Potter informs Adell of SCEDC economic development efforts

ADELL – Jessica Potter, community development and research specialist, appeared at the Village Board meeting to explain goals and activities of the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corp. (SCEDC).

This is a countywide private/ public partnership formed to lead economic development efforts to improve the economic well-being and long-term prosperity of the businesses, residents, and communities of Sheboygan County.

Potter explained that the goal of the SCEDC is to be the premier private/public partnership leading collaborative retention, expansion, and attraction efforts for business and employment development throughout the county.

Potter explained that SCEDC’s major goal is to aid in growth of the economy, and to circulate a drive for job creation and retention. This is being done to expand capital investment along with strengthening the SCEDC structure. Its capable staff and other partners working in the field of entrepreneurial development offer customized individual assistance, or referrals to other service providers.

She emphasized that a business incubation project is intended to support applied research, and workforce training for start-up or early stage endeavors in manufacturing, plastics and composites, along with food production and packaging industries or other innovative businesses.

The SCEDC is exploring opportunities to establish an Angel Investment Network to support entrepreneurial, early-stage, and growth companies. Since earlier this year they have been involved with projects in Howards Grove, Plymouth, and the possibility of developing a grocery store in neighboring Random Lake.

The SCEDC is ready to assist in turning challenges into opportunities and is available as a retention effort to businesses in Sheboygan County. A revolving loan fund available is ready to assist in turning challenges into opportunities for local business and is equipped to provide consultative services throughout the county in areas of expansion planning, community economic and demographic profiles and market data, access to incentive programs to fit local business needs, referrals and connections to other service providers; municipal connections and permitting assistance, public relations coordination and other services.

Potter is seeking local individuals who may be interested in assisting the SCEDC’s Business Retention and Expansion Committee. Within 45 days, these volunteers would go out to interview business owners to gather information on their business needs and find out if they are having trouble maintaining and attracting workers, and other issues such as are they relocating or planning closing altogether or is there a glaring issue that could be [resolved by] designing a program that would take care of that issue.

It is pursuing an outreach program in partnership with the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce and private sector volunteers. This program is designed to contact area company owners and proactively solicit information regarding business needs, concerns, or challenges such as business trends, employment issues, municipal services, financial resources or other issues. The SCEDC will respond with customized information and resources to meet your business needs and accommodate growth, investment, and employment development within Sheboygan County.

Interested volunteers can obtain additional information by scheduling an appointment by calling 920- 452-2479 or info@sheboygan countyedc.com.

Jerry Leick, manager of the Adell Co-op, has requested permission to construct a berm along the north side of the co-op property on Tower Avenue, (County BB). Property owners across from that area would need to give their approval.

The co-op had received permission for a berm on the east side of the property several years ago. The request for the north side would be similar.

Action was taken to approve after submission of a general plan showing heights of the berm or trees as was done in the past.

Department of Public Works reported that the dump truck is in need of repairs, cost estimated to be $2,000 to $3,000.

The playground equipment being looked at for several years is now available. A Washington County sport club, a business no longer in operation, has been offered to the village at an estimated cost of $10,000. The Adell Athletic club is assisting with the purchase. The Street and Park Committee will meet to determine a proposed site for location of new equipment.

Building Inspector Walt Groetelueschen reported, “No additions, no remodeling, a couple outlets to locate, that is all.”

Wood chipping for this month is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 31. Brush is to be placed at the curb with the end facing the street. Leaves and grass is scheduled for each Tuesday for the summer season. Future pick-ups will return to the third Tuesday of the month.

Last month a request for plowing and sweeping a parking lot within the village was sent to the village attorney for advice. Attorney Gerald Kiefer has reported a definite “no.” His answer refers to both snowplowing and parking lot sweeping.

Trustee Leighton Holtz suggested that the lift station on Wisconsin Street, north of Tower Avenue is in need of a paint job. He felt it would make entrance to the village a more pleasant sight for local travelers. Referral will be made to DPW.

Police activity in Adell during July 2010 amounted to 11 hours and 58 miles on duty. The report included two complaints and four warnings were issued. Also nine property checks were conducted, one dog at large investigated and ATL for suicidal party.

Finance and Personal Committee will meet Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Clerk’s office will be closed Aug. 18-20, also Monday, Aug. 30. Operators’ licenses were approved for Luecenia B. Lamkin and Steven Harter.