Save the date for the KABA & RCEDC Summer Intern Mixer! This event is a great opportunity for local interns and new hires to connect, hear from young professionals, and explore all that Racine and Kenosha have to offer — all while enjoying a summer evening at Petrifying Springs Park.
Microsoft recently committed to investing heavily in building a data center in the Village of Mount Pleasant in Racine County, Wisconsin. Here are the latest updates.
Join us for an insightful discussion on the vital connection between accessibility, transportation, and talent retention. Featuring Trevor Jung, the Transit & Mobility Director for the City of Racine, alongside Valerie Hoff from Commute with Enterprise, this event will explore innovative transportation solutions that can help organizations attract and retain top talent.
Kenosha, WI – The Southeast Wisconsin Pitch Perfect competition will spotlight the region’s top entrepreneurial talent on November 12, 2025, at the newly opened Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC). This event is a collaborative effort by the economic development organizations of Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties to elevate and invest in promising startups shaping Wisconsin’s innovation economy.
Saputo Cheese USA Inc., one of the largest dairy processors in the world, has expanded its footprint in Wisconsin with the opening of a new 311,000-square-foot cold storage and distribution facility in Caledonia Corporate Park. The $59 million investment will create 160 new jobs over the next three years, strengthening Saputo’s operations in the Midwest. Earlier this summer, RCEDC joined Saputo leadership, project partners, and community leaders for a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Explore how AI can safely and affordably be integrated into your manufacturing processes. This session includes expert-led training, a tour of Gateway Technical College’s iMET Center, and light breakfast pastries.
With a new baby at home and his wife by his side, Elijah LaFountain was drawn to the county’s strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere that would provide a safe, nurturing environment for his growing family.
DW Coffee LLC is expanding from its Rochester location into Wind Lake with the purchase of real estate and equipment at 7910 S Loomis Rd. Owner Leslie Kinsey, who launched the business in 2021, will continue overseeing operations with support from her husband, Shawn. With help from lender Jay Cashmore at Community State Bank and RCEDC, funding was secured through the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), making the new location—with drive-thru service—possible.
Sound Decisions, a longtime automotive and electronics business in Racine County, is expanding its operations with the purchase of four adjacent commercial condominiums in Yorkville. Owner Chris Hilbert—who took over the business from his parents in 2013—will consolidate two companies, Sound Decisions and Echo Sales/MED, under one roof. With financing support from RCEDC and Josh Sopczak at Town Bank, Chris secured a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) with just 10% down, helping move this expansion forward. Today, the business operates as both a retailer and a regional distributor for top brands like Alpine, Viper, and Metra.
Oak Wine & Spirits is bringing a new tasting experience to downtown Waterford—offering self-serve wine and beer stations, premium spirits, and curated small bites in a relaxed, upscale setting. Owners John Palmer and Rebecca Vanwormer, both experienced local business owners, are combining their strengths to create a welcoming destination for both casual visitors and enthusiasts. With support from RCEDC and lender Jay Cashmore at Community State Bank, the pair secured Revolving Loan Fund financing with just 15% down, helping turn their vision into a reality.
Water plays a vital role in site selection, especially for industries that depend on it for manufacturing, cooling, cleaning, or agriculture. In the article “Water Resources: Water & Site Selection” by Business Facilities, water access is identified as a key driver of economic development. In Southeast Wisconsin, this essential resource isn’t just plentiful and high quality—it’s a strategic advantage for businesses planning long-term growth.