Investor Spotlight – Blackhawk Technical College

by GCDC | Aug 21, 2023 | News

Blackhawk Technical College – BTC President, Dr. Tracy Pierner With the main campus in Janesville, and a second campus in Monroe, Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) serves Rock and Green counties. Two of the nation’s top laboratory technician programs are available at BTC’s Monroe Campus. The Medical Laboratory Technician and the Laboratory Food Science Technician programs boast exceptional faculty, state-of-art technology, excellent careers, and nearly 100% placement rates for our graduates. Enrollment at BTC grew significantly in 2023 (nearly 15%) with summer enrollment increases more than 30%. These increases are fueled by flexible options that fit student’s needs, the addition of new fully transferrable 2-year Associate of Arts and Science degrees to local four-year Universities, and enhanced student support available to help student’s reach their goals. The College is a leader in education that is needed in our community’s workforce and provides local access to world class education at all post-secondary levels. Local employers are participating more aggressively in apprenticeship programs, internships, and other incumbent worker training initiatives such as providing scholarships, purchasing contract training and sending employees to continuing education and credit courses at Blackhawk. Blackhawk Technical College is committed to the Monroe Campus and Green County community and works with our education and workforce partners to create new opportunities to further the College’s mission: “We help you build your future with a flexible education in a supportive environment”. What strengths do you see in Green County? Green County offers close proximity to numerous metropolitan areas without the congestion of more urban areas. It has a distinct rural charm and beauty, while also providing high quality education, healthcare, and strong employment opportunities. What do you see as opportunities, or must dos, in Green County to carry us forward? Opportunities include expanding partnerships with local High Schools to provide access to BTC programming earlier in a student’s journey, continuing to expand the training offered at the Monroe Campus such as ELL, and technical training, as well as building on the excellent associate degree programs offered in Monroe in Agriculture, Medical Lab Technology and Food Science Technology. We need to ensure the opportunities provided in Green County help propel strong economic development and we establish educational partnerships that create a pro-business environment. What is your future vision for Green County and for Blackhawk Technical College in Green County? We must position the Monroe campus as a recognized and highly prized community resource. To do this, we must grow the Monroe campus through continued partnerships with area high schools offering dual credit, offering the college’s associate degree programs through MyEdChoice which allows students flexibility to attend classes in person or online, and continued supportive training to area employers to offer the skills and training they need to compete successfully in a global marketplace. Why did Blackhawk Tech become a partner with GCDC and what would you like to see GCDC do more of, or get involved in? The partnership between economic development, workforce development and education is crucial and has been our focus for over 100 years. It is a symbiotic relationship that creates growth and provides industry with the skills and technology needed by business and industry, and provides higher education institutions with connections to the training and skills employers need to grow and expand. BTC would welcome participation in workforce development and training initiatives with GCDC to create more local training that meets local employers needs. Services provided by Green County Development Corporation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, are made possible through a combination of public and private investments. More spotlights to come, but you can always check out our full list of investors and partners on our webpage at greencountydevelopment.com and click the investors tab

Placemaking in Economic Development

by GCDC | Jul 31, 2023 | News

Why is Placemaking a Part of Economic Development?

By Olivia Otte, Executive Director, Green County Development Corporation

One reason I love economic development is because of the diverse projects that I get to work on on a day-to-day basis.  On any given day, I can go from focusing on business recruitment, to grant writing, to talking with elected officials.  Even though I enjoy working on all these different aspects of economic development, one of my favorite elements is placemaking.

Placemaking is something that most people usually don’t associate with economic development, but it plays a crucial role. While definitions can vary, most people define placemaking as the practice of creating or enhancing a community’s assets to improve its overall attractiveness and livability.  This can include larger-scale efforts such as alternative transportation infrastructure, or smaller-scale projects like pop-up shop programs and downtown beautification.  With the workforce shortage, placemaking has only become more important. Companies seek talented workers, these workers look for quality places, and quality places attract new residents, jobs, and investments. Placemaking is no longer something that can be pushed to the side, it is now a major factor in a community’s ability to grow.  Here are several reasons why placemaking is important in economic development:

1. Attracting businesses and investment: Well-designed and vibrant public spaces help to create a more appealing atmosphere for businesses and investors.  These spaces can help attract skilled workers, retain talent, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
2. Improving property values: Attractive public spaces have a positive impact on property values. Placemaking efforts that enhance the overall character and appeal of a neighborhood or city/village can lead to increased demand for real estate, leading to higher property values and potential economic growth.
3. Encouraging social interaction and community engagement: Placemaking creates opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of community and strengthening social ties. These social connections can lead to stronger local networks, increased civic engagement, and support for local businesses.
4. Revitalizing underutilized areas: Placemaking can breathe new life into neglected or underutilized areas. By transforming vacant lots, abandoned buildings, or rundown areas into attractive and functional spaces, placemaking initiatives can bring economic benefits to these areas by attracting new businesses and residents.

In summary, placemaking is essential for economic development as it helps attract businesses and investment, improves property values, encourages community engagement, and revitalizes underutilized areas. By investing in the creation of appealing and functional public spaces, our communities can drive economic growth and improve the overall quality of life.

GCDC June Newsletter – It’s so NICE here!

by GCDC | Jul 19, 2023 | News

Green County…it’s so NICE here!   That’s what people keep telling us.  Read more of our newsletter and get caught up!  https://conta.cc/44soWES

GCDC: Listening & Sharing Resources

by GCDC | Jul 5, 2023 | News

GCDC:  Listening, Sharing Resources (as posted in the Monroe Times, June 28, 2923)

Economic Development conjures up the thoughts of big developments, new factories, box stores and subdivisions. Bringing new revenue streams to town, new jobs, and places for people to shop. Growth!

In my brief time with GCDC, I have learned that economic development encompasses so much more. New developments are wonderful, they can be a boon to the community, but without proper planning and consideration of many other factors, it can also be an unwelcome change.

Laying the foundation for growth involves grass roots community conversations about population ages and stages, housing availability, childcare options, education, transportation, environmental effect, broadband connectivity, and human and material resources.

Awareness is a key element and that comes from boots on the ground meetings, presentations, and active social media and marketing efforts. This is both to share what an organization like GCDC can do to assist and more importantly, to listen to what the community wants, and needs.

Each community within Green County has vast differences and goals. Some want growth, some prefer improvements, and all want to understand what it would mean to their community. Considerations for environmental safety, personal safety, and maintaining the hometown feel and the reason we choose to live in rural America are all brought into play.

Every day, GCDC’s Executive Director, Olivia Otte, is out meeting with individuals, with groups, with companies, and with government officials to ensure GCDC directs their efforts towards each community’s wants, needs, and goals.  Listening, and sharing the resources available, and the connections to be made to grow soundly and with consideration to future effects.

Very little of this work comes with instant gratification. Housing projects and new businesses take time to cultivate, to plan and negotiate, to coordinate and gain permits, and to break ground. Available buildings or facilities may need renovations and inspections, and all need staff and supplies to open and run smoothly. Sound economic development takes time and patience.

In the meantime, we continue to communicate, to keep our sights on the goals, to continually look for grants and investors that will keep our communities moving forward.  We host educational events like the Small Business Series to help new entrepreneurs learn how to be successful, or summits and other events that help community leaders understand how to approach broadband, EV charging, or tackle housing issues.

With new leadership in 2022, GCDC has continued the great works of predecessors, and has made great progress with new projects while continuing to connect and listen. There is always more to come with economic development, and you are an important piece of our progress.  Connect with us on our website, greencountydevelopment.com, through our newsletter or social media, and email us directly at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com

• Tracy Brewer is the Marketing & Project Manager for Green County Development Corporation (GCDC). She can be reached at tracy@greencountydevelopment.com or by calling 608-328-9452.

Investor Spotlight – The Bank of New Glarus

by GCDC | Jun 16, 2023 | News

GCDC relies on private investors to support the mission of growth in Green County. We are excited to share the companies who invest in the future of Green County.  

The Bank of New Glarus (Information provided by Ron Schaaf, President/CEO)

About The Bank of New Glarus: The Bank of New Glarus is celebrating our 130-year anniversary in 2023. We were the first official bank in Green County when the bank opened on October 30, 1893. We have expanded to locations in Belleville, New Glarus, Monroe, Juda and Brodhead and we also have a Loan Production office in Madison.

We still have connections within The Bank of New Glarus to the bank’s founders. John Kundert, a member of the bank’s Board of Directors is a great grandson of Fridolin (Fred) Kundert who was one of our founders.

The Bank of New Glarus employment and more:

The Bank of New Glarus now employs about 75 people across all our locations. We regularly employ local high school students through Apprenticeships that allow them to learn more about community banking. In addition, BNG Investments is a critical part of The Bank of New Glarus through which we have 2 financial advisors (one in New Glarus and one in Monroe). We are also very proud to have lenders located in all branch locations. This allows our customers to have regular access to the incredible experience and knowledge of our lenders.

What is your role at The Bank of New Glarus and in the community:

I joined The Bank of New Glarus as a Commercial Lender in 2013 and was appointed President and CEO in 2015. In addition, I am President and CEO of Bancorp of New Glarus, Inc. (which is the holding company for The Bank of New Glarus). I am also a member of The Bank of New Glarus Board of Directors, which is responsible for oversight and protecting the bank’s assets.

Outside of work, I am the treasurer of the New Glarus Lions Club, a board member for GCDC and a Loan Committee Member for the SW WI Regional Planning Commission.

What do you consider the strengths of Green County:

Professionally, I think there is diversity in terms of the businesses across Green County. The economy in Green County is heavily driven by agriculture, but then we have very large businesses (like Colony Brands) as well as lots of independent or family-owned small businesses. I also think we are well-positioned between Madison, Dubuque, and Chicago which is great for tourism and traffic coming into our local communities.

Personally, our family moved to Green County in 1996. Originally, we lived in Monroe, where we raised our 2 daughters. In 2016 we moved to New Glarus. I think this is one of the most beautiful areas in WI and am so glad to call Green County “home.”

What do you see as opportunities for Green County:

With all of the medical and technology companies in and around Madison and Dane County, I think it would be beneficial if we could get satellites of those companies to locate in Green County. It would be an incredible boost for the local economy and the job market. I also think it is critical that there is affordable housing available within our communities. And of course, childcare is essential to young families across Green County.

What is your future vision for Green County and The Bank of New Glarus:

I believe it is possible to see growth in our communities, while maintaining quality of life. We will need our local infrastructures to keep up with population growth. At The Bank of New Glarus, we are proud to support our local schools and libraries, as well as the nonprofit organizations that help support our communities in a variety of ways.

As a community bank, we will continue to support economic growth across Green County. We will partner with local municipalities and non-profits as a partner through community service efforts (including volunteerism and donations to local nonprofit organizations). We will support economic development through our lending efforts. In addition, we will continue and grow our efforts to provide financial literacy education to all who live and work in Green County.

Why is The Bank of New Glarus an investor in GCDC:

We believe it is important for community banks to be involved in conversations that help support economic development. There are so many entities and people required to come together in support of community growth and economic development and we are proud to be a partner of Green County Development Corporation. The Bank of New Glarus has been part of Green County for 130 years and we are committed to being here and helping support our local communities and non-profits in fueling growth well into the future.

What could GCDC do more of?

We are really excited about some of the new programs and trainings being put in place by GCDC.

In particular, we’re glad to be part of the GCDC Small Business Series to help support local entrepreneurs and we hope to see more educational opportunities like this in the future.

Services provided by Green County Development Corporation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, are made possible through a combination of public and private investments.

More spotlights to come, but you can always check out our full list of investors on our webpage at greencountydevelopment.com and click the investors tab