Walworth County Economic Development Alliance

05/27/2026

Awesome opportunity to network with business leaders in Walworth County as well as hear our very own Derek D'Auria, speak on business resources!

We are blessed to once again have a sponsored members meeting thanks to our wonderful Chamber members, Associated Bank! Join fellow members for networking, lunch, and an informative panel discussion on:

💼 Business Resources: Banks & Beyond

Featuring special guest panelists:
🔹 Shane Griffin – Associated Bank
🔹 Patrick Snyder – BIZSTARTS
🔹 Derek D’Auria – WCEDA

📍 Associated Bank – Elkhorn Location
10 N. Lincoln St., Elkhorn
🕛 Meeting begins at Noon

Associated Bank is truly rolling out the red carpet with:
🌮 A delicious Mexican buffet
🍰 Dessert table
🥤 Non-alcoholic beverages
🎁 And even a few special prizes along the way!

⚠️ Space will be limited, so sign up early!
Please RSVP by June 5th at Noon so we can provide an accurate head count. Click to RSVP https://business.delavanwi.org/ap/Events/Register/yEFOxmWTeCoCR

We look forward to seeing you for an afternoon of connections, resources, and community!

05/06/2026

We wrapped up our Kareers4Kids school-year tours before summer break with an awesome visit to Alliant Energy! ⚡🙌

Through WCEDA’s Kareers4Kids program, students got to learn from KG and the linemen about careers in the energy field, the skills it takes to do the job, and the important work they do every day.

The students had a blast watching demonstrations of the equipment and seeing firsthand what linemen do out in the field. It was educational, impressive, and a fun way to end the season!

Huge thanks to KG and the Alliant Energy team for such an informative and engaging experience for our students. 👏

05/06/2026

Thank you sponsors!

If you would like to help out and sponsor this year's program, we could still really use your support! Contact us at [email protected].

Gold Sponsorship $300
Silver Sponsorship $150
Bronze Sponsorship $35/pot

It's getting to be that time of year again... flower time!

Once again, we've hired VIP Seeds Market (FKA Seeds Of Hope) to water for us this year! (This VIP program is a horticultural and recreational community that brings new growth opportunities to adults with developmental and other disabilities.)

We've also hired the Elkhorn Area High School again to supply and plant the flowers.

Thank you 2026 sponsors for making this project happen!

Gold sponsors:
- Advia Credit Union
- Kunes Auto and RV Group
- Lyle's T.V. & Appliance, Inc.
- Splashtime Pools and Spas
- Wausau Homes Elkhorn
- Someplace Else Restaurant
- Stebnitz Builders Inc
- Reader Precision Solutions

Silver sponsors:
- Howl at the Moon

Bronze sponsors:
- Walworth County Dems
- QPS Elkhorn
- Associated Bank
- Kehoe-Henry & Associates
- Steffan's Jewelers
- CompleteStaff

04/28/2026

Last week, we brought over 20 students from Williams Bay School District High Schoolers on a day of hands-on career exploration in advanced manufacturing.

Students toured Allan ICS East Troy and Palmer Hamilton in Elkhorn, where they saw how products are designed, built, and brought to life. At each stop, they learned about the wide range of careers available in manufacturing—from engineering and production to operations and logistics.

The day wrapped up at Gateway Technical College, where students had lunch and toured the RPM Manufacturing facility, connecting what they saw in the field to the education and training pathways available during and after high school.

A sincere thank you to Allan ICS, Palmer Hamilton, and Gateway Technical College for opening your doors and helping students explore the future of manufacturing.

04/27/2026

🌎✨ Earth Day in Action!

Nearly 50 students from Badger High School, East Troy Community School District Middle School, and Faith Christian School spent the day at White River County Park getting their hands dirty and their minds inspired! 🌱

✔️ Planted bushes around the new dog park
✔️ Helped remove invasive species
✔️ Explored careers in conservation through hands-on learning
✔️ Created seed bombs to take home 🌼
✔️ Wrapped it up with lunch by the river (and a little exploring 📸)

This experience was coordinated through WCEDA’s Kareers4Kids program, connecting students to real-world opportunities that matter.

Huge thanks to Geneva Lake Conservancy, Bartlett Tree Experts, and Walworth County for making it all possible!

💬 Real experiences. Real impact. Real inspiration.

04/27/2026

🌎 Building Awareness, Skills, and Career Pathways—All in One Day—Earth Day!

Last Wednesday, nearly 50 students from Badger High School , East Troy Community School District Middle School , and Faith Christian School rolled up their sleeves at White River County Park for a hands-on Earth Day experience—coordinated through WCEDA’s Kareers4Kids program.

Students contributed to real conservation efforts by planting and improving park spaces, then engaged directly with industry professionals through a rotating career exploration format—learning about pathways in environmental stewardship and conservation-related careers.

Experiences like this highlight the power of career-based learning: connecting students to meaningful work while exposing them to future opportunities.

Thank you to Geneva Lake Conservancy for leading this initiative, and to Bartlett Tree Experts, Walworth County Government and Walworth County Public Works for supporting and educating the next generation.

04/17/2026

A couple of weeks ago, WCEDA team member, Leslie Gostomski, had the opportunity to take Career & College Academy - Public Charter High School in Walworth County YouthBuild students on a tour of Prop Shaft Supply—and it was a great reminder of what makes this work so impactful.

Through WCEDA’s Kareers4Kids program, we coordinate these tours each semester to give students real, firsthand exposure to local career pathways. Experiences like this help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the opportunities waiting right here in our community.

What makes it all possible? Our local business partners.

Their willingness to open their doors, share their expertise, and invest time in our students is what turns a simple tour into a meaningful experience. These relationships are at the heart of everything we do—and they’re essential to building a stronger workforce pipeline for the future.

A big thank you to Prop Shaft Supply for hosting and for being such a valuable community partner!

03/24/2026

Spring career experiences are well underway! Through WCEDA’s Kareers4Kids program, Career & College Academy - Public Charter High School in Walworth County YouthBuild students continued their employer visits today with a stop at RR Walton.

While last week’s visit to Reader Precision Solutions had to be postponed due to the snowstorm (now rescheduled for April 27), today’s experience more than made up for it.

RR Walton, a company specializing in concrete construction as well as sand and gravel operations, gave students a true behind-the-scenes look at their work. The day began with a tour of an apartment building under construction in Whitewater, where students spoke directly with staff and subcontractors about careers in concrete installation and construction trades.

The group then visited RR Walton’s sand and gravel facility, where they learned about the wide range of materials the company produces and manages—including various types of sand, gravel, black dirt, recycled asphalt, and natural stone—as well as the services they provide to support construction projects. Students also explored careers in equipment operation, engine repair, welding and material production.

It was clear to everyone that RR Walton offers far more opportunities than most would expect.

A sincere thank you to Russ and Jake for leading such an engaging and informative experience. We’re grateful for your time and for helping students better understand the many pathways available in the skilled trades.

01/27/2026

Congratulations to ALL our competitors! We truly mean this when we say: every team delivered at an incredibly high level. The creativity and professionalism shown across all dishes was remarkable. From flavor combinations to technique and presentation, the food reflected the talent and dedication of both our student participants and professional chefs.

We continue to be inspired by the culinary talent right here in Walworth County, and we are so proud of what these teams accomplished together. Events like this remind us why it’s so important to invest in hands-on learning experiences that connect students with real-world professionals.

Kikkoman Chef’s Excellence Award
Team #6 – Elkhorn Area High School/Pastries by Chad, LLC

People's Choice Award 1
Team #6 - Elkhorn Area High School/Pastries by Chad

People’s Choice Award 2
Team #9 – Badger High School Badger ProStart/ Oakfire

Judges’ Choice Award – France
Team #6 – Elkhorn Area High School/Pastries by Chad

Judges’ Choice Award – Morocco
Team # 10 – Big Foot Union High School District/ The Abbey Resort

Judges’ Choice Award – Italy
Team # 5 – East Troy Community School District/Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

Judges’ Choice Award – Germany
Team # 7 – Whitewater High School/ Lake Lawn Resort

Judges’ Choice Award – Thailand
Team # 2 – Big Foot High School/ PIER 290

Awards created by: Big Foot High School
Music Provided by: Delavan-Darien School District Jazz Band and String Choir, Williams Bay School District musicians

Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown

01/24/2026

Big thanks to our newest Silver Spoon Sponsor of the Walworth County Culinary Showdown! 🍽️👏

Silver Spoon Sponsors help make this event possible by supporting students, chefs, and programs like Kareers4Kids that connect young people to real-world career opportunities.

It takes a strong community to pull off an event like this, and we truly appreciate partners who believe in investing in local talent and future success.

Thank you for being part of it!

Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown