Door County Economic Development Corporation

Improving the economic vitality of the county.

We Can’t Wait to Partner with You.

The Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is a public/private partnership dedicated to improving the economic vitality of the county and its residents. Founded in 1989, DCEDC has been successful in helping existing businesses create and retain thousands of jobs through a myriad of programs and initiatives. Additionally, DCEDC places strong emphasis on fostering entrepreneurial instincts in county residents as well as those who vacation in Door County.

DCEDC partners with companies and entrepreneurs to help build successful businesses in Door County and continuously improve the area’s economic climate. It’s a relationship that allows businesses to tap into the expertise of area leaders, and provides them with access to a variety of local, state and federal resources.

Our Team

Our team is a collaborative group of economic development professionals committed to attracting, growing and retaining business, industry, and labor force to Door County. Team DCEDC provides expert site selection services inclusive of: operational cost analysis, incentive comparisons, workforce studies, connectivity to key resources, and project management.

Michelle Lawrie

Executive Director

Michelle Lawrie has more than twenty years of experience in economic development at regional and local levels. Michelle’s career in Washington, D.C., Arizona and Wisconsin has focused on serving the public interest through economic development, issue advocacy and coalition-building. Michelle began her economic development career at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), in Phoenix, Arizona. After serving in several roles at GPEC, Michelle became the President and CEO of the Western Maricopa Coalition (WESTMARC) in western Maricopa County, Arizona. Michelle later also served as Economic Development / Community Development Director for the communities of Goodyear, Arizona and DeForest, Wisconsin. Michelle has extensive experience working in development of strategies and performance measures for communities and organizations, as well as leading teams toward achieving goals desired by communities, businesses and residents. Michelle is a native of Phoenix, Arizona, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

Devin Vandertie

Director of Business Development

Devin Vandertie enjoys working with entrepreneurs and businesses to help foster economic growth in Door County. She is also passionate about helping nurture the next generation of the community’s workforce. Devin has recently earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and is involved with Leadership Door County, which brings together professionals from diverse business sectors who are inspired to make a positive impact on the quality of life in Door County. A Door County native, Vandertie cares deeply about cultivating a community that is not only a desirable destination, but also an exceptional place to live and to work. In addition to her recent achievement of a master’s degree, Devin is a graduate of Southern Door High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Prior to joining the DCEDC staff in October of 2023, Vandertie was the Laboratory Assistant Supervisor at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay.

Kathy Lasee

Accounting and Operations Coordinator

Kathy Lasee is responsible for the organization’s financial operations, as well as the operations of the Business Development Center in Sturgeon Bay. A Door County native, Lasee graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in music with a minor in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Lasee is a charter member of the Peninsula Symphonic Band and previously worked as a music teaching assistant for the Sturgeon Bay School District. Prior to joining DCEDC in October of 2023, Lasee was the Office Manager of Kevin’s Automotive in Sturgeon Bay. During her professional career, she also worked in the loan office at Baylake Bank (now Nicolet National Bank) in Sturgeon Bay.

Jeff Bruemmer

Physical Plant

Jeff Bruemmer joined DCEDC in July of 2001. Jeff is responsible for maintaining the DCEDC Business Center, located at 185 East Walnut Street in Sturgeon Bay. Jeff was born and raised in Kewaunee and moved to Sturgeon Bay in 1985.

Our team is a high performing service organization, with the mission of improving the economic vitality of the county and its residents. #Team DCEDC has a behavioral compass:

  • We are Driven: We are passionate and driven to excel – always hungry for new challenges and opportunities to achieve more for Door County every day.
  • We are Kind: We serve each other and our communities with respect and civility at all times.
  • We are Bold: We innovate and take risks, so we can keep growing, improving and learning. New ideas and innovative approaches mean sometimes we’ll stumble. DCEDC is a safe place for big ideas.
  • We are Collaborative: Titles are the least interesting thing about us. Service is at the heart of everything we do. We’re in the service business and relish opportunities to facilitate the success of others. Authenticity and collaboration are critical to our success.

2024 Board of Directors

DCEDC Investors

Economic Champion ($61,000+)

 

 

 

Economic Driver ($30,000+)

Economic Partner ($10,000-$29,999)

Diamond ($5,000 – $9,999)

 

Platinum ($2,500 – $4,999)

Gold ($2,500 – $4,999)

Silver ($500 – $999)

Alberts Plastering, Inc.
AT&T WI
Bayland Buildings, Inc.
C&S Manufacturing Corp.
Capitol Credit Union
DeLeers Construction Inc.
Door County Cooperative
Door Peninsula Winery
ERA Starr Realty
Immel Construction
Keller Inc. – Katy Mangin
KerberRose, SC
Peninsula Building Systems
Piggly Wiggly – Sister Bay
Pine Crest Village
Pinkert Law Firm
Roen Salvage Company
Van’s Lumber & Builders

Gold ($1,000 – $2,499)

Alberts Plastering, Inc.
American Transmission Company
Associated Bank
Bank of Luxemburg
Be’s Coffee & Vending Service
Cadence, Inc.
Dan’s Fish
DC Broadband, LLC
Door County Coffee & Tea Co.
Marine Travelift / ExacTech, Inc.
NAI Pfefferle
N.E.W. Industries, Inc.
NWTC
Portside Builders
Pro Products, Inc.
Renard’s Cheese Store
Village of Egg Harbor
Washington Island Electric Cooperative
WireTech Fabricators
Wisconsin Public Service (WE Energies)
Wulf Bros.

Silver ($500 – $999)

Alliance Construction & Design
Bayland Buildings, Inc.
C&S Manufacturing Corp.
Capitol Credit Union
Door County Cooperative
Door Peninsula Winery
ERA Starr Realty
Immel Construction
Just In Time Corp.
Keller Inc. – Katy Mangin
Piggly Wiggly – Sister Bay
Pinkert Law Firm
Roen Salvage Company
Van’s Lumber & Custom Home Builders
Washington Island Ferry Line

Bronze ($250 – $499)

Country House Resort
Door County Eye Associates
Door Landscape & Nursery
Eagle Mechanical
ERA/Starr Realty
Heyrman Construction Co., Inc.
Jim Olson Motors Inc.
Just in Time Corp.
Kellstrom-Ray Agency Inc
Meissner Landscape, Inc.
MWS Associates
Northland Steel Co. Inc.
Peninsula Vision Care LLC
Scaturo’s Baking Co & Cafe
Stoneman-Schopf Insurance
Sturgeon Bay Metal Products
Tadych’s Econo Foods
Woodrow Engineering Co.

Copper ($249 & Under)

Bay Electronics Inc.
Foremost Management Services Inc
Huehn’s Funeral Home
JR Vacation Rentals & Cleaning
Key Industrial Plastics, Inc.
Lampert’s Yards – Sturgeon Bay
North Star Analytics
Stangel Accounting
The Clipper’s Mate
The Harding Group, LLC.
True North Real Estate
Welcome Home Realty
Young Automotive, Inc.

Copper ($400 & Under)

Northland Steel Co., Inc.
Stoneman-Schopf Insurance
Woodrow Engineering Co.
Meissner Landscape, Inc.
Simon Creek Vineyard LLC
Door Landscape & Nursery
Just In Time Corp.
Sturgeon Bay Metal Products
Schmitz Insurance, LLC
The Chop/Lure/Pasta vino
Viking Electric Supply
Door County Brewing Co.
Hometown Bank
Bayland Buildings, Inc.
Dan’s Fish (Sturgeon Bay Cold Storage)
Eagle Mechanical
Flanigan Distributing
Jim Olson Motors, Inc.
Lampert Yards – Sturgeon Bay
MWS Associates Inc.(Bassueners)
True North Real Estate
Washington Island Ferry Line
Northstar Consulting LLC
Stangel Accounting
Waseda Farms
Staudenmaier Chiropractic
Foremost Management Services, Inc.
Tannenbaum Holiday Shop
Welcome Home Realty
Key Industrial Plastics
Door County Lavender & Lemon, LLC
The Cookery
DC Printing
Bay Electric Systems
Van’s Lumber & Builders
Bay Ridge Golf Course
Chapman Technical
Door County Hardware
Peninsula Land Consultant
Going Garbage & Recycling
Huehn’s Funeral Home
LeFevre Tire & Auto
Segway the Door Tours
JR Vacation Rentals & Cleaning

In Kind

Destination Door County
Destination Sturgeon Bay
Peninsula Pulse
Peninsula Filmworks
Stone Harbor Resort

In Kind

Door County Visitors Bureau
MasterCare
Sturgeon Bay Visitors Center
Stone Harbor Resort

History & Milestone Achievements

We are proud of our community impact

In 1988, a Task Force appointed by the County Board completed a nine month assessment of the local economy and presented a revitalization report. At that time the local economy was plagued by the loss of 2,000 jobs and 18% unemployment. Governor Thompson brought his entire Cabinet to the County and conducted a day-long Economic Summit. The keystone recommendation of the Task Force was to prioritize and reorganize our economic development infrastructure. The blueprint for the ideal organization was a not-for-profit business structure, with joint public/private funding, private sector leadership and a full-time staff to lead a diverse economic development strategy. By February 1989, the inaugural DCEDC Board of Directors had been assembled, funding for a couple years of operations was secured and an Executive Director was hired. That started a new chapter in our community’s history, where businesses, jobs and private investment were elevated to a new level of importance.

Door County “Fast Facts”

A vibrant business community nestled within one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the United States, Door County seeks to welcome business and economic development alike.

Over 208 Apartment Units have been completed in Door County to assist with adding more affordable housing options for residents

The DCEDC is a great resource for existing and aspiring business owners, helping more than 100 entrepreneurs in 2018 alone

Door County features a diverse local economy including manufacturing, agriculture, health care, tourism and much more

Door County offers a skilled workforce brimming with mid-western work ethic and pulling from Door County’s active art and cultural community

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