by GCDC | Nov 14, 2022 | News
The Green County Childcare Initiative has been selected to receive the 2021 Wisconsin Top Rural Development Initiative award. One of three awards presented in 2021 by Wisconsin Rural Partners, Inc., the presentation will be made at a local ceremony in early fall.
The Initiative is actively addressing an issue that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Green County is considered a childcare desert, with one childcare spot for every three young children. Lack of quality daycare access negatively impacts parental employment and overall economic growth. A collaboration of many partners was formed, including the Green County Development Corporation, United Way of Green County, Southwest Community Action Program, Blackhawk Technical College, MultiCultural Outreach Program, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, Small Business Development Center, Extension Green County, Community Coordinated Childcare, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, Green County Childcare Network, Avenues Counseling, and Department of Children and Families. Several programs were initiated to strengthen existing childcare businesses and help entrepreneurs start their own daycare businesses.
A free eight-week virtual Childcare Boot Camp was developed to address all aspects of running a childcare business, and is provided in English and Spanish. Safety Saturday classes provide education needed for a worker in a childcare facility. A program was established that pairs mental health professionals with childcare providers to help meet the varied needs of children served. Monthly parent workshops provide opportunities for strengthening collaborative relationships and offer tools related to early childhood social, emotional and mental well-being.
“Wisconsin Rural Partners (WRP) applauds the Green County Childcare Initiative as an outstanding example of the many local efforts across the state that improve the lives of citizens in rural Wisconsin,” said Sandy Decker, WRP president. “This is an excellent collaborative model for small rural Wisconsin communities.”
A second project receiving recognition as a 2021 Top Rural Development Initiative is the Cuba City Presidential Plaza. New landscaping, seating, ADA-compliant walkways, free Wi-Fi, outdoor sound system, games, and a unique 3D interactive ground mural of the Mississippi River were included in the project, accomplished without the use of city funds. The Plaza engages residents of all ages. Future events and activities are planned to increase downtown business traffic and draw visitors to Main Street.
The Cheq Bay Renewables Community Solar Project is the third 2021 Top Rural Development Initiative receiving recognition. Five local government entities collaborated, leveraging combined funding to increase the scale of the solar project, with associated cost savings. These savings are used for other local municipal services. Project impacts include ongoing intergovernmental cooperation, stewardship of the environment through the use of renewable energy, and introduction of new technology to communities with installations throughout the county.
Wisconsin Rural Partners (WRP) is the state’s federally-designated rural development council. Committed to improving the quality of life in rural Wisconsin, WRP is a non-partisan forum for identifying, discussing, and addressing rural issues. Through collaborations with a wide array of partners, including local, county, state, tribal, and federal governments, as well as for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and rural citizens, WRP fosters and promotes locally-based solutions to rural needs and issues.
This is the twenty-first year that WRP has recognized Wisconsin’s Top Rural Development Initiatives. “The program is designed to identify, highlight, and share innovative models, practices and programs that have a positive impact on rural Wisconsin communities,” said Errin Welty, WRP past-president. “WRP created the program to provide a mechanism for rural communities to learn from each other and we are pleased to report that many of the award winners are still actively operating in their communities.”
Additional information about Wisconsin Rural Partners and the Top Rural Development Initiatives can be found at www.wiruralpartners.org.
by GCDC | Nov 9, 2022 | News
The town of Albany is getting a new 50-megawatt solar farm as part of Alliant Energy’s Clean Energy Blueprint. The project will positively impact the environment and generate enough energy to power around 13,000 homes. The project is expected to be complete and operational by the end of 2023.
For full details follow this link: Albany Solar Project
by GCDC | Oct 21, 2022 | Events, News
Keynote Speaker Todd Kuckkahn presenting at the GCDC Annual Recognition Dinner.
Keynote speaker Todd Kuckkahn shared memories of his time in Monroe as the boys basketball coach, and provided insights about competition versus collaboration and partnership. Communication being the key to building momentum and getting things done. He left the crowd with a commitment from each attendee to perform one act of kindness a day, inspiring connection through doing.
by GCDC | Oct 21, 2022 | News, Programs
Bob Erb, President & CEO of Colony Brands accepts the Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award from Olivia Otte, GCDC Exective Director
Owners Chad Boeck & Gilbert Moore accept the Outstanding Small Business of the Year Award from GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte
David Parr owner of Parrfection Produce accepts the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from Olivia Otte, Executive Director of GCDC
SSM Health Monroe President Jane Curran-Meuli accepts the award for Outstanding Large Business of the Year from GCDC Executive Director Olivia Otte
by GCDC | Oct 21, 2022 | News
The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) held their Annual Dinner on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Turner Hall in Monroe. The evening recognized outstanding community and business leaders and included a presentation from Keynote speaker Todd Kuckkahn about communication and collaboration for goal achievement.
GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte welcomed the large group with an introduction of both herself, and the new Marketing Manager, Tracy Brewer, as the newest team members, having started in their roles this past summer. Otte shared GCDC 2021 highlights and her vision for the organization.
Awards presentations followed for Outstanding Large and Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, and the Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award. The Outstanding Business of the Year, recognizes existing businesses that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the county’s economic growth through innovation, job creation, new investment, and/or extraordinary long-time interest in supporting other business.
The Outstanding Small Business of the Year was presented to CGM Sales, owners Chad Boeck and Gilbert Moore. CGM outgrew a garage start up from 2011 with expansion in Freeport and most recently the former Farm & Fleet building in Monroe. Excellent customer service and continued community support through donations for the Green County Fair, Cheese Days, Monroe Park & Recreation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Green County, Monroe Rural Fire Department, Monticello and Monroe Police and EMS, and more, are evidence of their commitment and investment to the community. CGM Sales sells new and used golf carts, mowers, ATV/UTV’s, four wheelers and trailers.
The Outstanding Large Business of the Year was presented to SSM Health Monroe Hospital and Clinics. They were recognized their diligent response to Covid-19, excellence in health care, and investment in the community with their recent completion of the hospital expansion, EPIC upgrades, and full integration with the SSM Health System. The commitment to excellence in community health extends beyond Monroe to clinics throughout southern Wisconsin and Green County.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award honors an entrepreneur who leads the way for the business, demonstrating a growth mindset, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and find solutions to challenges, and a hunger for opportunity. This year’s award was presented to David Parr, owner of Parrfection Produce. Parrfection Produce has grown from a solo-led, private garden to a business warehouse, greenhouses, and retail store west of Monticello employing 10 seasonal employees. David started his company in college and now aggregates and distributes local produce grown on family farms, including many Amish and Mennonite families in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin and beyond. His environmentally responsible and resilient business model reflects his high standard of product quality, and customer service while maintaining a growth mindset.
The Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award commemorates Richard B. Schmied, remembered for characteristics of leadership he exhibited, and exemplifies the character of a true leader. This year’s recipient was presented to Bob Erb, President and CEO of Colony Brands. He was recognized for his steadfast leadership and “people over profits” approach during the pandemic. The employees, customers, and the communities in which Colony Brands does business were made safer, and the continued success of Colony Brands is evident throughout the community.
GCDC, a multi-jurisdictional economic development corporation, was formed to bring professional economic development expertise to its member communities to create a competitive advantage to spur job creation and new investments. The organization is building the economic future of Green County communities and businesses through public-private partnerships. For more information, visit GCDC at online at www.greencountyedc.com.
SSM Health Monroe President Jane Curran-Meuli accepts the award for Outstanding Large Business of the Year from GCDC Executive Director Olivia Otte
David Parr owner of Parrfection Produce accepts the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from Olivia Otte, Executive Director of GCDC
Owners Chad Boeck & Gilbert Moore accept the Outstanding Small Business of the Year Award from GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte
Bob Erb, President & CEO of Colony Brands accepts the Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award from Olivia Otte, GCDC Exective Director
Keynote Speaker Todd Kuckkahn entertained the crowd with stories of past years in Monroe, and about his experience with collaboration and partnerships to move projects forward.
For more information about the Green County Development Corporation, please contact the GCDC office at (608) 328-9452 or email [email protected].
