by GCDC | Oct 10, 2024 | News, Projects
Monroe – Green County will see increased workforce development in skilled trades with a $2M grant awarded to Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), and a partnership with Monroe High School.
GCDC will work with the School District of Monroe to expand the current plans for the new Monroe High School trades area to help address workforce skills challenges in Green County. The center will create an environment that fosters hands-on learning, cultivating essential skills and knowledge necessary for success in high-demand industries.
“This trade center is an innovative solution to pressing community challenges throughout the county, specifically in relation to skilled metal, construction, and automotive workers. While this facility will be housed in Monroe High School, we are working to ensure that it is accessible to all Green County students and our industry partners. Through this collaboration, we envision a comprehensive strategy that combines educational excellence with economic development to create a thriving and sustainable future for Green County” stated GCDC’s Executive Director Olivia Otte.
Monroe High School Principal, Jeriamy Jackson had this to say about the funds, “We are very excited to hear the news of this grant approval! We have been working hard to design and build spaces within the new Monroe High School that house our metals manufacturing, welding, automotive and construction trades programs and this grant will help to improve these spaces and give our students even better opportunities. This increased space allows us to develop even more hands-on, real-world experiences to spark student interest and increase student skill levels to meet industry standards.”
GCDC was one of 50 Non-State Grant Program projects awarded and will receive $2M to support a trades center to be housed in the new Monroe High School. These grants are targeted at bolstering critical infrastructure and services, including economic and workforce development.
“I was glad to launch the Non-State Grant Program last year because an investment in local capital projects like these is an investment in local jobs and economies and improving public services and the quality of life for Wisconsinites statewide. I’m incredibly excited about these projects and the investments we’re making in communities in every corner of Wisconsin—this is great news for our state,” said Gov. Evers.
GCDC is a non-profit public/private partnership organization fostering economic growth that maintains the quality of life that makes Green County Wisconsin a great place to live and work. For more information on this and other projects of GCDC, please contact them at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com, call 608-328-9452 or visit their website at www.greencountydevelopment.com
State grant recipients can be found at: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3babcdd
by GCDC | Sep 16, 2024 | Events
FREE SMALL BUSINESS CLINIC OCTOBER 11
Expert help with starting a business, financials, marketing, taxes & more
(MADISON, WI) –The Office for Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE), Green County Development Corporation, Prosperity Southwest and Blackhawk Technical College will host a Small Business Clinic – free to all participants – on October 11 at Blackhawk Technical College’s Monroe campus.
This FREE event begins at 9am and is a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ for entrepreneurs. Come for the day or for a specific session. Participants can schedule 30-minute individual sessions with consultants to discuss starting a business, financials, marketing, taxes, revolving loan funds, international trade, or legal matters.
The confidential, free, one-on-one appointments can be scheduled between 9am and 4pm.
Consulting services will be available in Spanish from 11am-4pm.
“Whether you’re not sure where to start or you’re ready to make a leap, our experts are here to offer trusted insights and industry-specific advice, free of charge”, said Nora Roughen-Schmidt, business consultant and event organizer. “Please join us on October 11 and we will help get you started!”
“On behalf of Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) and Prosperity Southwest, I’m thrilled to see this Small Business Clinic offer such a valuable resource to our local entrepreneurs,” added Olivia Otte, Green County Development Corporation Executive Director & President, Prosperity Southwest. “This event brings together expertise, guidance, and support to help businesses at any stage thrive. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are committed to fostering a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in our community.”
In addition to the 30-minute appointments, participants may choose to attend lecture-style group sessions featuring General Business Law with UW Madison’s Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, Business Taxes with the Department of Revenue, Marketing 101, Funding your Business with Revolving Loan Funds, and International Trade and Opportunities for Women in Entrepreneurship.
Stay for lunch and mingle with local organizations that support entrepreneurship in the region, meet fellow entrepreneurs, and learn about programs in the region that support Small Businesses.
Local Southwest Wisconsin SBDC Business Consultant and State Small Business Credit Initiative
Specialist Nora Roughen-Schmidt will be available for free and confidential small business consulting: nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu
WHAT: FREE Small Business Clinic
WHERE: Blackhawk Technical College Campus, 210 4th Avenue, Monroe, WI
WHO: Four groups hosting this event:
1. Office of Business & Entrepreneurship – Universities of Wisconsin
2. Green County Development Corporation
3. Prosperity Southwest
4. Blackhawk Technical College
WHEN: Friday, October 11 – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Register for the clinic online: https://centerex.wisconsinsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=9440065
or email: nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu call/text: 608-716-9441.
Click this link to learn more: Small Business Clinic Monroe
The Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) provides specialized resources and helps clients craft personalized plans to grow their businesses. The Institute is part of the world-class University of Wisconsin System.
The Prosperity Southwest region covers six Southwest Wisconsin counties: Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, and Richland. Together we are committed to our communities and economic development efforts in knowing Prosperity begins with opportunity, and opportunity can come in some of the most unusual of places. We invite you to join us as we continue unearthing the legacy and heritage of our scenic Southwest Wisconsin.
by GCDC | Sep 4, 2024 | Events
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2rjjpt8
Join GCDC October 17th from 7:30-9:00AM at Monroe Golf Course for a hot breakfast and learn about entrepreneurship in Green County! Three local business leaders will talk about the entrepreneurial spirit in Green County, how it has shaped our community, and how to keep the momentum going! Registration is REQUIRED and space is limited – early registration is highly encouraged.
by GCDC | Aug 29, 2024 | News
Green County Development Corporation Receives 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council
IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession
[August 29, 2024] [Monroe WI] – Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed specifically for the organization’s work in the Public/Private Partnership for the Home Construction Cooperative. GCDC will be acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, CO, September 15-18.
“Green County Development Corporation is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its Home Construction Cooperative program. This award highlights GCDC’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to Green County Development Corporation, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce this year’s award winners. These exceptional projects showcase remarkable dedication and ingenuity within the field,” said Kevin Kramer, Chair of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee. “GCDC’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents.”
Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.
“The Home Construction Cooperative has been a phenomenal example of what can happen when a community comes together to solve problems. We are proud to accept this award and want to recognize SSM Health Monroe, the School District of Monroe Launch program, and everyone that has partnered with us to make this program a success.” said Olivia Otte, GCDC Executive Director. “We look forward to continuing this program into the 2024/2025 school year with a new build on a long vacant lot transferred to GCDC from the city of Monroe.”
by GCDC | Aug 14, 2024 | Events
Green County Development Corporation, the City of Brodhead, and Brodhead Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Community Conversation session with UW Community Economic Development Division of Extension to reveal the results of Community Economic Analysis (CEA).
The CEA is a program that helps communities get a better understanding of a community’s economic structure and how a community is prepared for economic development. Information obtained from the assessment often helps with decision making for workforce needs, housing and other economic growth determinants.
The event takes place on Wednesday, October 18th from 5:00-7:00PM at Brodhead’s Memorial Library. Community members are encouraged to attend, to learn the results of the study and provide input on next steps towards economic development in Brodhead.
