase awareness of this issue in Madison. The Door/Kewaunee Legislative Days Steering Committee was very pleased with the immediate impact last year’s event had on several key issues, especially the Kewaunee Seawall project, the restoration of Harbor Assistance Program funding and the reinstatement of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program. In a few months we will need to start work on 2017’s legislative agenda. Hopefully, our recent success will help build interest and even better participation for next year’s event. More details about Legislative Days are available at www. dklegislativedays.com. • Sister City program A Chinese delegation from our Sister City of Jingdezhen visited Door County in June. One of the objectives of the visit was to explore the expansion of the J-1 Visa Employment/ Culture Exchange program, encouraging seasonal workers from China to become part of our summer workforce. In October, County Board Chairman David Lienau will lead a Door County delegation to China to pursue a similar objective. The Door County delegation will also
see the official opening of the Door County Public Square in Jingdezhen, designed in part by Meissner Landscaping. • NexGen Young Professionals Network The NexGen Door County Young Professionals Network was launched in 2016 to attract and retain young professionals from all local industries to our community through a regular schedule of events, including professional development, community service projects and social gatherings, throughout the length and breadth of the Peninsula. NexGen was also an active participant in the statewide YP Week initiative and continues to interact with and learn from similar organizations around Wisconsin. NexGen’s goal is to promote the benefits of living and working in Door County to young professionals and entrepreneurs. This includes outreach and engagement with prospective residents and new arrivals as well as long-term young residents. By strengthening Door County’s community of young people, we also hope to entice native graduates to return to the community they grew up in. Door County adult residents of all ages are welcome to join NexGen, as are members of the local business community. There are three levels of membership to choose from, in-
cluding Individual, Business and Premier. NexGen was pleased to welcome Scandia Village and Therma-Tron-X as our initial Premier Business sponsors. For more information about NexGen programs and events, visit the NexGen Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ NexGenDoorCounty. • Grow Door County – A Workforce for the Future In 2016, DCEDC began to aggressively address the major issue affecting all businesses today - workforce. We restored our Workforce Taskforce of business leaders and human resources professionals who have been meeting monthly since February to discuss workforce strategies and learn from statewide resources. In September, DCEDC will host a Business & Education Partnership Summit, bringing area leaders together to learn about the new statewide initiative to better prepare students for post-graduate training and employment, and the imple-
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DCEDC is eager to support and enjoy the continued growth of the entire Door County business community in 2017 and beyond, while addressing our current and future needs. Bill Chaudoir is Executive Director of Door County Economic Development Corp. He is retiring from the post at the end of 2016 after 27 years as DCEDC’s only executive director in its history.
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DOOR COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Working to build a better community BRET BICOY DOOR COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, INC. There’s something intriguing about the name of the Door County Community Foundation. The first 10 letters of its spell out “Door County.” The last 10 letters spell out “foundation.” Hence, at the literal center of the organization’s name is the word “community.” There’s a wonderfully symmetry to that. At its most basic, the Door County Community Foundation is a tool for building community. It does so for a very practical reason. Simply put, society’s most intractable problems cannot be solved by a single person, or institution, acting alone. That’s why, in addition to the foundation’s Sustainability Grants program (which funds the everyday operational needs of Door County’s local charities), it also supports the community through Advancement Grants. Advancement Grants invest the Community Foundation’s financial, professional and volunteer resources in collaborative efforts which lead to systemic change. Advancement Grants launch initiatives that look at entire systems in Door County and work to bring about greater efficiencies, if not a wholesale change in how things are done. For instance, the Community Foundation recently asked the people of the community a simple question – What do you want Door County to be like as you grow older? This is at the heart of a new initiative called Discuss Door County. Last spring and summer, the people of Door County were invit-
ed to participate in more than three dozen guided “Neighborhood Conversations” on every part of our Peninsula, followed by a series of county-wide assemblies last fall. Nearly 600 people participated in these discussions, reflecting virtually every demographic of the people who call Door County home. From seasonal residents to year-round folks, from the wealthiest families to those who struggle to get by, from young people to senior citizens, everyone was invited to share their thoughts about what they want for the community as everyone grows older together. This wasn’t a strategic planning process. It was neither an effort to define a work plan to achieve a predetermined goal nor an attempt to convince the community of the righteousness of a particular course of action. Discuss Door County is a genuine opportunity for the people of this community to come together and talk about what everyone wants for Door County as people grow older. The results of this work will be published and publicly unveiled this coming spring. Eventually, the Community Foundation anticipates that many different organizations and citizen groups will develop their own tactical approaches and strategic plans, each working to realize that part of this shared future which most resonates with them. Yet the work to come will draw its power and legitimacy by being deeply rooted in the aspirations shared by the citizens of Door County. This is a wonderful example of the role of the Door County Community Foundation. It is a vehicle for bringing together citizens, businesses, charity and government to listen to one another and eventually coalesce around a common course of action to accomplish things none could never do on their own. In another example of a suc-
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
cessful Advancement Grant at the Community Foundation, last year it partnered with Nicolet Bank to expand its COIN Micro-Loan Program. This foundation program offers loan guarantees to Door County entrepreneurs that would otherwise not qualify for traditional bank financing. The effort is designed to encourage promising business men and women to start or expand their companies in Door County. The Community Foundation continues to make investments in human service programming, but a stable, year-round job with decent pay and benefits is more effective at changing lives than any human service program. Working together with donors and the business community, the foundation is stimulating economic activity, and changing lives, one new job at a time. This spring, the Advancement Grant investments are touching the lives of every student in Door County that hopes to continue his or her education after high school. Working in collaboration with the local school districts and the community’s major scholarship programs, the Community Foundation’s Door County Scholarship Network is expanding its online
searchable database to more than $600,000 of scholarships exclusively for Door County’s kids and millions more in regional and statewide financial aid. The foundation also brought together guidance counselors and other educators to create the Door County Common Scholarship Application. This form is now accepted by numerous local scholarship programs and greatly simplifies the application process for Door County’s promising students. Bringing people together is what the Community Foundation does every day. Its mission is to inspire people to give back to sustain and advance Door County. The Community Foundation is a catalyst, helping create a fellowship of people that look beyond what separates them so they can unite and serve something larger than themselves. At the Door County Community Foundation, “community,” quite literally, is its middle name. Bret Bicoy is president and CEO of the Door County Community Foundation. For more information, call 920-746-1786 or go to www.givedoorcounty.org.
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UNITED WAY OF DOOR COUNTY
AMY KOHNLE UNITED WAY OF DOOR COUNTY
New initiatives show evolving role in our community
The role that United Way plays in our community continues to evolve. United Way Worldwide supports local United Ways with the work that is important to their individual communities. Your United Way keeps an open ear to the community and works to address the emerging needs. In the last year we have been working on several emerging issues in our community in addition to our traditional work. The areas that I would like to highlight are the social and emotional readiness of our children for school, education and resources for parents and grandparents, how to make our community more aging-friendly, and our response to the use of drugs and alcohol in our county. • In the last year the Partnership for Children and Families was developed to address the issues and concerns surrounding the fact that many of our county’s children aren’t socially and emotionally ready for school. This means that they may be displaying behaviors that are disruptive to the classroom and impacts the ability for all children to learn. More than 30 government organizations, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions have come together to create the PartnerPAGE 28
ship for Children and Families. By working together, they are dedicated to connecting people to resources through a family-centered approach in order to achieve school readiness. Through collaboration with current service providers we will work to create a welcoming environment with increased access to resources where families feel equal, respected and supported, so that there is a greater likelihood that children will be successful in school. This group is making great strides and we can’t wait to see what the future brings for our children and their families. One of the immediate outcomes is that several of the organizations that United Way of Door County partially funds are working together to provide increased resources and educational programs to parents and grandparents in our community. A few of these include the Boys & Girls Club of Door County, Cradle to Career, Family Services, Healthy Families, and Northern Door Children’s Center. • The Door County Alcohol and Drug Coalition, a program of United Way of Door County, has hosted and co-hosted several opportunities for students and community members to learn about the effects of drugs and alcohol on indi-
viduals and on the community as a whole. People are learning from one another and engaging in important conversations. They also provide funds and resources to area schools to help them provide education to students of all ages, as well as funds to high school students for drug- and alcohol-free activities. • United Way of Door County, along with several other funding sources, has partnered with the Door County Community Foundation to develop Discuss Door County – A Conversation to Discuss Growing Older in Door County. Nearly 20 community members have been trained to go out into our community and truly listen to our citizens. The volunteers and their new skill set will not only be used for the topic of growing older in Door County. They are prepared to listen to our citizens and what they think about the issues facing them. United Way plans to continually hold conversations to assure that we are focusing our resources in the areas that matter most to our community. From the conversations held this summer, the results are that nearly 500 people attended more than three dozen neighborhood conversations about aging in Door County. We are now in the midst of
convening 40 volunteers at a county-wide assembly to review all that we’ve heard and help shape our common aspirations and shared vision for growing older in Door County. United Way of Door County fights for basic needs, community wellness, health, education and AOD prevention for every person in every community. We go beyond single-issue solutions and temporary fixes to impact thousands of lives every year and create lasting change that lifts up everyone. United Way of Door County’s mission is to empower people to build better lives. We identify community needs and foster synergy between business, government, individuals, and nonprofits to improve lives and thereby strengthen the entire community. To learn more about United Way of Door County and our work please call me at 920746-9645, email amy@unitedwaydc.com or visit www. unitedwaydc.com. Amy Kohnle is executive director of United Way of Door County.
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
DCEDC INDUSTRIAL PARK
Some of the 245 workers at Therma-Tron-X, Inc., prepare a frame for a parts washer. Located in the Door County Economic Development Corp.’s Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park, the company is one of the biggest employers in the county. Tina M. Gohr/USA TODAY NETWORKWisconsin
The Door County Economic Development Corp. (DCEDC) provides resources to anyone thinking about starting a new business or expanding an existing business in Door County. DCEDC can assist with locations, financing, incentives and other information to help your Door County business grow. DCEDC provides local companies of all sizes with programs and information geared to create positive growth for the Door County economy. The Door County Economic Development Corp. is a public/ private partnership dedicated to improving the economic vitality of the county and its residents. Founded in 1989, DCEDC has a successful track record of helping businesses create and retain thousands of jobs through a myriad of programs and initiatives. DCEDC partners with companies and entrepreneurs to help build successful businesses in Door County and continuously improve the area’s economic climate. It’s a relationship that allows businesses to tap into the expertise of area leaders, and provides them with access to a variety of local, state and federal resources. For more information, mail or visit Door County Economic Development Corp., 185 E. Walnut St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; call 920-743-3113 or 800-450-3113; go to www.doorcountybusiness.com; or email info@doorcountybusiness.com. DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
The following businesses are located in or near the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park as of August 2016. The industrial area, managed by the Door County Economic Development Corp., offers a variety of incentives to encourage industry to invest in the park and for existing businesses to expand. Incentives essentially are based on employment and added tax value. For details, call DCEDC at 920743-3113. BAY ELECTRIC SYSTEMS, 230 Keel Court; 920-743-7680; www.bayelectricsystems.net. Residential, commercial and industrial electrical contracting. Number of employees: Five full-time. BISSEN ASPHALT AND STURGEON BAY SAND & GRAVEL, 934 Shiloh Road; 920-746-8850; bissenasphalt@ sbcglobal.net. Gravel, sand, topsoil, and decorative stone. Number of employees: 14. C & S MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 1052 S. Neenah Ave.; 920-7436941;, www.bassetproducts.com. C & S manufactures a wide variety of products for the HVAC and plumbing industry under the familiar Basset brand name. Number of employees: 60. CADENCE, INC. 512 S. Columbia Ave.; 920-743-6544. Medical device manufacturer. Number of employees: 42 full-time and two part-time. DOOR COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP., 185 E. Walnut St.; 920-743-3113; www. doorcountybusiness.com. Business development services and business incubator. Career awareness services for youth and career education support for businesses. Number of employees: Four full-time and two part-time. <<< SEE DCEDC CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 PAGE 29
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DOOR COUNTY OVERHEAD DOOR, 1525 Shiloh Road; 920-746-0377; www. doorcountyoverheaddoor.com, Door repair and replacement. Number of employees: One full-time and one part-time. DOOR COUNTY YMCA LANSING AVENUE CENTER, 876 S. Lansing Ave.; 920-818-0796. Child care. Number of employees: Summer seasonal 10 full-time and winter seasonal three part-time. EAGLE MECHANICAL, 850 S. Lansing Ave.; 920-746-9200; www.eaglemiwi.com. Plumbing and heating contractor. Number of employees: 19. HATCO CORP., 1118 S. Neenah Ave.; 920-743-5595; www.hatcocorp.com. Custom food service equipment for restaurants and other businesses. Number of employees: 401 full-time and four part-time. HILL BUILDING MAINTENANCE, Ahnapee Hill Cleaning Service, Sunrise Hill Restoration and Just Floors, 1555 Shiloh Road; 920-743-8312. Commercial and residential cleaning and restoration. Number of employees: Four businesses with 30 to 60 seasonal employees in Door and Brown counties. HI-TEC FABRICATION (a division of Wulf Brothers), 811 S. Neenah Ave.; 920-7460925; www.htfab.com. Metal fabrication. Number of employees: 17. HTF INC., 1447 Shiloh Road; (920) 746-9850; www.heattreatfurnaces.com. Custom-made thermal process, waste reclamation and other equipment. Number of employees: 10 full-time. JUST IN TIME CORP., 36 W. Yew St.; 920-743-6771; www.justintimecorp.com. Stocking and shipping of inventory for businesses. Number of employees: 15 full-time and two part-time. KEY INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS, 228 Keel Court; 920-746-1362; www.keyindustrialplastics.com. Plastic fabrication. Number of employees: Six full-time and two part-time. LINEN PRESS, 224 Keel Court; 920-7464034 or 800-407-7667; jjungr@charter.net. Commercial laundry, rental and process linens for hotels and restaurants. Number of employees: 12 full-time and 30 seasonal. MARINE TRAVELIFT/EXACTECH, 49 E. Yew St.; 920-743-8650; www.marinetravelift.com. Manufacturer of large mobile PAGE 30
boat hoists used in marinas, shipyards, fishing ports and naval stations. Number of employees at ExacTech and Marine Travelift combined: 160. MIDWEST WIRE PRODUCTS, LLC, 649 S. Lansing Ave.; 920-743-6591; www. wireforming.com. Wire custom forms and parts, metal stamping. Number of employees: 65. MUELLER TOWING & REPAIR/ LAKESHORE WASTE SYSTEM/DC SCRAP METAL, 1456 Shiloh Road; 920743-8805. Medium and heavy truck repair and towing, residential and commercial holding and septic tank pumping and scrap metal recycling. Number of employees: 10 full-time, one part-time and one seasonal. MURROCK’S YARD MAINTENANCE, 203 Keel Court; 920-743-9358. Residential and commercial landscape maintenance and snow removal. Number of employees: Six. N.E.W. INDUSTRIES, 905 S. Neenah Ave.; 920-743-8575; www.new-industries. com. CNC machining services. Number of employees: 190. NORTHLAND STEEL, 1052 S. Neenah Ave.; 920-743-7410; northlandsteel.net. Steel supply. Number of employees: 11. PENINSULA CREATIONS, 201 Yew St.; 920-746-9744; www.peninsulacreations. com. Custom and semi-custom cabinetry and furnishings. Number of employees: Five. PORTSIDE PROPERTIES, 810 S. Lansing Ave.; 920-746-1092; www.portsidebuilders.com. Design, construction, and remodeling of residential and commercial properties. Number of employees: 57. PRO PRODUCTS, INC., 1450 S. Neenah Ave.; 920-743-1575; www.proproducts-inc.com. CNC machining, small fabrications, welding and parts assembly services to original equipment manufacturers. Number of employees: 36 full-time and four seasonal. S & R TRUCK CENTER, 1027 Shiloh Road; 920-746-0715. Automotive repair. Number of employees: Four. SKIPPER BUD’S, 705 Quarterdeck Lane; 920-743-8985; www.skipperbuds.com. Full-service marina, including boat storage and sales. Number of employees: 18. STURGEON BAY COLD STORAGE AND DAN’S FISH, 152 Jib St.; 920-
743-4354; www.fullfish.net. Cold storage services. Number of employees: 10.62 SUNSHINE HOUSE, INC., 55 W. Yew St.; 920-743-7943; www.sunshinehouseinc. org. Bulk mailing, small assembly and other subcontracted services to provide jobs for people with developmental disabilities. Serves as a collection site for Goodwill Industries. Number of employees: 80. THERMA-TRON-X, INC., 1155 S. Neenah Ave.; 920-743-6568; www.therma-tron-x. com; sales@ttxinc.com. Industrial paint and finishing systems. Number of employees: 245. T.R. COCHART TIRE CENTER, 911 Shiloh Road; 920-743-1500. Tire repair and replacement. Number of employees: Five. VALLEY CABINET, INC., 966 Green Bay Road; 920-743-2243; www.valleycabinetinc.com. Full-service custom cabinet manufacturer with three showroom locations. Number of employees: Three. VIKING ELECTRIC (FORMERLY ANCHOR ELECTRIC SUPPLY), 1416 S. Neenah Ave.; 920-743-5505; www.vikingelectric.com. Electric supplies for construction and business. Number of employees: Three. WARNER-WEXEL LLC, 210 Jib St.; 920-746-1700; www.warner-wexel.com. Distributor of pool, janitorial and nonperishable products for hotels, taverns, restaurants, stores and other small businesses. Number of employees: Nine full-time and two part-time. WILCO CABINET MAKERS, INC., 49 W. Walnut St.; 920-746-7938; www.wilcocabinets.com. Cabinet and counter makers. Number of employees: Two. WIRETECH FABRICATORS, 124 E. Leeward St.; 920-743-7201; www.wiretechfab.com. Wire form solution provider since 1963. Number of employees: 121 full-time and six part-time. WULF BROTHERS, 155 E. Walnut St.; 920-743-5587; www.wulfbrothers.com. Heating and ventilation systems, air conditioning, spas, fireplaces and stone products. Number of employees: 50. DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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FIND A PARTNER IN THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER New and expanding businesses find an enthusiastic, nurturing partner in the Door County Business Development Center, a small business incubator in the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park, operated and managed by the Door County Economic Development Corp. With 32,000 square feet, the center can accommodate a variety of different businesses, including office, service, assembly, distribution and light manufacturing. Tenants, paying competitive rates, share services and equipment, which allows them to keep overhead costs low and get off to a strong start in business. Center tenants also may qualify for special business incentives and finance programs, low-interest loans, business consulting and financing eligibility and application assistance. The center is currently home to 15 businesses that have 52 full-time employees. It has graduated 21 businesses that employ 84 people. Tenants typically graduate from the center within three to five years. For more information on the Business Development Center, contact Paula Sullivan, DCEDC Operations manager, at 920-743-3113, Ext. 202, or paula@doorcountybusiness.com.
TENANT LIST
Better Avenues LLC: Owners Hope and Jim Conley provide all available services to individuals with disabilities as a vendor for the state Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), a program funded by the federal government to assist people with disabilities to obtain gainful and appropriate employment. 920-743-8110 or Betteravenues4u@gmail.com. Chapman Technical Services: John Chapman provides engineering and technical services for new builds or ship repairs as well as marine surveys and inspections. 920-743-4540 or john@chaptech.us. Connections – An IRIS Consulting Agency by Lutheran Social Services: Connections, an IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) agency, helps develop self-directed support programs for people with developmental or physical disabilities and caregivers of older adults in need of long-term support. Program consultants serve as long-term care partners to help plan and direct support and services. Lu Ann Desotelle, 920-3046592 or www.connectionswis.org. Door County Natural Stone Surfaces, LLC: Door County Natural Stone Surfaces is a full-service marble and granite fabrication company, providing custom-cut stone countertops for kitchens, bathrooms and fireplaces in residential and commercial applications. We can source thousands of different PAGE 32
styles and types of granite and marble, providing homeowners with the perfect fit for new home or renovation projects. We are the Peninsula’s only local stone fabrication shop, servicing all your marble and granite needs. Luke Peterson and Jeff Tebo, 920-746-0063 or www.naturalstonesurfaces.net. Dust Free Sanders, Inc.: Dust Free Sanders is a family-owned construction company based out of Sturgeon Bay. We are the “wood floor experts” of Door County. Our services include installing new hardwood floors and refinishing existing wood floors with the best dust collection available. Our finishes are Green Guard certified for your family’s health – “no dust, no toxic fumes.” You can see our work at Blue Dolphin House, the Black Smith Inn, Fish Market Restaurant, and JJ’s La Puerta Restaurant. Jason Kust, 920-660-6428 or www.dustfreesanders.com. HTF, Inc.: HTF is a manufacturer of custom-built industrial thermal processing equipment such as heat treat furnaces, aluminum melters and wastewater evaporators. David and Prisca Smith started HTF in January 1996 with three craftsmen previously employed by PBI. The company currently employs 10 people and builds equipment for a nationwide industrial customer base. The main manufacturing facility is located at 210 E. Yew St., Sturgeon Bay; the administrative office is in the Business Development Center. 920-746-9850 or www.heattreatfurnaces.com.
LeTroLaq Tooling: Owned and operated by Claude LeClair, LeTroLaq Tooling is becoming the biggest little name in pneumatic hand crimpers in the industrial marketplace. The main focus is on tooling and machine design for the wire terminating industry for automotive, military and other industrial applications. 920-901-7733 or www.LTLtooling.com. Mike Wieck Sales, Inc.: Mike Wieck Sales has been providing professional sales representation, marketing and product development to the sporting goods industry since 1979. Connected throughout 24 states, MWS, Inc., offers sporting goods experts who not only represent their brand but live it; each rep is an outdoor enthusiast providing direct working knowledge of the products they represent. Kurt Bassuener, 573-5903296 or kurt@mws-reps.com. Olfactorious of Door County, LLC: Owned and operated by Melissa Tappa-Wingo, Olfactorious produces and sells essential oils and natural body products at local farm markets and online, with plans to expand to local natural and health food stores. Olfactorious offers premium carrier oils in user-friendly sizes and packaging. 920-246-2170 or www. olfactoriousofdoorcounty.com. Peninsula Building Systems, Inc.: PBS has been serving our customers’ design and construction needs throughout the Midwest for 22 years. We think that Door County has “the perfect climate to do business.” PBS’ choice to locate its Wisconsin office in DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
Sturgeon Bay allows us to strategically and effectively serve Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Brown counties. PBS is proud that we are locally owned and staffed with construction specialists living and paying taxes in Door County. PBS specializes in the design, renovation and construction of commercial, industrial, municipal, recreational, agricultural and religious buildings. We are experienced as well in designing buildings for our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personal storage needs. As an additional resource to our customers, our Door County office is supported by our hard-working building and design teams in our Illinois and Texas offices. We look forward to working with you. Dale Reiser, 920-868-2229 or www.peninsulabuildingsystems.com. Specialized Services, LLC: Specialized Services is a privately owned company serving as fiduciary agent for individuals and government offices at the county level, specific to assisted living, social services and community support programs. As a fiduciary agent,
Specialized Services employs individuals as caregivers who are then contracted to our customers. Specialized Services handles all aspects of hiring an employee, such as background screening, payroll deductions and recruiting. Cory Diehm or Amy Weckler, 920-743-8316 or amyweckler@gmail.com. Strategic Supply Co.: Strategic Supply is a wholesale company of medical supplies, janitorial and sanitation supplies, office supplies and more. Strategic Supply is not just a supplier; we are a strategic partner helping organizations save time and money without having to sacrifice quality. Serving all of Wisconsin and most of the Midwest. Call Eric at 920-639-5951 or go to www.gostrategic.net. Trillium Herbal Co.: Trillium Organics is your source for authentic USDA organic body care and all-natural skin care products. Trusted by the Organic Consumers Association and treasured by glowing fans worldwide, Trillium Organics
blends and pours each and every organic skin care product by hand. If you find yourself troubled by eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris or dry skin, we have the solution for you. No matter how much or how little you wish to pamper your skin, we have solutions and systems that will help you heal and restore your skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural glow. Karen Ciesar, 920-746-5207 or www.trilliumorganics.com. Viewpoint Construction Software: With a long-standing focus on the issues and challenges facing contractors, Viewpoint Construction Software has carved out a unique position in the construction management software marketplace. Instead of pointing our resources towards the development of generic business solutions, we have focused our attention on solving the unique needs of construction professionals. John-Eric Andersson, 920-495-2933 or www.viewpointcs.com.
920-868-2229 | PeninsulaBuildingSystems.com
Join our ever-growing list of Door County customers!
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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DOOR COUNTYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LARGEST EMPLOYERS Bay Shipbuilding
TYPE OF BUSINESS
NO. OF EMPLOYEES
Ship Repair & Construction
676
Ministry Door County Medical Center
Health Care
670
Hatco Corporation
Commercial Kitchen Equipment
405
County of Door
County Government
400
Door County YMCA
Civic and social organization
300
Therma-Tron-X, Inc
Industrial finishing systems
245
School District of Sturgeon Bay
Education
204
N.E.W. Industries
Custom machining
190
Southern Door School District
Education
160
Marine Travelift/ExecTech
Boat & Industrial Hoists
160
WireTech Fabricators
Wire products
127
Scandia Village
Education
110
Econo Foods
Grocery
108
Gibraltar School District
Education
106
Sevastopol School District
Education
93
Nicolet National Bank
Banking
93
HOME is where the HEART can stay. Give her the Assistance she needs to help her stay in the home she loves. Flexible and affordable caregiving services.
920.217.2961 | helpinghandswi.com WI-5002041921
PAGE 34
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
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informed wherever you may travel The Door County Advocate is the best way to receive local news, sports and events.
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
doorcountyadvocate
PAGE 35 dcadvocatenews
Hours: Monday- Thursday 7am -5pm Friday 8am -4:30pm
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INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL REHABILITATION REHABILITATION
hol Testing Industry Assoc.) accredited INDUSTRIAL REHABILITATION • Physical • Physical Therapy, Therapy, Occupational Occupational Therapy, Therapy, Job Job Function Function Analysis, Analysis, Ergonomic Ergonomic Assessments Assessments
onomic Assessments • Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Job Function Analysis, Ergonomic Assessments
HEALTH HEALTH & PRODUCTIVITY & PRODUCTIVITY MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT
onomic Assessments HEALTH & PRODUCTIVITY MANAGEMENT • Many • Many educational educational programs programs available available to help to help employers employers maintain maintain the good the good health health of their of their workforce. workforce. he good health of to their workforce. • Many educational programs available help employers maintain the good health of their workforce.
DOTDOT EXAM EXAM
he good health of their DOT • Certified •EXAM Certified Medical Medical Examiners Examiners (FMCSA, (FMCSA, USCG, USCG, School School Bus workforce. Bus driver driver exams) exams) s) • Certified Medical Examiners (FMCSA, USCG, School Bus driver exams)
PRE-PLACEMENT/PERIODIC PRE-PLACEMENT/PERIODIC EXAMS EXAMS
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With With over over 25 years years of Occupational Occupational Health Health Experience! Experience! l Health With over 2525 years Experience! ofof Occupational Health Experience! l Health Experience! Hours: Hours: Hours: Hours: Monday Monday -- Thursday - Thursday Hours: Monday - Thursday Monday Thursday 7am -- 5pm - 5pm Monday 7am - Thursday 5pm 7am 7am 5pm Friday 7am - 5pm Friday Friday Friday 8am 8am -- 4:30pm - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm 8am 4:30pm 8am - 4:30pm
Dr. Wojciehoski, DO Medical Director
Dr. Wojciehoski, Dr. Wojciehoski, DO DO Medical Director Director Dr.Medical Wojciehoski, DO Medical Director
PAGE 36
HannahSutrick Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner
Hannah Hannah Sutrick Sutrick Occupational Occupational HealthHealth Hannah Sutrick Nurse Nurse Practitioner Practitioner Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner
Vicki ZenzLeFevre, RN Occupational Health Clinic Manager
Vicki Zenz Vicki LeFevre, Zenz LeFevre, RN RN Occupational Occupational Health Health Vicki Zenz LeFevre, RN Clinic Manager ClinicHealth Manager Occupational Clinic Manager
DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE | IMPACT 2016-17
133 S. S. 16th Place Place •• Sturgeon • Sturgeon Bay, Bay, WI •• 54235 • 54235 •• 920.746.0726 • 920.746.0726 235 •133 920.746.0726 133 S. 16th 16th Place Sturgeon Bay, WIWI 54235 920.746.0726 235 • 920.746.0726 WI-5002040536 WI-5002040536 WI-5002040536