On March 15th, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary January 2023 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s January rate was estimated at 3.3%, which is higher than December’s final rate of 2.8% and November’s final rate of 2.6%. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 3.5%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from December to January declined or stayed the same in only three of the 72 counties. Rates declined or stayed the same in 71 of the 72 counties year-over-year. The current rates range from 1.9% in both Calumet and Dane to 6.0% in Adams.

Preliminary unemployment rates from December to January rose in all of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, the rates declined or stayed the same in 34 cities. Rates ranged from 1.8% in Madison to 3.7% in both Milwaukee and Racine.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in January include Calumet (1.9%), Dane (also at 1.9%), Ozaukee (2.1%), Sheboygan (also at 2.1%), and Washington (also at 2.1%). Adams had the highest rate in January at 6.0%, followed by Iron (5.4%), Burnett (5.3%), Forest (4.9%), and Bayfield (4.8%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 3.3%, January’s preliminary rate in Pierce was 3.3% and Polk’s rate was 4.5%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The January 2023 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 2.9%, which is higher than December’s final rate of 2.6% and November’s final rate of 1.9%. The unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was 3.0% in January 2022.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 2.6% for January, while Dakota County, MN reported a rate of 2.8% and Chisago County, MN had a rate of 4.5%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in January was estimated at 2.9%, which is lower than December’s final rate of 3.0% and November’s final rate of 3.3%. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 2.8%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in Minnesota for January was estimated at 2.9%, which is the same as the final rate for December and lower than November’s final rate of 3.0%. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 2.8%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for January was estimated at 3.4%, which is lower than December’s final rate of 3.5% and November’s final rate of 3.6%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 4.0%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for January was estimated at 64.5%, which is lower than December’s final rate of 64.6% and November’s final rate of 64.9%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 65.4%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in January was estimated at 62.4%, which is higher than December’s final rate of 62.3% and November’s final rate of 62.2%. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 62.2%.

January’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

On Tuesday, March 28th, St. Croix EDC will host Dr. Melissa Furman for a 60-minute Zoom® presentation on thriving in a multigenerational organization. It starts at promptly at 9:00 a.m. central time but the online waiting room opens at 8:50.

RSVP HERE

About the Presentation
As the workplace becomes more diverse and change continues to occur at an accelerated pace, managers and employees are faced with unique challenges. Dr. Furman’s engaging and interactive session will provide recommendations and strategies for thriving as an employee or manager within a generationally diverse organization.

About Dr. Furman
Dr. Melissa Furman is not your typical “academic”. She served as the Assistant Dean and Professor at the Hull College of Business at Augusta University (Augusta, Georgia) for 10+ years, but her passion for career, leadership, and organizational development inspired her to launch Career Potential, a consulting, training, and coaching organization. Her expertise include generational diversity, unconscious bias, leadership success, and emotional intelligence. She brings her background in higher education—particularly business, counseling, and psychology to the conversation to help individuals and organizations achieve success. Learn more at unlockcareerpotential.com.

The presentation is free but RSVPs are required to obtain the Zoom® link. Sign-up here: https://tinyurl.com/ThrivinginMultigen

Event Sponsors
Dr. Furman’s presentation is sponsored by St. Croix EDC’s 2023 Legacy Members: St. Croix County, WI; Xcel Energy; and Derrick Building Solutions.

On February 16th, St. Croix EDC honored its 2022 business of the year winners at a banquet hosted by Ready Randy’s in rural New Richmond, Wisconsin. The 2022 honorees included Keystone Medical Technologies (Town of Somerset; ‘Emerging Business of the Year’); Croix Valley Foods (Town of Hudson – City of Hudson; ‘Small Business of the Year’); and Isometric Micro Molding (City of New Richmond; ‘Business of the Year’).

Aaron Sundeen, the EDC’s 2022-2023 President, served as the evening’s emcee. It was the EDC’s first in-person awards event since the 2020 celebration.

About the Honorees:
Keystone Medical Technologies was launched in 2021 and manufactures custom tubing solutions including extrusion, polyimide tubing, and coated wire used in medical devices and components. Keystone’s senior management has over 60 years of combined experience in the medical device industry in all aspects of developing and manufacturing medical devices and components. Adam Sutton is the founder/CEO of Keystone Medical Technologies. Learn more at keystonemedtech.com.

Croix Valley Foods was launched 13 years ago by Damon and Lu Holter. The company produces steak sauces, marinades, barbecue sauces, dry rubs, and Bloody Mary seasonings. The award-winning sauces and rubs are all-natural, gluten-free, and MSG-free. Croix Valley Foods received a Governor’s Export Achievement Award last October in recognition of their global business development success. The company will move into a new 20,000 square feet facility in March. Learn more at croixvalleyfoods.com.

Isometric Micro Molding was acquired by its top executives Donna Bibber and Wayne Shakal in 2021 from owner-founder Mike Hudalla. Bibber is the CEO and Shakal is the President. The company has grown to be the largest and fastest growing medical-focused micro molder in the United States and North America. All micro manufacturing processes are completed in-house. Isometic serves numerous medical device industries, including markets for diabetes, intraocular, vascular, neuromodulation, orthopedic, and drug delivery devices. Learn mote at isomicro.com.

Each of the honorees received a plaque from the EDC as well as a Legislative Citation from the State Senate and Assembly in Madison, and congratulatory letters from Missy Hughes, Chief Executive Officer, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC); U.S. Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin; U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany; Town of Somerset; City of Hudson; and City of New Richmond.

Past business of the year winners and recipients of the EDC Directors Award were introduced during the program.

An estimated 150 people attended the awards dinner and help celebrated the accomplishments of the honorees.

On January 25th, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary December 2022 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s December rate was estimated at 2.7%, which is higher than the final rate of 2.6% for both November and October. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 2.2%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from November to December declined or stayed the same in 42 of the 72 counties. Rates declined or stayed the same in 31 of the 72 counties year-over-year. The current rates range from 1.6% in Dane to 6.0% in Iron.

Preliminary unemployment rates from November to December decreased in all of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, the rates declined or stayed the same in 22 cities. Rates ranged from 1.7% in Sun Prairie to 3.2% in Milwaukee.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in December include Dane (1.6%), Calumet (1.7%), Fond du Lac (1.8%), Green (also at 1.8%), and Ozaukee (also at 1.8%). Iron had the highest rate in December at 6.0%, followed by Adams (5.0%), Forest (4.8%), Burnett (4.7%), and Bayfield (also at 4.7%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 2.7%, December’s preliminary rate in Pierce was 2.9% and Polk’s rate was 4.0%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The December 2022 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 2.6%, which is higher than November’s final rate of 1.9% and October’s final rate of 1.7%. The unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was 2.4% in December 2021.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 2.3% for December, while Dakota County, MN reported a rate of 2.5% and Chisago County MN had a rate of 3.8%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in December was estimated at 3.2%, which is lower than the final rate of 3.3% for both November and October. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.1%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in Minnesota for December was estimated at 2.5%, which is higher than November’s final rate of 2.3% and October’s final rate of 2.1%. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 3.0%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for December was estimated at 3.5%, which is the lower than November’s final rate of 3.6% and October’s final rate of 3.7%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 3.9%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for December was estimated at 64.7%, which is lower than November’s final rate of 64.9% and October’s final rate of 65.3%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 66.4%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in December was estimated at 62.3%, which is higher than the final rate of 62.2% for both November and October. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 61.9%.

December’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

Aaron Sundeen, president of St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC), announced the EDC’s selection of Keystone Medical Technologies, Inc. (rural Somerset), Croix Valley Foods (City of Hudson), and Isometric Micro Molding, Inc. (City of New Richmond) as recipients of the 2022 Business of the Year awards in St. Croix County, Wisconsin.

They will be honored during an awards dinner scheduled for Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Ready Ready’s (R&D Catering), 1492 131st Street in New Richmond starting at 5:00 o’clock p.m. with check-in, networking, and cash bar. Click here to purchase your tickets or RSVP.

“Congratulations to this year’s winners,” said EDC President Aaron Sundeen. He added, “The award recipients represent a diverse group of successful businesses that bring local, national, and global recognition to St. Croix County, Wisconsin.”

About the 2022 Honorees

Keystone Medical Technologies is the 2022 Emerging Business of the Year (based in St. Croix County and in business for five or fewer years). The company was launched in 2021 and manufactures custom tubing solutions including extrusion, polyimide tubing, and coated wire used in medical devices and components. Keystone’s senior management has over 60 years of combined experience in the medical device industry in all aspects of developing and manufacturing medical devices and components. Adam Sutton is the founder/CEO of Keystone Medical Technologies. Learn more at keystonemedtech.com.

Croix Valley Foods is the 2022 Small Business of the Year (29 or fewer employees). Croix Valley Foods was launched 13 years ago by Damon and Lu Holter. The business started in 100 square feet of leased space in the back of a meat market and has grown into new, modern 20,000 square foot facility. The company produces steak sauces, marinades, barbecue sauces, dry rubs, and Bloody Mary seasonings. The award-winning sauces and rubs are all-natural, gluten-free, and MSG-free. Products are shipped around the world, as evidenced by Croix Valley receiving one of three Governor’s Export Achievement Awards last October in recognition of their global business development success. Damon and Lu are fiercely competitive. Damon is a world champion by winning the sandwich category at the 10th annual World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas last November. He also provides culinary content for national publications and has been featured on Travel Channel’s “American Grilled”.  Damon also hosted numerous episodes for Outside Television Network’s “Fired Up Food” and competed on the Food Network’s “Family Food Showdown”.  Lu also competed at the World Championships as well as on television programs such as the Food Network’s “Family Food Showdown”, “BBQ Brawl” and “Guy’s Grocery Games”. Learn more at croixvalleyfoods.com.

Isometric Micro Molding is the 2022 Business of the Year (30 or more employees). In 2021, Donna Bibber and Wayne Shakal purchased Isometric Micro Molding from owner-founder Mike Hudalla, becoming CEO and President respectively. Isometric Micro Molding, a division of Isometric Companies, Inc., has grown to be the largest and fastest growing medical-focused micro molder in the United States and North America. With over 33,000 square feet of manufacturing space within two facilities, Isometric Companies completes all micro manufacturing processes in-house. This unique capability allows for the complete control over each project, full transparency (watching parts run, auditing clean rooms where parts are molded), as well as the highest level of risk mitigation for its customers. Isometric is certified as ISO 13485: 2016. They serves numerous medical device industries, including markets for diabetes, intraocular, vascular, neuromodulation, orthopedic, and drug delivery devices. Capabilities include 3D micro printing, micro molding, micro tooling, micro automated assembly, and CT scanning. Learn mote at isomicro.com.

Event Details

This is the 29th business awards program conducted by St. Croix EDC. The event is open to the public but reservations are required. Check back for more details and registration link.

About St. Croix EDC

The EDC was established in 1994 as a public-private business league that operates as the independent economic development arm of St. Croix County, Wisconsin. Reflective activities include marketing and communication, business retention, business expansion, business recruitment, new business incorporations, workforce development, and advocacy on behalf of business and industry. Initiatives taken by St. Croix EDC help improve the business climate of St. Croix County, allowing businesses, large and small, to grow and prosper.

For more information, contact William Rubin or Nita Dusek at (715) 690-2110.

On December 21st, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary November 2022 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s November rate was estimated at 2.6%, which is the same as October’s final rate, but lower than September’s final rate of 2.9%. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 2.1%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from October to November declined or stayed the same in 57 of the 72 counties. Rates declined or stayed the same in eight of the 72 counties year-over-year. The current rates range from 2.2% in Dane to 4.8% in Menominee.

Preliminary unemployment rates from October to November decreased or stayed the same in all of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, the rates declined or stayed the same in 11 cities. Rates ranged from 1.8% in Sun Prairie to 4.0% in Milwaukee.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in November include Dane (2.0%), Calumet (2.1%), Green (also at 2.1%), Iowa (also at 2.1%), and Marathon (also at 2.1%). Menominee had the highest rate in November at 4.8%, followed by Iron (4.6%), Adams (4.5%), Forest (4.1%), and Bayfield (also at 4.1%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 2.6%, November’s preliminary rate in Pierce was 2.7% and Polk’s rate was 3.3%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The November 2022 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 1.9%, which is higher than October’s final rate of 1.7% and the same as September’s final rate of 1.9%. The unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was 2.2% in November 2021.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 1.7% for November, while Dakota County, MN reported a rate of 1.8% and Chisago County MN had a rate of 2.2%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in November was estimated at 3.3%, which is the same as October’s final rate, but higher than September’s higher final rate of 3.1%. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.1%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in Minnesota for November was estimated at 2.3%, which is higher than October’s final rate of 2.1% and September’s final rate of 2.0%. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 3.1%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for November was estimated at 3.7%, which is the same as October’s final rate, but higher than September’s final rate of 3.5%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 4.2%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for November was estimated at 64.9%, which is lower than October’s final rate of 65.3% and September’s final rate of 65.6%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 66.4%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in November was estimated at 62.1%, which is lower than October’s final rate of 62.2% and September’s final rate of 62.3%. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 61.9%.

November’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

On November 23rd, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary October 2022 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s October rate was estimated at 2.6%, which is lower than the final rate of 2.9% for both September and August. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 2.3%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from September to October declined or stayed the same in 71 of the 72 counties. Rates declined or stayed the same in 10 of the 72 counties year-over-year. The current rates range from 2.2% in Calumet 5.9% in Menominee.

Preliminary unemployment rates from September to October decreased or stayed the same in all of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, the rates declined or stayed the same in 14 cities. Rates ranged from 2.0% in Sun Prairie to 4.5% in Milwaukee and Racine.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in October include Calumet (2.2%), Clark (also at 2.2%), Dane (also at 2.2%), Iowa (also at 2.2%), and Eau Claire (2.3%). Menominee had the highest rate in October at 5.9%, followed by Iron (4.9%), Forest (4.7%), Adams (4.4%), and Milwaukee (4.0%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 2.6%, October’s preliminary rate in Pierce was 2.7% and Polk’s rate was 2.9%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The October 2022 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 1.7%, which is lower than September’s final rate of 1.9% and August’s final rate of 2.2%. The unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was 2.4% in October 2021.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 1.6% for October, while Dakota County, MN reported a rate of 1.6% and Chisago County MN had a rate of 1.7%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in October was estimated at 3.3%, which is higher than the final rate of 3.2% for September and 3.1% for August’s final rate. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.2%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in Minnesota for October was estimated at 2.1%, which is higher than September’s final rate of 2.0% and August’s final rate of 1.9%. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 3.1%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for October was estimated at 3.7%, which is higher than September’s final rate of 3.5%, but the same as August’s final rate. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 4.6%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for October was estimated at 65.3%, which is lower than September’s final rate of 65.6% and August’s final rate of 65.9%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 66.4%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in October was estimated at 62.2%, which is lower than September’s final rate of 62.3% and August’s final rate of 62.4%. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 61.7%.

October’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

Photos (top left): Eric Lockwood of Northwood Technical College (blue shirt) helped coordinate a stop at Comar in Woodville, Wisconsin (top right): St. Croix EDC, CESA #11, and the Glenwood City school district visited Green Kleen Products during National Apprenticeship Week (bottom left) Students Emma McCorison and Owen Nyberg with head teller Kevin Hoeft (holding proclamation) and President, CEO and Chairman Todd Schultz (right) at River Falls State Bank (bottom right) The St. Croix EDC Business Retention Committee visited McDonalds in River Falls to recognize (l to r) student Kevin James, mentor Lori Hoeft and advisor Melisa Hansen.

The eighth annual National Apprenticeship Month was celebrated November 14-20, 2022. It is a nationwide celebration involving industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, civic, and government leaders.

The EDC helped showcase Youth Apprenticeships (YA) through school districts in the county and Registered Apprenticeships (RA) through Wisconsin’s technical colleges.

An apprenticeship provides real-life opportunities that cannot be duplicated in any other training program. They involve supervised, structured, on-the-job training and learning. With public school districts, YAs integrates school-based and work-based learning for students in employability and occupational skills, as defined by Wisconsin industries. Paid on-the-job work experience is an important part of YAs. RAs prepare skilled trades people (journey workers) to the workforce in Wisconsin. It is an earn-while-you-learn program of on-the-job training combined with trade-related classroom instruction.

St. Croix EDC made stops at River Falls State Bank (River Falls), McDonald’s (River Falls), Northside Power Equipment (Woodville), Green Kleen Products (Glenwood City), and Comar (Woodville).

Congratulations to the school districts, technical colleges, students, and employers for making the apprentice programs in the St. Croix Valley a strong and successful one.

On October 26th, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary September 2022 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s September rate was estimated at 2.9%, which is the same as the final rates for both August and July. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 2.6%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from August to September declined or stayed the same in 57 of the 72 counties. Rates declined or stayed the same in 12 of the 72 counties year-over-year. The current rates range from 2.5% in Dane to 5.9% in Menominee.

Preliminary unemployment rates from August to September decreased or stayed the same in 25 of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, the rates declined or stayed the same in 13 cities. Rates ranged from 2.4% in Sun Prairie to 4.9% in Beloit.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in September include Dane (2.5%), Calumet (2.6%), Clark (also at 2.6%), Iowa (also at 2.6%), and Lafayette (also at 2.6%). Menominee had the highest rate in September at 5.9%, followed by Iron (5.1%), Forest (5.0%), Adams (4.7%), and Milwaukee (4.3%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 2.9%, September’s preliminary rate in Pierce was 3.0% and Polk’s rate was 3.2%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The September 2022 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 2.1%, which is higher than July’s final rate of 2.0% but lower than June’s final rate of 2.2%. The unemployment rate in the Twin Cities was 3.2% in September 2021.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 1.6% for September, while Dakota reported a rate of 1.7% and Chisago had a rate of 1.9%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in September was estimated at3.2%, which is higher than the final rate of 3.1% for August and July’s final rate of 3.0%. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.4%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in Minnesota for September was estimated at 2.0%, which is higher than August’s final rate of 1.9% and July’s final rate of 1.8%. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 3.2%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for September was estimated at 3.5%, which is lower than August’s final rate of 3.7% but the same as July’s final rate of 3.5%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 4.8%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for September was estimated at 65.6%, which is lower than August’s final rate of 65.9% and July’s final rate of 66.2%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 66.5%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in September was estimated at 62.3%, which is lower than the final rate of 62.4% but higher than July’s final rate of 62.1%. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 61.6%.

September’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

St. Croix EDC is accepting nominations for its 2022 Business of the Year awards program.

Categories include:
-Emerging Business of the Year (a start-up business that has operated in St. Croix County for five or fewer years, 2018-2022);
-Small Business of the Year (29 or fewer employees); and
-Business of the Year (30 or more employees)

Qualifying companies must be involved in manufacturing, distribution, construction, health care, or must be a service provider to other companies. Companies must be operated for profit. Retail companies are not eligible.

Individuals may nominate a company in any of the categories or a business may place their company’s name in nomination.

Criteria include:
Recent Noteworthy Accomplishments:
i.e. milestone anniversary, physical plant expansion, new product line, increases in employment, sales increases, pollution control advances, new training programs, export sales, or any other significant advances.

Contributions to Enhance the Community:
Contributions to community projects, service to area youth, education programs, and other efforts to increase the quality of life in the area.

The honorees will be announced in January and recognized at an event mid February. The exact date and location are yet to be determined.

A nomination form and guidelines can be obtained by clicking here or by contacting Nita Dusek at nita@stcroixedc.com or calling by (715) 690-2110. The deadline to submit is Friday, December 16, 2022 at the close of business.

Photo: (front, l to r) Roy Gruel and Crystal Schuldt of SMC Ltd. pose with representatives of St. Croix EDC and the Village of Somerset as part of the National Manufacturing Month on Friday, October 14, 2022

Representatives from St. Croix EDC and the Village of Somerset recognized SMC Ltd. as part of National Manufacturing Month on Friday, October 14, 2022.

About SCM Ltd.
SMC Ltd. is a global contract manufacturer offering complete design, molding services, and finished devices for the medical, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical industries. With locations in Wisconsin, Ohio, Massachusetts, California, Costa Rica, India and United Kingdom, SMC’s facilities provide high and low volume medical contract manufacturing. The company’s medical operations offer ISO 13485 quality systems, white room, class 7 and 8 clean rooms with services that include design, engineering, project management, and validation. Integrated capabilities include: thermoplastic molding (including 2-shot), LIM (liquid injection molding), secondary operations, micro molding, assembly, and kitting and packaging of finished devices. Learn more at www.smcltd.com.

About Manufacturing Month
Every October is designated as Manufacturing Month in the United States, and the first Friday in October is designated as Manufacturing Day. The recognition gives employers, educators, community members, and prospective employees an opportunity to promote and learn of the exceptional careers in advanced manufacturing.

Manufacturing in Wisconsin
Manufacturing is Wisconsin’s top industry sector, producing $65+ billion in total output, or almost 20 percent of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP). Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector boasts around 8,000+ incorporated businesses and employs one in six workers or around 475,000+ associates across the state.

About St. Croix EDC
St. Croix EDC is an IRS business league organization that operates as the independent economic development of St. Croix County, Wisconsin. Reflective activities include marketing and communications, business retention, expansion, recruitment, new business start-ups, workforce readiness and development, and small business advocacy. Learn more at www.stcroixedc.com.

For more information, contact William Rubin, EDC executive director, 715.690.2110.

Photo: Jerry Yu (center of photo) is the chief executive officer of SDMC America Technology Inc. and he posed with representatives of St. Croix EDC and the City of River Falls as part of National Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 7, 2022

Representatives from St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and River Falls community leaders recognized SDMC America Technology Inc. as part of National Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 7, 2022.

About SDMC

SDMC is located in the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation, 1091 Sutherland Avenue, River Falls, Wisconsin. The company designs, manufactures, and sells material handling equipment to move non-free flowing material, such as solid waste, biosolids or organic waste. SDMC’s systems include storage technology, conveying technology, elevation technology, and discharge technology. Jerry Yu leads SDMS as its chief executive officer. More information is available at www.sdmcusa.com.

About Manufacturing Month and Day

Every October is designated as Manufacturing Month in the United States, and the first Friday in October is designated as Manufacturing Day. The recognition gives employers, educators, community members, and prospective employees an opportunity to promote and learn of the exceptional careers in advanced manufacturing.

About Manufacturing in Wisconsin

Manufacturing is Wisconsin’s top industry sector, producing $65+ billion in total output, or almost 20 percent of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP). Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector boasts around 8,000+ incorporated businesses and employs one in six workers or around 475,000+ associates across the state. 

About St. Croix EDC

St. Croix EDC is an IRS business league organization that operates as the independent economic development of St. Croix County, Wisconsin. Reflective activities include marketing and communications, business retention, expansion, recruitment, new business start-ups, workforce readiness and development, and small business advocacy. Learn more at www.stcroixedc.com.

For more information, contact William Rubin, EDC executive director, 715.690.2110.

On September 21st, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary August 2022 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s August rate was estimated at 2.9%, which is the same as July’s final rate and lower than June’s final rate of 3.1%. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 3.0%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from July to August declined or stayed the same in 63 of the 72 counties. Rates declined or stayed the same in 66 of the 72 counties year-over-year. The current rates range from 2.4% in Kewaunee to 8.9% in Menominee. 

Preliminary unemployment rates from July to August decreased or stayed the same in 29 of Wisconsin’s 21 largest cities. Year-over-year, the rates declined or stayed the same in 34 cities. Rates ranged from 2.4% in Madison to 5.6% in both Beloit and Racine.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in August include Kewaunee (2.4%), Dane (2.5%), Green (also at 2.5%), Iowa (also at 2.5%), and Calumet (2.6%). Menominee had the highest rate in August at 8.9%, followed by Iron (5.3%), Adams (5.1%), Forest (5.0%), and Bayfield (4.8%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 2.9%, August’s preliminary rate in Pierce was 3.1% and Polk’s rate was 3.2%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The August 2022 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 2.1%, which is higher than July’s final rate of 2.0% but lower than June’s final rate of 2.2%. The unemployment rate in the Twin Cities was 3.2% in August 2021.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 1.9% for August, while Dakota reported a rate of 2.0% and Chisago had a rate of 2.1%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in August was estimated at 3.1%, which is higher than July’s final rate of 3.0% and June’s final rate of 2.9%. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.6%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in Minnesota for August was estimated at 1.9%, which is higher than the final rate of 1.8% for both July and June. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 3.3%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for August was estimated at 3.7%, which is higher than July’s final rate of 3.5% and June’s final rate of 3.6%. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 5.2%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for August was estimated at 65.9%, which is lower than July’s final rate of 66.2% and June’s final rate of 66.4%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was also 66.6%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in August was estimated at 62.4%, which is higher than July’s final rate of 62.1% and June’s final rate of 62.2%. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 61.7%. 

August’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will proclaim Thursday, September 15th as Craft Brewing Day in St. Croix County. This is an annual celebration in recognition of a small but growing business sector in the county.

“Craft breweries play important roles in communities,” said Bill Rubin, St. Croix EDC’s executive director. “They often serve as anchors in central business districts, and taprooms are places for residents and tourists to socialize, sample fresh products, and sometimes dine and listen to live music,” he added.

St. Croix County boasts six craft breweries, including Rush River Brewing (River Falls), Bobtown Brewhouse & Grill (Roberts), Pitchfork Brewing (Town of Hudson), Oliphant Brewing (Somerset), Hop and Barrel (Hudson), and Lift Bridge Brewing (New Richmond). Swinging Bridge Brewing and The Garage Bikes + Brews are located just across the county line in River Falls.

Each brewery will receive a proclamation from the EDC. An in-person event at Hop and Barrel is planned from 4:30-6:00 p.m. on the 15th. Co-founders Justin Terbeest and Brian Priefer will be honored with a proclamation at 5:00.

The Brewers Association ( www.brewersassociation.org ) is a national trade group for craft brewers. While overall beer production in 2021 was up only one percent, craft brewing production was up almost eight percent. The total number of U.S. breweries in 2021 approached 9,150 and included 1,886 microbreweries, 3,708 taprooms, and 3,307 brewpubs. The overall beer market was estimated at $100.2 billion in 2021 and the craft beer market was $26.8 billion.

In 2021, Wisconsin ranked 14th in the U.S. with an estimated 230 craft breweries. Those breweries contributed an economic impact of $2.42 billion, ranking the state 14th. Wisconsin craft brewers produced almost 840,000 barrels last year to rank 11th.

The EDC asks residents to consider stopping at taprooms on September 15th. Whether enjoying a lager, pilsner, pale ale, IPA or stout, please do so responsibly.

For questions or comments, please call St. Croix EDC at 715.690.2110.

Wednesday September 21, 2022        
8:00-8:30am networking, coffee and bakery treats
8:30am Program Starts
Northwood Technical College-New Richmond

The event is free, but RSVP’s are required.
Register at www.tinyurl.com/FFworkplace

In 2030, Wisconsin is forecast to add less than 150 individuals to its statewide workforce. In that same year, St. Croix County will add only 200. This data speaks to the long-term human resources challenge that currently faces the state, county, and region, and which requires a strategic and concerted effort to address.

Join St. Croix EDC on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Northwood Technical College-New Richmond. The presentation, a conversation on the topic of how family friendly policies and practices can help business and industry address short-term and long-term workforce challenges, starts promptly at 8:30.

Neil Kline, executive director of Family Friendly Workplaces, (photo above) will present information on steps business and industry can take to ensure companies in west central Wisconsin are employers of choice, which gives the region a stellar reputation as the premier destination to raise a family, all while strengthening families and children.

Family Friendly Workplaces are imperative for business and industry to be considered employers of choice.

RSVP’s are required. Register at www.tinyurl.com/FFworkplace

About Family Friendly Workplaces

Family Friendly Workplaces (FFW) is a charitable nonprofit based in Woodville working to address west central Wisconsin’s workforce shortage, and strengthen the region’s Wisconsin families, by certifying businesses as Family Friendly, and encouraging the adoption of Family Friendly practices. Learn more at www.familyfriendlyworkplaces.org

On August 24th, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the preliminary July 2022 unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the 35 cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. St. Croix County’s July rate was estimated at 2.9%, which is lower than June’s final rate of 3.1% but higher than May’s final rate of 2.5%. One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 3.1%.

DWD said preliminary unemployment rates from June to July declined or stayed the same in 63 of the 72 counties. Rates declined or stayed the same in 70 of the 72 counties year-over-year. The current rates range from 2.5% in Dane to 9.1% in Menominee.

Preliminary unemployment rates from June to July decreased or stayed the same in 29 of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities. Year-over-year, the rates declined or stayed the same in 33 cities. Rates ranged from 2.3% in Fitchburg to 5.5% in Milwaukee.

The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates in July include Dane (2.5%), Kewaunee (also at 2.5%), Calumet (2.6%), Lafayette (also at 2.6%), and Clark (2.7%). Menominee had the highest rate in July at 9.1%, followed by Iron (5.7%), Adams (5.3%), Forest (5.1%), and Bayfield (5.0%).

St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk counties comprise Wisconsin’s Greater St. Croix Valley. In addition to St. Croix’s rate of 2.9%, July’s preliminary rate in Pierce was 3.1% and Polk’s rate was 3.3%.

St. Croix and Pierce counties are included in the 15-county Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI metro area. The July 2022 unemployment rate for the Twin Cities was estimated at 2.0%, which is lower than June’s final rate of 2.2%, but higher than May’s final rate of 1.6%. The unemployment rate in the Twin Cities was 3.2% in July 2021.

Nearby Washington County in Minnesota reported a preliminary rate of 1.8% for July compared to June’s final rate of 2.0%, while Dakota reported a rate of 1.9% for July versus 2.1% for June, and Chisago’s rate for July was 2.0%, compared to 2.2% in June.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate for Wisconsin in July was estimated at 3.0%, which is higher than the final rate of 2.9% for both June and May. One year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.8%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in Minnesota for July was estimated at 1.8%, which is the same as the final rate for June and lower than May’s final rate of 2.0%. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted rate one year ago was 3.3%.

The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate in the U.S. for July was estimated at 3.5%, which is lower than the final rate of 3.6% for both June and May. One year ago, the U.S. rate (seasonally adjusted) was estimated at 5.4%.

Wisconsin’s preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for July was estimated at 66.2%, which is lower than June’s final rate of 66.4% and May’s final rate of 66.5%. One year ago, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was also 66.7%. The preliminary (seasonally adjusted) labor force participation rate for the U.S. in July was estimated at 62.1%, which is lower than June’s final rate of 62.2% and May’s final rate of 62.3%. One year ago, the labor force participation rate in the U.S. was 61.7%.

July’s estimates are preliminary and are subject to revision within the next few weeks.

You can watch the recorded Zoom event here.

Please join board secretary and CEO Missy Hughes and regional economic development director Ray French at 12:00p.m. on August 18 via Zoom for an insightful look at the role of the state’s lead economic development organization, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) in supporting capital investment in the state, including the St. Croix Valley.

REGISTER HERE

The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 18 starting at 12:00 pm.

They will discuss recent successes, initiatives, and programs that are making a difference for Wisconsin businesses and entrepreneurs.

Left: Ray French  Right: Missy Hughes