Door County hosts a diverse range of industries, from tourism and hospitality to manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. Local businesses include everything from small artisan shops and restaurants to larger manufacturing companies producing goods for national and global markets. This diversity, along with the county’s strong infrastructure and community support, makes it an attractive location for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, fostering economic growth in multiple sectors.
Door County has several major industries that dominate the region. Listed in no particular order, check out our top industries below.
Door County’s economy is driven by a dynamic manufacturing sector. With numerous manufacturers spread across the peninsula, this industry plays a crucial role in providing jobs and supporting the local economy. These companies produce a wide range of goods, from specialized machinery to consumer products, contributing significantly to the region’s economic strength and resilience. The manufacturing sector remains a key pillar in Door County’s overall economic landscape, supporting both local communities and broader markets.
Growing medical centers, rehabilitative centers and senior care facilities support this booming industry in Door County. Door County residents and workers have access to expert healthcare and emergency services. Door County Medical Center is an award-winning critical access hospital located in the county seat of Sturgeon Bay and has more than 175 physicians on its staff. DCMC also has clinics in Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay, and Washington Island, and partners with Prevea Health to provide additional specialty services. Bellin Health and Aurora BayCare Medical Center, both headquartered in Green Bay, also have clinics in Sturgeon Bay, further enhancing the medical options for Door County residents.
Family-owned farms, food processors, and agriculture-related businesses are vital to Door County’s economy, generating jobs and supporting local income and tax revenues. The county’s farmers produce a wide range of crops, including milk, grains, and livestock, as well as fruits like apples and cherries. Door County’s unique climate is ideal for growing vegetable crops and fruit, particularly cherries, which the county is well-known for. Agriculture in the region not only sustains local markets but also plays a key role in maintaining the county’s cultural and economic heritage.
Surrounded by the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is renowned for its natural beauty, charming coastal towns, historic lighthouses, and five state parks. Often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” the peninsula offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping, along with winter sports like snowmobiling. The county’s 19 communities are also home to a variety of festivals, entertainment options, and cultural events, making it a popular destination for visitors year-round. Tourism plays a vital role in the local economy, supporting businesses and contributing significantly to the region’s growth.
The Business Services industry is a vital pillar of Door County’s economy. The industry provides essential support to other sectors, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling local businesses to thrive in a competitive market. From professional consulting and legal services to IT support and financial management, these services foster innovation, streamline processes, and improve access to resources. This industry creates high-skill job opportunities, attracts investment, and encourages the adoption of cutting-edge practices, making it a cornerstone of Door County’s long-term economic development and competitiveness.
Door County’s thriving arts and culture scene contributes to the uniqueness of its economy, drawing in visitors and fostering a creative environment for both residents and businesses. From world-class theaters and music festivals to local art galleries, the county’s cultural offerings not only enhance its quality of life but also support economic growth through tourism and local commerce. This vibrant arts scene makes Door County a distinctive blend of creativity and business innovation, enriching the local economy in ways few regions can replicate.
MWS Associates has leased office space in the Business Center since the inception of our company in 2018 and from 2015-2018 with the previous company that I worked for. The Business Center was the clear choice for us to locate our main office for several reasons: location, cost effectiveness, reliable high-speed internet, services offered and full access to the conference room. It truly offers everything our company needs to headquarter our business from without the hassle of owning our own office building with the maintenance, yard care and snowplowing that goes along with ownership.
A major benefit for us is the ability to host in-person and online meetings in the newly renovated, state-of-the-art conference room. COVID changed many aspects of our business with a major increase in online meetings being one of them. Many companies struggled with technology issues to host or participate in online meetings with poor audio, video quality, background noise and unprofessional business settings negatively affecting meetings. The size, layout and quality of the A/V equipment of the conference room now allows us to host annual company-wide in-person meetings as well. Every October we bring our entire staff in from around the country for weeklong meetings and the conference room comfortably allows us to host 20+ people. The setting also allows us to host on-site meetings with key accounts. Clients appreciate being able to combine a business trip with bringing their family to enjoy a few extra days to experience all Door County has to offer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
