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 gcdc@tds.net.
by GCDC | Aug 5, 2021 | News
Click here for application
Now is a great time to start a childcare business, get regulated or hire new employees. We have one-on-one business assistance, peer mentoring, education classes and funding to ensure your childcare business is strong and sustainable to meet the needs of families, children and employers.
Direct business funding will be provided in four priority categories:
- Getting childcare facilities to capacity by hiring new staff
- Bringing unregulated facilities into certification or licensing to ensure quality and safety
- Helping facilities join the state-wide YoungStar Rating program and increasing facility ratings
- Funding the identified business needs of graduates of Childcare Business Boot Camp, as well as other new childcare entrepreneurs working with partner agencies to start their businesses
Signing Bonus Funding
Each regulated childcare facility may request funding for signing bonuses for new employees. Businesses will pay half of each bonus at 6 months and half at one year, as long as the employee is in good standing.
Funding to Get Regulated
Funding will be provided to our local Childcare Resource and Referral Agency, 4-C, to assist all providers interested in becoming certified or licensed. Funding ($300 per business) will cover classes required to obtain certification or license.
A bonus of $500 will be provided to each childcare business that achieves certification in 2021. A bonus of $1,000 will be provided to each business that achieves licensing in 2021.
Funding to Join the YoungStar Rating Program or to Increase Rating
YoungStar is Wisconsin’s child care quality rating and improvement system. During 2021, childcare facilities that sign up to be part of the state’s YoungStar program at a level 2 will receive a stipend of $250. Family providers that increase their star rating will receive $500 for each increase. Group providers that increase their star rating will receive $1,000 for each increase. Family providers that maintain a 5-star rating for one year will receive $500. Group providers that maintain a 5-star rating for one year will receive $1,000.
Stipends for Graduates of Childcare Boot Camp Class
Childcare Business Boot Camp participants will identify their greatest needs for outside funding. This may include equipment, supplies, additional training, or employee attraction bonuses.
Funding to Start a Childcare Facility
New childcare entrepreneurs interested in starting a childcare facility, but unable to attend Childcare Business Boot Camp, may work with a partner agency or a Childcare Business Mentor to identify their greatest needs for outside funding. This may include equipment, supplies, additional training or employee attraction bonuses.
Reporting
Partial funding for this Childcare Business Accelerator program was provided to GCDC by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Recipients will be required to provide information regarding number of employees and total wages annually for confidential reporting.
How Can Your Childcare Business Benefit?
Call or email for more information on how to receive one-on-one assistance, peer mentoring, education classes and funding:
Cara Carper, Executive Director
Green County Development Corporation
1016 16th Avenue
Monroe, WI 53566
Phone: 608-328-9452
Email: cara.gcdc@tds.net
by GCDC | Jul 30, 2021 | News
Leaders who lead and foster civil conversations and welcome diverse perspectives make better decisions. That’s particularly important now, when communities, non-profits, and businesses are making decisions in a historically unique time of transition.
Green County Leaders is partnering with Braver Angels to provide an engaging way to learn and lean into civil leadership to build vibrant communities by honing civil leadership skills.
Courses will be held online via Zoom. Tuition costs $150.
Scholarships Available
Scholarships through Green County Leaders
If you live or work in Green County, you can apply for a scholarship through Green County Leaders. Contact Victoria Solomon at victoria.solomon@wisc.edu or 608-328-9440 for more information.
Scholarships through Leadership Wisconsin
If you are an alumni of the Leadership Wisconsin program or the Wisconsin Local Government Leadership Academy program, you can apply for a scholarship through Leadership Wisconsin. Scholarships are worth $50. Contact Shelly Missall at mj.missall@gmail.com for more information.
Note: Eventbrite does assess a convenience fee to register online. You may also register by sending your name, phone number and email, along with a check payable to Green County Leaders, to: Green County Development Corporation, 1016 16th Ave., Monroe, WI.
COURSE OUTLINE
Civil Leadership in Today’s Divided World: An Introduction
11am – 12:30pm on Wednesday, September 29, 2021
This first step on the journey explores the forces of polarization in our nation and how we can counteract them in our local communities. We will discuss the challenges to working together across differences and learn about proven strategies to for communicating and working productively with people who see the world differently. Local leaders can show the way for their communities and the nation.
Skills for Bridging the Divide
11am – 1pm on Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Learn about the perspectives, feelings, and experiences of someone you care about who differs from you politically; have a sense of satisfaction about how you conveyed your own perspective, feelings, and experiences; and discover common ground, if it is there.
Growing Your Inner Bridge Builder
9am – 11am on Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Much of today’s polarization is driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those we disagree with on the other side. Community leaders can learn to expand spheres of empathy and regard a wider range of people as potential partners, including when talking to like-minded peers, creating more durable solutions benefiting a wider range of people.
Families and Politics Workshop
11am – 1:30pm on Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Families and Politics shows you how to talk about politics with your loved ones in a way that brings you closer together — not further apart. You’ll discuss why family political discussions can be uniquely challenging, and how to handle the unique roles that family members often play in those conversations.
Common Ground Workshop
You will be able to choose between one of the following times; you will also have the choice to participate or observe:
- 10am – 1pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 OR 2pm — 5pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2022
- 10am – 1pm on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 OR 2pm — 5pm on Wednesday, January 19, 2022
While the training workshops focus on skills for better interactions, Common Ground lets you put these into practice in real discussions around a single issue with those with opposing views, showing us how productive conversations about beliefs and policies can look. Participants will identify points of agreement that can lead to action on that issue.
One-to-One Conversations
February 2022 — Flexible scheduling
To continue your dialogues and go deeper on issues that are important to you and the life experiences that have formed your views, Braver Angels will match you with a member of a group with whom you may have differences for 1-to-1 conversations about these differences in experiences and beliefs, helping you develop ideas for community action.
Civil Leadership in Action
9am — 10am on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 OR 9am — 10am on Wednesday, April 13, 2022
You will be trained to run these sessions within your communities and organizations. Prior to the orientation event, you will complete a self-paced training comprising videos and written guides, and have access to personal coaching. You will also be eligible for additional training to run online events.
Looking Forward and Graduation Celebration!
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
You will reflect on what they have learned during this shared journey and what next steps, as an individual and as a community member, you may wish to take.
Questions? Contact Victoria Solomon, Community Development Educator with Extension Green County at victoria.solomon@wisc.edu or (608) 328-9440.
Green County Leaders provides equal opportunity in education and programming.
Civil Leadership for Vibrant Communities is possible because of a partnership with Green County Leaders, Braver Angels, and Leadership Wisconsin. For more information about:
by GCDC | Jan 20, 2021 | News
Through instruction, guest speakers and coaching, the Childcare Boot Camp is designed to help new childcare business owners in Green County chart their course to success. It equally benefits existing childcare business owners looking to improve or grow. Virtual classes (available in Spanish) will be held Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm, starting March 2. Classes are free.
Start and Grow Your Business
You have a dream to own a thriving, successful business. With our Childcare Boot Camp, you’ll have the knowledge, tools and resources to make your dream a reality. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for a while, we’ll show you how you can grow your childcare business. You’ll learn how to advance along each step of the way, learning key insights into your industry. By the conclusion of the course, you’ll have a viable business plan and the essential business skills you’ll need for the future. (Additional courses may be required for licensing.)
What you will get:
- Weekly classes focusing on essential topics
- Individual planning with professional business consultants
- Networking with presenters and classmates
Childcare Boot Camp’s unique format offers participants three key features:
- Evening classes meet weekly for eight weeks.
- Individual business planning, with the help of childcare business consultants, results in a high-quality business plan.
- Networking with presenters and classmates allows participants an opportunity to share and grow.
Information You Need
The Childcare Boot Camp covers a wide variety of topics, giving you a solid foundation in all aspects of running your childcare business. We bring together specialists in a broad array of pertinent subject areas to present relevant, timely information in their respective fields.
Safety Saturday Held May 1
Safety Saturday is a daylong workshop that will provide the education needed for a person to work in a childcare facility. Training will include:
- First Aid
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training (CPR)
- Training on Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
- Training on Preventing Abusive Head Trauma
- Review of licensing rules and regulations
Childcare Bootcamp plus Safety Saturday (plus one-on-one business coaching) will get an entrepreneur a long way toward their childcare license. To earn their license, they will also need technical college credits, a background check and health screening.
To keep momentum with our entrepreneurs, we will provide one-on-one business consulting for entrepreneurs (without required coursework) who graduate from Boot Camp class and want to provide legal, unregulated childcare as a bridge to their licensing. (In Wisconsin, an entrepreneur can provide legal, unregulated care if they are providing care for three children or fewer.)
Space in these classes is limited. If space is available, participants from counties neighboring Green County will be offered an opportunity to register. Sign up now at https://greencountydevelopment.com/ or call 608.328.9452.
by GCDC | Oct 14, 2020 | News
By Cara Carper
Executive Director, Green County Development Corporation
Now, more than ever, we are better together. These words are truer now than ever before. Green County is an amazing community and we have always found ways to come together and support each other. The current pandemic has required us to take a hard look at the entire community, assess the needs, develop an action plan, and most importantly, work to take action on the things that are most important. The time is now, and the need is childcare!
We know that childcare is essential for our families, our workforce, and our community. We also know that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on childcare services in our communities. We know that access to high quality childcare and enriching experiences and interactions are critical for our children, not only for academic development, but for social and emotional development as well.
There is growing awareness of the links among access to childcare, parental employment, and overall economic growth. Businesses rely on employees, and employees rely on childcare. When problems with childcare arise, parents must scramble to find alternative options – or miss work to care for their children. For Green County parents, that insecurity can mean working fewer hours, taking a pay cut, or leaving their jobs altogether. Meanwhile, our businesses lose money annually because of their employees’ childcare challenges. Nationally, the cost of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue due to the childcare crisis totals an estimated $57 billion each year.
That is why working together to address our childcare needs is so critical right now. It is important that we work to address our current needs and work toward solutions to help sustain and improve our services.
To help address the significant need in Green County for high quality childcare services, United Way of Green County and Green County Development Corporation have teamed up to:
- Support our licensed childcare providers to help them stay in business and make their businesses stronger.
- Provide support and resources to help unregulated providers become licensed, if they choose to.
- Increase the number of licensed childcare facilities in Green County by helping people who want to start their own childcare business build a strong, sustainable business (providing business planning resources, mentors and funding to get started).
- Increase the quality of services by providing resources and support for existing childcare providers by funding things like professional development and training and looking at collaborative ways to expand early childhood services.
- Provide funding for technology needs, protective and sanitization materials, and other classroom supplies.
- Provide incentives and bonus compensation for hiring and retaining highly qualified childcare providers.
We need your help!
If you are able to donate financially, we have established a fund with the sole purpose of providing additional resources and support to childcare providers in Green County. The fund is designed to expand local capacity to address the significant childcare needs in Green County and to do so as collaboratively and efficiently as possible. If you are able to donate supplies, a list of needs will be located on the United Way of Green County website.
If we want to ensure our future workforce, now is the time to take steps to grow quality childcare in Green County. By working collaboratively to address community issues, we can do what no one person or organization can do alone. Together we can make our community stronger!
To donate:
- Text CARE4KIDS to 91999
- Donate through the United Way of Green County website at org
- Send checks with CHILDCARE written on the subject line to:
United Way of Green County
P.O. Box 511
Monroe, WI 53566
If you have questions, please contact: Teresa Keehn at United Way of Green County at (608) 325-7747 or unitedway@pecbell.com, or Cara Carper at GCDC at (608) 328-9452 or cara.gcdc@tds.net.
Teresa Keehn | Executive Director Cara Carper | Executive Director
United Way of Green County, Inc. Green County Development Corporation
1717 10th Street | Monroe, WI 53566 1016 16th Avenue | Monroe, WI 53566
(608) 325-7747 | unitedway@pecbell.com (608) 328-9452 | cara.gcdc@tds.net
by GCDC | Mar 24, 2020 | News
Learn more about Green County Development Corporation by reading our Annual Report. Click below:
2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report
2018 Annual Report
