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insight on Economic By Mar yB eth Mat zek development Striking a balance Manufacturing, tourism and agriculture come together in Calumet County 36 | Insight • D e c e m b e r 2 012 p h oto g r a p h s co u r t e s y o f C a lu m e t Co u n t y C alumet County is a microcosm for Wisconsin, blending the state's three main industries – manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. The county along the east shore of Lake Winnebago is home to several manufacturing powerhouses, including the Ariens Co., but also has a strong farming base and is home to one of the state's most visited state parks. "We may be a small county geographically, but we are the secondfastest growing county looking at population," says Julie Schmelzer, director of Calumet County's Resource Management Department. "Manufacturing is strong, agriculture is doing phenomenal and tourism continues to grow." The county is also active in several regional initiatives, including the new Fox Cities Economic Corp., which was formed by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce. "The Garner Report that came out last year showed that all of Calumet County should be included as part of the definition of the Fox Cities area, and that's something we support," Schmelzer says. Calumet County is also part of the Lakeshore Industry Cluster Initiative, joining Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Kewaunee and Door counties. Its goal is to raise awareness among local businesses about what's available locally, thereby strengthening ties and helping all businesses do better. "We think being a part of the cluster initiative is a real benefit to our The popular High Cliff State Park draws visitors from around the state, but tourism is just one of the industries that contributes to the economic growth of Calumet County. The county, which is along the east shore of Lake Winnebago, is also strongly supported by manufacturing and agriculture. businesses and help us to form better partnerships," Schmelzer says. If those two initiatives weren't enough, the county is also part of the New North's global trade strategy initiative and looking for ways to help area businesses extend their markets overseas. "We've always been a great regional partner. We're a small county and the w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m