Racine conference to help minority and women-owned businesses

The Mayor’s Office of Strategic Partnerships and the Community Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO) will host a symposium entitled “What Certification Can Do for You” on Tuesday, November 2, from 7:30 – 11:30 am, in the Racine Building of the Gateway Technical College campus – 1001 S. Main Street.

The goal of the event is to increase the number of certified minority and women-owned businesses in the Racine community.

“As we continue to build new businesses in Racine we discovered there was a void among minority and women-owned businesses,” said Mayor John Dickert. “This partnership will fill the void by creating opportunities for more women and minority-owned businesses.”

The conference will begin with registration and a continental breakfast from 8:30 – 9:00 am. Mayor Dickert and Randy Luter, Executive Director of CEDCO will then welcome participants. Keynote speaker – Nelson Soler, Chief Solutions Officer of the Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute, Inc. will make a presentation from 9-9:30, followed by a 15-minute break.

A panel discussion from 9:45-10-45 will be held on the topic: What Can Certification Can Do for You – The Importance of Being Certified! Panelist expected to participate include E. Aggo Akyea – Business Director of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Bureau of Minority Business Development, Ossie Kendrix – Manager of the Emerging Business Enterprise Program Department of Administration, City of Milwaukee, Phil Hill – Owner of Diversified Security Solutions, LCC, and Maria L. Campbell - Corporate Director of Diversity at SC Johnson.

The program will close with a question and answer period. Interested participants should RSVP by Tuesday, October 26 by contacting debbi.embry@cityofracine.org or rluter@cedcoracine.org or call 635-8908.

Bruce Davis joins Volunteer Center as RSVP director

Bruce Davis has been named Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Director by the Volunteer Center of Racine County.

Davis is a retired financial advisor who holds a BA from the University of Vermont. His wife, Cathy, works for In-Sinkerator, and his son,  Tyler, is a senior in the International Baccalaureate program at Case High School.

Davis served as a board member and treasurer of the 21st Century Preparatory School.  He is a Midwest alumni representative for the University of Vermont and organizes fairs to coordinate admissions information in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor.

He is looking forward to meeting with 55+ volunteers interested in extending their expertise and experience to their fellow county residents.

West Bend couple planning to reopen Dynaseal as Altus Vinyl

The City of Racine is in the process of partnering with Racine County Economic Development Corporation and business owners Richard and Christine Burt of West Bend to establish another business in Stephen F. Olsen Industrial Park, replacing one that closed earlier this summer.

“This is another opportunity for the city to create a partnership with our local development organization – RCEDC and a business willing to establish itself within our city limits,” said Mayor John Dickert. “The important thing is it will create more jobs and the Burts both understand the importance of hiring local people and putting them back to work.”

Dickert, City Administrator Tom Friedel, Director of City Development Brian O’Connell along with RCEDC Deputy Director Jenny Trick and Business Finance Director Carolyn Engel have been working with Bert to bring Altus Vinyl to the site of the old Dynaseal Incorporated – 3801 S. Memorial Drive.

Dynaseal closed its doors in June and now the Burts hope to fulfill one of their dreams – that of owning their own business.

They have been working with RCEDC and the city to help secure the financing necessary. The Burts are in the process of acquiring the business assets of the former Dynaseal company and are already operating having hired back seven local employees.

“This is a dream come true for us,” said Richard Burt. “It’s been our dream to own our own business and then help out the community in which it is located by being able to hire locally. We have been pleased to have the opportunity work with RCEDC and the City of Racine. They really made us feel very wanted.”

Once the financing is secure, Altus Vinyl hopes to continue to add to its workforce eventually hiring 20 or more local employees.