SISTER BAY, WI -- The multi-million dollar pipeline that is the summer tourism industry is about to start flowing in Door County once again.
This is exciting news, say business owners, after tourism spending in the state sees an uptick for a sixth straight year in 2015.
The WI Department of Tourism's report shows that tourism spending is on the rise throughout much of Northeast Wisconsin. But for businesses in Door County, that need to adapt to survive, a 6 percent increase is far more than a figure.
In Northern Door county, where slow winters mean closed doors for many shops, and restaurants, summer is all about bringing your "a game."
"We're at the low part of the beginning," smiles Gary Scheuerman, of the Door County Bakery just north of Bailey's Harbor. "Everybody's coming back at this point in the game, opening up, hiring their staff."
"I had somebody drive in from Madison last week for our wine collection," laughs bakery owner Don Thompson, standing alongside his wife, Jean, "I said, 'don't you have a wine store in Madison?' he says, 'yes, but it doesn't have the breadth or depth,'" he adds, enjoying the statement once more.
"The hours are intense. The time is intense," adds Scheuerman, "the contact with people is intense."
At Door County Bakery, Scheuerman says they're about to whip up and dish out the bulk of their business in the coming months.
"At least 75%-80% of your year market," adds Scheuerman, "first flash of the Memorial Day weekend."
It's a workload that many say would be next to impossible without a stream of seasonal employment.
"So many kids from the European market on J-1 Visas," says Scheuerman, "It's a huge help for Door County, and I think it's a big part of Door County's survival."
But Scheuerman says a 6% increase in tourism spending, amounting to $333 million for Door County in 2015, doesn't guarantee success.
To survive, businesses need to be constantly adapting to demand.
"Shipping becomes an issue at times," laughs Scheuerman, explaining how on-line orders are also increasing demand for their goods. "Everybody has to reinvent themselves. You can't be lax. You've got to be on the ball."
The Department of Tourism's report shows tourism is spending reached $12 billion in Wisconsin last year. That's an increase of 500 million from the year before.
