Kohler Energy will rebrand the power systems and engines divisions to ‘Rehlko’ by the end of the year.
SHEBOYGAN – October is underway, but first a recap of some business stories you might’ve missed last month.
Business and development news in September covered Kohler Energy’s plan to rebrand, the closing of a historic gay bar and the passing of a prominent Kohler Co. figure.
Plus, the city purchased several properties for future projects
Kohler Energy rebrands as independent company
Kohler Energy, previous part of Kohler Co., announced its rebranding as “Rehlko” as it moves forward as an independent company.
The new company rearranged the letters in Kohler, which Rehlko CEO Brian Melka said, “reflects the reliability, resolve, reinvention and resilience that have been — and will remain — the hallmarks of this organization in addressing the ever-evolving distributed energy needs of the marketplace.”
The power systems and engines division will be rebranded by the end of the year.
Historic Blue Lite bar closed after 32 years
Blue Lite, Sheboygan’s longest-running gay bar, closed at the end of August as it prepared to rebrand as a live music venue, Bohéme, expected to open Oct. 12.
Owner Hans Graf, who owned the bar for nine years, said Sheboygan doesn’t need the Blue Lite anymore because more businesses and spaces are accepting.
The bar opened in 1992 and was a place of community and safety for the LGBTQ+ community, according to former employees who spoke with the Sheboygan Press.
Natalie Black Kohler passed away at 74
Natalie Black Kohler, widow of Herbert V. Kohler and a former Kohler Co. executive, passed away Sept. 10 at the age of 74. In a 33-year career with the company, her contributions included several brand campaigns, the Kohler Design Center and the global communications headquarters.
She was active on the board of directors at Kohler Co.’s and several nonprofits, like Sheboygan County YMCA and the Milwaukee Ballet Company.
City purchases properties in downtown, along Commerce Street
The city bought and approved the purchase of land along North Eighth Street and Commerce Street for future projects.
The Common Council bought land housing the Fountain Park Family Restaurant, Inn of Sheboygan and a vacant plot of land for future use. City Administrator Casey Bradley said there is a desire from the developers and the city to maintain commercial use, but he didn’t say whether the restaurant and motel would close.
The purchases of two plots of land along Commerce Street were also approved. The city has previously said it intends to work with a developer on a new housing development on the street, a mix of market-rate apartments and townhomes.
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