Vision 2017 grants aid Papa Murphy’s renovation

Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N Bake Pizza in Shawano recently received two Shawano Country Vision 2017 matching grants.

Interior improvement and façade improvement grants totaling $7,500 were awarded to Papa Murphy’s to help cover renovation costs at its new location, 1063 E. Green Bay St., Shawano.

Business owner Bart Mattson said the improvements will create 15 to 20 new jobs. Shawano Country Vision 2017 matching grant funds were used toward the complete renovation of an existing building, including siding, signs, parking lot, flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical needs, security system and a cooler.

“Receiving these grants was extremely important to us,” Mattson said. “As with most projects you always run into expenses that you weren’t planning on. The grants gave me a little breathing room and allowed me to complete the remodeling properly.”

Dennis Heling, chief economic development officer for Shawano County Economic Progress Inc., said the project will benefit the community and workforce.

“The jobs Bart has created with his new business are vital to our community, not just for the adult workforce, but for those just starting out,” Heling said. “The part-time jobs provide an opportunity for high school students to get a start in the business world, not only learning and applying important concepts but also guiding and reinforcing responsible behavior.”

The building previously housed Kwik Trip, which moved to 1241 E. Green Bay St. several years ago.

Shawano Country Vision 2017 is a five-year economic development plan. The plan’s goal is to create jobs by implementing specific action steps in areas such as community development, tourism/retail development, and business expansion, attraction and recruitment.