Signals Focus -- 7.31.07

Partnership and collaboration makes spec building project a reality

A beautiful day greeted attendees of the groundbreaking ceremony at a joint speculative industrial/ commercial building project in Northgate Business Park in North Fond du Lac. The project represents a partnership between the Village of North Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, Keller, Inc. and North Fond du Lac Partners, LLC.

The ceremony took place on July 20th and celebrated the start of construction on the building. The project was developed out of a need for available industrial space in Fond du Lac County.

“I have had and continue to receive calls requesting information about available industrial space. At this time, however, we have limited opportunities to offer interested parties, especially for buildings over 40,000 square feet,” said Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, president of FCEDC. “While having a high occupancy rate is good for those who own the industrial space we already have, not having space available can be a detriment when it comes to business attraction.” Hicks-Sorensen noted that other communities who have done similar projects have had positive results gaining the attention of real estate consultants, site selectors and business owners.

Keller, Inc., designed and is building the 60,000 square foot flex-use manufacturing/warehouse facility on Harrison Court, in North Fond du Lac, WI. Keller is also the architect and general contractor. Bob Poch is the Project Manager. The North Fond du Lac Partnership consists of a group of developers trying to fulfill a need for this type of space.  The Village of North Fond du Lac and Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation have assisted these efforts to develop an option for businesses interested in moving to the Fond du Lac area.  The building will be able to accommodate a single or multiple tenants looking for open manufacturing and/or warehousing space along with potential office space. 

To find out more information about the project, please contact FCEDC at (920) 929-2928. Businesses interested in the facility should contact Troy Rademann, Bomier Properties, at (920) 739-5300 for more information.

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Revolving loan funds available for area businesses

The Fond du Lac County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program, which is administered by FCEDC, was established to create employment opportunities, encourage private investment, and provide a financing alternative for new business start-ups or expanding existing businesses in the county. The RLF program includes interest rates and loan maturities that are designed to encourage business development, while providing for recapitalization and growth of the RLF.

What sort of projects can be submitted for an RLF application? RLF-eligible projects include but are not limited to, the acquisition of equipment, working capital and other activities that further the objectives of job creation and retention.

FCEDC also has limited gap financing funds and other options available for projects that do not meet job creation requirements. Please feel free to contact FCEDC at (920) 929-2928 to inquire further about our RLF program or to find out if one of our RLF programs is a good fit for your company.

The mission of Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, a county-wide private/public partnership, is to improve the economic well being of the businesses, communities, and residents of the county via business attraction activities, existing business development, entrepreneurial services, community preparedness and consultation and workforce development.