Blind Faith

Dear Friends,

Last September, I watched my nephew race in the Ironman Wisconsin triathlon. While waiting for him to exit the swim, a blind woman came out of the water tethered to a sighted athlete. She ran out of the water, pumping her fists and shouting, “I did it!!!” What an incredible feat.

Imagine the trust that woman placed in her companion—entering the water and following their lead while surrounded by thousands of other athletes. I’ve always described an Ironman swim as an hour-long underwater bar fight. You’re shoved, swum over, kicked, and grabbed. It’s anything but a calm lake swim.

During the 2009 Ironman in Nice, France, I was halfway through the swim when I noticed I wasn’t being touched at all. My heart rate was steady, and I was moving along at my usual slow-and-steady pace. After a few minutes I thought, “This can’t be right. No one is grabbing my ankles?” I popped my head up and realized I was completely alone—I had drifted way off course, practically halfway to Morocco!

Ok, slight exaggeration, but the point remains: the courage it took for that woman to get in the water and complete that swim blind is astounding. What inner drive she must have had.

The day before, during the half Ironman, I saw another example: a visually impaired athlete and her sighted partner passing me on a tandem bike. Over the years, I’ve witnessed many physically challenged athletes racing in Ironman events. Each time, I’m blown away.

That’s blind faith.

I no longer race the full 140.6 distance, but I still love to participate in—or cheer on—athletic adventures that end with those three powerful words: “I DID IT!” Whether it’s an Ironman finish line or a child tying their shoes for the first time, the feeling is the same.

Self-reliance is an undervalued trait. If we were all more self-reliant, many government programs would be obsolete. Too often, government and health care systems tend to make you NEED them. That is not empowerment or self-reliance.

That’s why, when people ask, “Why do you treat patients in a supportive way?” my answer is simple: preventative and supportive care is the best care. It allows me to catch issues early and give patients the tools they need so they don’t end up in crisis. Living from one health crisis to the next is not only miserable—it’s expensive, for both the individual and society.

So take the leap. Find ways—big and small—to challenge yourself. Keep seeking finish lines where you can proudly shout, “I DID IT!”

Black Cumin Seed Forte: an incredibly versatile herb that supports a wide range of health journeys, thanks to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to promote respiratory health and healthy blood sugar metabolism.

God Bless,

Dr. Dan

Black Cumin Seed Forte

Testimonial

Kurt Bassuener, President of MWS Associates, Inc.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.