walworth

The WCEDA Buzz - April 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:35:54 GMT

The WCEDA Buzz - March 2026

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:37:49 GMT

The WCEDA Buzz - February 2026

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:31:21 GMT

The WCEDA Buzz - January 2026

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:29:32 GMT

Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 21:40:06 GMT

Join us for WCEDA's second annual Walworth County Culinary Showdown, featuring teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs!

The WCEDA Buzz - December 2025

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:07:00 GMT

2025 Award Winners

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 23:59:53 GMT

Congratulations to WCEDA's 2025 Annual Meeting Award Winners!

2025 Dave Bretl Community Betterment Award Winner: Chris Trottier

The Dave Bretl Community Betterment Award honors an individual or nonprofit making a real and lasting difference in Walworth County. This recognition celebrates those who elevate our community through volunteerism, financial support, impactful programs, effective policies, strong partnerships, and exceptional leadership.

It highlights the spirit of service and collaboration that strengthens Walworth County and inspires others to get involved.

2025 "Grow My Business Award" Winner: Palmer Hamilton

The Grow My Business Award celebrates a company that invests in its people and stays engaged with the broader community. Honorees lead with strong workforce development — from upskilling and leadership training to soft-skills development — and foster a positive culture of flexibility, inclusion, and continuous learning.

They also stand out for being active colla borators with other organizations and groups, showing that growing a business means growing alongside the community.

The WCEDA Buzz - November 2025

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:04:25 GMT

November 2025 Newsletter

The WCEDA Buzz - October 2025

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:17:46 GMT

March 2025 Newsletter

Kareers4Kids Golf Outing Fundraiser 2025

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 03:18:47 GMT

Why do so many local businesses support WCEDA's Kareers4Kids Career-Based Learning Experiences program?

The Kareers4Kids program is focused on facilitating activities for local youth career exploration.

Providing career-based learning opportunities is mutually beneficial to schools and companies. By connecting students with hands-on, career-based learning experiences (CBLEs), K4K helps students apply their academic and technical skills in the real world of work while also developing essential workplace skills critical to their future employment success.

2025 Golf Outing Fundraiser

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Resort

Thank you sponsors!!

The WCEDA Buzz - March 2025

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 03:17:30 GMT

February 2025 Newsletter

The WCEDA Buzz - February 2025

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 03:34:20 GMT

February 2025 Newsletter

The WCEDA Buzz - January 2025

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:59:16 GMT

November 2024 Newsletter

The WCEDA Buzz - December 2024

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 23:02:28 GMT

December 2024 Newsletter

Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 22:29:42 GMT

Join us for WCEDA's first annual Walworth County Culinary Showdown, featuring teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs!

Registration is open now! Register by Jan. 6

Hosting Sponsor:

2024 WCEDA Annual Meeting

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 22:01:00 GMT

On Wednesday, November 20, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa hosted WCEDA's Annual Meeting. We'd like to thank the over 260 members and guests who registered for this event. It was a huge success!

Keynote speaker, Todd McLees, presented on the topic "Building AI Agility: Human Flourishing in the AI Economy."

To view all the resources, including the full event video, visit the event web page here .

Presenting Sponsor

Inspire Sponsor

Speaker Sponsor

Navigating AI, Virtual Series Sponsor

Technical Support Sponsor

The WCEDA Buzz - November 2024

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 21:56:48 GMT

November 2024 Newsletter

The WCEDA Buzz - October 2024

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 21:51:50 GMT

October 2024 Newsletter

Kareers4Kids Golf Outing Fundraiser

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:54:45 GMT

Why do so many local businesses support WCEDA's Kareers4Kids Career-Based Learning Experiences program?

2024 Golf Outing Fundraiser

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Resort

Thank you sponsors!!

The WCEDA Buzz - September 2024

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:17:36 GMT

September 2024 Newsletter

Alternative Lending Options Event

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 22:06:34 GMT

Alternative Lending Options

August 22, 2024

Harbor Shores, Lake Geneva

Food Sponsor:

The WCEDA Buzz - January 2024

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:55:37 GMT

January 2024 Newsletter

2023 WCEDA Annual Meeting

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:23:26 GMT

On Wednesday, November 15, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa hosted WCEDA's Annual Meeting. We'd like to thank the over 275 members and guests who registered for this event. It was a huge success!

Keynote speaker, Jeff Yabuki, presented on the topic "Adaptive leadership in the face of exponential challenges."

To view all the resources, including the full event video, visit the event web page here .

Presenting Sponsor

Inspire Sponsor

Speaker Sponsor

The WCEDA Buzz - December 2023

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:17:15 GMT

December 2023 Newsletter

The WCEDA Buzz - November 2023

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:15:57 GMT

November 2023 Newsletter

The WCEDA Buzz - October 2023

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:14:53 GMT

October 2023 Newsletter

Housing Summit 2023

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:21:31 GMT

WCEDA's Housing Summit, September 25 , 2023

The aim of this summit was to start county-wide discussions about challenges and potential solutions to the housing shortage. It also marked the start of a 12-month initiative led by WCEDA, and funded by Walworth County, to work with municipalities that want to facilitate housing development in their respective communities.

[Go to the Housing Summit page ]

The WCEDA Buzz - September 2023

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 04:39:15 GMT

September 2023 Newsletter

The WCEDA Buzz - August 2023

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:43:05 GMT

August 2023 Newsletter

The WCEDA Buzz - July 2023

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:45:00 GMT

July 2023 Newsletter

Workforce Symposium 2023

Thu, 11 May 2023 04:31:17 GMT

Workforce Symposium 2023

WCEDA's first annual Workforce Symposium was held at the beautiful Treasury on May 9, 2023. Keynote speaker, Michelle Greiner from JW Speaker addressed topics such as

Analyzing your talent
Clearly defining positions - is everyone on the same page?
Why are your employees working at your company?
Honest and quick communication
Re-imagining standard recruiting practices and techniques
Executing retention strategies

Representatives from area schools were able to shed some light on how to successfully and easily onboard new talent through the Youth Apprenticeship program, and other area professionals shared their experiences with employee referral programs, work/life balance through flexible work schedules, competitive compensation, and methods for attracting and choosing the right candidates.

[Go to the Workforce Symposium page ]

2022 WCEDA Annual Meeting

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 02:30:02 GMT

On Wednesday, November 16, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa hosted WCEDA's Annual Meeting. Over 280 seats were sold, making this possibly WCEDA's largest annual meeting to date!

Keynote speaker, Elizabeth Oplatka, presented on the topic "How to make the most of and make peace with a multi-generational team."

Five, nearly six, generations at work, and everybody seems to want to know, “Can’t we all just get along?” We’ll learn that Millennials aren’t kids anymore; Boomers aren’t played out, and Gen Z, in fact, does want to work. Mostly, we’ll explore how to make the most of a multi-generational workforce and the differences between age-related and generation-related behaviors.

The full event video can be viewed here .

Presenting Sponsor

Inspire Sponsor

Speaker Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver S ponsors

Bronze Sponsors

The WCEDA Buzz - October 2022

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 01:37:24 GMT

October 2022 Newsletter

The WCEDA Buzz - September 2022

leslie@walworthbusiness.com (Leslie Gostomski) — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 01:43:24 GMT

September 2022 Newsletter

WCEDA Buzz - May 2022

Wed, 25 May 2022 04:34:54 GMT

Check out WCEDA's new newsletter layout!

Click on the image above to view the whole newsletter.

In this newsletter...

Upcoming Events, Membership News, Workforce News, County Developments, Economic Indicators, Other News, Valuable Resources

2021 State of the County, Walworth County

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:32:31 GMT

County Administrator, Mark Luberda, along with Tom Walsh, economist with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and Rob Henken, President of Wisconsin Policy Forum provided an update on how the county and southeast region are doing from an economic perspective. They also discussed current challenges and opportunities as well as the impact of tax changes as well as how the Southeast region of Wisconsin is doing.

Click on the image above to view the recording of the event.

Free Webcast: Practical Tips to Access Financial Assistance

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 06:18:59 GMT

FREE Webcast!

This coming Friday, from 11:00 -11:45am, WCEDA will co-host a live Zoom discussion with Gateway Technical College to help local businesses understand their financial options. Everyone has heard the news and seen the basic guidelines, but what is actually happening in the field? What’s working, what’s not?

This discussion will include practical tips for local businesses on how to access funding, including which types of assistance are appropriate for specific scenarios. Kevin Kaufman from the Small Business Development Center will represent SBA resources. A member of Associated Bank will talk about what the bank is seeing in Walworth County. We will also clarify unemployment options. Derek D’Auria will be the co-host from WCEDA, and Liz Oplatka will be the co-host from Gateway Technical College. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A.

WCEDA Office Closed

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 06:31:05 GMT

NOTICE: The WCEDA office, located in the South Building at Gateway Technical College, is closed until further notice. We are still available by phone or email, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

You can find a list of our staff here .

issed the event “The 3 Driving Factors of Wisconn Valley?” No problem! Check out the video from the event.

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 07:21:22 GMT

Over 200 area students attend the IMTS show in Chicago

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 07:25:33 GMT

Over 200 Walworth County high school students attend Chicago’s International Manufacturing Technology Show

With some stereotypes existing that working in a manufacturing job is warehouse work, the jobs are often short-term or that the work may not be very skilled, managers in the field will say that this is just not true.

According to the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), there has been an increase of 15,100 of manufacturing jobs from May 2017 to May 2018 in Wisconsin. With these new jobs in this industry and with new technologies in the workplace, the manufacturing industry has been redefined.

“There is a great opportunity to go into our field,” Spencer Weber, owner of the family-owned business, Mode Industries, Inc., said. “We strive to take care of our employees as long as they take care of us,” he said.

In a combined effort between the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA) and Elkhorn Area High School, over 200 kids, teachers and chaperones attended the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago representing Elkhorn, East Troy, Badger, Williams Bay and Delevan Friday, Sept. 14. The following local businesses sponsored four busses to transport the students to the event: Precision Plus, MPC, Mode Industries, USG, Plymouth Tube, Medicoil/R&L Spring, Certified Power Train, Hudapack Metal Treating and Palmer Hamilton.

“We were pleased to have been able to support,” said John Juds of Plymouth Tube – Trent. “Getting a chance to ride along and participate with the students was very rewarding, but certainly even more so for them as they look to be inspired by technologies for the future.”

“The world of manufacturing is changing. Advanced manufacturing is a rapidly transforming industry, and high school students have the opportunity to gain valuable skills through career-based learning experiences. This (IMTS) was to open their eyes to the possibilities in this industry.” Lisa Pavett, program manager at WCEDA said.

“While some say a day out of school is a lost day, this is an opportunity for the students to explore how they could apply the subjects they are learning in the classroom to a rewarding career beyond their education journey,” said Mike Reader of Precision Plus who helped sponsor three busses from Elkhorn High School.

And the students agree.

“I did not realize the power of manufacturing until I came to this show,” said one of the Walworth County students. “The most valuable thing about this experience was learning about technology that I did not even know existed,” said another.

Pavett said that knowledge in computers, math and robotics are desirable for a career in advanced manufacturing. She also explained that students could use their high school classwork as college credit towards a technical degree with the option of going to a four-year college later for engineering or a related degree.

“We try to give them (high school students) experiences,” Pavett said. Two of the programs Pavett is working on are geared towards connecting students and businesses for career exploration.

WCEDA’s Made in Walworth County group aims to connect the manufacturers in Walworth County to share best practices, to leverage opportunities, to leverage the Made in Wisconsin initiative to showcase that Walworth County has a strong manufacturing base and promote career opportunities.

Inspire Southeast Wisconsin – Walworth County Region offers career-based learning, providing students with experiences in the real world of work where they can apply academic and technical skills and develop essential workplace skills critical to their future employment success.

“It was great to be able to see the students’ enthusiasm and excitement when they actually viewed technology and automation that many had likely never seen outside the classroom,” said David Bitzen of USG. “Today’s manufacturing environment is much different than even 20 years ago; technology, automation, data analysis, and innovation are keys to the future. USG was proud to help sponsor this visit to IMTS for area high school students interested in STEM careers.”

Mode Industries owner Weber said he works with high school students so they gain exposure in the manufacturing field which can develop into a full-time job with career opportunities.  “The field is more technical then you think. It is not just guys digging ditches. It is about tight measurements and quality control,” Weber said. “We really need bright, smart employees to handle it. It is about knowing the math, how machines work and how to problem solve,” he said.

Weber is looking at giving high school students the chance to learn more about the trends in the manufacturing field. Some students, he said, may not want to pursue a four-year degree but can work towards a technical degree. If he or she feels college is an option, the relevant work experience may help direct someone towards a major.

Wisconsin is ranked second nationally and first in the Midwest for its increase of manufacturing jobs according to the DWD. Wisconsin also has added 45,600 manufacturing jobs since December 2010, which ranks ninth in the nation. Wisconsin is ranked 11th nationally in the percent growth of manufacturing jobs from May 2017 to May 2018.

For more information about the Made in Walworth County and Inspire Southeast Wisconsin programs, contact Lisat Pavett at lisa@walworthbusiness.com .

Missed the event “The 3 Driving Engines of Walworth County?” No problem! Check out the video from the event.

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 07:37:17 GMT

INSPIRE (3/1/17)

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 07:50:40 GMT

Economic Forecast (05/17/17)

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 08:07:30 GMT

Lakewood Golf Invitational (06/26/2016)

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 08:09:19 GMT

State of Healthcare 05/25/2016

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 08:11:09 GMT

Business Mentor Network (02/11/2016)

Thu, 31 Mar 2016 08:16:59 GMT

WCEDA Annual Meeting 2015 (11/12/2015)

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:19:28 GMT

Free Training: “Your Role as a Leader has Changed”

Sun, 14 Apr 2002 06:27:32 GMT

The Leader’s Do or Die

A hallmark of great leadership is leading others through what you’ve never experienced. But how do you do it?

Join Gateway instructor, Elizabeth Oplatka, for FREE weekly, half hour Zoom sessions centered around this topic.

Apr 16, 2020 10:00 AM
Apr 23, 2020 10:00 AM
Apr 30, 2020 10:00 AM
May 7, 2020 10:00 AM
May 14, 2020 10:00 AM
May 21, 2020 10:00 AM
May 28, 2020 10:00 AM

walworth

The WCEDA Buzz - April 2026

The WCEDA Buzz - March 2026

The WCEDA Buzz - February 2026

The WCEDA Buzz - January 2026

Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown

Join us for WCEDA's second annual Walworth County Culinary Showdown, featuring teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs!

Hosting Sponsor:

The WCEDA Buzz - December 2025

2025 Award Winners

Congratulations to WCEDA's 2025 Annual Meeting Award Winners!

2025 Dave Bretl Community Betterment Award Winner: Chris Trottier

2025 "Grow My Business Award" Winner: Palmer Hamilton

The WCEDA Buzz - November 2025

The WCEDA Buzz - October 2025

Kareers4Kids Golf Outing Fundraiser 2025

Why do so many local businesses support WCEDA's Kareers4Kids Career-Based Learning Experiences program?

2025 Golf Outing Fundraiser

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Resort

Thank you sponsors!!

The WCEDA Buzz - March 2025

The WCEDA Buzz - February 2025

The WCEDA Buzz - January 2025

The WCEDA Buzz - December 2024

Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown

Join us for WCEDA's first annual Walworth County Culinary Showdown, featuring teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs!

﻿

Registration is open now! Register by Jan. 6

Hosting Sponsor:

2024 WCEDA Annual Meeting

The WCEDA Buzz - November 2024

The WCEDA Buzz - October 2024

Kareers4Kids Golf Outing Fundraiser

Why do so many local businesses support WCEDA's Kareers4Kids Career-Based Learning Experiences program?

2024 Golf Outing Fundraiser

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Resort

Thank you sponsors!!

The WCEDA Buzz - September 2024

Alternative Lending Options Event

Alternative Lending Options

August 22, 2024

Harbor Shores, Lake Geneva

﻿ Food Sponsor:

The WCEDA Buzz - January 2024

2023 WCEDA Annual Meeting

The WCEDA Buzz - December 2023

The WCEDA Buzz - November 2023

The WCEDA Buzz - October 2023

Housing Summit 2023

WCEDA's Housing Summit, September 25 , 2023

The WCEDA Buzz - September 2023

The WCEDA Buzz - August 2023

The WCEDA Buzz - July 2023

Workforce Symposium 2023

Workforce Symposium 2023 ﻿

2022 WCEDA Annual Meeting

The WCEDA Buzz - October 2022

The WCEDA Buzz - September 2022

WCEDA Buzz - May 2022

Check out WCEDA's new newsletter layout!

2021 State of the County, Walworth County

Free Webcast: Practical Tips to Access Financial Assistance

FREE Webcast!

WCEDA Office Closed

issed the event “The 3 Driving Factors of Wisconn Valley?” No problem! Check out the video from the event.

Over 200 area students attend the IMTS show in Chicago

Over 200 Walworth County high school students attend Chicago’s International Manufacturing Technology Show

Missed the event “The 3 Driving Engines of Walworth County?” No problem! Check out the video from the event.

INSPIRE (3/1/17)

Economic Forecast (05/17/17)

Lakewood Golf Invitational (06/26/2016)

State of Healthcare 05/25/2016

Business Mentor Network (02/11/2016)

WCEDA Annual Meeting 2015 (11/12/2015)

Free Training: “Your Role as a Leader has Changed”

The Leader’s Do or Die

Food Sponsor:

Workforce Symposium 2023