BUSINESS SERVICES NEWSLETTER KENOSHA COUNTY JOB CENTER
September/October 2009 Issue Volume 17 - Issue 5 State to give low-interest loans to renewable-energy firms
The state Department of Commerce will set up a revolving fund to distribute low-interest loans to manu- facturers looking to produce renewable energy or retool to make renewable-energy components .
The State of Wisconsin will receive $22.1 million from the federal American Recovery and Reinvest- ment Act to fund those projects and others that would reduce manufacturers' use of fossil fuel and green- house gas emissions, the federal Department of Energy said Monday. Jim Kreuser County Executive Under the state program, Wisconsin plans to award 2% loans to businesses under a competitive bidding process. Eligible projects would be companies looking to expand by making components for wind tur- bines, solar power, biofuels or advanced batteries.
State and regional officials in Wisconsin have targeted the manufacturing of wind-power components , advanced batteries and next-generation ethanol as key growth opportunities for economic development.
According to the DOE, the state will invest in advanced manufacturing areas and assist companies in retooling facilities or equipment to provide component parts and other critical needs for renewable- energy systems and energy-efficient technologies.
Projects will be selected through a competitive process and may include advanced battery manufactur- ing; retrofitting manufacturing facilities to produce wind turbine components; fuel conversion projects from fossil fuels to biomass; and energy-efficiency improvements at pulp and paper mills. Inside this issue: An example would be an auto-parts supplier that has seen sales and orders drop because of the auto- industry downturn, said David Jenkins of the state Office of Energy Independence. More than 100 sup- pliers attended a wind-power supply chain workshop earlier this year sponsored by the American Wind State to give low-interest loans… 1 Energy Association.
Kenosha Stands Out… 2 "We've talked to a number of businesses that are very interested in doing that and have people on layoff Networking in Kenosha 3 right now," Jenkins said. "We want to bring them back to make something else."
Business Services 4 Including funds already allocated to the state, this program has $27.6 million in stimulus funding al- ready. Another $28 million would be allocated to the state at a later date if the state demonstrates that it Last Job Fair for 2009 5 is successfully implementing the plan and complying with oversight requirements, the DOE said.
Tri-County Job Fair Results 5 The state is setting up a revolving loan fund to help funnel money back into clean-energy projects after the initial stimulus dollars are spent, said Jenkins. Calendar of Events 6 "One of the things Gov. (Jim) Doyle was very insistent on was that we not just get a bunch of money and spend it, and then we don't have anything enduring to show for it," Jenkins said.
WI Department of Commerce unveiled a web-site; http://commerce.wi.gov/BD/BD-SEP-ARRA.html ; with information for businesses looking to find out more about energy loans available through the fed- eral stimulus package.
Thomas Content of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. State to give low-interest loans to renewable-energy firms. July 27, 2009 - Viewed July 28, 2009. http://www.jsonline.com/business/51824632.html The Kenosha area has produced a good number of actors through the years and gets particularly strong representation from its substantial Italian-American community. The pool of talent includes Don Ameche ("Cocoon"), Daniel J. Travanti ("Hill Street Blues"), and Al Molinaro (the affable diner owner from "Happy Days").
How many is too many? When it comes to jellybeans, there's no answer too large! And luckily, local folks don't really need to wonder. The confectionery warehouse holds more than 4 billion – with a "b" – beans. That's more than enough for any human appetite. In fact, the facility holds enough of the morsels for every person in the nation to munch a handful.
One of Kenosha's more famous native sons was Hollywood heavyweight Orson Welles, whose many cine- matic contributions included writing, directing, and acting. Born in 1915, Welles was a legendary figure in such classics as "Citizen Kane," "The Third Man," "Jane Eyre," and "The Long Hot Summer."
If you're a biking enthusiast, Washington Park Velodrome – the "oldest operating velodrome in the United States" – lets you catch the thrill of the race. The banked track has, since 1927, attracted a legion of specta- tors, and the 333-meter track has hosted countless regional athletes. Aside from scheduled races, stock bike racing lets regular folks take part in the fun. When events aren't being held on the track, the commu- nity is allowed to use it.
Kenosha is #4 in largest cities in Wisconsin by population (90,352 people) & is #6 in large cities in Wiscon- sin with the most people with masters degrees who are women (by percentage) (53.73 %) http://www.10best.com/Pleasant_Prairie,WI/locationDetails.html?tab=facts http://www.townme.com/kenosha-wi
http://worknet.wisconsin.gov/worknet/whatsnew.aspx#warn
Page 2 Business networking refers to the art of creating professional opportunities by coming in contact with like- minded men and women of various backgrounds and developing mutually beneficial relationships with them. It’s a great way to exchange ideas as well as referrals, acquire specialized information and open new markets. There are two ways of cultivating a network. The first takes place in person, as members of a local business circle share their knowledge and resources, leading to more lasting relationships. The second business net- working method is conducted over the internet. The advantage of this approach is that it’s better adapted to a globalized market.
Whether it occurs online or face-to-face, business networking is a useful tool for both business professionals and entrepreneurs.
In today’s increasingly competitive job market, it’s nearly impossible to get ahead without good contacts to expose you to enriching opportunities.
Listed below are a number of Business Networking opportunities in Kenosha that will allow business profes- sionals to grow a new business and customer base, develop relationships with other professionals, or simply learn something new.
KACC 1X3 Chamber Network - 2:30pm - 4:00pm To join or for more information call Kelly Burris at 262-657-7458
Christian Business Networking Associates- http://cbna-midwest.org/ Pike Creek Club House - 6965 70th Ct – Kenosha, WI 9:00am - 10:30am For more information call 262-909-2682 or if in Illinois call 708-710-4926
Kenosha Women's Network - www.kwnonline.com 11:30am - 1:00pm To register for the meeting email [email protected]
Lighthouse Group Chamber Network (geared towards small business owners) - 12:00pm To join or for more information call Pat Gaitens at 262-308-0103
Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club - 6:30pm - 8:00pm For more information call Lou Molitor at 262-654-1234
Home Services Chamber Network - 8:00am To join or for more information call Greg Kruchko at 262-843-3919
Y-Link (Young Leaders in Kenosha) To register visit www.ylinkenosha.com
Other events:
NPP - Networking Partners & Professionals - A bi-weekly Thursday morning meeting group To Join or for more information please contact: Jennifer Dooley at 262-877-GROW
WWE (The Racine/Kenosha Chapter of Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs) - Monthly meeting Group For more information: please go to : http://ww.wwe.org/
Page 3 How Can WE Help YOUR Business Succeed?
The Business Services Team provides human resource services to local businesses, particularly small to mid-size employers, with a focus on recruitment and hiring. Our vested interest is in local employers and the economic health of the community.
Business Services Representatives are also liaisons for all employers within the community, providing connections to educational, economic and workforce development resources. Many of our services are offered at no cost to the employer. More in-depth and intensive services are available for a small fee.
All the Business Services Representatives have extensive knowledge and experience in the field to better assist you in meeting your human resource needs:
Jeff Kehl --- Jeff has a BS degree in Business Administration and over eighteen years experience in the manufacturing sector serving such companies as Bell+Howell and Eastman Kodak Company. Being a lifetime resident of Kenosha County, Jeff understands the community and the business needs of the em- ployers. He has management, human resource, purchasing and business experience which will be of great benefit to his business customers.
Kay Lynn Dewane - Kay is a graduate of the UW-Green Bay with a Bachelor of Science Degree in both Psychology and Human Development. She has fifteen years of customer service, managerial, marketing, sales, training and recruiting experience. Kay is a problem solver for employers' workforce issues and enjoys assisting business customers in achieving their desired goals.
Julie Black - Julie is a graduate of UW-Whitewater with a BA in Psychology and Human Resources. She has six years of HR experience specializing in staffing and in management. Julie brings her business ex- perience and Human Resources knowledge to the team and a keen interest to better serve Kenosha!
New employer accounts are typically assigned to the Business Services Representatives alphabetically:
Jeff Kehl - A and K, LI through R Julie Black - I through J L through LE S through Z Kay Dewane - C through H
If you’re looking for help or just answers to questions, please feel free to contact the Business Services Representative assigned to you or your company’s alphabetic letter. We look forward to serving you!
“The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from the shore.” -Dale Carnegie
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009 This is your invitation to the Final Job Fair for 2009!
Where: Kenosha County Center 19600 - 75th Street Bristol, WI 53104
Time: 12:30pm till 4:00pm
Please contact Rebecca at 262-697-4610 or email [email protected] for more detailed information.
Registration Form Enclosed
Tri-County Job Fair Results
Kenosha County Job Center partnering with Racine Workforce Development and the Walworth County Job Center, we held the Tri-County Job Fair on July 21, 2009. The Job Fair was another job well done on all parts! There were 24 employers recruiting with 511 job opportunities. Over 700 job seekers attended in hopes of finding that perfect opportunity. Employers reported potential hires of 110-139+ individuals as the result of attending the Job Fair.
Some of the employers commented:
“Well organized - enjoyed it - met some good people!”
“This is an event well done. Food & Beverages was great. The staff was very friendly & helpful.”
“Event exceeded expectations!”
“We always enjoy the Job Fair!”
“Thank you for all of your accommodations. It is always a pleasure to recruit here!”
Page 5 BUSINESS SERVICES KENOSHA COUNTY JOB CENTER 8600 Sheridan Road A Division of the Department of Human Services Kenosha, WI 53143 John Jansen, Director
To find out more about our services, contact one of the Business Services Representatives:
Jeff Kehl 697-4639 Upcoming Events Jerry Costello 697-4707 September 15, 2009 Julie Black 697-4535 Developing ADA Job Descriptions - CATI Kay Dewane 697-4696 11:30am - 2:00pm Rebecca Freund 697-4610 www.wdc.racineco.com for registration
Barb Welch 697-4523 Fax # 697-4548 October 6, 2009 Kenosha County Job Fair - Last one for this year 12:30pm - 4:00pm
See attached registration form “Excellence is to do a com- mon thing in an uncommon October 27, 2009 way." Economic Forum - The Club at Strawberry Creek 7:00am - Booker T. Washington www.kaba.org for more information
Watch for this bulletin every other month to discover what is currently happening in the Kenosha Employment and Training community. “Do something for somebody every day for which you do If you would like more information about this not get paid." newsletter and the information it contains, or if you have any comments or suggestions, please contact (262) - Albert Schweitzer 697-4610.
Disclaimer:
The information contained within this newsletter is intended to be advisory in nature only and should not be construed in any way, by any party, to be a guarantee or a definitive guideline on any one topic.
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