Racine County’s Matching Grant Program Helps Blueberry Hilltop Cafe Open in Racine
Racine, WI – Lisa Ramirez opened Blueberry Hilltop Cafe on October 2023 with the goal of providing home-cooked meals in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Racine, WI – Lisa Ramirez opened Blueberry Hilltop Cafe on October 2023 with the goal of providing home-cooked meals in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Located along I-94, in the fast-growing corridor between Chicago and Milwaukee, Racine County is the ideal place to live, work and do business. Check out the latest development insights, news, and resources in this edition of the RCEDC Development Newsletter.
According to a recent analysis by the Badger Institute, Racine County experienced the highest rate of new construction in Wisconsin for 2024—posting a 4.83% increase in property value from net new construction (after accounting for demolitions). This growth rate is nearly three times the statewide average of 1.65% and almost double that of the next-highest county, Adams, which came in at 2.94%.
The Village of Sturtevant (The Village), in collaboration with Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) is pleased to announce support for Grand Appliance’s upcoming facility expansion in Sturtevant. Since relocating to Sturtevant in 2017, Grand Appliance has invested in approximately 11.23 acres, generating an assessed value of $8,040,400. The company’s new expansion project includes a 48,000-square-foot addition to its current facility, part of a larger 137,000-square-foot building. With a total investment of $4.5 million, the expansion is projected to create 15 new jobs over the next three years, offering an average salary of $55,000.
Racine County stand out as highly attractive locations for businesses seeking to expand operations in advanced manufacturing, technology, and logistics. The region’s combination of robust infrastructure, exceptional transportation capabilities, readily available development sites, and a business-friendly environment creates a unique opportunity for growth and success.
Southeast Wisconsin is gaining national recognition for its strong economy and skilled workforce as traditional industries like manufacturing join emerging sectors such as AI, clean energy, and biohealth. Reports like “Wisconsin: Capturing More Than a Moment” highlight the region’s appeal to global corporations and startups due to its business climate, tax incentives, and access to talent. Major investments, such as Microsoft’s $3.3 billion data center in Mount Pleasant, will create hundreds of jobs and boost demand for technical talent.
The Lincoln-King Neighborhood Redevelopment Project is creating 33 new townhomes, providing affordable homeownership opportunities to qualified buyers. Construction by KGI Construction Group LLC is now underway. The new homes are adjacent to the new $68 million King Center campus, which includes a health clinic, public health department, and recreation space. Check out the “Lincoln-King Neighborhood Development” video for an inside look at the project’s latest progress.
On June 4, 2025, community leaders, developers, and industry professionals gathered at Gateway Technical College’s iMET Center in Sturtevant for the NAIOP Wisconsin Municipal Showcase featuring Racine County. Presented by Scherrer Construction and hosted in partnership with RCEDC and NAIOP Wisconsin, the event highlighted Racine County’s development momentum. A panel of municipal leaders shared updates on major projects, infrastructure improvements, and strategies to attract business and talent.
In manufacturing, top operators often move into leadership—but technical skills alone don’t guarantee success. With workforce challenges on the rise, strong frontline supervisors are key to retention. Join WMEP’s Carol Crawford for insights on what makes a great supervisor, including communication, trust-building, and conflict management.
Racine County is gearing up for a year of transformative growth, with major construction projects set to reshape its residential, commercial, and infrastructure landscape. From multi-million-dollar redevelopments to new public facilities, these projects will drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance community spaces across the region.