City hosts Realtors Summit at WPPI (Sun Prairie Star)

City of Sun Prairie Economic Development Director Neil Stechschulte (right) welcomed attendees to the 2013 Realtors Summit held July 31 at WPPI Energy, 1425 Business Park Drive in the Sun Prairie Business Park. Sun Prairie City Council President Mary Polenske (left) also gave welcoming remarks at the summit, the aim of which was to promote Sun Prairie as a place to live, open a new business or relocate an existing one. (Photo by Jake Kurtz)

A collection of realtors, brokers, financiers and other interested parties met locally last week for a realtors summit hosted by the City of Sun Prairie.  Held at WPPI Energy the afternoon of July 31, the event featured a keynote presentation by Kevin King, executive vice president of the Realtors' Association of South Central Wisconsin (RASCW).  Representatives with the city, Sun Prairie schools, local organizations and business, and public safety were among those who spoke at the event geared toward helping realtors market the community.

Read the full article at:http://www.hngnews.com/sun_prairie_star/news/business/article_260642fc-0041-11e3-bdf5-0019bb30f31a.html

Blogger's Note: Thanks to all the attendees, and all the presenters.  We think we're going to try to do this quarterly with a shorter agenda.  And not on the last day of the month.  I promise.  If anyone would like more information about the topics covered, please contact Neil Stechschulte at the City of Sun Prairie.

Sun Prairie Receives $350,000 Brownfield Grant for Senior Living Project (Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation)

PRESS RELEASE - Governor Scott Walker today announced the City of Sun Prairie will receive a $350,000 Brownfield Grant award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to assist with preparing a five-acre site for the construction of the New Perspective Senior Living complex. The senior living complex is projected to create up to 11 full-time equivalent positions within the first year of operation and will feature 144 units.

The award will reimburse the city for remediation of soil and groundwater contamination from two previously removed underground storage tanks

“The completion of this important redevelopment will advance the revitalization of an area highlighted in the City’s Downtown Master Plan and should attract significant investment in the community,” said Governor Scott Walker.

“The City of Sun Prairie is grateful to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for their support of the redevelopment of one of our key remaining downtown sites in Sun Prairie.  We are also thankful for the both the investment and the jobs that New Perspective Senior Living will bring to our community, and look forward to this development being a positive impact on our downtown,” said Sun Prairie Mayor John Murray.

Media Contacts:

Tom Thieding, WEDC Communications Manager
608-267-9661 Tom.Thieding@wedc.org

Shauna Breneman, WEDC Communications Specialist
608-267-5187 Shauna.Breneman@wedc.org

Neil Stechschulte, Economic Development Director
City of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
6-8-825-0894 nstechschulte@cityofsunprairie.com

Source: http://wedc.org/sun-prairie-brownfield

Blogger's Note: If you haven't been by the site on South Bristol St., they started their site preparation this past week.  Thanks to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for their support of this project.  We're excited to have New Perspective Senior Living building on this site near our downtown.  There will actually be 70 health care jobs created with this facility, bringing with it good benefits and a substantial payroll.  It will provide a full continuum of care from independent living to 24/7 memory care.  The project should be open in late 2012.

3rd Annual Sun Prairie Real Estate & Development Tour Scheduled for Oct. 26th (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

The 3rd Annual Sun Prairie Real Estate & Development Tour is scheduled for Wednesday Oct. 26^th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.   

Area Realtors and developers are strongly encouraged to bring along any prospects or clients they think might be interested in opportunities in Sun Prairie. 

A coach bus will leave from City Hall at 2:00 p.m. and begin a two-hour driving tour of available commercial and industrial buildings and sites throughout Sun Prairie, with a couple of stops at some key properties for brief presentations by their owner or developer.  At 4:00 p.m. we will adjourn to Buck & Honeys for some closing remarks from the City about upcoming projects and some hospitality.  The bus will return the group back to City Hall by 5:30 p.m.

There is no charge for the event for anyone who RSVP’s before Oct. 21^st. Seating is limited, and we are anticipating a full bus, so RSVP right away to Neil Stechschulte at (608) 825-0894 or nstechschulte@cityofsunprairie.com.

Photo of the Day: WPPI Energy Annual Meeting (WPPI Energy)

WPPI Energy CEO Mike Peters, City of Sun Prairie Economic Development Director Neil Stechschulte, and Sun Prairie Utilities Manager Rick Wicklund between sessions at the 2011 WPPI Energy Annual Meeting held today at the Marriott West in Middleton, Wisconsin.

Photo of the Day: Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival Wraps Up for Another Year

City Council President Zach Weber (Left) and Mayor John Murray (Right) prepare to unload a retort of hot sweet corn fresh out of the steamer at the annual Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival at Angell Park on Sunday afternoon. Special thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors, and attendees for making the 2011 Corn Fest a huge success. See you again next year! (Photo by Neil Stechschulte)

Council to Focus on Economic Development at Aug. 30th Strategic Planning Session (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Council to Focus on Economic Development at Aug. 30th Strategic Planning Session

The Sun Prairie City Council is using fifth Tuesday's in a month during 2011 to strategically discuss a series of topics. The next session is on August 30th, and the current plan is for the Council to have a discussion on Economic Development in the City. While a formal agenda has not been set, potential topics in no particular order could include but are not limited to:

• Defining economic priorities and related progress indicators
• Evaluating the City's competitive position in attracting new employers
  
• Revisiting target economic sectors
• Reviewing the City's adopted Strategic Business Development Plan
• Prioritizing community areas for new development and redevelopment
• Identifying potential financial resources to invest in targeted public and private projects
• Enhancing business retention efforts
• Discussing branding and marketing strategies
• Evaluating new initiatives to encourage more business start-ups
• City relationship with local business and partners
• Allocating budget and staff resources for 2012
  

Additional details regarding the time and location of the meeting will be posted when finalized.

Have another topic or idea that should be part of the discussion? Send it to nstechschulte[at]cityofsunprairie.com.

City of Sun Prairie and Sun Prairie Chamber Co-Host 2nd Annual Business Park Networking Breakfast (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development

Mayor John Murray prepares to introduce Wisconsin Department of Regulation & Licensing Secretary Dave Ross to attendees to the 2nd Annual Business Park Networking Breakfast (Photo by Neil Stechschulte)

City of Sun Prairie and Sun Prairie Chamber Co-Host 2nd Annual Business Park Networking Breakfast

37 people from 19 different companies attended the 2nd Annual Business Park Networking Breakfast held Tuesday morning at Wisconsin Distributors. Participating companies included: Coakley Brothers/Datastore, MSI Mechanical Systems, Faith Technologies, Appliance Products, Regius Rubber, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative, Badger Graphics, Harms Insurance, Pro-Active Engineering, Palmer Johnson, Frontier Communications, Wisconsin Distributors, Prairie Land Towing, Matrix Product Development, Inform, Four Lakes Label, TREK Diagnostics, WPPI Energy, and Sun Prairie Utilities.

Mayor John Murray invited Secretary Dave Ross from the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing to speak, and introduced him to crowd. Secretary Ross discussed his department's efforts to 1) speed up the administrative investigation process and 2) eliminate unnecessary investigations into non-legitimate complaints about license holders. He also discussed Governor Walker's budget, including impacts to local governments.

Attendees were asked to introduce themselves, their company, their primary product or service, and were asked to name one challenge that they were currently facing. The several responses having to do with the slow economy as a whole were no surprise. The number of comments and concerns voiced from several small manufacturers and warehousing businesses about their difficulties finding employees, however, indicates that this concern is an issue needing some attention. Specifically, the concern centered around the ability to find skilled employees for hands-on technical positions.

"The City of Sun Prairie and the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce are going to respond to this issue immediately, and have already begun to discuss how we can work together to address this apparent growing concern" said Neil Stechschulte, Economic Development Director. "The Chamber had already scheduled workforce development as a topic for one of their upcoming monthly lunch meetings later this summer, and it was very obvious that employers in attendance today would like us to address this issue as soon as possible."

Stechschulte stated several initiatives would likely be developed in the next week or so, and a schedule for implementation would be announced shortly thereafter. The City will be reaching out to local and State partners right away, including but not limited to DWD, WORC, the Sun Prairie Area School District, Madison College, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and other local training resources.

Stechschulte went on to say, "In order to attract new light manufacturing uses to our City in the future, we need to rise up to the challenge and assist the quality manufacturing companies we already have in the business park and throughout our community. This is something we need to do right now."

Congratulations to the Graduates of the Sun Prairie Leadership Class XIV (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Congratulations to the graduates of the 14th Sun Prairie Leadership Class:

Elry Armaza, UW Credit Union
Andrew Hirvela, Sun Prairie Utilities
Denise Kerr, Stark Company Realtors
Patrick Malinowski, Summit Credit Union
Eric Ristau, Eustice, Laffey, Sebranek & Auby
Jonathan Rouse, Sun Prairie Area School District
Jamie Stueber, Bank of Sun Prairie
Brian Teasdale, Sun Prairie Police Department
Julie Wiedmeyer, Sunshine Supper

These current and future leaders of their community spent the third Wednesday of the month from August 2010 to May 2011 learning more about their community, and how they can impact change in Sun Prairie. Their topics of study included:

Leading Change September 15, 2010 (at Wisconsin Distributors)
Develop leadership and team-building skills, identify leadership styles and qualities. Breakfast sponsored by Beans 'n Cream Coffeehouse. Lunch sponsored by Cardinal's Nest.

Volunteerism October 20, 2010 (at Colonial Club)
Discussion of volunteerism focusing on local nonprofit organizations, how to get involved, where help is needed, benefits of volunteering to you and your community. Breakfast sponsored by What's Brew'n. Lunch sponsored by Colonial Club.

Communications & Media November 17, 2010 (at Sun Prairie Utilities, Sun Prairie Public Library and Sun Prairie Cable Access)
Work with the media, learn about technology, effective personal communication, cable access TV, advertising and public relations tips. Breakfast sponsored by Sun Prairie Utilities. Lunch sponsored by Cannery Grill.

Community Health & Wellness January 19, 2011 (at St. Mary's Emergency Center and Prairie Athletic Club)
Personal and community health and wellness issues, alternative medicine. Breakfast sponsored by Sun Prairie Kwik Trip. Lunch sponsored by St. Mary's Foundation and Prairie Athletic Club.

Education February 16, 2011 (at Royal Oaks Elementary, SPHS, and CHUMS)
Key issues in today’s education environment such as diversity of population and revenue caps, discussions with students. Lunch provided by the high school.

Business & Industry March 16, 2011 (at Stark Company Realtors, Hallman Lindsay, Pan-O-Gold)
Tours of local businesses and industries, community economic development goals and strategies, small business issues. Lunch at Buck & Honey's.

Government April 20, 2011
Overview of city services and departments, planning issues and emergency services.

Graduation May 18, 2011 (Buck & Honey's)

Woodman's Subject of April 12th Planning Commission Meeting (Sun Prairie Star)

A request by Woodman's to reconfigure the buildings on its previously approved site is up for consideration by the Sun Prairie Plan Commission during its April 12 meeting.

City Planning Director Scott Kugler said public meetings on requests by Woodman’s Food Market, Inc. for approval of a revised precise implementation plan for the construction of a 222,650 square foot grocery store and an auto service facility, and preliminary and final plats to create an 8-lot commercial subdivision located to the north of the proposed grocery store will be part of the commission agenda.

Kugler said a plan for the grocery store and auto service facility was approved in 2008, but the applicant is amending the plan to reconfigure the buildings on the site.

Source: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=7171

Blogger's Note: Assuming everything goes smoothly here, Woodman's would like to be breaking ground by no later than June 1st and will be under construction for about a year.

Sun Prairie Hosts Regional Economic Development Professionals Meeting (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Economic Development professionals from the 8 county THRIVE region met at Wisconsin Distributors in the Sun Prairie Business Park on March 24th for their first meeting of 2011. Hosts were Neil Stechschulte, Economic Development Director for the City of Sun Prairie and Shane McPeak, Human Resources Director for Wisconsin Distributors. Mr. McPeak provided a brief overview of Wisconsin Distributors' operations in Wisconsin. Mr. Stechschulte gave a brief presentation on economic development activities in Sun Prairie.

Special guest for this meeting was Mr. Larry Schwenn from Wisconsin Business Development Inc., who came and presented on their 504 loan program, as well as some other forms of assistance that WBD can provide.

THRIVE's Brad Elmer also provided an overview of their pursuit of Economic Development District status and the creation of the EDA required Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy planning document.

Betsy Lundgren of THRIVE provided a sneak peak at the proposed updated to THRIVE's website, which will feature images and testimonials from area companies that help showcase successful companies doing business in the Madison region. It will also feature direct links to the Capital Connections Inventory, the Located in Wisconsin buildings and sites database, and the region's retention program called Business Link.

THRIVE's Jenn Post Tyler then facilitated an open forum for attendees to provide general project updates for anyone who had something to share.

The group meets quarterly to share information and to network. The next meeting is tentatively set for June 2011.

A Summary of Notable Economic Development Activities & Events in 2010

The following is a partial list of projects and efforts in the City of Sun Prairie in 2010:

• Assisted with the submittal of current buildings to multiple Dept. of Commerce site searches.
• Coordinated discussions on the Main St. Interchange Project with Wal Mart
• Coordinated discussions on the South Bristol Street Redevelopment.
• Facilitated discussions on the resue of the current Pick 'n' Save site.
• Facilitated a Midwest Disaster Recovery Bond for the Prairie Lakes Development
• Coordinated SBA financing assistance for an existing company in the City
• Evaluated a proposal for a spec building in the Sun Prairie Business Park
• Assisted in evaluating redevelopment opportunities at the Wisconsin Cheeseman
• Assisted with Project Planning for the Schneider Property
• Evaluated alternatives for additional indoor/outdoor athletic fields
• Initiated formal business retention surveys for major employers in the City
• Conducted a Business Hotel Demand Survey
• Continued the NE Dane County Manufacturing and Technology Breakfast Series
• Scheduled a Commercial Brokers Group meeting for Sun Prairie in 2011
• Expanded the Wind Power Happy Hour to a Statewide initiative
• Completion of the Marcus Theatres development agreements
• ITS Compliance moves to former American Legion building
• Frontier Communications moves into Verizon building
• Palmer Johnson expanded their warehouse at their Sun Prairie facility, bringing 15 jobs.
• Two notable employers that had layoffs are re-hiring to previous employment levels.
• Assisted with two private submittals for government offices in Sun Prairie
• Facilitated the reuse of 245 Clarmar Dr. by Ryan Ambulance
• Celebrated the 6 month anniversary of St. Mary’s ER, as well as the 10,000th patient.
• Initiated preliminary discussions with Wal Mart on the future of their Sun Prairie store.
• Became the listing contact for the TIF 9 parcels.
• Provided staff assistance to the Sun Prairie Tourism Commission.
• Completed updates to the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Economic Profile for 2010.
• Completed applications to Scenic Wisconsin for Cannery Square and Patrick Marsh.
• Conducted a potential supplier/partner survey for a wind turbine company seeking to locate in the Madison region.
• Continued to be the primary contact for the City’s RLF program.
• Participated in additional planning for southern development areas on Bird St./Bailey Rd.
• Facilitated information for a major ag/energy/manufacturing project looking in WI.
• Assisted in evaluating reuse options for an existing building in the business park.
• Celebrated the completion of the WPPI Energy HQ building & LEED certification.
• Initiated discussion on a Façade Improvement Grant for TIF 10.
• Assisted a local Realtor with an analysis of the Sun Prairie Business Park.
• Coordinated some discussions on the possible acquisition and redevelopment of the
Professional Building post-fire.
• Coordinated an estimate of vacancy rates for downtown residential buildings.
• Assisted in the application by a local company for a food processing tax credit through the State of Wisconsin.
• Assembled media distribution lists for economic development and tourism purposes.
• Updated Sun Prairie entries in the 2010 MGE Business Park Directory.
• Initiated a participant directory for the Wind Power Happy Hour attendees.
• Continued discussions on the reuse of the Hanley site.
• Reviewed multiple requests for buildings through the Dept. of Commerce and Dane County.
• Assisted in coordinating discussions with local developers on possible impacts of overlay districts on Main Street.
• Facilitated multiple formal public discussions on topics including: federal health care legislation, State wind siting legislation, telecommunications services, renewable energy standards, and the future of freight rail in Dane County.

For additional information, please contact Neil Stechschulte at (608) 825-0894 or nstechschulte[at]cityofsunprairie.com.

Sun Prairie's Jimmy the Groundhog Predicts EARLY SPRING!

Jimmy X arrived at the Prognostication Site in a stretch limosine, escorted by a Sun Prairie fire truck. A fireman shoveled a fresh path for Jimmy and his caregiver, Jerry to meet the mayor. It was a snowy morning in Sun Prairie, and Jimmy did NOT see his shadow! The crowd cheered as the mayor interpreted Jimmy's message, proclaiming an EARLY SPRING!

Check out Groundhog Central for more updates.

Click here for coverage from NBC 15 (video inlcuded).

Our View: Super Jimmy - Attend Jimmy’s Big Day and the Warm-up Ceremonies, Too (Sun Prairie Star)

[An Editorial from the Star...]

Although the theme for this year’s Groundhog Day festivities is “Super Jimmy,” the famous furry forecaster will have to be some kind of superanimal to keep up with the Groundhog Day festivities occurring throughout Sun Prairie during the next few days.

Those activities begin on Saturday, Jan. 30 when St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert Drive, will host the annual Groundhog Day Community Celebration, which begins with a breakfast from 8-11 a.m., followed by entertainment and vendor booths.

A birthday party for Human Groundhogs (those born on Feb. 2) takes place at 8:30 a.m.

The 36th annual Groundhog Ball takes place Jan. 30 from 7-11 p.m. at The Round Table, 1611 N. Bristol St. featuring The John Roehl Eight Piece Band; tickets cost $7 each but individuals younger than 21 will not be admitted. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Sun Prairie Little League.

February 2: The Main Event
The eyes of the world focus on downtown Sun Prairie’s Cannery Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, when the famous forecaster Jimmy the Groundhog arrives at Cannery Square via limousine escorted by a Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Department engine.

Mayor Joe Chase, as legend has it, is the only person who can understand groundhogese and will relay Jimmy’s forecast of either an early spring or six more weeks of winter at 7:12 a.m. to the crowd assembled in Cannery Square Plaza.

The Sun Prairie Business Improvement District (BID) is co-sponsoring a Groundhog Day Breakfast Buffet at Market Street Diner -- at 110 Market St. -- on Feb. 2 from 6-9 a.m.

Whew! That’s a lot -- but we’re sure Jimmy is up to it.

Are you?

Click here for more coverage by the Sun Prairie Star.

Click here for the direct Groundhog Day updates from Groundhog Central.

Click here coverage by the Capital Times.

EXCLUSIVE SURVEY: FAMILY CIRCLE REVEALS THE 10 BEST TOWNS (Press Release)

Data Driven Survey Reveals the Best Communities across the Country

June 28, 2009, NEW YORK—Family Circle Magazine today announced the results of its exclusive survey to identify the best TOWNS AND CITIES across the country FOR FAMILIES. The communities featured in the magazine's annual roundup of perfect places to call home combine affordable housing, good neighbors, green spaces and A+ public school system. The results of the comprehensive survey appear in Family Circle's August 2009 issue, on newsstands July 7th.

According to Family Circle's survey, the 10 Best Towns are:

- Rockwall, Texas
- Evans, Georgia
- Sherwood, Oregon
- Indian Trail, North Carolina
- Edina, Minnesota
- Noblesville, Indiana
- Perrysburg, Ohio
- Hendersonville, Tennessee
- Kenmore, Washington
- Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

“We are especially proud of the fact that the focus this year is on communities with great school systems,” said Dr. Tim Culver, Sun Prairie Area School District Administrator. “Each year, Family Circle has a different focus for it's list. Last year, it was communities that are especially eco-friendly. This year, it is communities with great public schools.”

Each of the towns honored is made up of forward thinking leaders, parents, teachers and students who are passionate about their hometown, dedicated to bettering their children's futures and involved in advancing their local school systems as exemplified by the implementation of such programs as partnering with local government in providing recreational amenities, private medical groups to ensure treatment for students who don't have health insurance and integrating dual language classes in grade school.

“I've known for a long while that Sun Prairie students, teachers, staff members, parents, and community members are the best,” continued Dr. Culver. “They work together with commitment and excellence to create a great quality of life for everyone and launch our children into the future with a great education. I'm very pleased Sun Prairie will receive this special nationwide recognition it so well deserves.”

Sun Prairie Mayor Joe Chase said, “The City of Sun Prairie is very grateful for this recognition by Family Circle Magazine and our community is proud to be one of the Top Ten Places in the Nation for Families. Our commitment is to continue to work with our schools to provide opportunities for all our kids, as well as maintaining a great quality of life for our families."

Survey Methodology

Family Circle partnered with Onboard Informatics, a New York City research firm that provides real estate, demographic and other data, to assemble an initial list of 1,700 cities and towns with populations between 15,000 and 150,000. From that, nearly 800 localities were selected with a high concentration of households with an average income of $75,000. Family Circle then assessed which places best met their family-friendly criteria—including affordable homes, quality schools, access to health care, green space, low crime rate and financial stability—and ranked them from top to bottom. Family Circle then selected the ten winners from among the highest-rated towns.

About Family Circle

Published 15 times a year by Meredith Corporation, with a circulation of 3.8 million and 21 million readers, Family Circle is one of the most widely read monthly magazines in the world. Family Circle provides smart relevant advice, sensible solutions, and inspiration in a voice that encourages and celebrates success in its pages and online at http://www.familycircle.com/.

Media Contacts:

Sarah Heck

Communications Specialist

Sun Prairie Area School District

(608) 834-6562

seheck@spasd.k12.wi.us

Neil Stechschulte

Economic Development Coordinator

City of Sun Prairie

(608) 825-0894

nstechschulte@cityofsunprairie.com

For coverage from the Wisconsin State Journal, click here.

For a great editorial from the Sun Prairie Star, click here.

City to Create Strategic Business Development Plan

Last Tuesday evening, the City Council approved the creation of an ad hoc economic development committee to prepare a Strategic Business Development Plan. We are seeking interested and qualified persons to meet monthly from June to October to help guide this effort. Committee members are to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

The official duties of the committee will be:

"The ad hoc economic development committee shall be charged with ensuring that the strategic business development plan 1) provides an overview of current and projected economic conditions, 2) identifies and prioritizes City initiatives relating to economic development for the next five years, and 3) establishes a means of measuring progress of those initiatives."

Anyone interested in being a member of this ad hoc committee can contact Mayor Joe Chase, Alderman John Murray or City Economic Development Coordinator Neil Stechschulte. Interest persons are asked to submit their notice of interest by Friday May 16th. Recommendations for potential members are also encouraged. Interested persons may be asked to submit a short description of their qualifications or background, as well as to explain their interest in serving on the committee.

Please contact Neil Stechschulte at (608) 825-0894 with any questions, or if you require additional information.