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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 N o v e m b e r 2 0 15 • I NSIGH T | 37 need for 103 additional rental units and the potential to add up to 300 more units just to keep up with the current demand. At the time of the survey, there were no vacancies in more than 2,800 rental units in Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls and Plymouth. Several recent developments may help the county bridge the gap and keep the economic tide surging forward. Sheboygan's Common Council has been meeting with a developer for the former Boston Store site in the city's downtown for a mixed-use development that would include apartments, commercial developments and green space for concerts and events. e city is also working out an agreement with SMET Investments for a proposed 43-unit apartment complex on South Eighth Street on the site of the former St. Cyril and Methodius convent. Several developers have also expressed an interest in building on at least a portion of the 180-acre Schuchardt Farm site on the city's west side. Not all of the county's economic ventures center on housing and real estate, though. Manufacturing and retail have seen steady growth the past several years and tourism has always been a key cog in the regional economy. Tourism spending in Sheboygan County grew at a healthy pace in 2014, with direct visitor spending increasing 4.5 percent to $208 million, while tourism business sales grew nearly 5 percent to $345 million. Tourism industry payrolls grew to $73.5 million, up 4.1 percent. "We had a record year in 2014," says Amy Wilson, tourism and planning director for the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. e lake may yield some opportunities to continue that growth. Driving along the Lake Michigan shoreline, it's easy to spot several shipwrecks in shallower waters. Inspired by the success of Michigan's under Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Sheboygan has joined an effort to create a similar sanctuary encompassing the Wisconsin communities along the lake. An 875-square mile area of Lake Michigan, extending from Port Washington to Two Rivers, has been identified for possible designation. e nominated area contains a collection of 39 known shipwrecks, 15 of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials will visit several Wisconsin communities, including Sheboygan, in mid-November as the agency works through the designation process. "Right now, there is only one other fresh water marine preserve," says Sheboygan Mayor Mike Vandersteen. "is would really put us on the map." INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION & TRAINING AT LAKESHORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE. • Three associate degree programs emphasizing either Computer Support, Networking or Web & Software Development • Traditional, evening and online learning options accommodate working students • New, Industrial Networking certificate– a short-term learning option focusing on IT in a manufacturing environment • Certification Prep courses for CompTIA A+ and Microsoft Office Specialist For more information, contact JAMI KAPRAL, Career Development Manager, at 920.693.1159 or Jami.Kapral@gotoltc.edu. I T 's h i g h - d e m a n d . I T 's h i g h - t e c h . IT's here. gotoltc.edu