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w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m S e p t e m b e r 2 0 19 • I NSIGH T | 21 Calumet County had a revolving loan fund balance of more than $1 million, and Kohrell didn't know how it would use the funds. When she learned, however, that authorized uses included spending up to $75,000 to create an economic development plan, she knew she had at least part of an answer. e county enlisted the consulting services of Menomonie-based Cedar Corp. to help develop a plan looking at workforce and senior housing demand in its cities and villages. e company is preparing the county's CDBG-CLOSE development plan grant application. With Cedar's help, Kohrell hopes the county will figure out where to invest its $1.2 million and how best to leverage the money to apply for and attract funding from other sources, including CDBG, the Environmental Protection Agency and the WEDC. e consultants can also help communities build sets of priorities, and the process will provide free data to the county's cities and villages. CALUMET COUNTY MARINETTE FLORENCE OCONTO MENOMINEE SHAWANO WAUPACA OUTAGAMIE BROWN WINNEBAGO KEWAUNEE DOOR MANITOWOC CALUMET WAUSHARA MARQUETTE GREEN LAKE FOND DU LAC SHEBOYGAN In partnership with Pulse Young Professionals Network, Brillion hosted its first Bazaar After Dark in May. "is is real for them because it helps them, hopefully, attract developers and leverage other grant money," Kohrell says. Housing isn't the only issue facing the county when it comes to its workforce. Like everywhere else, it's addressing an aging workforce and many impending retirements and is looking to attract young workers. Kohrell and others hope Inspire Calumet-Outagamie County, which is run through CESA 6, will help connect employers to the next generation of talent. e program provides students exposure to careers and can facilitate experiences such as job shadows, mentorship opportunities and internships. e state mandates academic and career planning, so Kohrell says most schools have plans in place, but businesses need to do their part as well. "e business side of it is difficult, and I think there's a culture of businesses just assuming, 'I can just keep calling the high school and get their people.' at is the part that's going to shi, and Inspire just helps that all be more efficient," she says. Go online to this story to read about historic murals in Chilton and Stockbridge. D E B B I E D A A N E N P H O T O G R A P H Y Through Robin with HealthPartners, best-in-class caregivers and insurance coverage work together to create a health plan option that puts people first. Meet Robin. A health plan option by Visit healthpartners.com/robinhealthplans to learn more. A health plan option made for Wisconsin Robin with HealthPartners plans are underwritten and/or administered by HealthPartners Insurance Company and HealthPartners Administrators, Inc. ©2019 HealthPartners.