2013-2014 A DVA N C E E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
ANNUAL REPORT
G R E E N
B AY A R E A
C H A M B E R
OF
C OM M E RC E
inside. 2
WHO WE ARE
3
FROM THE PRESIDENT
5
FROM THE CHAIR
6
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
7
COMMITTEES AND VOLUNTEERS
8
ECONOMIC IMPACT
9
SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDS
10
BUSINESS INCUBATION
14
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
16
BUSINESS RETENTION
16
BUSINESS ATTRACTION
18
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
22
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
24
BROWN COUNTY ACHIEVEMENTS
26
DEVELOPMENTS AND EXPANSIONS
32
OUR INVESTORS
1
who we are. Advance is the economic development program of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Established in 1985, as a public-private partnership, we are the premier economic development program in Brown County that helps to create a strong economic environment striving to insure a diversified economic base and strong workforce.
Our core components
We are the economic focal point and resource center for Brown County businesses and municipalities. Advance’s business services are divided into four different areas: ✔ Business incubation ✔ Business retention ✔ Business attraction ✔ Business development
Our clients
Our valued customer base consists of all residents in Brown County. However, we directly serve our clients through: ✔ Local existing businesses ✔ Entrepreneurs ✔ Prospective businesses and those who serve them ✔ Local governments within Brown County
Meet our team
Left to right: Celestine Jeffreys diversity manager Elizabeth Slade program manager, Advance Business & Manufacturing Center incubator Lisa Harmann associate vice president, economic development Cindy Gokey economic development coordinator Marianne Dickson director, Advance Microloan program
2
To our valued investors, volunteers, partners, communities and friends: As you know, 2013-2014 (and the past three years I’ve been president at the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce) has been filled with strategic and purposeful change. One of the most telling for all of you, as partners or proponents of Advance economic development, is how the Chamber has updated its mission statement and our actions as well. Our mission statement – to strengthen member businesses by enhancing economic and workforce development, resulting in improved quality of life in our community and region – reflects the Chamber’s priorities. I’m sure you are heartened by the fact that economic development is at the forefront of our mission. One of the ways we’ve strengthened the connectivity between Advance and the rest of the Chamber is to put an Advance board of director representative at the table for both the Chamber’s board of directors and the Chamber’s executive committee. This gives Advance and its constituents a direct line to, and involvement in, Chamber-wide discussions and decision-making, as well as a forum to showcase Advance’s contributions. I’m also pleased to report that – as you’ll see within the pages of this annual report – Advance has calculated its past year’s economic impact at $72.8 million. Obviously, Advance’s efforts in the areas of business attraction, retention, development and incubation/entrepreneurship are making a significant impact on the Greater Green Bay area. I’d also like to emphasize the importance of Advance’s volunteers. Whether it’s making site visits with Brown County businesses, serving on one of Advance’s many committees and board, providing a financial investment to Advance or some other form of support, I want to say thank you. We couldn’t accomplish what we do for the Greater Green Bay area in the name of economic development without you.
Respectfully,
Laurie Radke Laurie Radke President – Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
3
Many thanks to our outgoing board members Cynthia Treleven (left), shareholder and president, Metzler, Timm, Treleven, Pahl, Beck, S.C., served as chair of the Advance board of directors from 2010-2012 and will remain on the board as immediate past chair. Laurie Radke, president of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, presents Cynthia with a gift of appreciation for serving on the board.
Outgoing board member Howard Bornstein of Foth served on the Advance board of directors from 2005-2014. Laurie Radke is pictured presenting a gift of appreciation for Howard’s many years of commitment to the board.
4
“Economic development is vital to a successful and flourishing community in which to live and work.”
I believe each of us are stewards of the economic development of our community. A “steward” is someone entrusted with the responsibility of caring for certain possessions, resources or other valuables that the steward usually does not own. We recognize that economic development is vital to a successful and flourishing community in which to live and work. However, local economies do not succeed by accident. Economic development efforts, to be effective, must be deliberate and focused. Attaining economic development success depends on access to and coordination of the various resources available throughout the community, region and state. We are fortunate to have one of the strongest economic development programs in the State of Wisconsin right here in Brown County. Advance plays an essential role in facilitating synergy between the resources and the needs of our local businesses. Advance does this through its core programs of business retention, business attraction, business development and business incubation. The results of these focused programs of Advance are demonstrated by business expansions, new start-up businesses, job creation and satisfaction. Advance is effective because of the collective commitment of our private and municipal investors, local governments and Advance staff and board. I invite you to review the successes highlighted in this annual report. Thank you for being a steward of economic development in our community. Respectfully,
Cynthia Caine Treleven Cynthia Caine Treleven Chair, Advance board of directors Shareholder and president, Metzler, Timm, Treleven, Pahl, Beck, S.C.
5
board of directors. Craig Aderhold, Wisconsin Bank & Trust, chair elect Kelly Andersen, KI Mike Aubinger, Village of Ashwaubenon Bob Bartelt, Town of Lawrence Steven Baue, Fincantieri Marine Group, LLC Paul Belschner, Smet Construction Howard Bornstein, Foth, immediate past chair Sarah Burdette, Town of Ledgeview Robert Byrne, Schreiber Foods, Inc. Michele DeBauche, DeBauche Communication & Consulting Services Larry Delo, City of De Pere Joseph Denk, WFRV / WJMN-TV Paul Evert, Village of Howard Sandra Ewald, Aurora BayCare Medical Center Timothy Feldhausen, Schwitzer & Simon LLC Greg Flisram, City of Green Bay Angela Gorall, Village of Bellevue Robyn Gruner, AT&T Dean Haen, Brown County Port & Resource Recovery Eileen Jahnke, St. Norbert College Steve Johnson, Village of Wrightstown Steve Kubacki, Village of Suamico Julian LaMue, Associated Bank Green Bay
6
Rex Lane, WS Packaging Group, Inc. Brad Lange, Village of Allouez Greg Matson, Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin Jim Michels, Schenck, S.C. Dan Miller, Wipfli LLP Don Noskowiak, B2B CFO Stephen Pasowicz, Johnson Bank Ted Penn, Wisconsin Public Service Aaron Popkey, Green Bay Packers Jeff Rafn, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College John Roth, Town of Scott Meir Russ, UW-Green Bay Jim Schmitt, Mayor of Green Bay Heidi Selberg, St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center/ St.Vincent Hospital Lennie Shefchik, Paper Transport, Inc. Tom Sigmund, NEW Water Greg Sofra, Baker Tilly Troy Streckenbach, Brown County Executive Dave Suemnick, Village of Denmark Cindy Treleven, Metzler, Timm, Treleven, Pahl, Beck, S.C., chair Andrew Vickers, Village of Hobart Mark Weber, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Reed Woodward, Village of Pulaski
Board committees Executive committee Business attraction committee Incubator committee Investment committee Municipal issues committee
The rest of our volunteer team BUSINESS RETENTION COMMITTEE Alisa Anderson, Wisconsin Bank & Trust Selese Anderson, CETUSA Jamie Blom, Smet Construction Jeff Blumb, Nation Consulting Chris Ciechanowski, Adecco Lynette Green, St. Norbert College Liza Hadler, Rasmussen College Dick Hopfensperger, Rasmussen College Sharon Huhtala, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Mathew Keesey, ADP Drew Leatherberry, Forsite Benefits Bill Newhouse, MCL Industries, chair
Ken Pabich, City of De Pere Kris Plamann, Consolidated Construction Co., Inc. Tyler Rovinski, Keller, Inc. Greg Runnoe, Smet Construction Kristan Sanchez, Village of Ashwaubenon Lisa Schmelzer, Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Tom Schmidt, Baylake Bank Joel Steber, Bank First National Doug Tilque, Associated Bank Wendy Townsend, City of Green Bay
ADVANCE MICROLOAN COMMITTEE Craig Aderhold, Wisconsin Bank & Trust Paul Belschner, Smet Construction Howard Bornstein, Foth Eileen Jahnke, St. Norbert College Ryan Johanek, Denmark State Bank Julian LaMue, Associated Bank Green Bay Travis LeRoy, Baylake Bank Dave Loritz, Johnson Bank James Mangold, Wells Fargo
Steve Mastalir, Union State Bank Steven McClure, BMO Harris Don Noskowiak, B2B CFO Laurie Olson, The Business Bank Steve Pasowicz, Johnson Bank Ted Penn, Wisconsin Public Service Eric Siudzinski, Nicolet National Bank Joel Steber, Bank First National John Walch, FirstMerit
7
economic impact. 2013-2014 ADVANCE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Advance Business & Manufacturing Center Incubator & Brown County Culinary Kitchen Current Clients & Graduate Stats
Total current tenants and incubator graduates surveyed: 45 Jobs Created: 965.5* Total Payroll: $41.5 Million*
Economic Impact of Current Tenants & Graduates** Est. Spending: $68.9 Million* Est. County Sales and other Tax: $241,324 Est. County Property Tax (homes): $585,961 County Property Tax – Graduates (business): $245,440
TOTAL IMPACT:
$69.9 MILLION
Total Advance program economic impact. Estimated spending: $71,647,815 Estimated County Sales and Other Tax: $259,742 Estimated County Property Tax (homes): $630,682 Estimated County Property Tax (businesses): $288,131
8
BASED ON DATA FROM DWD AND IMPLAN MODELING SOFTWARE *Not all data was available or provided by the companies surveyed ** Data on 19 out of 249 total incubator graduates. The incubator has served more than 250 businesses. ***2 out of the 14 Microloan clients are current incubator tenants.
funds. Sources of Funds Interest 5%
Advance Microloan & Brown County Revolving Loan Programs Loan Recipients: 19 Total Amount Loaned: $943,622 Jobs Created/Retained: 73 Total Payroll: $1.7 Million
Economic Impact of Loan Recipients Est. Spending: $2.8 Million Est. County Sales and other tax: $18,418 Est. County Property Tax (homes): $44,721 Est. County Property Tax (businesses): $42,691***
TOTAL IMPACT:
$2.9 MILLION
Rents 28%
Grants 13%
Public 14%
Private 17% Programs 23%
Uses of Funds Microloan Operations 13%
Advance Operations 46%
Jobs created/retained by program participants (*)(**): 1,038.5
TOTAL IMPACT:
$72,826,370
Incubator & ABMC Operations 41%
Total revenues were
$766,898
for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.
9
business incubation. Business incubation is a business support process that assists with the successful development of start-up and fledgling companies by providing entrepreneurs with an array of targeted resources and services. A business incubator’s main goal is to produce successful firms that will leave the program financially viable and freestanding. Incubator graduates have the potential to create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, commercialize new technologies and strengthen local and national economies.
THIS PAGE: Kirk Parker with Quality Packaging Inc at the 2014 Business Expo RIGHT: Cody Holmes working at the Machine Plus LLC shop located in the Advance Manufacturing Center Incubator.
10
Advance Business & Manufacturing Center Incubator The Advance Business and Manufacturing Center is the place where the dream of owning your own business becomes a reality with an 87 percent success rate*. The incubator offers various spaces from industrial, private offices, office suites to virtual. We are able to provide flexible leases, customized office suites and industrial spaces with excellent amenities. This fiscal year we reduced our overall budget by half, achieved our highest occupancy rate and participated in several events to include the Business Expo, Connect! and the N.E.W. Biz Showcase.
87 percent of businesses that enter the incubator graduate from the program and remain in business or are acquired/merge with another company five years after graduating. *
11
Business incubation continued...
Brown County Culinary Kitchen The Brown County Culinary Kitchen (BCCK) is a shared-use kitchen that provides opportunities for sustaining local agriculture and promoting best practices for food processors. The BCCK is a nonprofit collaborative effort of four partnering organizations: Advance, a program of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce; N.E.W. Curative Rehabilitation; Entrepreneur Resource Center of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College; and The Farm Market Kitchen. Our kitchen is open 24/7 and is reserved on an hourly basis for $15. The BCCK’s “foodprenuers” showcased their products at the New Leaf Winter Farmers Market, On Broadway Farmers Market, Saturday Farmers Market, Taste of Entrepreneurship, Business Expo and N.E.W. Biz Showcase. These opportunities were available due to their relationship with the kitchen.
Laura Vanden Avond making one of her delicious savory flavorable spice blends. Jan Jourdan of Jan’s Fabulicious Cookies makes a fresh batch of cookies in the BCCK.
12
New clients Beacon Commercial Finance Achieve Brown County Matchback Systems, Inc. Quad Optical Services New Hope Counseling Services
Harbor Community Psychological Services Odyssey Advertising and Design Lakeland Care District
Graduations NAGEL PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT Nagel Private Wealth Management provides total wealth management planning including; retirement planning, cash flow management, debt management, insurance planning, estate and life planning. Brad Nagel, CTFA, president, said, “The Advance Business & Manufacturing Center is an excellent place for entrepreneurs to launch a business, transition from a home office and test a new market.” For more information about Nagel Private Wealth Management, visit www.nagelpwm.com.
MACHINEX TRADING Machinex Trading provides quality, secure and on-time distribution of light & heavy duty machinery, equipment and service vehicles to small and large business entities in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Mladen Tsvetkov had this to say about their experience, “It was a very pleasant experience; they helped a lot with setting up the business. They are very professional and the staff provided useful advice.” For more information about Machinex Trading LLC, visit www.machinextrading.com.
13
alumni spotlight. THE SOLBERG COMPANY The Solberg Company is your one-stop resource for firefighting foam concentrates and custom-designed foam suppression systems hardware. With our unique offering of both traditional firefighting foam concentrates and environmentally sustainable fluorosurfactant and fluoropolymer-free foam concentrates, Solberg leads the industry in firefighting foam innovation. They were recognized for their firefighting foam technologies with the Thinc! Innovation Award and the 14th annual Manufacturing Awards of Distinction Special Environmental Sustainability Award from Advance.
14
PAPER TRANSPORT, INC. (PTI) Paper Transport, Inc. (PTI) was named the recipient of the 2013 Excellence in Business Award from Advance. PTI is a trucking and shipping operations company that has experienced significant growth since in 2009. They’ve added more than 80 employees since 2011 and more than $50 million of capital asset purchases from suppliers based in Wisconsin. Over the past few years, PTI has solidified its position as an innovator in the transportation industry. Relying heavily on technology, the company was well ahead of other carriers in implementing electronic logging, collision avoidance systems, and environmentally and fuel consumption friendly specifications on its trucks. PTI has won multiple awards for its advancement of alternative fuels and has become the national leader in using natural gas powered vehicles, influencing other companies to follow suit.
15
business retention. BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION (BRE) PROGRAM The Advance BRE program is a proactive economic development program committed to bringing different organizations together and creating a pro-business environment in the community. Volunteer outreach specialists conduct face to face visits with Brown County businesses to: ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Offer assistance with specific problems which might impede growth Direct them to resources in the community to help resolve issues Connect them to programs for state and local funding incentives Provide them with resources for training and recruiting needs Assist with expansion needs
business attraction. Advance’s services to businesses (or consultants representing a business) considering a move or new venture in Brown County varies widely depending on the client. Advance’s business attraction efforts include: ✔ Assistance in site location and research on specific sites, along with site visit coordination; ✔ Market research data and connect the company with local and state funding assistance and incentives; ✔ Arrangement of meetings with state officials and area community and business leaders; ✔ Demographic information through the annually updated Fact Book and/or additional customized research; ✔ Attendance at trade shows and conferences, cultivating relationships with site selectors and developers
16
BRE program survey results During this past year, Advance staff and volunteer outreach specialists conducted more than 130 business retention visits, representing 27,000 employees with a diverse group of companies located throughout Brown County. Here are what businesses have revealed from those conversations:
92%
of businesses will increase or maintain current number of employees
70%
expect sales growth within the next year
28%
plan to expand locally in the next 2 years
68%
gave a positive rating to economic development in Brown County
81%
rated local workforce quality positively
79%
are happy with the housing stock
77%
are pleased with our education system
81%
rated the local business climate positive overall
17
business development. Our business development services are targeted to existing and new businesses of any size in Brown County. Advance works with entrepreneurs looking to begin their journey as well as with existing companies looking to expand or are in need of research, financing or other business assistance. Our services are tailored to the specific needs of each client and are very similar to those outlined under our business attraction section. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Provide detailed market research data Connect businesses with state, local and federal programs for financing assistance Assist in site location assistance and research Provide referrals for almost any business need Assist in business plan preparation or review through the Advance Business & Manufacturing Center partners
Diversity The diversity program at Advance engages minority-owned businesses and minority employees in various aspects of the community. It assists businesses with hiring minorities and developing employees. This past year, the diversity program held “Culturally Responsive Conversations for the Workplace” at a major employer in our area. It also assisted in the development and marketing of a free series called “Connect: Local Information for Starting and Growing Businesses.” The diversity program continued visiting minorityowned businesses and entrepreneurs, and held social gatherings for minority professionals.
18
Advance Microloan program This program is designed to provide loans from $5,000-$75,000 to start-up, newly established and emerging businesses. Advance Microloan clients have access to technical assistance and resources not typically available with conventional financing. Since the program’s inception in 2011, more than $1 million in microloans (representing 22 borrowers) have been approved for businesses in a wide variety of industry sectors. The program’s success is not only measured in how many businesses have been started or expanded with microloans, but also in how many loans have been successfully repaid; so far seven borrowers have repaid their Advance microloans. The Advance Microloan Program has $200,000 more to provide to new and emerging businesses. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation awarded Advance a $100,000 grant from its Capital Catalyst Program matched by $100,000 more from five Northeastern Wisconsin banks. The infusion gives the microloan program $584,000 in available money and boosts its assets to more than $1 million.
Brown County Revolving Loan Fund Advance is the designated agent for the administration of Brown County’s Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF). This loan was designed to encourage new business development, and business retention or expansion of existing businesses in Brown County. The fund offers competitive financing options for capital improvements or investments to create, expand or maintain employment opportunities and production levels in the County. The fund is designed to provide loans from $10,000 - $250,000 based on job creation numbers.
Services and support to communities Similar to our business clients, each community’s needs are different and our services to them will vary. Some examples of services provided are: ✔ Coordination of the municipal issues committee, including regular legislative update meetings; ✔ Serving on and volunteering for local economic development-related committees and boards; ✔ Serving on four committees of the Brown County Economic Development Task Force o Airport Development o Port/Rail Development o Beneficial Uses of Waste Stream Materials o Phosphorous
19
Business development activities Advance staff further enhances its business development program by: ✔ Staffing meetings with NEWREP (Northeast Wisconsin Regional Economic Partnership) ✔ Planning and coordinating educational seminars with business and economic development related topics ✔ Serving on the Wisconsin Incubation Association board of directors and marketing committee ✔ Project lead for coordination of the Northeast Wisconsin Chambers Coalition (NEWCC) annual Wage & Benefit Study ✔ Working with other Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce staff and the State of Wisconsin to provide youth apprenticeship training, mentoring, leadership development, training seminars and NationJob employment site ✔ In September 2013, Advance hosted the Chamber’s first trip to northern Italy along with its fourth trip to China. Our large group of Italy travelers (pictured) enjoyed exploring the beauty and magic of Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan.
Testimonials for NationJob The range of views that NationJob has brought jobs at Romo Durable Graphics averages around 500 per job, making the reach of NationJob far and wide. “I would recommend NationJob to other Chamber members because of the range of areas that NationJob accesses with all their postings,” said Debbie Wittrock, account manager, human resources and safety for the company.
Wanda Sieber, CEO of Unishippers likes how easy NationJob is to use. “I really like the ease of searchability,” she said. “I recommend it because of the extended reach it offers employers.” Unishippers staff has taken links to the job postings on social media as well, expanding on NationJob’s already broad viewership.
Interested in learning more about this amazing Chamber member benefit? Visit titletown.org/nationjob or call 920.496.2113.
20
Velocity Machine particularly likes that NationJob postings are visible on various online job search engines, increasing their openings’ exposure. “We are able to reach a wider band of applicants and bring in more qualified candidates,” said Amanda Quillen, human resources coordinator for the company.
Microloan client focus MOORE OUTDOORS PRODUCTIONS AND PRODUCTS LLC. Those who enjoy deer hunting or training their gun dogs may recognize Jeremy Moore in this picture. Moore is truly the “face” of Moore Outdoors Productions and Products LLC, an Advance Microloan program client. Moore started his company in 2010, and later brought in business partner Scott Baranczyk. When Moore and Baranczyk needed critical capital to expand their business through new product lines, the Advance Microloan program provided a term loan in March 2013, and later a line of credit in October 2013. The company speaks to the heart of Wisconsin outdoor sportsman culture. Primary products are sold under the “Dog Bone” trade name and focus on “sheds” (antlers - both natural and manufactured), dog training and game recovery. Moore is a long-standing Wisconsin outdoorsman, professional hunting dog trainer and avid deer hunter. He has been featured on a number of popular outdoor shows – both radio and TV – and in hunting magazines. The company’s products are sold throughout the country in both big box and small retailers, as well as online. Moore Outdoors Productions and Products LLC is just one example of the impact access to capital can have on business and economic development.
21
awards and recognition. EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS The Excellence in Business program honors Chamber member businesses with 100 or more employees with a proven track record of excellence in business practices, business success and community involvement and service. Congratulations to the recipient of the 2013 Excellence in Business Award: ✔ Paper Transport, Inc.
“
“I didn’t really expect to win the 2013 Excellence in Business Award. I was just happy to be nominated! One of the neatest things about it was to bring it back to work and present it to the people who had everything to do with making it possible. It was such an honor to be recognized in our community. We’ve received awards from our customers, but this was special because it was recognition by our peers. The award is in our front office and is very noticeable to everyone who comes in the front door.
”
“Paper Transport will be 25 years old on Feb. 5, 2015. I’ve had a lot of good things happen to me, and to the company, but this was the crowning glory.”
22
– Lenny Shefchik, founder of Paper Transport, Inc.
”
MANUFACTURING AWARDS OF DISTINCTION The Manufacturing Awards of Distinction program honors outstanding Northeast Wisconsin manufacturers in several categories: Small, Medium, Large, Environmental Sustainability and Workforce Development. Companies honored in 2013 (pictured left to right) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Lindquist Machine Corporation, Workforce Development Award The Solberg Company, Environmental Sustainability Award Precision Machine, Inc., Small Company Award N.E.W. Plastics Corp., Medium Company Award Ariens Company, Large Company Award
23
achievements. BROWN COUNTY ACHIEVEMENTS Growth in the past year has encompassed a substantial number of new businesses starting, large expansions and other investments including:
62 business expansions
121 new company locations
More than 2,775 new or retained jobs
In excess of
24
$473 MILLION
in capital investments
Benchmarks and recognition for Brown County ✔✔ 3rd Fastest Growing County in Wisconsin, US Census Bureau, 2013
✔✔ Best Credit Scores In The Nation, Experian and Vantage Score, 2013
✔✔ Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development ranks metro Green Bay as the state leader in job creation, JsOnline.com, May 2012
✔✔ The Top 100 Family Fishing & Boating Spots, Take Me Fishing, 2014
✔✔ Ranked #2 in Emerging Financial Centers, Business Facilities Magazine, 2013 ✔✔ Ranked 50th out of 396 in 2014 best mid-sized city for job growth. New Geography 2014 ✔✔ Ranked 47th out of 381 metropolitan statistical areas in terms of economic strength, Policom Corporation, 2014
✔✔ Green Bay MSA ranked 90 out of 200 best performing city,The Milken Institute, 2013 ✔✔ During the past year, Brown County experienced $302.4 million in new construction and $287.2 million in net new construction ✔✔ 1,571 Articles of Incorporation were filed during the year
✔✔ Ranked #4 in the top 10 mid-sized counties in the US, Fourth Economy Community Index, 2012
✔✔ Brown County has 275 employers who employ 100 or more people (76,021 collectively), with the county’s total employment at 147,524
✔✔ Ranked 17th Best State in the Nation for Business, Chief Executive Magazine, 2013
✔✔ Average annual income in Brown County increased by $746 per job
✔✔ Ranked 27 out of 91 Best Mid-Sized Cities for Manufacturing, Newgeography, 2013
✔✔ Equalized value increased slightly by $522 million to a total value of $18.8 billion
✔✔ Ranked 21st safest metro area in the U.S., out of 254, Morgan Quitno Awards, 2013
25
developments and expansions. Brown County has experienced many new developments and expansions in the past year – here are some highlights: Bonsai Sushi and Asian Cuisine opened in downtown De Pere. The menu includes a blend of Asian influences, including Korean, Thai, Chinese and Japanese items. It includes raw and cooked dishes, and gluten-free food. The restaurant employs 21 people. BioLife Plasma Service in Green Bay opened a 17,500 sq. ft. medical facility. St. Norbert College in De Pere continues the construction of the Gehl-Mulva Science Center, a 150,000 sq. ft. education and research facility that will jointly house the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Green Bay campus. Project completion expected in spring 2015. Infinity Machine in De Pere built a 39,060 sq. ft. addition to the existing industrial facility. Cummins Fire Power in De Pere built a 39,875 sq. ft. addition to the existing warehouse facility. The Sea Dragon ride opened at Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay. It was the first major addition to city-owned Bay Beach since the Zippin Pippin roller coaster arrived three years ago. The city paid $175,000 to purchase the ride and spent an additional $500,000 to restore and install the ride at Bay Beach. The transformation of the Regency office building to Associated Center is complete. The six-story office building in downtown Green Bay is now corporate headquarters to Associated Bank-Corp., parent company of Associated Bank. It consolidated about 500 employees with average salaries of $60,000 from six offices around the metro area. Associated spent $20 million acquiring, gutting and renovating the 28-year-old, 120,000 sq. ft. building. Green Bay Packaging Inc. in Ashwaubenon is building a 240,000 sq. ft. coated products manufacturing facility. Town of Lawrence built a 7,100 sq. ft. town hall and municipal office building. Kelbe Brothers Equipment, Town of Lawrence, built a 6,600 sq. ft. warehouse building and offices.
26
Costco opened its 150,000 sq. ft., $10.2 million store in Bellevue. Costco is a warehouseclub store that carries products such as groceries, appliances, electronics, automotive supplies, tires, toys, hardware, sporting goods, jewelry, watches, cameras, books, housewares, apparel, health and beauty aids, furniture office supplies and office equipment. It also offers travel services and sells gasoline. It has 175 employees. Gordmans opened a 50,000 sq. ft. store in Ashwaubenon. Gordmans features clothing, footwear, handbags, fragrances, accessories, wall art, accent furniture, tabletop decor, floral and garden, candles, toys and more. It has 56 employees. The Russ Darrow Used Car Superstore, which includes a J.D. Byrider franchise, opened for business in Ashwaubenon. The Darrow organization operates each, but they are separate, with their own staffs. Byrider, which is a franchise, targets car buyers who fall short of being able to obtain traditional credit. Onsite services include a full-service maintenance and repair facility with six service bays. The 15,843 sq. ft. site has 25 employees. Pawn America, a Minnesota-based second-hand retailer, opened a 19,200 sq. ft. store in Ashwaubenon. Howard-based communications provider Nsight built a 32,000 sq. ft. operations center aimed at helping improve efficiencies. The building includes warehousing, a testing lab, office space, and wash and maintenance bays. About 40 employees will be working in the new building. Burlington, better known as Burlington Coat Factory, opened its doors in Green Bay. Burlington occupies 56,400 sq. ft. on the east side of the building and employs 60 people. The national retailer stocks clothing for men and women of all ages, along with household goods. A major addition to the U.S. Postal Service processing facility in Green Bay is operational with new changes to its production program. A 100,000 sq. ft. addition, at a cost of $1.6 million, was added to the main post office this past year to improve mail processing for Green Bay. The Green Bay operations employ 200 people. Harbor Community Psychological Associates, an outpatient clinic providing psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, families, children and couples, opened an office at the Advance Business & Manufacturing Center in Green Bay. Services focus mainly on treating trauma, depression, anxiety and other life issues. Personal coaching, professional coaching and workshops with a wellness focus also are offered.
27
Rol-Tec, Ashwaubenon, will add 24 jobs because of the addition of laser engraving equipment. Rol-Tec manufactures precision rubber-covered rollers and related products. The addition of the laser engraving equipment will allow the company to better serve its growing flexographic printing business. Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. approved $80,000 in tax credits for the up to $1 million expansion. Rol-Tec currently has 47 employees. Dorsch Ford Lincoln Kia opened its 17,300 sq. ft. facility in Suamico. It offers sales, service, repair and maintenance services for most makes and models of used vehicles. The dealership employs 25 people. Fairchild Trust, Green Bay, constructed a 21,000 sq. ft. warehouse, offices and mezzanine. Handling & Conveying Systems, Green Bay, built a 33,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility including 6,000 sq. ft. of office space. The KI Convention Center broke ground for the $23 million, 70,200 sq. ft. addition to the west side of the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay. The expanded center will include a 24,500 sq. ft. ballroom and three additional meeting rooms of 5,330 sq. ft. The expansion will provide 30,700 sq. ft. of new meeting space. Foth moved into its new corporate headquarters in De Pere. The $21 million 100,000 sq. ft. building includes office and meeting space to support Foth’s growth. Foth offers consulting, engineering, manufacturing, and installation solutions to government, industrial and commercial clients. Nurse Next Door Home Care Services opened its doors in the Advance Business & Manufacturing Center incubator in Green Bay and received a loan from the Advance Microloan program. Nurse Next Door offers three escalating levels of care to people in their homes. The loan will be used for start-up costs and working capital. The Oneida Nation completed a $28 million expansion and renovation of its casinos in Ashwaubenon and Green Bay in the spring. The projects included giving the Ashwaubenon casino’s main gaming floor a facelift and transforming the atrium into a new smoke-free gaming floor. Other improvements will take place at the tribe’s West Mason Street casino, including moving the poker room to the main casino. The project includes four new restaurants, three in Ashwaubenon and one in Green Bay. Marquis Yachts in Pulaski received a major contract from VanDutch Marine (based in the Netherlands) to build its yachts. Marquis will hire another 150 persons who will join its 340 employees. The new line of boats will be shopped to global markets out of Georgia and Florida. Evidence Development Cos. will build a 90-unit senior living community in Howard. The development will be called Lighthouse of Howard. Apartments will be available for independent, assisted-living and memory-care residents. The 120,000 sq. ft. development will include restaurant-style dining, a salon, library, computer room, fitness area, warm-water therapy pool, pub, bistro, community rooms, private family dining space and outdoor patios. The $15 million project will create about 65 permanent jobs.
28
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists in Bellevue opened an Acute Injury Clinic offering same-day service for orthopedic needs. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in Green Bay has expanded its Health Sciences Center. The 13,500 sq. ft. $3.5 million fourth floor addition represents a community-wide commitment to educate future healthcare professionals. The expansion brings students’ clinical experience into the college environment. Three new learning labs include a Wellness Lab focusing on prevention, a Simulation Center for acute care and a Caregiver Learning Lab for chronic disease management. Drexel Building Supply opened a store in Wrightstown. Drexel sells cabinets, countertops, windows, doors, millwork, decking, roofing and siding. The company, formerly known as Campbellsport Building Supply also offers home design services. The new store is expected to add about 20 full-time jobs to the area. Belmark has expanded its industrial facility by 25,000 sq. ft. at its location in De Pere. Straubel Company in the De Pere’s East Industrial Park built a $1.5 million, 40,000 sq. ft. addition. Truck Equipment Co. will relocate to a new building in Ashwaubenon with the construction of a 70,000 sq. ft. building, which will include an 8,000 sq. ft. showroom that will allow the display and sale of additional truck parts and accessories. This is a total expansion of 25,000 sq. ft. from its former building. St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center began modernizing its orthopedic center and outpatient-surgery. Hospital Sisters Health System, which owns the Green Bay hospital, is building the $15.8 million 22,500 sq. ft. Prevea Regional Orthopedic Center and 10,000 sq. ft. St. Mary’s One Day Services center, an outpatient surgery unit. Jet Air Group Inc., Ashwaubenon, received a $200,000 loan from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) to help finance the company’s $1.7 million expansion project at Austin Straubel International Airport. A new 34,000 sq. ft. hanger will be used for maintenance, avionics, aircraft interior refurbishment and aircraft storage. Lakeland College began construction of a $2.8 million center in Bellevue at 2601 Development Dr. The 15,000 sq. ft. facility includes nine technology-rich classrooms and two computer labs including one laptop classroom, a large student lounge and Wi-Fi throughout the building. Classrooms also will be available for daytime rentals to businesses, clubs and other organizations.
29
Tytler’s Cycle motorcycle dealership of De Pere has renovated 8,000 sq. ft. and expanded 12,000 sq. ft. of the former Nick’s BMW Dealership. The dealership features a showroom and service facilities for Indian, Victory, Ducati and BMW brands. Badger State Brewing Co. opened its doors for business and became the first brewery located in the Lambeau Field neighborhood. Michaels, an arts and crafts specialty retailer, has opened a new store in west Green Bay next to Gordmans. The new store is approximately 25,000 sq. ft. and will employ more than 60 people. The third phase in the planned expansion of the east general aviation ramp at Austin Straubel International Airport consists of the construction of a $1 million, 65,220 sq. ft. addition to the existing ramp and a connection to the primary taxiway leading to a main runway. The east ramp will have 245,000 sq. ft. of pavement for parking aircraft. The Reforestation Camp and NEW Zoo in Suamico has added an Adventure Park to its existing animal and hiking attractions. The Adventure Park has a zip line, a climbing tower and an aerial adventure course. Brown County invested $500,000 in the adventure park with the hope that it will sustain itself financially for years to come. Shining Stars Childcare Center built a new 125-child care center in Hobart. The center is licensed for 125 children ages six weeks through 12 years. It employs seven teachers, seven assistant teachers, a cook and a director. The Prevea Washington Street Health Center opened in downtown Green Bay. The 4,101 sq. ft. clinic has five exam rooms, one procedure room, an X-ray room and a lab. Metreau Apartments on the Fox River, downtown Green Bay, broke ground for an $18 million, 107-unit apartment building. Construction began for Backstage at the Meyer, which will give the theater a banquet area, a second stage and a catering kitchen. Projected cost of this project is $3 million.
30
Walgreens completed construction of a new 16,360 sq. ft. store in downtown De Pere near the east-side roundabout. Aver Informatics, Howard, received $8.5 million in funding from two venture capital providers, and added two new customers, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Molina Healthcare. Aver Informatics is a data-management platform for health care reimbursement management. The money will be used to accelerate growth and add personnel. Quad Optical Services opened in the Advance Business & Manufacturing Center. Quad Optical offers fiber-optic cable splicing, fiber-optic jetting, micro-trenching and emergency cable restoration. The company plans to do business throughout the Midwest and expects to add two mobile slicing labs and four fiber technicians. Dunkin’ Donuts is open in De Pere. The purveyor of doughnuts and coffee, among many other menu items, will also do catering. The 2,400 sq. ft. restaurant includes a drive-thru, interior and exterior seating and free Wi-Fi with outlets for charging computers. It has created 64 new jobs for the area. The new downtown Green Bay Schreiber Foods Inc. headquarters combines modern office amenities with state-of-the-art facilities for food product development and testing. As many as 700 relocated employees will occupy the $85 million five-story 250,000 sq. ft. complex. Titletown Brewing Co. is expanding its operations with the construction of a production facility, tap room, offices and other amenities in downtown Green Bay. The new facility will allow the bottling operation and distribution of its products to a wider audience. The $3.5 million project will add about 10 jobs and increase production from 1,800 barrels to 5,000 barrels annually. Shorewest Realtors, Ashwaubenon, began construction of a new office at the corner of Ashland and Lombardi Avenues. The 12,000 sq. ft. office will be home to 35 agents and their support staff. The Green Bay Packers have made many improvements as part of a $166 million renovation including a newly redesigned Robert E. Harlan Plaza and the Packers Pro Shop which opened its newly expanded, 20,000 sq. ft. shop on Lombardi Ave., Green Bay. The shop is more than twice as large as the one it replaced. It is angular, open, bathed in natural light and visually stimulating and includes nonPackers items such as such as Lucy, Kuhl and Cutter & Buck merchandise, as well as a Nike section that includes Tiger Woods golf apparel, golf balls, bags and more. Team officials expect to make up to $2 million a year more than before. This phase of renovation will also include a new restaurant, and a new Packers Hall of Fame. West Corp., a business-to-business sales organization and high-tech communications provider, expanded to Ashwaubenon. It began with a dozen employees, but expects to grow to about 240. Annual wages will be between $30,000 and $50,000, depending on performance. West Corp. forecasts seven percent growth this year for the division.
31
our investors. Platinum ($5,000 +)
one family of care
Gold ($3,000+)
32
Silver ($1,000+)
American Transmission Co. LLC Aon Ariens Company AT&T Bank First National Bellin Health Campbell Wrapper Corporation Cherney Microbiological Services, Ltd. Circle Packaging Machinery CN Coating Excellence International Consolidated Construction Company, Inc. Energis High Voltage Resources, Inc. Enlighten Financial, LLC Fabio Perini North America Feeco International, Inc. Festival Foods Fincantieri Marine Group Foth Fox Converting Georgia-Pacific Green Bay Packers, Inc. Humana, Inc. Johnson Bank JPMorgan Chase M & M Tool & Mold Miron Construction Nicolet National Bank OMNOVA Solutions, Inc. Performa, Inc. Pioneer Metal Finishing Pomp’s Tire Service Radisson Hotel & Conference Center RGL Holdings Sanimax Skyline Exhibit Resource Smet Construction Services The Business Bank The C. A. Lawton Company The George Kress Foundation, Inc. The Solberg Company Village of Allouez Village of Bellevue Village of Howard Village of Suamico Wipfli LLP Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP)
Bronze ($500+)
Aecom AK Pizza Crust Amerhart De Pere Cabinet, Inc. DeBauche Communication & Consulting Services Faith Technologies, Inc. First Business Bank Fox River Fiber Grant Thornton, LLP Highview Custom Fabricating, Inc. Keller, Inc. LaForce, Inc. Law Firm of Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry, S.C. Lindquist Machine N.E.W. Plastics Corp. NEW Water S & M Tool & Production Company Sign Solutions St. Norbert College Titletown Oil Transport Corp. Town of Lawrence Town of Ledgeview Town of Scott Velocity Machine VerHalen, Inc. Village of Denmark Village of Hobart Village of Pulaski Village of Wrightstown WEL Companies
Friends
Adrian Ulatowski Bayland Buildings DIY Home Center Fox Valley Metal Tech Greg Gauthier Howard Bornstein Legato Healthcare Marketing, Inc. Metzler, Timm, Treleven, Paul, Beck, S.C. Somerville, Inc. SRC Technologies, Inc. Team Self Storage
33
✔ Business Incubation ✔ Business Retention ✔ Business Attraction ✔ Business Development
Visit our microsite to learn more on how we do it ADVANCEECONOMICDEVELOPMENT.ORG Advance | 920.496.8930 | 2701 Larsen Rd, Green Bay, WI 54303 ADVANCEGREENBAY.ORG