Sheboygan is a key player in a bold new initiative to reshape the economic future of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region as part of the newly launched Economic Transformation Action Plan: A Blueprint for Economic Growth and Freshwater Stewardship, a binational effort involving 350 mayors across the region. That includes Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson, co-chair of the Cities Initiative’s Mayors Commission on Economic Transformation.
The plan aims to create 18 million new jobs while safeguarding the Great Lakes, positioning the region as the Fresh Coast Economic Corridor — a globally competitive economic zone built on the unique advantage of abundant freshwater.
“No matter the size of the city — whether Chicago, Toronto or a smaller city like Sheboygan — a lot of our identities have been shaped similarly on the water,” Sorenson says.
This shared history is reimagined through an action plan that outlines 17 strategies and 76 actions for local governments and stakeholders, including attracting sustainability-oriented industries, modernizing the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaways and building a clean-energy grid powered by North American resources.
“We’re witnessing wildfires, droughts, intense hurricanes in other parts of the world and U.S., but we’re blessed not to have those types of weather events here,” Sorenson says. “As businesses shift and plan for long-term growth, we know the Midwest, and especially the Great Lakes region, will be a great location for them to grow and expand.”
The plan emphasizes public-private partnerships, with cities like Sheboygan engaging private industry and nonprofits to advance the initiative’s goals. These partnerships will focus on building vibrant, mixed-use waterfronts and ensuring the region’s infrastructure supports both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
“Water-based recreation has long been a driver of tourism in our economy. We need to make sure our waterfronts are clean, the invasive carp population is managed, clean drinking water [is maintained] and resources are protected so new economies can form,” Sorenson says.
Talent tops priority list
In Sheboygan County, the Make Your Mark Program is not just connecting job seekers with employers; it’s laying the foundation for long-term economic vitality. Led by the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce and supported by ARPA funding, this initiative is a strategic investment in the region’s human capital.
The program links career seekers with more than 60 actively hiring companies. With relocation support and access to hiring managers, Make Your Mark simplifies the job search process.
“We provide the database of job seekers, and employers can reach out to them to set up interviews with people who are ready to go,” says Leah Bischoff, transition specialist with the Sheboygan County Chamber.
As of the end of September, the program had 473 active job seekers in its database, an achievement that meets the chamber’s year-three goal ahead of schedule. Bischoff maintains monthly contact with candidates.
“The program has caught on like wildfire as awareness of it continues to grow,” Bischoff says.
Make Your Mark also offers wraparound services that reduce barriers to relocation and employment, such as welcome events, U-Haul reimbursements and apartment tours.
Placemaking branding, developed in partnership with FifthColor, is appearing in more than 800 Midwest and national locations. In the process, it is tying workforce development and economic development together, says Deidre Martinez, Sheboygan County Chamber executive director.
“People are the foundation of business success,” she says. “Without adequate human capital, employers cannot operate efficiently, pursue growth or expand their operations. Likewise, new organizations are unlikely to open or invest in areas that lack a workforce capable of meeting their needs.”
Restoration for the future
In downtown Plymouth, the long-dormant Laack Block buildings acquired by the Gentine family are being transformed. The ambitious project is a family affair, with Louie Gentine and Lee Gentine serving as co-managers. Their vision pays tribute to the original owner, Henry Christopher (H.C.) Laack, who established a hotel at the location more than 135 years ago. The planned boutique hotel, restaurant/bar and banquet facility will bear his name — Henry Christopher — and represent the largest private investment ever made in the Plymouth Historic District.
The future Henry Christopher Hotel will feature a restaurant/bar and soda fountain called The Pharmacy, a rooftop bar named the Mullet Along the Crooked River and spa services on the lower level. Renovation has involved extensive demolition, asbestos removal and structural work to accommodate new weight loads, alongside restoration of the Cream City brick façade, wood features and original windows. The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Wisconsin Historical Society and the National Park Service, ensuring historical accuracy at every step.
“Over the past 30 to 40 years, most of the historical character was stripped away,” Lee Gentine says. “But the buildings themselves, for being as old as they are, are pretty sound.”
The goal for the 2027 opening is clear: “historical, yet evolved,” blending nostalgia with modern comfort.
“Our goal is to be respectful of what was there, what I would describe as nostalgic, but feature elevated comfort that is very approachable, warm, friendly and fun,” Lee Gentine says.
“We are excited to make this investment in downtown Plymouth,” Louie Gentine adds, “as we believe it’s a great landmark and hope to spur additional development in the community.”
