Steve Shellman

"Any time Manitowoc is featured in a generally positive light in a respected national publication, it can't be anything but good," said Steve Shellman, EDC board chairman.

In a Monday interview, Stubbe and Steve Shellman, EDC board chairman and a certified public accountant, said the majority of the EDC's efforts continue to be focused on strengthening companies, of all sizes, that already have a presence and commitment to Manitowoc County.
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Stubbe and Shellman said the EDC isn't a bank making loans, but can point businesses and partners to funding sources to make a deal happen.
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Stubbe and Shellman estimated the EDC's 2007 economic impact — derived from number of clients served, active projects, programs and services provided — as:
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Shellman said the EDC's efforts aid Manitowoc City Planner David Less and Two Rivers Economic Development Supervisor Dan Pawlitzke.
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"The motivation to be part of the EDC is to make the community a better place," said Shellman, manager of Schenck Business Solutions Manitowoc office, who also was a member of the roundtable that spurred the EDC's creation and led fundraising for its staff and operations.

"A rising tide raises all ships, and it's been fun to see the area become recognized and grow," Shellman said.

MANITOWOC - Stephen Shellman, Andrew Steimle, and Timothy Schneider are convinced of the necessity for an Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County.
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"The EDC doesn't care if the business expands or locates in Two Rivers or Valders or Manitowoc or Kiel or Newton," said Shellman, manager of Schenck Business Solutions' Manitowoc office.
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Shellman, Steimle and Schneider agreed, hope to attract a number two official in an existing EDC or recruit a top official seeking a new challenge.
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For more information on the EDC, contact Shellman, 684-5500.

"The first six months, the director will be out shaking a lot of hands, doing a lot of listening," board member Stephen Shellman told a Fox Hills Resort & Conference Center gathering Wednesday night at the Third Annual Municipal Officials' Event.

But, first, the preferred candidate among 12 applicants needs to accept the EDC's offer.

Shellman said he hopes that will happen in time for an announcement next week.

The EDC has a first-year budget of $400,000.The city of Manitowoc has already committed to contributing $82,200 per year for 2004-2006; the city of Two Rivers' allocation is $30,500 per year; and Manitowoc County's is $87,300.

Shellman said there were not no dissenting votes from the two city councils and the County Board.

"We've received $160,000 in commitments from the private sector.Going forward, we hope to have 55 to 70 percent of operations funded privately," Shellman said.

He said the EDC has received a $50,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce for development of a countywide strategic business plan.

The EDC's top priority, he said, won't be to "chase smokestacks" trying to convince a major employer to move to the Lakeshore area.

Leading the charge to keep and expand existing businesses is Job No. 1, Shellman said.The EDC director will be expected to play a key role in coordinating financial assistance, including government-funded programs, commercial financing options and private equity alternatives.

EDC priorities for 2005, Shellman said, will include implementation of the business plan, starting the various funding mechanisms and studying the value of expanding incubator programs aimed at providing assistance to new businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce will be providing in-kind rent at its offices on Memorial Boulevard.

Shellman said the EDC is an opportunity to fund a proven program that has had significant success in other areas.

Find out by attending this workshop, hosted by Tom Giesen and Steve Shellman of Schenck Business Solutions.

eRotaNotes- Steve Shellman - Economic Development.