by GCDC | Mar 28, 2024 | Events
GCDC Announces Annual Award Recipients
With record breaking attendance, Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) held their Annual Dinner & Awards on Thursday, March 21st at Turner Hall in Monroe. Attendees celebrated outstanding community and business leaders and included a presentation from Keynote speaker Missy Hughes from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte welcomed over 200 people, revisited accomplishments of 2023, and recognized the 18 nominees from the three award categories. Otte also shared her vision for 2024, noting that Green County is what opportunity looks like!
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 Large Business of the Year was presented to Precision Drive & Control (PDC). PDC, a 100% employee-owned company based in Monroe was recognized for its commitment to Green County through business reach, employee growth and participation in local events. PDC has also recently been recognized by trade groups earning varied distinguished awards and recognition, representing the pride of the PDC employee-owners.
The Outstanding Small Business of the Year was presented to Dirty Dog Taphaus owners Leah Hansen-Kube and Keith Kube. The New Glarus business was recognized for making significant contributions to the economic growth and vibrancy of Green County through their innovative approach, dedication to the community, and commitment to excellence.
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 Joey and Jordyn VanMatre. The VanMatre’s were identified as exemplifying the true definition of entrepreneur by taking risks and giving back to their community. Together they own TruHome/Bath Planet, Sweet Serendipity, Smokin’ Joes’s, Iron Haus, Cheese Country Rentals, and Safe & Sound Securities. Joe is also an agent with Advantage Real Estate Group. They were major donors for the Monroe Splash Pad and give donations monthly to non-profit organizations.
The Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award commemorates Richard B. Schmied, a former New Glarus resident and business owner, remembered for the characteristics of selfless leadership he exhibited, and exemplifies the character of a true leader. This year’s recipient was presented to Chad Kundert of Kundert Construction. Chad was nominated for his commitment to the success and well-being of his customers, employees, and company. His leadership style is characterized by empathy, mentorship, and a genuine interest in the professional and personal growth of each team member. In addition, Chad actively engages in initiatives that benefit the community, demonstrating a sense of responsibility beyond the bottom line.
GCDC is proud to recognize all nominees (see below) and honor the commitment and dedication it takes to run a successful business and give back to their communities. The mission of GCDC is to promote and encourage economic growth while maintaining the quality of life that makes Green County, Wisconsin a great place to live and work. As a non-profit organization they are building the economic future of Green County communities and businesses through public-private partnerships.
For more images of the event, visit GCDC’s Facebook or LinkedIN pages. You can find more information on GCDC online at www.greencountydevelopment.com or by contacting the office directly at (608) 328-9452 or email gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com.
This year’s Green County Award Nominees:
The Outstanding Business of the Year Award – honors an existing business that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the county’s economic growth through innovation, job creation, new investment, and/or extraordinary long-time interest in supporting others in business.
- Brookly Barn
- Ludlow Mansion & Events
- Main Street Music & Events, Brooklyn
- Pink Heifer Saloon & Smokehouse
- SSM Health
- Dirty Dog Taphaus
- Decatur Cheese Plant
- Precision Drive & Control
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award – honors an entrepreneur who leads the way for their business, demonstrating a growth mindset, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and find solutions to challenges, and a hunger for opportunity.
- Tess Palmer, Trouvaille Coffee Co.
- Angie Schumacher, Full Moon Brew Bar
- Scott Mosher and Kyle Keehn, M&K Properties
- Andy and Lisa Beach, Son of a Beach Beef, LLC
- Joey and Jordyn VanMatre, TruHome and several other businesses
- Chelsea Andrews, Nuturing Tree Learning Academy
The Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award – commemorates Richard B. Schmied, remembered for the characteristics of leadership he exhibited. The winner of the award exemplifies the character of a true leader.
- Trent Henning
- Kasey Bruehlman
- Dan Wegmueller
- Chad Kundert
by GCDC | Oct 12, 2023 | Events
Artificial Intelligence/Chat GPT – Workshop November 15th chatgpt workshop new
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) will be holding a free workshop focused on ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This workshop is designed as a beginner friendly session for entrepreneurs and will be held on November 15 from 5:30-7:30PM at the Monroe Campus of Blackhawk Technical College
Heather Ferguson, Program Manager of Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW Madison will help participants gain a basic understanding of how generational AI thinks, help explore key components of effective AI prompts, and provide sample prompts and tools to use.
Prior to the session, participants should download the free app at https://chat.openai.com/ to get the best experience. While phones can be used, it is highly suggested to bring a laptop if you are able.
This workshop is an extension of the Small Business Series offered by GCDC in the spring, with the goal of providing tools to help local entrepreneurs succeed in their business.
Registration for the event is required. Sign-up at https://AIforentrepreneurs-gcdc.eventbrite.com or email the GCDC team at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com.
by GCDC | Sep 21, 2023 | Events
The Future of Agriculture Topic of GCDC’s Fall Breakfast
The future of agriculture was the topic of focus at Green County Development Corporation’s (GCDC) fall breakfast, held at Wegmueller Dairy Farm in Monroe. Sponsorship by Woodford State Bank, milk and ice cream from Farm First Dairy Cooperative, and a locally sourced breakfast provided by Kimmee’s Kitchen kicked off the event that included 80 state and local leaders, educators, and those with personal interest in preserving the rural lifestyle of Green County.
It is documented that the amount of family farms and farmland continues to decline. By 2040 it is estimated that only five (5) percent of farms will be owned and run by independent farmers. The inability to stay competitive as a small family farm and shifting family careers have contributed to this decline. Survival depends on creativity and willingness to shift. Dan and Ashley Wegmueller created an agritourism destination with Wegmueller Dairy Farm & “The Diary” Farm Stay for this reason. Their unique solution allows people to experience life on the farm with an experiential farmhouse stay surrounded by cows, horses, and incredible countryside views.
Agritourism is an avenue to the survivability of medium and small-scale Wisconsin family farms. The last week of September has been designated by the state as Agricultural Tourism Week, and Sheila Everhart, Executive Director of Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA) shared that WATA is celebrating 30 years in service, with Monroe and Green County being an instrumental leader in the growth and development of agricultural tourism in the state.
WATA honored the late Dave Kamholz, former Green County Ag Chest President & founding Board Member of WATA presenting an award to Mrs. Dave Kamholz of Monroe in his memory. Dan and Ashley Wegmueller were also presented with a certificate of appreciation for their efforts in agritourism and protecting the future of agriculture. Ms. Everhart encourages people to support and enjoy agritourism throughout the state. Information and year-round events can be found at www.wiagtourism.com.
Dusty Williams, Ag Instructor at Blackhawk Tech shared that the fastest growing farms are greater than 1,000 acres or less than 50 acres. He emphasized that exposing young people to all careers is instrumental in many fields, but especially agriculture. From an educational perspective, “Young people gain interest in careers when they are exposed to them, that is why we (Blackhawk) partner with Ag organizations and employers to educate and reach students of all ages. It’s going to take partnerships and investments in time, people, and resources to get students engaged in the agriculture industry at an earlier age. We must think outside the box to be able to provide future leaders in agriculture.” Kalee Schaefer, a former student of Williams, and Herd Manager at Wegmueller Farm agreed, and shared her insights about her education and career path in the ag field.
Agriculture is a top economic driver in Wisconsin. 49.3% of our county’s total economic activity and generates over $2B. The mission of GCDC is to promote and encourage economic growth while maintaining the quality of life that makes Green County a great place to live and work. Events such as these create awareness and connection for continued conversation and action.
GCDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization dependent upon local investors and partners and can be reached through their social pages, their website at greencountydevelopment.com or by phone at 608-328-9452
Image (left to right): Dusty Williams (Blackhawk Tech), Ashley & Dan Wegmueller (Wegmueller Dairy Farm), Olivia Otte (GCDC Executive Director), Kalee Schafer (Herd Manager), Sheila Everhart (WATA Director).
by GCDC | Aug 28, 2023 | Events
Please join us! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/winning-with-wisconsins-workforce-2355259
The DWD is hosting a workforce event at Blackhawk Tech in Monroe to discuss strategies with business representatives, community leaders, and workforce development professionals to promote apprenticeships, teen employment, work opportunities for people with disabilities, and job center resources.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
11:30-1:30 pm at Blackhawk Technical College, Monroe Campus
Lunch Will Be Provided
Don’t miss this chance to learn from workforce development leaders and discover new ways to
attract, develop, and retain top talent. Register now and secure your spot at this exciting event!
See full flyer here: Winning With Wisconsin Workforce
by GCDC | Aug 21, 2023 | Events
Wegmueller Farm – host of GCDC 2023 Fall BreakfastGCDC Breakfast September 21 at Wegmueller Farm
MONROE – The influence of agriculture is apparent in the landscape, education, and economy of Green County. Preserving agricultural roots is important for the viability of future generations living and working here.
To create awareness and conversation, Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) has partnered with Dan and Ashley Wegmueller to hold a fall leader breakfast at the Wegmueller Dairy Farm, W4358 Montgomery Road, Monroe. Farm owner Dan Wegmueller, Wegmueller Farm Dairy Herd Manager Kalee Schaefer, and Blackhawk Technical College agriculture instructor Dusty Williams will provide perspectives on the future of agriculture in Wisconsin.
The breakfast coincides with the start of Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Week and creates a perfect setting for the future of agriculture conversation, as the Wegmuellers created a “farm stay” experience with their family farm to keep it viable. Dan has said, “Opening our doors has done 2 things. It’s brought in a revenue stream that we desperately need to keep the farm going. But it’s also made farming fun again.”
The event will be held Thursday, September 21st from 7:30-9:00AM at Wegmueller Farm, W4358 Montgomery Road, Monroe. A locally sourced, warm breakfast buffet, sponsored by Woodford State Bank, will be provided by Kimmee’s Kitchen of Monroe. After the event optional farm tours will be provided.
This limited seating event requires registration to attend. Register before September 7th at https://GCDCFallBreakfast0921.eventbrite.com. Contact GCDC at 608-328-9452, or gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com for questions.
GCDC is a non-profit organization that serves as a bridge between public and private partnerships investing in the economic future of Green County.
Dan & Ashley Wegmueller of Wegmueller Farm and Dairy Stay
by GCDC | Feb 8, 2023 | Events, News
University of Wisconsin – Madison, Division of Extension Women in Ag Programming,
I’m a Farmer Too Slated for Two Locations on March 2 and March 23.
(Wisconsin) Women are a key aspect of the agriculture industry and are responsible for many facets of the farm. This program is geared toward women and the many hats they wear in the agricultural industry. Planning for the unknown, farm biosecurity, telling your farm story, and farm safety topics will be presented.
Presenters and topics are as follows:
Planning for the Unknown with Joy Kirkpatrick, Farm Succession Outreach Specialist
Joy will discuss how to organize contingency plans for unexpected events, both short-term disruptions and catastrophic events; and will give a brief primer on what happens to property and other issues when there is no plan at the time of an unexpected event, such as death or disability.
Farm Biosecurity by Carolyn Ihde, UW-Extension Ag Educator Crawford and Richland Counties
With so many ways for diseases to come in contact with your livestock, implementing a few low-cost biosecurity measures can decrease the risk of transmission and allow for the tracing of disease movement in the case of highly contagious animal disease outbreaks. Take the small steps now to ensure proper biosecurity.
Telling your farm story with Amanda Cauffman, UW-Extension Regional Livestock Educator – Grant, Green, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties
Using your farm story to be an Ag Advocate and educate our communities about agricultural practices.
Farm Safety presented with Jackie McCarville, UW Extension Regional Dairy Educator- Grant Green, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties
Considerations on how to keep children and adults safe on the farm. Exploring the potential hazards and dangerous areas while still having fun on the farm.
Participants will also be completing a craft project while they learn. Craft projects are Beef, Dairy, Sheep, and Pig themed. There will also be door prizes.
The following are the dates, locations, and county extension offices for registering for each location. The cost of the program is $35 dollars and covers materials, lunch, and craft supplies. Checks can be made payable to UW-Extension. RSVP and registration fee is required a week before the program date. We may cancel due to low enrollment, calling those who have registered. Please contact the host county Extension Office for that specific location for more information.
