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.
by GCDC | Jun 21, 2023 | News, Programs
GCDC_Funding_Brochure_2023
Funding Available for Green County Businesses
Green County businesses looking to expand can benefit from low interest loans through Green County Development Corporation’s (GCDC) Revolving Loan Fund.
High growth startup or emerging growth companies in manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, medical devices, biosciences, or energy industries are eligible to apply for up to $100,000.
Activities can include acquisitions of buildings, land, or fixed assets; site prep, construction or reconstruction and fixed equipment installation; demolition, clearance or removal of structures or building rehab; and/or working capital for inventory and direct labor costs.
GCDC administers this loan with funds raised through donations from local banks and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). This program started in 2019 and is sustained with interest paid from current loan recipients – a revolving loan fund.
An application is completed and reviewed by the committee who then performs an interview with the company to talk through the plan and answer any questions.
GCDC is a 501c3 corporation committed to building public and private partnerships that promote and encourage economic growth while maintaining the quality of life that makes Green County a great place to live and work.
More information about the Revolving Loan Fund can be found on GCDC’s website at https://greencountydevelopment.com/doing-business/#incentives or by calling Olivia Otte, Executive Director 608.328.9452 or emailing her at Olivia@greencountydevelopment.com.
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
by GCDC | Jun 16, 2023 | News
GCDC monthly newsletter. Updates, spotlights and more. GCDC June Newsletter
by GCDC | Jun 14, 2023 | News, Programs
Funding Available for Green County Businesses
Green County businesses looking to expand can benefit from low interest loans through Green County Development Corporation’s (GCDC) Revolving Loan Fund.
High growth startup or emerging growth companies in manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, medical devices, biosciences, or energy industries are eligible to apply for up to $100,000.
Activities can include acquisitions of buildings, land, or fixed assets; site prep, construction or reconstruction and fixed equipment installation; demolition, clearance or removal of structures or building rehab; and/or working capital for inventory and direct labor costs.
GCDC administers this loan with funds raised through donations from local banks and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). This program started in 2019 and is sustained with interest paid from current loan recipients – a revolving loan fund.
An application is completed and reviewed by the committee who then performs an interview with the company to talk through the plan and answer any questions.
GCDC is a 501c3 corporation committed to building public and private partnerships that promote and encourage economic growth while maintaining the quality of life that makes Green County a great place to live and work.
More information about the Revolving Loan Fund can be found on here GCDC_Funding_8.5x11_Trifold_2023_3_29_Optimized or on GCDC’s website, greencountydevelopment.com
Contact Olivia Otte, Executive Director at 608.328.9452 or through email at Olivia@greencountydevelopment
by GCDC | May 31, 2023 | News, Programs
GCDC Small Business Series Pitch winners (left to right):
Brianna Wethal -The Bank of New Glarus, Laura Eyler – 1st Place Thyme Savor Cuisine, Lauren Siegenthaler – 2nd Place Erda & Arch, Keri Mertens – 3rd Place Pi Bakery, Olivia Otte – Green County Development Corporation
Green County Small Business Series Ends with Business Pitch Contest
Since April 19th, 21 aspiring Green County entrepreneurs participated in a free Small Business Series hosted by Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) and The Bank of New Glarus, with special help from the Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and other guest speakers.
The Small Business Series was created to help entrepreneurs kick-start the dream of owning their own business. Participants committed to once weekly training sessions over a five-week period and gained insights into licensing their business, understanding legal considerations and financial documents, defining the customer base, marketing, and creating business plans and pitches for lenders and investors. All topics were enhanced with 1:1 meet-ups with SBDC consultants.
“We were excited to have so many enthusiastic entrepreneurs in our area commit to this program.” stated GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte, “The model for this program meets so many needs and directly connects each participant with specialists that can step them through details that will keep them on target for opening their business.”
Nora Roughen-Schmidt, Business Consultant with SW Wisconsin SBDC said, “The GCDC Small Business Series provided an accessible format for small businesses to learn from entrepreneurial start-up experts to go from idea stage and business plan to a new business. I was thrilled to participate and assist in developing new businesses in Green County. The series is an economic development driver that empowers participants with education, resources, consulting, and relationships. Thank you to the GCDC team for developing the program and to the Bank of New Glarus for their sponsorship. Congratulations to all the new businesses that formed as a result of the series!”
The program culminated on May 17th with a Pitch Contest, giving participants the opportunity to present their business plan to lenders and peers. Judges heard pitches for food related businesses, comfort care, home contracting services, and traveling entertainment. A cash prize was awarded by The Bank of New Glarus to the top three participants that demonstrated unique solutions to problems in Green County and presented a sound business plan that reflected enthusiastic commitment for long-term success.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Green County Development Corporation in offering the recent Small Business Series,” said Ron Schaaf, President and CEO of The Bank of New Glarus. “The entrepreneurs who attended have many great business ideas. We wish them all the best as they complete their planning and move forward with opening businesses across Green County.”
In all, ten Green County entrepreneurs pitched their business, and included:
1st Place Thyme Savor Cuisine (presented by Laura Eyler): a personal chef service, offering custom tailored meals for special events or any time meal support for busy schedules.
2nd Place Erda & Arch (presented by Lauren Siegenthaler): A polymer clay and paper makery/goods, including handcrafted jewelry available online and in specialty boutiques.
3rd Place Pi Bakery (presented by Keri Mertens): A Brodhead based completely homemade pies, cookies and baked goods.
Arlonia Jackson (presented by Arlonia Jackson): home crafted comfort care babies with fitted clothing, and cost saving patterns.
S&T Sealcoating LLC (Tayveon Cameron & Seth Lindsay): an asphalt maintenance company, providing cleaning and sealcoating of asphalt driveways and parking areas throughout Green County and surrounding areas.
JM’s Event Planning & Organization (presented by Jenna Curran): an event planning and organizational solutions company.
Bassett Painting LLC (presented by Brian Bassett): providing interior and exterior painting.
Daisy’s Axe Box (presented by Todd & Brenda Coy): a mobile entertainment company providing on-site axe throwing for private parties and community events.
Thanks to all who participated!! We can’t wait for the next series to begin!
