BizTimes Milwaukee | August 6, 2018

METZGER GROWS ACCELERATED ANALYTICAL INTO PRODUCT TESTING POWERHOUSE

plus HOW TO PLAN A SUCCESSFUL GOLF OUTING 25 CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON BROOKFIELD CONVENTION CENTER 30 NEW HOTELS ADD EVENT SPACE DOWNTOWN 32

biztimes.com

AUG 6 - 19, 2018 » $3.25

PERFECT CHEMISTRY

Grow your business with a steadfast partner.

Jessie of Milestone Plumbing doubled her business in two years. How? Through her powerful vision and the help of a trusted business partner from U.S. Bank.

Your company’s goals are important to us. Let’s create a strategic lending plan to work toward them.

866.280.3751 usbank.com/quickloan

Credit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association and subject to normal credit approval and program guidelines. Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association.

Member FDIC. ©2018 U.S. Bank.

“World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.

LOCALLY OWNED FOR 23 YEARS

biztimes.com

» AUG 6 - 19, 2018

4 Leading Edge 4 NOW

BY THE NUMBERS 5 IN FOCUS 6 PROJECT PITCH IT 8 COFFEE BREAK 9 BIZTRACKER 10 BIZ POLL THE PUBLIC RECORD 11 QUOTE UNQUOTE 12 STYLE

14 News 14 HARTFORD INVESTS IN COMMUNITY AMENITIES TO ATTRACT RESIDENTS. 16 THE INTERVIEW

18 Real Estate 34 Strategies

COVER STORY

20

34 COACHING Susan Wehrley 35 MANAGEMENT Christine McMahon LILA ARYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

BizTimes Milwaukee (ISSN 1095-936X & USPS # 017813) Volume 24, Number 9, August 6, 2018 – August 19, 2018. BizTimes Milwaukee is published bi-weekly, except monthly in January, July and December by BizTimes Media LLC at 126 N. Jefferson St., Suite 403, Milwaukee, WI 53202-6120, USA. Basic annual subscription rate is $42. Single copy price is $3.25. Back issues are $5 each. Periodicals postage paid at Milwaukee, WI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to BizTimes Milwaukee, 126 N. Jefferson St., Suite 403, Milwaukee, WI 53202-6120. Entire contents copyright 2018 by BizTimes Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Contents

Perfect chemistry Metzger grows Accelerated Analytical into product testing powerhouse

Special Report

36 HUMAN RESOURCES Cary Silverstein

38 Biz Connections 38 NONPROFIT 39 PERSONNEL FILE

25 Corporate Event Planning

40 GLANCE AT YESTERYEAR COMMENTARY

How to plan a successful golf outing, an update on the Brookfield convention center project, a look at the new hotel event spaces downtown and information on hosting an event at a movie theater.

42 MY BEST ADVICE

2018 GIVING GUIDE F E ATU R E D NONPROFI T

41 AROUND TOWN

OUTREACH COMMUNITY H E A LT H C E N T E R S, I N C.

ROGERS MEMORIAL H O S P I TA L F O U N D AT I O N

PHONE: (414) 374-2400 WEB: ochc-milw.org

PHONE: (262) 646-1646 WEB: rogershospitalfoundation.org

ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis nurtures hope and restores confidence in all those affected by breast cancer. We provide free, personalized information and one-to-one support to patients, families and friends affected by breast cancer, from the newly diagnosed to those in treatment and on into survivorship.

ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis nurtures hope and restores confidence in all those affected by breast cancer. We provide free, personalized information and one-to-one support to patients, families and friends affected by breast cancer, from the newly diagnosed to those in treatment and on into survivorship.

To learn more, visit biztimes.com/giving PRODUCED BY

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

2018 GIVING GUIDE F EATURED NONPROF I T

To learn more, visit biztimes.com/giving PRODUCED BY

biztimes.com / 3

Leading Edge

BIZTIMES DAILY – The day’s most significant news → biztimes.com/subscribe

NOW

Amazon planning distribution center in Oak Creek

By Corrinne Hess, staff writer Online retail giant Amazon is planning to build a 2.5 millionsquare-foot, four-story warehouse and distribution facility that would bring more than 1,000 jobs to Oak Creek, according to sources.

The development, being called “Project Arrow,” would be built in the Ryan Business Park, which is being developed by Pewau-

kee-based Capstone Quadrangle and Fox Point-based General Capital Group southeast of South 13th Street and West Ryan Road, just east of I-94.

Amazon’s logo features a large, curved arrow.

Project Arrow consists of the “development of and construction of a commercial warehouse and

BY THE NUMBERS French manufacturer Jacquet Metal Service plans to invest

12 MILLION

$

to expand its operations in Racine.

4 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

distribution facility serving as an internet retail fulfillment center,” according to plans submitted by Brookfield-based Pinnacle Engineering Group LLC to the state.

Construction of the building could be complete in early 2020, provided the Department of Natural Resources approves the plans.

The project site includes 4.3 acres of wetlands. Sources say Amazon would build on about 80 acres.

Mike Faber, founder of Capstone, declined to comment on Project Arrow or Amazon.

“Nothing is signed,” Faber said. “I have a lot of interest and I am excited about the interest.

There is a lot happening behind the scenes.”

According to documents submitted to the state, Project Arrow is for a tenant that has constructed “numerous facilities across the country.”

The building footprint is 669,000 square feet, with three suspended floor areas that are 639,000 square feet each, for a total of four levels, according to documents submitted to the state.

The building contains a series of mezzanine and platforms that translate into approximately 2.5 million square feet of floor space, the documents say.

By comparison, Amazon has a 1.1 million-square-foot fulfillment center and a 500,000-square-foot

distribution center in Kenosha.

“Amazon is constantly investigating new locations to support the growth and increase the flexibility of its North American network to address customers’ needs,” said Alyssa Tran, a spokeswoman for Seattle-based Amazon.

“Amazon is not yet commenting on any specific plans in Wisconsin.”

If the project is not approved, it would result in a lost economic opportunity to the City of Oak Creek that could create more than 1,000 jobs, according to the documents submitted to the state.

Roadway improvements would also be required to support the project. During peak season, truck counts would be about 350 trucks per day. The building itself will have 1,800 parking stalls.

The City of Oak Creek is considering an up to $30 million tax increment financing district for the business park. Doug Seymour, director of community development for the City of Oak Creek said he did not know about Amazon and if he did, he could not comment.

Multiple sites in southeastern Wisconsin were considered by Amazon for the facility but were eliminated, including Century City Business Park on Milwaukee’s northwest side, Menomonee Falls and Germantown, according to sources. n BizTimes reporter Arthur Thomas contributed to this report.

inf cus IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

ARTHUR THOMAS

Squeaky clean WHETHER WE HAPPEN to look up while walking in downtown Milwaukee, or peer out of our own office window, we’ve all seen them. Real-life Spidermen.

As long as the temperatures are above 20 degrees and the wind is blowing less than 25 miles an hour, they are out there, making sure the windows are spotless.

Erick Rodriguez, 35, has been working out of the Wauwatosa office of Al’s Window Cleaning & Building Services for a little over a year. He likes cleaning the city’s tall buildings the best.

Usually he uses a rope to reach the top of a building, but once it is higher than 300 feet, Rodriguez has to get on scaffolding.

High-rise buildings take about a month to clean. Smaller buildings can be cleaned in four to five days.

Rodriguez and partner Tom Nowak, who has worked for the company for 12 years, recently cleaned the windows at the 28-story Milwaukee Center downtown, swinging from rope-to-rope like spiders, Nowak said.

“There were 40 to 45 guys on that job,” he said.

“We loved the peaks of that building.” n -Corrinne Hess biztimes.com / 5

Leading Edge

BIZTIMES MEDIA – Like us

PROJECT PITCH IT A

ZENZEN YOGA ARTS LEADERSHIP: Therese Bailey A D D R E S S: 900 S. Fifth St., Suite 305, Milwaukee WEBSITE: zenzenyogaarts.com W H AT I T D O E S: Aerial yoga classes and instructor training F O U N D E D: 2012

Bailey helps yogis find their zen

By Molly Dill, staff writer

t 58 years old, Therese Bailey was working a nine-to-five job in corporate marketing at a large Milwaukee company.

When Bailey was laid off, she unexpectedly found herself at a crossroads and decided to take a step back.

“I did that because I was concerned who would pay me what I was making at this age,” Bailey said.

While she took a breather, Bailey threw herself into her yoga hobby. Already certified in hatha yoga, she had been practicing and teaching for several years when she discovered aerial yoga.

Bailey was hooked. She would wake up on Saturday mornings and drive to Chicago and back for an aerial yoga class every week.

“When there’s a fire in you that says don’t be afraid, move it forward, you do it,” she said. ”I was so enthusiastic about it, I knew I had to do it here.”

In 2012, Bailey established ZenZen Yoga Arts in a 1,100-square-foot studio in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood, and she’s never looked back. Students travel from around southeastern Wisconsin for the classes in a relatively rare, acrobatic form of yoga.

ZenZen’s one-hour classes are taught by Bailey, now 66, or one of her four coaches. Each class, which usually costs $22, covers one of four aerial disciplines: hammocks, silk ribbons, lyra hoops or bungee harnesses. On weekends, ZenZen offers 1.5-hour or two-hour workshops, and Bailey also hosts private events for bachelorette parties and the like.

“It changes you from feeling like you’re just doing a fitness class to feeling like you’re doing something artistic,” she said. “I want to have a safe space where you can do backflips, where you can climb, where you can stretch, where

Therese Bailey performing a hip-hang position using an aerial hammock.

you can fly.”

Bailey was a recent guest on entrepreneurship pitch show “Project Pitch It” on WISN-TV Channel 12. Competing against two other area entrepreneurs, Bailey won the Cardinal Stritch University mentorship prize, which included business classes, office space and mentorship from the college.

With the help of the additional training, Bailey plans to launch teacher training so she can get more coaches certified in aerial yoga, while giving herself more time to work on marketing.

While she’s paying the bills, Bailey said she hopes to grow the business with the teacher training revenue.

“My teacher training will allow them to teach at my studio for pay. That’s a choice,” she said.

“I would love to just turn over my classes to somebody else utterly, fully, totally.” n

RESERVE YOUR SPONSORSHIP TODAY! UP TO 4 SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE TO ANCHOR THE PROJECT PITCH IT PAGE AND BRAND YOUR COMPANY AS A SUPPORTER OF STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. Sponsor: 6 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

To Experience Your Leadership Breakthrough, Start By Breaking Out Of Your Routine.

BizTimes Leadership Academy: Executive Be a part of the next BizTimes Leadership Academy: Executive program. This is a unique, five-session program dedicated to supporting and transforming executive-level leaders.

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the area’s best leadership training program. Customized leadership modeling, exposure to other leaders and strategy, discovery sessions, case-study application, and guest CEO speaker forums are just some of the tools we use to make you the leader you want to be. What you experience will positively impact you, your organization and every facet of your life.

Sessions begin September 20, 2018.

Register today at biztimesleadershipacademy.com

biztimes.com / 7

Leaders are Made, Not Born.

Who is Your Organization’s Next Leader?

Leading Edge GenNext COFFEE BREAK

Angela Pecoraro Chief executive officer | Advicent

10700 W. Research Drive, Suite 1, Milwaukee advicentsolutions.com INDUSTRY: Financial planning software EMPLOYEES: 236 (160 in Milwaukee) • Pecoraro majored in entrepreneurship for her bachelor’s degree, which came in handy when Advicent split off from Zywave to become its own company in 2013. Pecoraro also has an MBA.

BizTimes Leadership Academy: GenNext

• One year in to the CEO role, she’s reflecting. “It’s been

This is a unique three-session program, designed to support the next generation of leaders with tools that will support them in their current and future roles.

• That curiosity and thirst for learning helped her get to the top. “I didn’t focus on climbing a corporate ladder. Rather, I focused on playing on the corporate jungle gym.”

The success of our organizations will rest with the next generation of leaders - those who are 40-something or younger and known as Generation X and Millennials. This group of leaders is purposeful, adaptable, and openminded to new ideas. They have a different set of ideologies influenced by rapid technological change, shifts in societal values, and appear to have different values when it comes to work.

• Pecoraro favors a transparent, direct communication style. “It’s important that the team understands where we’re going, how we’re going to get there, what’s going well and not going well.”

• Her mantra: “Making a good decision fast is better than no decision at all.”

• She’s a Milwaukee native now living in the Muskego area with her husband and three kids, 13, 11 and 8. “My husband and I like to spend a lot of time attending our childrens’ activities and sporting events.”

• Roadtripping is her travel of choice.

Pecoraro and her family are headed out east this summer, to Niagara Falls, New York City and a few other East Coast destinations.

• Pecoraro doesn’t drink coffee.

“I’m a tea girl.” n

LILA ARYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Sessions begin October 11, 2018 Register today at biztimesleadershipacademy.com

continuous learning, which is something I’ve always enjoyed. I have been with this business a number of years and it’s provided a great opportunity to get to know the team on a different level.”

8 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

The latest area economic data.

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate rose slightly, to

2.9%

Need a New Recruitment and Retention Strategy?

Why Not Now?

in June.

18,100

The Wisconsin economy added

BizTimes Leadership Academy: Talent Management

private-sector jobs during the first half of the year.

766,192

Attendance at Summerfest was down 8 percent in 2018, with a total of

people attending the festival.

The Milwaukee-area manufacturing index for June was

60.18.

BizTimes Leadership Academy is proud to launch this exclusive, two-day workshop for leaders seeking a competitive advantage to attracting and retaining its talent. Results of this workshop will have a lasting impact on the organization. Outcomes include: • Increased awareness regarding the importance of positioning talent management as a key initiative, • Completed Strategic Talent Management Audit summarizing the health of the organization’s approach to recruitment and retention, and • Defined improvement strategy with proven actionable initiatives that will have a lasting impact on the success of your organization.

Sessions begin September 26, 2018 Register today at biztimesleadershipacademy.com

Any reading greater than 50 indicates growth in the sector.

The number of homes sold in metro Milwaukee was down

8.5%

in June, compared to June of 2017.

biztimes.com / 9

Leading Edge BIZ POLL

@BIZTIMESMEDIA – Real-time news

THE

A recent survey of BizTimes.com readers.

Should electric scooters be legal for use on public streets in Wisconsin?

PUBLIC

RECORD

No:

40%

Calculating Foxconn’s average wage

By Arthur Thomas, staff writer

Yes:

60%

Share your opinion! Visit biztimes.com/bizpoll to cast your vote in the next Biz Poll.

SUPPORTERS OF FOXCONN Technology Group often point to the $53,875 average annual wage the company has committed to paying as part of its $3 billion state tax incentive deal. Critics often question whether the company will pay low wages to most workers and still meet the commitment with a few high paid executives.

Recently released documents from negotiations between Foxconn and the state show the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. initially wanted to place a $100,000 cap on wages counting toward the average. Foxconn argued there should be no cap at all. WEDC expressed a willingness to raise the cap to $200,000 and then to $250,000. When the deal was ultimately signed, the cap was set at $400,000, giving the company additional flexibility in meeting its commitment.

For its part, Foxconn says 70 percent of its workforce will be knowledge workers, presumably with a higher wage, and the lowest starting average wage is nearly $48,000. The company is also paying 100 percent of individual health insurance, according to state documents.

Cap on wages considered for average $100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

65.0%

85.5%

89.0%

93.5%

Success story #3. TJM Innovations.

“We’re happy Ixonia Bank values women-owned business.”

TJM Innovations is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise.

Thanks to help from Ixonia Bank, Julie and Ted McNamara were able to purchase their 104,000 square foot warehouse and the equipment needed to diversify and expand their business from fabricator to manufacturer.

Read the whole success story at: ixoniabank100.com

Celebrating 100 years of helping 262.567.7509 10 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

ixoniabank.com

succeed Percent of workers Foxconn could pay $30,000 while still averaging at least $53,875

“ QUOTE

unQUOTE

”

A NA N YA A N D A NJA NA M U R A L I F O U N D E R S , E D U C AT E , E N G A G E , E M P O W E R I N C .

Sisters Ananya and Anjana Murali are recent recipients of the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast’s Young Women of Distinction Award, and were the keynote speakers at its Celebrate the Promise event. With a Rotary International grant, they cofounded Educate, Engage, Empower Inc., which has led more than 17 anti-bullying and peace workshops for students in India and the U.S. They moved from India to Montana when they were young children, and later moved to Wisconsin. n

Anjana: “The year is 2001. I was just starting kindergarten in a new country… As a shy kid, my social skills were not the best for making new friends, and my classmates didn’t make it any easier. Most of them avoided me because of my skin color.”

CR

ED

I T:

ALE

X SC

HNE

ID ER

Anjana: “If we mobilized girls to take action on issues they were passionate about, we could make a huge impact and inspire others to work toward a common goal.”

Ananya: “When the 9/11 attacks occurred, the small Indian community in Montana became scapegoats for the event: our car windshields were smashed, we couldn’t go grocery shopping without being harassed, and people yelled at us to go back to where we came from.”

Ananya: “Gender equality is a major problem, but it is not predicted to be achieved for another two decades.”

Anjana: “We have helped more than 5,000 students realize the value of their unique qualities and gain confidence in themselves, and we’re not done.

Without Girl Scouts, we would not be the young women we are today.”

Anjana: “The fact is, most of a girl’s life is co-ed. But creating a girl-inclusive safe space promotes support among girls, and teaches them skills to grow and adapt to any environment.”

biztimes.com / 11

Leading Edge

BIZTIMES MEDIA – Connect

glasses BLAKE KUWAHARA “SCARPA” $609 at Metro Eye, Milwaukee Available with clear or tinted lenses, the frame’s inner silhouette is encased in a unique outer shape. It is shown here in chablis fade, but it also comes in turquoise fade, crystal and graphite.

MODO EYEWEAR DEREK LAM 284 $543 at Bronze Optical, Milwaukee This medium-sized round frame is plated with 18-karat gold, and its front is lined with genuine red leather.

Made in Japan, the unisex frame is a modern take on the classic 1970s roundshaped look.

RONIT FURST CUSTOM FRAMES $359 at Specs Appeal, Glendale Hand-painted in Israel, this acetate-based frame is detailed with a silver leaf texture and comes in 12 different color combinations.

FRANCIS KLEIN “GOMBO” $995 at Optix on Downer, Milwaukee This limited edition frame is handmade in Paris and detailed with gold butterflies and bejeweling around its outer corners.

12 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

PRESENTS:

2018

Nominate Today!

2018 Awards Categories

Call for Nominations BizTimes Media presents the fourth annual awards program to salute southeastern Wisconsin’s best corporate citizens and most effective nonprofit organizations.

The awards will shine a light on excellence in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. The recipients of the awards will be saluted at a breakfast program on November 2nd, 2018.

Nominate the people and for-profit organizations who are making a positive difference in the community by donating their time, talent and treasure. Nominate the nonprofit organizations that are making the region a better place to live, work and play. Self-nominations also are encouraged!

Corporate Citizenship Awards • Corporate Citizen of the Year • Next Generation Leadership • In-Kind Supporter • Corporate Volunteer of the Year • Lifetime Achievement Nonprofit Organizations, Leadership & Support Team Awards • Nonprofit organization of the year (Small & Large Categories) • Nonprofit Collaboration of the year award • Nonprofit Executive of the Year • Social Enterprise

Submit your nomination at biztimes.com/npawards Nomination deadline: September 6, 2018 Event date: November 2, 2018 biztimes.com / 13

BizNews FEATURE STORY

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, Hartford’s new downtown hotel, opened in June.

Hartford investing in community amenities to attract residents

By Corrinne Hess, staff writer HARTFORD, a small bedroom community 45 minutes northwest of downtown Milwaukee, is the second-fastest growing municipality in Wisconsin.

Home to more than 60 industrial businesses, Hartford companies employ nearly 8,000 people – more than half of its population of 15,000.

But despite its workforce, the city experienced economic challenges following the Great Recession, with businesses migrating from the historic downtown core and an aging housing stock.

Over the past decade, Hartford’s major employers, which include Signicast LLC, Broan-NuTone LLC, Steel-Craft Corp. and a Quad/ Graphics Inc. plant that employs more than 1,000 people, have asked the city to redevelop the downtown as a way to help them attract and retain employees.

“Employers were concerned about the lack of retail activity downtown and also the number 14 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

of empty storefronts,” said Tom Hostad, executive director of the Hartford Area Development Corp.

“Oftentimes when you are recruiting, there is also a spouse who is looking, as well.”

Three years ago, the city, HADC, Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce and The Historic Downtown Hartford Business Improvement District hired urban planners Vandewalle & Associates Inc. to conduct a downtown opportunity analysis.

The result has been two catalytic projects in downtown Hartford and more than 300 new apartment units either opened or planned within the past two years.

“For years the city has invested in downtown, so now this is the next step, to have a vibrant Main Street,” said Scott Henke, executive director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce.

The city has spent approximately $60 million on civic amenities, including a $10 million library that

opened in 2012 and a $7 million aquatic center that opened in 2016.

Hartford also helped to finance the Schauer Arts Center, which is housed in a former canning factory built in 1919. The regional arts center opened in 2001.

Doing so has landed Hartford on countless “best places” lists for the city’s quality of life.

Still, employers were asking for more.

“There were a lot of woes around being able to attract workforce, as the baby boomers are beginning to retire and will be replaced with younger workers,” Hostad said.

One of the first requests was a business hotel. In mid-June, Hartford’s first “catalytic project,” a downtown hotel, opened.

“We had a Super 8 and an AmericInn, but those types don’t resonate with the business traveler,” Hostad said. “We were not trying to put another hotel out of business, but we wanted to bring

in something that didn’t exist.”

The Cobblestone Hotel & Suites is located off Highway 60, just blocks from North Main Street.

The 60-room hotel features its own restaurant, Wissota Chophouse.

Cobblestone Hotels LLC is an upper-midscale hotel brand based in Neenah with more than 135 hotels in 18 states. The hotel was built by BriMark Builders LLC and is operated by WHG Companies LLC, both based in Neenah.

Before the Cobblestone opened, many business travelers stayed in West Bend or Menomonee Falls. Now guests can stay locally, eat at local restaurants and spend money locally, said Steve Volkert, Hartford city administrator.

Hiring younger workers also means needing a place for them to live.

In the past two years, Hartford has gotten its first multi-family developments, with 240 new units and another 74 planned.

The first three projects – Wilson Heights Apartments at 844 E. Loos St., Oriole Ponds Apartments at 400 Whistle Drive, and the Birch Crossing Apartments at 800 Liberty Ave. – each have about 88 units, Volkert said.

The buildings are renting as fast as developers can build them, with Birch Crossings planning additional phases, Volkert said.

A fourth apartment development at a vacant site on the north side of downtown, which the city is calling its “north bookend,” is expected to be Hartford’s second catalytic project.

The project, a four- and five-story, 74-unit apartment building at West State and North Main streets, is being developed

by Brookfield-based Brayton Management Co. Inc. The north bookend project was originally approved by the city council in May, although there have been several changes to the size, Volkert said.

Once construction does begin, a long-vacant site will be gone and city officials hope the development will create more activity downtown.

The retail vacancy rate of downtown Hartford is less than 15 percent, according to the Vandewalle & Associates study.

Walking down Main Street in Hartford, storefronts include Scoop Deville Ice Cream Shop, coffee shop Perc Place, gift shop The Local Collective and the wellknown Mineshaft Restaurant.

The HADC and the chamber are now looking at some of the vacant storefronts as possible spaces for retail or restaurant incubators.

They would also love to attract a craft brewery.

One of the vacant downtown buildings formerly housed a restaurant and still has a commercial kitchen. The chamber and HADC are working together to figure out a way to create a shared kitchen model so a food incubator could be started.

“We would love to see more restaurants downtown,” Henke

said. “Even if we could park food trucks there. We’re throwing out all kinds of ideas.”

The group hopes once the north bookend is complete and more people are living downtown, retail and restaurants will follow.

Hartford residents Danny and Wendy Dulak have already begun to invest.

In October 2015, the couple began thinking about the second half of their life. Danny was working as a vice president of a software company, and was ready to be his own boss. Wendy loved old buildings, design and vintage treasures.

It took some convincing, but after touring two historic buildings in downtown Hartford, the Dulaks purchased what is now known as the Welsch Building, 100 N. Main St., and the Hilt Building, 10 S. Main St. With their company, Second

Danny and Wendy Dulak bought the Welsch building for redevelopment.

Chance Ventures LLC, the couple rehabbed the Hilt Building first, putting two commercial storefronts on the street level and one in the basement level. The two upper levels have five fully renovated apartments, which are rented.

The two commercial storefronts are also leased.

They are now beginning to renovate the Welsch building, which will also have three retail spaces and five apartments.

“I hate to say the downtown

is being revitalized, because that implies there is something wrong with it,” Danny said. “Hartford is seeing what a lot of areas are – people want to be in the downtown area and within walking distance of what is going on. I just think it is happening a little later here.”

Danny said he is excited about the changes coming to Hartford.

“I feel like we are on the cusp of things,” he said. “I’m happy to be a part of it. I hope I can be a small catalyst of the things to come.” n

The Future 50 have landed!

MMAC’s Council of Small Business Executives invites you to the

AWARDS LUNCHEON Keynote Speaker:

JOE SCANLIN CO-FOUNDER & CEO

SCANALYTICS, INC.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | THE PFISTER HOTEL

Register at www.mmac.org/calendar.html Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Media Partner

The Future 50 Awards Program is a service of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) and its Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE). biztimes.com / 15

BizNews

the

Interview

AS OF JULY 1, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee in Mequon assumed

operations of Columbia Center Birth Hospital. The board of the former independent birthing hospital, which has been located on the Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee campus since 2007, decided to cease operations and transfer its services to Ascension, citing long-term financial considerations. The adoption of the birthing hospital is one of several moves positioning Ascension for growth in the Ozaukee County market. BizTimes reporter Lauren Anderson recently spoke with Kelly Elkins, president of Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s, about the health system’s plans.

What does the adoption of the birth center mean for Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s?

“We have been operating as two separate hospital entities, sharing a campus, but now that service and operation is under the management and operation of Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s. For us, it is important because we want to ensure access to obstetrical care to the community.

We felt it was important to maintain access and not just look at the status quo, but to look to the future. Ozaukee County and that surrounding service area continue to grow and we want to make sure that we have a vibrant program for that community.”

How do you see Ascension growing services there?

“We’re expecting around 500 deliveries (per year) at the site, but we’re looking to the future of how we can grow even beyond that number. We have the capability to do more deliveries than that on the campus, so the infrastructure is there to support it. For Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s, we’ve been in the baby business for many years at our Milwaukee campus so it’s a great extension for our patients to have multiple options within the CSM grouping of facilities. If the Milwaukee campus isn’t the right fit for them to deliver, they now have that option within the network in Ozaukee County.”

LILA ARYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

What about concerns from those who liked the independent hospital experience?

Kelly Elkins President Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Employees: 3,540 columbia-stmarys.org 16 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

“Our intention is to maintain the best parts of the Columbia Center Birth Hospital legacy and reputation. The birth center has a very unique patient experience – we offer a doula program, there is a higher rate of natural childbirth delivery, it’s set up in a different physical environment that’s much more akin to a home environment. It’s unique. The biggest concern from folks would be: Is the experience going to change? Are these unique opportunities to have this more natural birth experience going to change? And that’s a resounding no. There are aspects of the care that was provided there related to sterilization that, as part of the Ethical and Religious Directives we follow, we cannot continue to offer.

But we have worked with our physicians in a collaborative manner so that they know what their options are.”

How else is Ascension expanding services in Ozaukee County?

“In February, we opened an urgent care center in Grafton. Since that opened, we’ve seen 1,918 patients; 47 percent of those were new to our system, which was the plan. We wanted to enhance access to our system to the community. It’s quick access, easy in-and-out, a lower cost point than a traditional emergency department visit. But again, it helps foster that growth and makes them aware of Ascension and CSM in the community.

“In late spring, we launched our geriatric-friendly emergency department. Roughly 42 percent of the patients we see at CSM Ozaukee are in the 65+ age range. ...We crafted the ED from a physical and aesthetic environment standpoint to be more soothing and safe for patients.” n

Real Estate

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY – The week’s most significant real estate news → biztimes.com/subscribe

Jeffrey Koenig is planning to redevelop the historic warehouse at 419 W. Vliet St. into a restaurant with a rooftop bar.

Haymarket Square comes into its own

FOUR YEARS AGO, two separate developers put two warehouses in Milwaukee’s Haymarket Square neighborhood under contract.

Jeffrey Koenig, chief executive officer of The Sigma Commercial Cos., purchased a three-story 7,500-square-foot historic ware-

house at 419 W. Vliet St. He planned to use the building as an office.

Blair Williams, president of WiRED Properties, bought the National Ace Hardware store building at 1303 N. Fourth St. with Sean Phelan of Phelan Development.

The two were eyeing the building for a large-scale office development with ground floor retail.

When the Milwaukee Bucks announced plans for a $500 million arena, plus another $500 million in mixed-use develop around the arena in the Park East Corridor, suddenly, the quiet Haymarket Square neighborhood, located just north of the corridor, got more interesting.

Koenig is now planning a speakeasy or wine bar in the lower level of his building, a first-floor restaurant, an event space on the second floor and a rooftop deck similar to the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in the Historic Third Ward.

St. Charles, Illinois-based Windy City Motorcycle Group is planning to open downtown Milwaukee’s first Harley-Davidson dealership in more than 70 years at the National Ace Hardware building.

Despite being located immediately north of downtown, Hay-

JON ELLIOT OF MKE DRONES LLC

BIRD’S EYE VIEW: N O R T H W E S T E R N M U T UA L

18 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

OVER THE PAST YEAR, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. has changed Milwaukee’s skyline with the addition of a new corporate headquarters and an apartment tower.

The company opened a 1.1 million-square-foot, 32-story office tower in August 2017, preserving 1,100 Northwestern Mutual jobs in downtown Milwaukee, and also created space for approximately 1,900 new jobs.

During the five year construction of the tower, development across downtown flourished, with the 833 East office tower, Westin Hotel and Bucks arena all open or under construction.

This month, Northwestern Mutual’s $100 million, 35-story luxury apartment building at 777 N. Van Buren St. will be complete. The 310-unit building, 7Seventy7, is Milwaukee’s first new apartment tower in six years. It features 310 units, including 14 penthouses, and 10 stories of parking.

WHO REALLY OWNS IT?

market was for years visually and psychologically blocked from the heart of the city while the Park East Freeway stood. When the spur was demolished, beginning in 2002, it was replaced by an at-grade, sixlane West McKinley Avenue. Some real estate professionals anticipated development would occur in the Haymarket neighborhood. But as the Park East Corridor remained vacant for years, there was also little development activity in Haymarket.

Now that the Bucks are moving forward with development for the Park East Corridor, Haymarket has begun to follow suit and will continue to attract new development, said James Barry III, president and chief executive officer of The Barry Co., which has its office along the corridor. Barry said he sees the Haymarket neighborhood as a potential mini-Third Ward or Walker’s Point.

“Every property within that area right now is somewhat in play,” Barry said. “We’ve already seen this area fairly active for the last few years, but there are still several buildings ripe for redevelopment. I see this not only as an area for entertainment, but for light manufacturing or office.”

The neighborhood is bordered

by West Juneau Avenue on the south, West Walnut Street on the north, North Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and Schlitz Park on the east, and North Sixth Street on the west.

The neighborhood includes older industrial properties, Golda Meir School for gifted and talented students, and several nonprofit organizations, including Sojourner Family Peace Center, First Stage, the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Boy & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. The neighborhood is also home to J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.’s Milwaukee office.

Deshea Agee, executive director of the Historic King Drive Business Improvement District, said attracting more business to West Walnut Street and continuing to strengthen North King Drive would be beneficial for the area.

“Haymarket is really a walkable neighborhood,” Agee said. “It

would be nice if we could bring in more food establishments that could bring people from the Hillside neighborhood across the street.

That, coupled with what is happening with the arena district and King Drive, really brings it all together.”

Downtown Milwaukee and some of its surrounding neighborhoods have experienced a development boom since the end of the Great Recession, but the prosperity has not benefited the near north side neighborhoods, Williams said.

Williams said he would like to see Haymarket Square remain rooted in its industrial history, but be developed to include more amenities to serve the people who live there.

“Haymarket isn’t full of beautiful old warehouse buildings like the Third Ward,” he said. “And it won’t be a place for $100 million luxury apartment proposals. I think that is good. I would suggest we are more innovative.”

Bob Monnat, partner and chief operating officer at Mandel Group Inc., does not think Haymarket should be a continuation of the Milwaukee Bucks arena district.

Monnat said the neighborhood’s nonprofits have created a great family environment, which should be kept intact.

“Development should be conceived as a family-oriented neighborhood so kids can walk, or ride bides to their violin lessons, or they can ride their Bird scooter to the Y,” Monnat said. “This is an area that should really be thought through and not squandered.” n

ARTS @ LARGE A three-story, 128-year-old building at the southeast corner of Washington and Fifth streets in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood is being transformed into the new home for Arts @ Large.

Arts @ Large, the nonprofit organization that provides arts education for Milwaukee Public School students, purchased the historic building in 2017 to expand. It is currently leasing 3,000 square feet two blocks north, at 908 S. Fifth St. The $6.2 million renovation project will include a gallery to showcase student art, an art-making center, public event space, a culinary arts training center, nonprofit incubator studios and public event space. The new space is expected to open in the fall.

ADDRESS: 1100 S. Fifth St. OWNER: AAL Community Center LLC, registered to Arts At Large Inc. ASSESSED: $218,000

PRESENTS:

SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, October 11, 2018 3:30-5:00 PM Italian Community Center

CORRINNE HESS Reporter

P / 414-336-7116 E / corri.hess@biztimes.com T / @CorriHess

SPONSOR:

biztimes.com / 19

STORY COVER

PERFECT CHEMISTRY METZGER GROWS ACCELERATED ANALYTICAL INTO PRODUCT TESTING POWERHOUSE

BY LAUREN ANDERSON, staff writer Before a facial tissue is used and discarded in the trash, and even before a shopper picks the tissue box off the shelf at a store, technicians in precise temperature-controlled rooms are seeing to it that every aspect of the product is just right.

Qualities like absorption and the capacity of a tissue, however seemingly insignificant, all contribute to paper product manufacturers’ ability to ensure reliability, which translates to brand loyalty.

A major Fortune 500 consumer product manufacturer looks to Accelerated Analytical Laboratories Inc., a testing laboratory on Milwaukee’s northwest side, to help determine the specifications of its products.

“If you have a tissue and you blow your nose, and all the sudden it’s all over your hand, that was a poorly manufactured tissue,” said David Metzger, chief executive officer and president of AAL. “There’s a tremendous amount of science that goes into it. We help companies determine those physical properties of consumer goods that can be built into a product to make it reliable in the consumer’s eyes.”

AAL, a company Metzger launched from the garage of his Wauwatosa home 13 years ago, has found its niche in the testing market and landed major clients not only by doing the analysis they need, but also by doing it faster than competitors.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Before securing a 20,000-square-foot lab at 9075 W. Heather Ave., Metzger had a 600-square-foot garage from which he developed testing and analysis methods for clients as a side gig.

Metzger, who grew up thinking he would become a doctor, instead found his professional path in lab work. A 1994 microbiology graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College, Metzger worked as a technician in a few different laboratories, where he identified a need among clients. Of course clients wanted testing to be completed punctiliously, particularly those in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration market. But Metzger also learned clients needed those results returned quickly.

20 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

ACCELERATED ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES 9075 W. Heather Ave., Milwaukee FOUNDER: David Metzger, president and CEO NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 30 WEBSITE:

acceleratedlabs.com

biztimes.com / 21

LILA ARYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

LILA ARYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

STORY COVER

Th

tr y a re e c h e m is

a o f Acce

le rate d A

n

a b o ra a ly ti ca l L

to ri e s .

“Accelerated (Analytical) was born out of those two ideas,” he said. “I found a way to have the exact precision needed for the FDA market and combine that with the rapid turnaround and customer service that the environmental market needed.”

After about 10 years in the industry, Metzger decided he could deliver on both of those needs.

In 2005, while working his full-time lab job, Metzger began to develop testing and analysis methods and sell them to clients on the side.

Metzger’s first client was a manufacturer of consumer products seeking testing on one of its Vasoline-like cream products to determine the amount of petrolatum and benzyl alcohol in it.

From his garage, Metzger created a jerry-rigged piece of equipment assembled from inexpensive parts he bought online and used chromatography separation to deliver the results to the client.

He picked up more and more clients from there, until he had enough to quit his day job and take the business full time.

Entrepreneurship runs deep in Metzger’s family, tracing back to his grandparents, who started their own business after emigrating from Hungary to the United States. His late father, Andrew Metzger, was a serial entrepreneur in the area, founding Milwaukee-based Metzger Machine and Engineering Co. with his brothers and sister, and later Germantown-based dehumidifier maker Desert Aire Corp.

“I was brought up in an environment where business was what we did every day,” Metzger said. “...It’s in my genes; it’s always been there. I’ve embraced it.”

22 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

For David and his wife, Deidre Metzger, the decision to venture into the new business came at a time when the newly married couple had just bought their first starter house, with a two-month-old baby at home.

“I was scared to death, financially,” Deidre said.

“I remember thinking, ‘This is a huge gamble. You could start a business, you could invest the money and it could flop in the first year, and then where are we going to be?’ I was very nervous. But he was super confident that he could do it and that he knew what customers were looking for that they weren’t getting in the industry.”

David’s parents loaned him the seed money he needed to get AAL off the ground, and his parents’ kitchen table became his makeshift office. They ended up giving him the hand-me-down kitchen table, the one at which he had grown up eating, to serve as AAL’s first conference table. That frugal approach to acquiring office furniture became a symbol of the company’s humble beginnings.

“We went dumpster diving, literally,” Deidre said. “We would go around in business parks and look to see if they had old file cabinets they were throwing out, we would grab those and throw them in back of a pickup truck. We would find three-ring binders and put duct tape over another company’s logo and write on there. We would reuse everything we could. We used every penny we had to start this business.”

In the early days, Deidre, whose background was in sales, would work full days at her job and help out with the young business at night. David’s mother, Cheri Metzger, helped with sales and accounting. His father provided him business advice.

“We worked long hours,” Deidre said. “There were some days we were up until 2 a.m. finishing

working because it was just a few people working in the beginning, so you had to play many roles. When you start out, you play every role. You’re the janitor, you’re the HR personnel, you’re the marketing director. You do it all because that’s all you can afford to do.”

Deidre, who joined the business full time three years ago to run human resources and now oversees the company’s marketing, was entrusted with naming the company. David’s only preference was that it appear first in the phonebook.

The name “Accelerated Analytical” would prove true not only in the company’s turnaround time for clients, but also in employees’ experience working in the lab.

“It’s so busy that sometimes it will be 3 o’clock and you’ll think, ‘I thought it was 10 a.m.,’” Deidre said. “Things happen in a very fast-paced way.”

A YOUNG COMPANY WITH BIG CLIENTS Accelerated Analytical began working in the environmental testing field with a focus on gas chromatography and liquid chromatography separation techniques. Early on, David’s goal was to establish a high-quality lab that met stringent guidelines.

AAL became the first Wisconsin private lab to achieve a specific accreditation, ISO 170 275, which proved useful in establishing the lab’s credibility with larger clients. That designation from the International Organization for Standardization is considered the most important standard for laboratories internationally, serving as a seal of approval for a lab’s precision and accuracy.

“I wanted to make sure we had a very high degree of quality built into the system early on,” David said. “And it’s really served me well because doing it that way allowed me to get noticed from a lot of large companies who otherwise wouldn’t have looked at a young company like my own and say, ‘Yes, that’s something we want to invest in.’ Some of those large companies have really invested in us

LILA ARYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Acce

n a ly ti c le rate d A

a l p ro

ro b io lo v id e s m ic

gy and c

h e m is tr y

and projects that they’ve brought us have really grown us by leaps and bounds.”

Milwaukee-based Athea Laboratories Inc., a manufacturer of disinfectants, wet wipes, herbicides and insecticides packaged under major brand names for the retail/consumer and institutional markets, was among AAL’s first clients.

Dale Hamann, quality/technical director for Athea, welcomed the alternative to the laboratories Athea had previously worked with, where testing turnaround could be sluggish. For a manufacturer like Athea, which requires daily analytical testing on its products, those delays can be costly.

“When you’re holding onto something in a quarantined fashion in your warehouse, you can’t ship until you get those results back; you’re holding up dollars,” Hamann said.

“When Dave came around and thought about the idea of starting another laboratory that would do analytical testing, we were emphatic about it and strongly encouraged him to go for it,” he added. “He had an entrepreneurial vision of what the market and industry needed for southeastern Wisconsin 13 years ago.”

Within a few years, AAL pivoted its focus to microbiology and chemistry, serving clients in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

“That’s been one of our biggest growth areas,” David said. “Once we got into the FDA microbiology market, that’s when we realized there was a whole community of people here in Wisconsin and more broadly who don’t have access to true FDA

th e fo te s ti n g to

od and p

h a rm a ce

uti

tr ie s . ca l in d u s

and (Good Manufacturing Practice) laboratories.”

Over the years, AAL has landed major clients, including some of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers, consumer goods manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. Besides Athea, David said he is not permitted to disclose the names of any of his clients.

AAL’s lab reflects the diversity of its client base.

In the chemistry area, scientists use an analytical tool called mass spectrometry to determine the amount of Vitamin D in beverages like milk and orange juice and chewable tablets. In that same room, scientists can determine the percentage of ethanol present in an over-the-counter disinfectant wipe using gas chromatography. Down the hall in the microbiology area of the lab, scientists can determine whether salmonella, listeria, E.coli or other types of bacteria are present in a food sample.

In a sealed room – where humidity and temperature are controlled to within a degree, according to Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry conditions – scientists use an instrument to stretch an adult diaper, determining its capacity for elongation and the amount of force required.

For a manufacturer of consumer goods, this kind of testing is important. It translates to real dollars.

“Manufacturers will take that information and make decisions about how they should manufacture their product,” David said. “In this particular case, if they make it too strong, they could lose millions of dollars a day because they have over-manufactured it.”

Working with clients in a wide variety of industries brings an alphabet soup of regulatory standards AAL must meet. David said he decid-

ed early on that the lab would be built to meet the most stringent standards, specifically FDA Good Manufacturing Practice.

“We built so it would encompass all of the other quality programs we have here,” he said. “We’re certified by the (U.S. Department of Agriculture), registered with the (Drug Enforcement Administration), we do (Environmental Protection Agency), FDA and OTC (over-the-counter) work. All of these things have these own ways of doing things, but it’s all underneath the GMP umbrella and that will cover us for everything.”

One of the AAL’s biggest breaks came when one of its existing clients, a large Fortune 500 American consumer product manufacturer, implored the company to bid on a project that was outside of the lab’s wheelhouse – testing on paper products. It was new territory for AAL, but the company went for it.

“The client said, ‘We want you to do it,’” David said. “I said, ‘I don’t know anything about this.’ And they said, ‘Figure it out.’”

In 2017, AAL built out additional space for the temperature-controlled material science testing room and hired on 20 new employees to meet the demands of that contract.

“Richard Branson said if someone presents you with a really great opportunity, tell them, ‘yes,’ and go figure out what you need to do to get it done,” David said. “That’s been my philosophy. I’ll get a team together to advise me on the best way to move forward. Accelerated does a lot of stuff and I’m not an expert in every different area, so we make sure the team responsible for these tasks has experts available to them. A lot of the success that has come to Accelerated is because of that mindset.”

FAST GROWTH Hiring enough people to keep up with new contracts is among AAL’s biggest challenges, David biztimes.com / 23

LILA ARYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

STORY COVER

A n in s tr u

c ti o L e a k d ete

n e q u ip m

ent used

to

a g in g te s t p a c k

m ate ri a l.

said. AAL has about 30 employees currently, but he expects that to grow to 50 within a few months.

Finding people with the right credentials isn’t necessarily the challenge, David said, but rather those who will fit the team culture. Above all, they have to be committed to the founding principles of the business – to get their clients accurate results, and quickly.

“We’re very selective in who we bring on to the team,” he said. “We’re not just looking for hands.

We’re looking for people who can add value to the team they’re serving with. In addition to that, this team has a lot of accountability for their actions. I also give them authority with that empowerment to make decisions. A lot of these people are self-starters; they’re very intelligent. They’re people who are going to ask the hard questions. Sometimes, they will tell us my ideas aren’t the best ideas. They’re here to advise and help me grow the company.”

AAL enjoys a low turnover rate, as employees who are hired tend to stay on board.

“Employees become part of the family,” Deidre said. “People who work for us generally work with us for a long time … We hire people who want to be there, who want to be invested in this company and in this industry.”

In 2016, David started another venture, Accel24 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

ment use

d in te

erated University, aimed at training college students and industry professionals to prepare them for jobs like those within his lab.

He saw a need for more training to fill the gap between what universities are teaching and what industrial scientists actually need to know when operating in a highly regulated market. Universities often skew toward preparing students for research positions, rather than industrial regulation work, he said. He also saw an opportunity in light of the changing requirements associated with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2011.

Through Accelerated University, industry experts provide training on day-to-day operations of a laboratory for newer scientists and specialized techniques for more seasoned employees.

“Universities are not teaching anything like this,” he said. “When we get people who apply at Accelerated Analytical, we spend, on average, three to six months training every employee because of how detailed our work is and the quality we put it into it.”

“Industry looks at a new hire and asks, ‘How much do I have to invest in them so they can do work for me?’” David added. “If we could cut that time down, I believe we could really give new graduating students a huge advantage over a lot of the other people because they’ve already come in knowing it.”

d comp n s io n a n

re s s io n te

s ti n g .

FUTURE GROWTH A new frontier for AAL in the coming year will be the booming hemp market. AAL is currently working with the USDA to become a quality control resource for growers, filling the need for the testing of products’ potency and the presence of pesticides and residual solvents.

“What I’ve seen in researching the hemp market and cannabis industry in general is a lot of people are trying to do very complex testing without the true analytical background to accomplish that,” David said. “That’s where a lot of the danger you hear with CBD oils and things like that is coming from. It’s not a regulatory atmosphere yet. It’s going to become that in the next, say, five years. But it isn’t there yet.”

As the legal cannabis industry becomes more regulated, AAL is poised to fill the need for testing, he said.

“We have the technology, we know how to build these methods,” David said. “We’re used to a regulated market. It’s a very natural progression for us to help this market.”

He has a name for that segment of the company already selected and is working to build a website for it.

Projecting long term, Metzger said he expects to purchase other labs in the future to grow AAL’s offerings to clients, continuing to acquire experts in other fields AAL hasn’t yet charted.

“I’m still a pretty young guy as it goes, and I want to use that to help people who have been in the industry for a while to transition to their goals and take their companies to the next level,” he said. n

Special Report

ARTHUR THOMAS

CORPORATE EVENT PLANNING

Players tee off during The Big One at Ironwood Golf Course in Sussex.

Ace in the hole Successful golf outings come from making the right choices

By Arthur Thomas, staff writer EVERY YEAR, a significant number of businesspeople will spend a portion of some of their workdays on a golf course playing in charitable or corporate outings, or just entertaining particular clients for the day.

Just because they are not answering emails or sitting in meetings does not mean these participants aren’t working. However, the difference between lost time out of the office and a fun, productive day on the links often comes down to the planning by event organizers.

The Waukesha County Busi-

ness Alliance’s annual golf outing, known as The Big One, has grown to the point where it requires a special parking system to fit everyone in to the Ironwood Golf Course parking lot. Even then, cars were still parked on the grass for the July 25 event.

About 350 people attended this year, including 216 golfers, maxing out the number of players the Sussex course can handle.

The outing is at the point now where the only way to guarantee a playing spot is through a sponsorship, and even those spots sell out quickly. The few non-sponsor

spots sell out in hours.

“Especially in the last five years, we’ve seen a huge interest and increasing interest,” said Amanda Payne, WCBA vice president for public policy, who previously led the organization’s event planning.

She pointed to the games, activities and giveaways hole sponsors provide on each tee box as one area where The Big One has found success.

“Our sponsors love this outing because they get to interact with golfers all day long and it’s a really good networking opportunity, and

for us that tends to be the sweet spot,” Payne said.

Making the outing memorable and successful requires plenty of advance planning. The WCBA starts a year ahead of time with booking the course and setting a date. Sponsorship sales open in the fall and then golf registration begins in spring, Payne said.

“Over the years, we have worked that deadline back,” she said. “I always think the further out you can be planning the better, but it takes time to work yourself to be able to be that far in advance.”

Played as a four-person scramble, the Big One serves as one of two main annual fundraisers for the WCBA. The other is a dining event known as Savor the Flavor.

“Planning is key. You can’t start too soon,” said Kim Preston, vice president of treasury management in First Business Bank’s Brookfield office.

First Business takes a slightly different approach with its golf outing. The bank picks up the costs for the event, while participants pay an entrance fee that goes into a prize pool. Two-person teams compete over 18 holes and depending on the size of the field, the top three to five finishers have a portion of the pool donated to the charity of their choice.

Preston said the format gives golfers a say in where their money goes, and also keeps the bank from having to make a decision about which cause to support.

“There’s so much need and so

NEWLY RENOVATED HALL EQUIPMENT AND AV INCLUDED IN RENTAL MEETING ROOMS FOR 5 - 50 BANQUET HALL FOR 40 - 300 FLEXIBLE SETUP CONVENIENT PARKING 750 N LINCOLN MEMORIAL DRIVE• ON MILWAUKEE’S LAKEFRONT biztimes.com / 25

ARTHUR THOMAS

much opportunity,” she said.

To make a level playing field, First Business requires all participants to have an official handicap.

That limits the field – the Milwaukee version of the event had 42 participants this year.

“That’s probably been the biggest obstacle,” Preston said.

But using handicaps also allows for more competition. The First Business event even has live leaderboards so players can track how their team stacks up.

“It kind of creates momentum throughout the day from a competitive standpoint,” Preston said, noting the leaderboards are shut off with a few holes left and the winners are revealed at a dinner after the round.

Regardless of format, Stan Eames, chief executive officer of Brookfield-based software firm GenAlpha Technologies LLC and an avid golfer, said successful events often hit on a few key factors. For starters, they have broad appeal, which means incorporating elements that allow non-golfers to participate. A live or silent auction after the round to benefit charity often accomplishes this task.

Eames said a good meal following a round will often leave a lasting impression and makes players want to come back the next year.

“That’s something that always makes a tournament more appealing,” he said.

Making an outing enjoyable is one thing. Making it memorable

might require taking things to another level. Eames said he once played an outing in Vermont at which players were required to hit a shot wearing full ski attire.

“There were a lot of fun videos or pictures that were taken of that,” he said, noting unique activities or features can leave a lasting impression with players.

Payne cautioned outing organizers to avoid including every activity possible.

“There’s a whole laundry list of things you could do at a golf outing,” she said. “Sometimes people get trapped in the mode of ‘we need to have all these things,’ versus figuring out what’s really working and what’s not.”

The WCBA annually reviews the results of its outing to see which activities are performing the best.

“Every outing is probably a little bit different,” Payne said. “It’s just a matter of figuring out what is the right fit for your audience.”

Payne and Preston both said finding the right golf course is also important. First Business played this year at Blue Mound Golf and Country Club in Wauwatosa, providing an extra draw to attract players, since not everyone has an opportunity to play the private course. Ironwood, a frequent outing host, provides the space and infrastructure to handle a large crowd for the WCBA. Both women also highlighted the importance of providing support to event organizers. First Business and the WCBA both have

Players at The Big One participate in a beanbag toss game on the first tee at Ironwood.

event planners on staff, but the organizations also surround those people with additional help. The WCBA has a golf committee of its members that work on organizing, plus another 50 volunteers the day of the event. Preston said the First Business team rallies around the event to draw in participants from individual networks.

There is always a chance something can go wrong with an event, and the weather at a golf outing presents one major uncontrollable variable.

“You can’t do anything about that,” Payne said. “As long as you know how you’re going to handle it if it happens, or how the course is going to handle it, people can still have an enjoyable day.”

Eames said the ability of players to get the most out of a golf outing can often come down to which group they are in. It is much easier to grow a relationship over a four-plus-hour round than it is with

MEET

just a few minutes before or after the round.

“I think it’s key that you put people together that you want to get to know each other,” Eames said.

Outings and tournaments are a great way for people to get to know each other. Eames said discussing specifics like a pending deal or transaction is often best left to an individual tee time outside of the outing setting.

“You don’t want to spoil the fun by having it be all business,” he said.

But that doesn’t mean there is no room for business discussion at an outing. Eames said before playing a round with a customer, he tries to take stock of the current relationship, what issues may need addressing or any future plans he can share.

“I try to open the door to them talking about that,” he said. “I don’t force the issue.” n

BETTER. EVENTS THAT WORK

©2018 FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY, WISCONSIN

Special Report CORPORATE EVENT PLANNING

DreamLounger seats at BistroPlex Southridge are equipped with tray tables for in-theater dining, but they can also be used during corporate events for note taking or laptops.

Dinner and networking, and a movie Companies use theaters for events

By Maredithe Meyer, staff writer POPCORN, soda and reclining seats are probably not the first things you’d associate with a corporate event. Perhaps coffee, networking and PowerPoints come to mind.

But imagine attending a corporate event where you grab some free popcorn and your favorite soda – maybe even a cocktail – and take your seat in a comfortable recliner. The president of the hosting company makes some remarks at the front of the room while a 72-foot widescreen on the wall behind him vividly displays graphics and information. When the presentation concludes, the lights dim and “Incredibles 2” is projected on the screen for you to enjoy for the next two hours.

This scenario describes a typical corporate function put on

by Marcus Theatres, an arm of Milwaukee-based The Marcus Corp.

Marcus Theatres owns or manages 69 locations in eight states. Its 11 Milwaukee-area theaters host about 200 corporate events each year, the company said, ranging from annual meetings, product pitches and daylong seminars to company-wide holiday parties and client appreciation events.

Equipped with large seating capacities, high-quality audiovisual capabilities, large-screen digital projectors, and food and beverage services, a movie theater is physically just as equipped – or arguably more so – as a traditional event venue.

But movie theaters offer something that hotels and conference centers don’t: the cinema experience.

“There are some real ‘wow’ moments we’re able to provide that are just natural to us as movie theaters, and that no one else can provide,” said Clint Wisialowski, vice president of sales at Marcus Theatres.

As part of his role, Wisialowski oversees the company’s group sales department, a team of five regional account managers and six event coordinators who are responsible for selling and executing Marcus Theatres’ corporate events and other private events, such as birthday parties, school outings and the like.

Corporate groups – both locally-based small businesses and national corporations – in recent years have become a growing portion of Marcus Theatres’ clientele. The

company in 2015 transitioned its group sales and event planning operation from its individual theater locations and placed it in the hands of the newly created group sales department. In the three years since that transition, group sales have quadrupled, Wisialowski said.

Marcus Theatres books events for a variety of companies, including real estate firms, pharmaceutical companies, doctors’ offices, banks, tech companies and nonprofit organizations.

Milwaukee-based Branigan Communications Inc. over the past 10 years has held several events for its clients and their families at Marcus’ Majestic Cinema of Brookfield. Its first event in 2008 featured a screening of “The Dark Knight.” The company has since hosted events built around a variety of highly anticipated films, like “Iron Man” and the recent “Star Wars” films, attracting as many as 450 attendees.

“It reminds our clients of what the company’s values are – that we value togetherness and Midwestern values, and that we’re down-to-earth and have a sense of humor,” said Tom Branigan, chief executive officer. “It kind of

fortifies your brand in the minds of people who attend these events.”

He said the next client appreciation event will be held next year in time for the release of “Star Wars: Episode IX.” Not all corporate events held at Marcus Theatres include a screening experience. Some companies utilize the theaters simply for their accessibility, amenities and features, which are especially geared toward presentation-based events, Wisialowski said.

But most companies that work with Marcus do take advantage of the theaters’ innate purpose, and in that case, the movie is the draw, he said.

“There’s a very high value proposition,” Wisialowski said.

“A movie, a soda and a popcorn – people feel that they’ve really gotten something special and I think it’s a great way, both from a customer appreciation and an employee appreciation standpoint, of telling these people they’re important and they mean something to the company.”

While the holiday party season during November and December is consistently the busiest and highest grossing time of year for Marcus Theatres’ group sales, many corporate events are also scheduled based on the dates of movie premieres. And as motion picture companies have noticed the trend, Wisialowski said, they have started to allow theaters to offer early screenings exclusively for corporate groups.

“I can bring your group in, give you a designated auditorium and show you a film that no one has seen yet,” he said. “Companies are starting to realize that this is what we do, so as films come in, we start booking up really early.”

Such an event allows accommodations only for about 40 to 250 attendees, Wisialowski said, but for all other functions, Marcus can accommodate as many people as the theater can seat, which in the case of its Majestic Cinema is well over 1,000.

As one of the largest Marcus theaters in the Milwaukee biztimes.com / 27

area, housing 20 auditoriums, approximately 1,700 seats and a large kitchen, the Majestic is well equipped for corporate events with high attendance. Its kitchen can produce a wide variety of food and beverage options, which also makes it a prime location for the many groups that value the dining aspect of an event, Wisialowski said.

With five different catering menus available, the event coordinator curates a custom menu for an event based on the location’s kitchen capabilities and the host’s preference. And the sky’s the limit when it comes to food and beverage range – daylong functions often start with breakfast and end with cocktails, Wisialowski said.

Marcus’ new BistroPlex concept, which opened last June at Southridge Mall in Greendale, has become a popular event location, especially for cocktail hours or net-

working opportunities, as its spacious lobby features a swanky full bar and lounge area. Since opening its doors, the BistroPlex has hosted almost 50 corporate events and about six nonprofit fundraisers.

“We have many different groups looking for a way to treat their employees to a different experience,” said Adam Levetzow, general manager of BistroPlex.

With a total seating capacity of 860, the 40,000-square-foot venue may not be the largest space Marcus operates, but unlike other theaters, it doubles as a full-service restaurant, featuring an expanded food and drink menu, as well as in-seat dining service for its eight auditoriums.

From a logistical standpoint, the tray tables attached to each DreamLounger seat could provide a place to set a laptop or notebook during presentations, Levetzow said.

“It’s about the convenience

Take Five Lounge at the Majestic Cinema of Brookfield serves drinks and appetizers, and offers space for a cocktail hour or networking during an event.

Host companies can choose from a wide selection of food and beverages to offer at an event.

of everything being here and our being able to do, realistically, anything for our guests,” Levetzow said. “With the added technology factor, audiovisual and the presentations, it’s going to be the

biggest screen you can get your PowerPoint on, it’s going to be the best quality sound, and it’s going to be the best picture. That would be the best way to ever show a boring PowerPoint.” n

Advertise in these upcoming special reports and get your message in front of area business executives.

Banking & Finance September 3, 2018 Space Reservation: August 15, 2018

Tenting • Tables & Chairs • China Lounge Furniture • Specialty Linen

Marqueerents.com

Entrepreneurship & Family Business

September 17, 2018 Space Reservation: August 29, 2018

milwaukeeteampam@marqueerents.com

Contact Linda Crawford today!

Phone: 414.336.7112 Email: advertise@biztimes.com 28 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

L A K E COU N T RY ’ S GAT HE R I NG PL AC E Our complete property renovations provide a simple yet beautifully designed space for business and leisure travelers. Featuring over 40,000 sq. ft. of flexible banquet and meeting space, we invite you to experience contemporary Lake Country hospitality at its natural, vibrant best.

Formerly Country Springs Hotel

2 6 2 . 5 4 7. 0 2 0 1 2810 Golf Road Pewaukee, WI 53072 theinglesidehotel.com

Special Report CORPORATE EVENT PLANNING

The conference room at Hyatt Place in The Brewery complex can be split into three smaller rooms.

New hotels bring fresh event spaces to downtown Milwaukee

By Molly Dill, staff writer

Gain Skills.

Serve our Community.

We’re recruiting recent college graduates to make a difference for Milwaukee students.

Experience one of Milwaukee’s best entry-level jobs and gain the skills to launch your career!

Learn more at CollegePossible.org/Serve 30 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018 MKE Biz Times FINAL.indd 1

7/20/2018 12:14:17 PM

AT A RECENT networking event at the newly opened Hyatt Place Milwaukee, about 200 executives chatted around a bar on the outdoor terrace overlooking the soonto-open Fiserv Forum (the new arena for the Milwaukee Bucks).

The event, put on by VISIT Milwaukee and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, was the first large one for the Hyatt Place, which opened June 28.

“We’ll have (hotel) rooms open to show and we’re also splitting the mixer with Louise’s catering,” said Jennifer Terpstra, director of sales, who added Greendale-based The Explorium Brewpub and Milwaukee-based Third Space Brewing would be offering beer tastings during the event.

Hyatt Place is one of several newly opened hotels in downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward that have added not only hotel room block capacity, but also new event and meeting spaces to the city.

The six-story, 150-room Hyatt Place, is located at 800 W. Juneau Ave. in the former Pabst Brewery complex. It is decorated with a basketball theme to tie in with the soon-to-open arena across the street. Behind the registration desk is a basketball net backdrop, and basketball-themed artwork is displayed throughout the hotel.

Among the meeting facilities available at Hyatt Place are the outdoor terrace and a 1,721-squarefoot ballroom, which can be divided into three smaller rooms of between 500 and 660 square feet each. The full meeting room can hold up to 120 people, and the smaller rooms generally hold 25 people in a seated format. Costs run from $300 to $900 per day, and event planners can bring in a caterer of their choice for meals.

“We would be positioned more for business clientele because our meeting space is smaller,” Terpstra said. “We’ve booked a few teambuilding events where people are going to concerts over at the Bucks arena. I would anticipate that would continue to grow once the Milwaukee Bucks announce their season.”

One group that’s booked for a two-day meeting in the fall is using the full ballroom at Hyatt Place during the day, and then walking to a brewery tour and the Eagles concert at the new arena in the evenings.

Terpstra said nearby venues also offer options for groups, such as Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub or Pabst Milwaukee Brewery and Taproom, or the planned Good City Brewing taproom and Venue 42, both of which will be in the arena district.

Another recent addition to the hotel market is the Homewood Suites by Hilton Milwaukee, a 94-room hotel that opened Nov. 22 in the converted Button Block Building at 500 N. Water St. Homewood Suites has a 589-square-foot meeting room, which has capacity for 40 guests in theater-style seating, said Lindsay Wolf, director of sales. It can also be arranged in classroom, U-shape or banquet-style seating.

The room has modern décor and a window that brings in natural light.

“We’ve hosted multi-day meetings, we’ve hosted rehearsal dinners, brunches, seminars, pretty much anything that requires an event space,” Wolf said.

Homewood offers in-house audiovisual equipment, including

a screen and an HDMI port that connects to a 49-inch TV, as well as speakerphone capabilities. And it doesn’t have a food and beverage minimum. Those two aspects make it an affordable choice for companies on a budget, Wolf said.

“We do a room rental and then you are welcome to bring in your own food, as long as it’s by a licensed caterer that is approved by the hotel … which sometimes can save a little bit of money,” she said.

The hotel does offer snack break packages for mid-morning or mid-afternoon breaks. The room rental rates are $400 for a full day and $200 for a half day, and there’s a discount if the company rents guest rooms, as well.

Homewood has so far hosted a number of companies based in the Milwaukee suburbs that are bringing in out-of-town clients and want a downtown vibe for the meetings, Wolf said. It’s also right

next to the freeway, which makes it easy to travel to the airport or other destinations.

“Being (near) the Third Ward, it’s very walkable and just a great location. I think that’s what gets our draw,” she said.

A SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel opened at 744 N. Fourth St. in July 2017, and offers three event rooms totaling 1,840 square feet, with a max capacity of 60. It offers both A/V equipment and catering, as well as valet parking.

In May 2017, the Westin Milwaukee opened at 550 N. Van Buren St. It has a 4,800-squarefoot Grand Ballroom and another 5,000 square feet of meeting room and banquet hall space, with total capacity of 366. The hotel offers in-house A/V, caters to special dietary needs and has several environmentally-friendly amenities.

In the suburbs, The Ingleside Hotel, the newly renamed former

Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha, recently completed extensive renovations to its 40,000 square feet of meeting space, offering a refreshed option in Lake Country.

Also in the works are several other hotels slated to open in the next couple of years that will add new event space in the Milwaukee market.

Potawatomi Hotel and Casino is slated to open its 119-room second hotel tower in spring 2019, which it has said will include additional meeting space. The first tower opened in 2014 and has seven meeting rooms totaling almost 9,000 square feet, as well as 381 hotel rooms.

The 200-room Drury Hotel is slated to open at the First Financial Centre, at 700 N. Water St. in downtown Milwaukee, in summer 2019 with more than 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space.

MEET IN STYLE.

Ascendant Holdings plans to convert the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center building into a 220-room hotel, which is scheduled to open in spring 2020 with a variety of entertainment and concert venues, restaurants, and a rooftop bar.

The City of Brookfield and Middleton-based North Central Group are developing a 54,000-squarefoot conference center with an adjacent 168-room Hilton Garden Inn hotel in the Brookfield Square parking lot.

Milwaukee-based HKS Holdings LLC is developing a 120-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel at Milwaukee County Research Park in Wauwatosa.

HKS Holdings also plans to renovate an office tower at Mayfair Mall into a 196-room, 11-story Renaissance Hotel by Marriott, which will include a ballroom, meeting space and rooftop amenities. n

Recently featured in Vogue magazine as the “Midwest’s Coolest (and Most Underrated) City,” Milwaukee is hailed for its “old world charm with a new attitude” that’s “youthful, energetic, and optimistic.”

For groups looking for a new experience Vogue suggests The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, a boutique property that is a charming urban gem. It’s perfectly situated in the Historic Third Ward, a scenic, vibrant, converted-warehouse neighborhood that shines as Milwaukee’s arts, fashion, and culinary center. It is the perfect location for events from 10 to 200 guests.

The Journeyman is two blocks from Milwaukee’s award winning Riverwalk. Paddle Tavern’s new Duffy Electric Boat is just the thing to explore the city by water. It is ideal for team building or an afternoon board retreat. Finish your day with craft cocktails at The Outsider, one of best rooftop bars in the Midwest.

We do delicious with a view!

BOOK DIRECT ON JOURNEYMANHOTEL.COM 310 E. Chicago Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 kimptonhotels.com (888) 536-9008

Special Report

KAHLER SLATER

CORPORATE EVENT PLANNING

A rendering of the Brookfield conference center and hotel.

Construction to begin on Waukesha County’s largest conference center this fall

By Corrinne Hess, staff writer ONE OF THE LARGEST new corporate event centers in the works in southeastern Wisconsin is Brookfield’s conference center and hotel.

The $32 million project includes a 54,000-square-foot conference center and a 168-room Hilton Garden Inn hotel linked by a glass walkway.

Inside, the conference center will include an 18,000-square-foot main ballroom that can be subdivided into two or three rooms, a 6,000-square-foot junior ballroom that can also be subdivided, and a 9,000-square-foot outdoor terrace.

“We have designed this so it can be as flexible as humanly possible,” said Nancy Justman, president and chief executive officer of Visit Brookfield.

The hotel and conference center will be built at the former Sears Auto Center site, just south of Brookfield Square mall.

The City of Brookfield acquired a 9.3-acre site from an affiliate of Chattanooga, Tennessee-based CBL Properties, the owner of Brookfield Square, in a deed in 32 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

lieu of foreclosure action. The city transferred the project site to Middleton-based hotel developer North Central Group Inc., which was selected in October 2017 to own and operate the Hilton Garden Inn. Construction on the conference center is expected to begin in October and it should be open by early 2020, said Dan Ertl, director of community development for the City of Brookfield.

The city is providing the funding for the conference center portion of the development, a total of $24 million, with a combination of tax increment financing, hotel room taxes and possibly a naming rights sponsor, Ertl said. The hotel portion of the project is being funded by North Central Group.

The hotel will open in conjunction with the conference center, said Andy Inman, vice president of development for North Central Group.

Justman anticipates the hotel and conference center will draw some guests from throughout the Midwest, with many coming from across the state for corporate busi-

ness, banquets and weddings.

“We are positioned directly between Milwaukee and Madison,” she said. “And we have the perfect opportunity to go as far north as Green Bay and as far south as Kenosha.”

Other cities in the region have been considering plans to build or expand meeting venues.

The City of Racine discussed plans for a $55 million, 208,000-square-foot event center with an adjoining 150-room hotel along Lake Michigan for more than a year. The three-story, 3,500-seat event center would have hosted a minor league hockey team and up to 175 events per year. But the project ultimately died early this year when the Racine Common Council did not override Mayor Cory Mason’s veto to fund the project.

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Center District has been discussing plans to expand the downtown Milwaukee convention center for several years. However, the district does not have a financing plan for the project, estimated to cost $247 million to $277 million.

Inman said market studies conducted before the Brookfield conference center was approved showed a strong demand for event and meeting space in the west Milwaukee submarket.

“Visitors will come from the Midwest and from across the state,” Inman said. “Even now, they are looking for a type of different venue.”

Greg Hanis, a hotel industry analyst and president of New Berlin-based Hospitality Marketers International Inc., said Brookfield has always been a good secondary conference and convention center market in the metro area.

“Downtown Milwaukee is the primary convention area, but not all groups want to bring their attendees downtown because of parking or perceived crime or traffic problems,” Hanis said. “The suburban markets are often less costly than the Pfister, Hyatt and other downtown hotels.”

Hanis’ company has done market studies on convention centers in the south and north suburbs and found there is not as much of a need for them.

“Brookfield has I-94, which leads directly to Madison, Racine and Kenosha and easily to the Fox Cities,” Hanis said. “It is a very central location.”

Brookfield Square Before starting his own company, Hanis was the director of sales and marketing for the Marriott Hotel in Brookfield, which is now the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel at 375 S. Moorland Road.

Lodging competition in Brookfield has always been with the Milwaukee hotels and with Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha, which was recently renamed the Ingleside Hotel, Hanis said.

“Brookfield still had the advantage because of Brookfield Square,” Hanis said. “With the shopping and proximity to movies and restaurants, it was the whole nine yards.

You could easily sell it to a group who wanted to come to suburban Milwaukee. Coming from northern

Wisconsin with a spouse, Brookfield is a very attractive location.”

Ertl believes the transformation happening at Brookfield Square will give guests a complete amenity package when they visit the conference center.

Over the next several months, the former Sears department store will be demolished and replaced with a Marcus Theatres BistroPlex; WhirlyBall, which is a hybrid restaurant and entertainment center; and several restaurants, including Uncle Julio’s and Outback Steakhouse.

“The amenity package is unparalleled to anything I am aware of in the region,” Ertl said. “On top of that, we will offer free parking, without the hassle of a parking structure.”

The changes at Brookfield Square are expected to open concurrent to the conference center and hotel’s opening in early 2020.

Stacey Keating, a spokeswoman for CBL Properties, said the company believes the hotel and conference center is a great use of the former Sears Auto Center parcel.

“Our goal is to evolve Brookfield Square into more of a mixeduse property,” Keating said. “This will create additional density and traffic. Anything that gives people more reasons to visit and stay for a longer time is mutually beneficial.”

Early ideas Plans were first unveiled to build a conference center in March 2016, although city officials and Visit Brookfield had been working on the project for more than two years.

At the time, the price was between $9 million and $12 million and the site was going to be at The Corridor, a mixed-use development between I-94 and West Bluemound

Road, west of Calhoun Road.

The Corridor site was eventually dropped when it became clear there was not enough space for parking. The city has said from the beginning it wants to have between 400 and 600 parking spaces and would like to avoid having a parking deck.

Coralville, Iowa-based Hawkeye Hotels later purchased 5 acres of land in The Corridor from Deer Creek Development Partners LLC, an affiliate of Milwaukee-based development firm Irgens Partners LLC. The company is building a Holiday Inn Express & Suites and a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in the development. The hotels will have 132 and 137 rooms, respectively, and share a parking lot.

“We’ve explored a lot of options about where this could go and different operating models,” Justman said. “We’ve dotted our I’s and crossed our T’s and feel we

learned a lot about what guests are looking for and what they need.”

The now $32 million hotel and conference project will be paid for in part with funding from hotel room taxes and tax incremental financing district funds, Ertl said.

Other hotels are within close proximity to the Hilton Garden Inn site, including the Sheraton, a Best Western, a Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and an Embassy Suites

by Hilton.

Justman said the additional rooms from those hotels, which total 1,000, will allow for even larger events at the conference center that require overflow space.

Inman does not mind the competition.

“We have worked with Visit Brookfield and this is not just to benefit one property,” Inman said.

“The conference center really will be an economic benefit throughout Brookfield.” n

PRESENTS:

Save the Date!

Thursday, October 4, 2018 7:00 - 11:00 AM Generac Power Systems - Corporate Headquarters SPONSORS:

SUPPORTING:

Strategies COACHING

Signs you lack ‘Gut Intelligence’ And what to do about it Have you ever looked back in hindsight and realized all the signs were there at the tip of the iceberg, alerting you to take action? Can you now see how paying attention to these subtle cues can save you time, money and headaches?

‘Gut Intelligence’ gives us the ability to see cues at the tip of the iceberg and act upon them so we can manage results and avoid harmful consequences. When we lack high Gut Intelligence, we ignore the signs at the tip of the iceberg that tell us danger is coming down our path.

Later, we complain of being blindsided and betrayed.

People with high Gut Intelligence have a curious mind, seek the truth and are proactive to address situations before consequences occur.

Those with low Gut Intelligence miss these cues throughout the day that tell them there will be issues if they don’t proactively address the circumstances. As a result of their passivity, they wake up in the middle of the night fretting over situations because their subconscious mind is trying to get them to pay attention to these subtle cues.

Those with high Gut Intelligence understand it’s important to breathe more deeply throughout the day so they can pause to curiously ponder cues they see. Now we can make sense of what our gut intuitively knew so we can take action in the moment that counts.

When we ignore the pings in our gut, it is because we have an attachment to have things a certain way. This is always because we would rather project onto a situation what we want, 34 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

rather than see reality. While some may say, “the truth will set you free,” the unknown triggers our fear and attachment to safety, security, love and belonging. As a result, many of us choose to ignore the cues in hopes things will improve on their own.

Here are five signs you likely lack Gut Intelligence and what to do about it: 1. You move too fast and lie awake at night.

When we move too fast throughout the day, we likely are missing those subtle cues that show up in body language, tone of voice, the pieces of the puzzle that don’t match up, or the incongruency between words and deeds. It’s okay to move fast, just be sure if you do, you take several “pauses” throughout the day to allow your intuition to speak to you.

2. You go into fight/flight when you see something that is not working. Those who lack Gut Intelligence react instead of respond to situations. This means they see the cues and go into a panic mode and kill the bird in the bush or turn their head and ignore the bird in the bush – instead of just calling out the bird in the bush. Those with high Gut Intelligence are not only able to identify when a situation or person needs addressing, but also able to ponder the question, “How might I approach this to create the change I want?”

3. You hate conflict. If you hate conflict, you’ve likely developed an ability to put rose-colored glasses onto every situation.

This is different than having a positive attitude. This is called denial. Those who hate conflict have developed a strong defense pattern to deny the reality of a situation, so they can avoid the intensity of the situation. In order to improve your Gut Intelligence, practice assertively speaking up when the stakes aren’t as high. This will build your confidence in conflict resolution and ability to approach what your gut knows needs addressing.

4. You doubt yourself. Those with lower Gut Intelligence may trust their gut initially;

however, when they approach others who deny the truth, they second-guess themselves. To improve your Gut Intelligence, detach from outcomes you wish were true and ask yourself, “What do I know is true?”

5. You jump to conclusions fast, without checking out your hunches. Like a great scientist, Gut Intelligence begins with a hunch (hypothesis), and must be tested to ensure accuracy. This means we ask people what they meant and search for greater evidence and meaning before impulsively jumping to conclusions. To increase your Gut Intelligence, check out your hunches to avoid impulsivity.

Challenge: Is there a situation in your life where you can apply greater Gut Intelligence?

Which of the steps above will help you? n

SUSAN K. WEHRLEY Susan K. Wehrley is the founder of BIZremedies and author of the recently released book called, “Gut Intelligence.”

Learn more at BIZremedies.com or contact her at Susan@BIZremedies.com or 262696-6856.

Strategies MANAGEMENT

us/others?) »» Desired outcomes (What do we hope to accomplish?)

Make meetings matter Purpose-driven meetings result in ROI Time is money.

Meetings take time and, therefore, either become an expense or an investment.

How efficient are your company’s meetings?

Do they drive the right results? Do they engage team members in effective ideation and problem-solving? Do they lead to clearly defined action steps? Or are they energy, productivity and creativity zappers?

Senior managers spend 23 hours a week in meetings, yet more than 70 percent feel that this time is unproductive, inefficient or interferes with them completing more strategic work. A study

by Michael Mankins, Chris Brahm, and Gregory Caimi at Bain & Co. showed that 15 percent of an organization’s time is spent in meetings.

How does this compare with your company?

Crafting a rigorous protocol for meetings is not only good practice, but it is also within our control. To get started, consider these disciplines: 1. Send out pre-work with adequate timing and an agenda that includes clear expectations so people can properly prepare.

2. Craft an agenda format that includes the purpose for the meeting, expectations and desired outcomes (modify as needed). Define who will present, how much time they have and importantly, before the meeting ends, define the action steps, owners and deadline.

General meeting format »» Purpose (Why are we meeting?) »» Expectations (What is expected from you/

Agenda topics »» Make a list of the agenda topics, allocate how much time will be spent on each and stick to it. »» Create a list of next steps, assign a leader for them and a due date. Keep an update on their status.

Round robin questions »» What did you like about today’s meeting that we need to continue? »» How could we improve our meetings in the future?

3. Invite only those who are responsible for the work, decision-makers or those who need to know now.

4. Define the meeting leader who is responsible for facilitating and keeping everyone focused and engaged.

5. Create a project roadmap for the group so everyone involved in the project understands the plan and has a clear line of sight about what is expected and can check in regarding progress.

This can be accomplished using a Word or Excel document on a shared drive or a project management software such as Basecamp, Monday or EasyProjects. That information should be sent out within 24 hours of the meeting by the meeting leader.

6. Schedule follow-up meetings. Be sure to invite only those individuals who are needed for the discussion. Updates can be captured via email or the project management software for people to see.

7. When issues arise, bring together only those people who are needed to resolve the issue.

Send a memo to everyone else who may need to know or will benefit.

Consider crafting a code of conduct for meetings so everyone understands how they are expected to “show up,” engage and assist those who detour from the agenda.

Meetings cost money and therefore an improvement creates a return on investment; ask your mid-level and senior leaders to capture the amount of time they spend in meetings for a month and then quantify that time as a cost. For example, a seven-person mid-level managers’ weekly meeting (average salary $70,000/year/ person) costs the company $235 per hour for seven people, or $12,250 per year.

Then ask each manager to identify which meetings, if any, are unnecessary for them to attend. One manager at a financial services company identified three meetings where she could read the meeting minutes instead of attending the meeting; this freed her up to reallocate six hours a week to strategic projects. She was promoted a year later.

Establishing an approach to meetings where expectations are defined, participation required and accountability for deliverables tracked fosters higher productivity, engagement, creativity and collaborative problem-solving.

Let’s make meetings matter. n

CHRISTINE M c MAHON Christine McMahon is a former sales executive for Nabisco, SlimFast and Procter & Gamble. She offers sales and leadership training, conference keynotes, and executive coaching. She can be reached at (844) 3692133 or ccm@christinemcmahon.com. biztimes.com / 35

Strategies HUMAN RESOURCES

»»

Job-seeking advice for out of work execs Support group can help Each Wednesday morning in a quiet corner of Mequon, a group of executive job seekers meets at Lumen Christi Catholic Church. The sole purpose of this group is to assist unemployed executives/job seekers in finding their way back into the workplace.

No fees, only caring, non-judgmental support from their peers served with hot coffee and a donut. Since 2002, the Lumen Christi Employment Network has assisted more than 700 attendees in finding their way back into the workplace. Some of the attendees have used these resources more than once and belong to multiple support and networking groups. These alumni have become a valuable resource to future group members and nodes on LCEN’s ever-expanding network.

Members attend the weekly meetings and openly share their successes, setbacks and lessons learned. The group then provides feedback and suggestions on how to improve and focus their search.

Some of the lessons shared are as follows: »» Network with the temp agency or recruiter; keep yourself visible and available. You should maintain contact with your recruiter and ask to be kept up on their efforts on your behalf. You want to keep them aware of your status and desire to find a job. »» Develop a personal board of directors to help keep you accountable during your search. Enlist the assistance and support 36 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

»»

»»

»»

»»

»»

of business contacts, friends and network members in keeping you accountable for progress on your marketing plan.

Be active in your search by developing your own marketing plan. You need to have a personal marketing plan outlining what steps you will take to obtain a job. This plan should include your temporary agency contacts, referral sources, websites and networks you are listed on. This plan should also include a timeline and be reviewed with your personal board of directors.

Change your vision and understand that temporary assignments can lead to full employment. Experts say it is easier to get a job when you have a job. Taking one or more temporary assignments permits you to build your expertise and audition for potential employers. Many employers like to engage a potential employee before they make a long-term commitment.

Increase your visibility and network by volunteering three to five hours a week with a local nonprofit organization during your job search.

Develop separate resumes that are targeted at specific job opportunities. You should respond to each potential employment opportunity with a customized cover letter and resume. You have an opportunity to highlight your specific strengths and experience that match the job requirements.

Take advantage of all available resources.

Important ones to investigate include the various workforce development offices.

They feature job search professionals with tremendous experience and useful tools, including resume review and interviewing practice, among others. Offices are located in Mequon, West Bend and Pewaukee.

Know when, how and with whom to negotiate, salary, benefits and other items. Be sure your recruiter is aware of your minimum salary, benefit and vacation requirements. This will prevent you from going out on interviews that will not result in a legitimate offer.

Being a member of a job search support group is a productive way to use your time and energy during your search. The larger your network, the better your probability of finding a job.

In addition, you reduce the possibility of getting easily frustrated when you are a member of a support group. By sharing, you actually can reduce your level of anxiety, while learning from the experiences of others.

If you want to join the Lumen Christi Employment Network, contact Pat Cronin or Peter Wick. Pat’s email address is pat_cronin@ sbcglobal.net and Peter can be reached at pwick@wi.rr.com. n

CARY SILVERSTEIN Cary Silverstein, MBA, is a former executive for Gimbel’s Midwest and JH Collectibles. He is also a writer, speaker, volunteer and co-author of the book “Overcoming Your NegotiaPhobia.” He can be reached at (414) 403-2942.

Marketplace

9034 W. National Ave. WestW. Allis, WI 53227 9034 National Ave.

FRIESIAN HERD EXPERIENCES

Business Hours: Mon. - Business Fri. 9:30 -Hours: 5:30 Saturdays Mon. - Fri. 9:30 9:30- 1:00 - 5:30 Saturdays 9:30Hours: - 1:00 Business Mon. - Fri. 9:30 - 5:30 Saturdays 9:30 - 1:00

Sign-up now for private riding lessons!

Where horses help heal people Tours Foaling experiences Horsemanship Skills Intuitive Skills Training Herd Life Coaching for adults Equine Facilitating for Herd Healing

Phone: 414 • 321•1850 Fax: 414 •5999 Phone: 414• 321 • 321 •1850 9034 W. National Ave. kathysshadeshop.com Owner Fax: 414 • 321•5999 West Allis, WI 53227 - Custom Window Treatments Phone: 414 • 321•1850 kathysshadeshop.com Owner - Commercial and Residential Fax: 414 • 321•5999 - Repairs of most Shades and Blinds kathysshadeshop.com Owner

Kathy FucileWest Allis, WI 53227

Kathy Fucile

Kathy Fucile

262-510-8963 friesianherd@yahoo.com friesianherdexperiences.com

Commercial + Residential

Carpet Cleaning

Call Mark today: 414.610.9507 | meyercarpetcleaning.com

W W W. N E L S O N S A L E S . C O M

•

262-402-6000

Contact Pavlic Vending

• Atlas Copco tool distributor • We can help you select the correct tool for your torque application • Certified Atlas Copco Repair Center • Available to repair or service your pneumatic and DC electric assembly tools • Atlas Copco certified repair technicians

to get your market today!

Variety, convenience and healthy foods… all at no cost to your organization!

• We provide Tool Certification and Calibration Services • Quick turn-around times • We offer technical repair support • Available to train your Atlas CopcoWe provide the business tools and services you need to assembly tool operators simplify operations, streamline payments and reduce costs.

Take Your Business Beyond

262.574.1600 | www.pavlicvending.com

Take Your Business Beyond

As our customer, you can expect industry-leading technology, transparent pricing, flexible contract terms and 24/7 U.S.based customer support.

We provide the business tools and services you need to simplify streamline payments and reduce costs.

Takeoperations, Your Business Beyond As our customer, you can expect industry-leading technology, Integrated Solutions We provide the business tools and services you need to transparent pricing, flexible contract terms and 24/7 U.S.simplify operations, streamline payments and reduce costs.

Lending based customer support.

As our customer, you can expect industry-leading technology, Payment Processing

Non-Profit Services

transparent pricing, flexible contract terms and 24/7 U.S.-

Dealership Management

based Processing customer support.

Payment

Leaders in Environmental, Safety and Resource Recovery Services.

Payment Simply by doingProcessing business with us, you contribute Integrated Solutions to expanding theSolutions educational opportunities for Integrated young people throughout the country—at no Lending Lending additional cost to you. Learn more about our Nonprofit Services Non-Profit Services philanthropic partnership at giveback.ngo.

• Full Service Provider • Award Winning Services • Recycling Alternatives • New Recycling Center

Dealership Management Dealership Management

Jacqueline Salemme

| 414.699.3097 SimplyJacqueline.Salemme@getbeyond.com by doing business with us, you contribute to expanding| 414.699.3097 the educational opportunities for Jacqueline Salemme | Jacqueline.Salemme@getbeyond.com young people throughout the country—at no additional cost to you. Learn more about our philanthropic partnership at giveback.ngo.

262.790.2500

www.enviro-safe.com

SHARE YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE OR ADD YOUR BUSINESS CARD

huntley_ad.indd 1

9/28/17 2:52 PM

ADVERTISE IN THE MARKETPLACE SECTION TODAY!

Jacqueline Salemme | Jacqueline.Salemme@getbeyond.com | 414.699.3097

Contact Advertising Sales for rates and specs. advertise@biztimes.com or 414-336-7112

huntley_ad.indd 1

9/28/17 2:52 PM

biztimes.com / 37

BizConnections NONPROFIT F O R M E R H U D D I R E C TO R NAMED PRESIDENT OF SIEBERT LUTHER AN Siebert Lutheran Foundation has named Charlotte JohnGomez as its new president and chief operations officer.

John-Gomez was previously director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Milwaukee Office of Community Planning and Development, where she was responsible for administering HUD grants to communities and grantees throughout the state.

Before that, John-Gomez led Layton Boulevard West Neighbors Inc. as executive director for 16 years.

She joins the Siebert Lutheran Foundation in the

newly-created position of president and COO. The addition of the president role is part of the Milwaukee-based foundation’s efforts to grow its impact in the region and help find longer-term solutions to the causes it has historically supported.

Under the new leadership structure, Brenda Skelton is staying on as CEO. The foundation’s current endowment is about $100 million and its main funding priorities include church ministries, education in urban and low-income areas, and services and solutions to generational poverty.

— Lauren Anderson

c alendar St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care will host its 14th annual gala at 6 p.m. on Aug. 10 at Discovery World, 500 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee. The gala will seek to raise $225,000 – its highest goal ever – to help launch three community programs, including an overnight respite center, indoor aquatics center and a dementia care wing at the north side Bucyrus Campus. More information is available at stanncenter.org/gala.

Feed Your Inner Goddess, a fundraiser benefitting the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, will be held at 5 p.m. on Aug. 12 at the baaree, 105 S. Main St., Thiensville. The $75 ticket includes an “It Bag” with a total value of $1,000 in goods and services. More information and tickets are available at tiny.cc/fyig.

D O N AT I O N R O U N D U P Hyundai Hope on Wheels awarded $100,000 to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin to support pediatric cancer research as part of the organization’s annual Hyundai Impact Award initiative. | We Energies Foundation is giving $750,000 to support the new Adventure Africa complex at the Milwaukee County Zoo. | Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s signature charity program Heart of Canal Street awarded $100,000 to Milwaukee-based nonprofit Pathfinders Milwaukee Inc. as its “charity of choice.” | Impact100 Greater Milwaukee awarded $100,000 grants to ACTS Housing, Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin and IMPACT Inc., and $17,000 grants to Neighborhood House of Milwaukee Inc. and Radio Milwaukee Inc. | We Energies Foundation issued a $50,000 challenge grant to Light the Hoan.

38 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

nonprofit

SPOTLIGHT

E D U C AT I O N A L C R E D E N T I A L E VA L U AT O R S I N C .

101 W. Pleasant St., Suite 200, Milwaukee (414) 289-3400 | ece.org Facebook: facebook.com/ecereports | Twitter: @ececonnection

Year founded: 1980 Mission statement: To promote the betterment of individuals’ lives and society by ensuring that educational qualifications are fairly and accurately recognized across borders.

Primary focus: International education and academic credential evaluations.

Other focuses: Credential evaluation training and resource to higher education institutions, associations and organizations.

Employees at this location: 93 Executive leadership: Margit Schatzman, president Key donors: Current and past clients, board of directors, ECE staff, and business and corporate partners.

Board of directors: Jeannine Bell, University of Colorado Boulder; Marty Bennett, Social Media and International Educational Consulting LLC; Bob Brashear, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (retired); Dennis Garrett (ECE board chair), Marquette University (retired); Keith Kamperschroer, Sikich LLP; Ann Kuhlman, Yale University; Anita Narayan, U.S. News & World

Report; Liz Reisberg, Reisberg & Associates LLC; Paul Sara, Active Roofing Co.; Alex Usher, Higher Education Strategy Associates.

Is your organization actively seeking board members for the upcoming term? No. Ways the business community can help your nonprofit: Promote the ECE mission and our work being done for international education. Promotion can occur at business networking events, as well as on social media. Support the ECE Aid initiative by becoming a participating organization (for those in need of academic credential evaluations). Financial donations to the ECE Aid initiative support those we serve.

Key fundraising events: Ongoing fundraising through a “pay it forward” model; a series of fundraising appeals throughout the year in support and honor of refugees, international holidays and education-specific dates; annual fundraising campaign held in August; year-end fundraising appeal.

PERSONNEL FILE ADVERTISING

BANKING & FINANCE

EDUCATION

MANUFACTURING

STIR Advertising & Integrated Messaging, Milwaukee

Waukesha State Bank, Waukesha

Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee

A. O. Smith Corp., Milwaukee

STIR Advertising & Integrated Messaging has hired Brooke Dykema as executive creative director.

Throughout her 18-year career, she has worked at advertising agencies in Minneapolis, Chicago and Milwaukee, including Olson, Fallon and Laughlin/Constable.

ARCHITECTURE

Kahler Slater, Milwaukee

Waukesha State Bank has promoted Joe Swanson to bank manager of its Meadowbrook Road office in Waukesha.

Swanson started his career with Waukesha State Bank in 2015.

With his promotion, he will be responsible for all aspects of daily office operations, including business development, personnel management, customer service, lending, relationship management and community service.

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

MSI General Corp., Oconomowoc

Roby

Krueger

Kahler Slater has promoted both Glenn Roby and Al Krueger to the role of executive vice president. Roby was recognized for his leadership abilities and passion for advancing the firm. He will add this new role to his current responsibilities of leading the firm’s business environments team and his direct work with clients.

Krueger was recognized for his leadership abilities and passion for advancing the firm. He will add this new role to his current responsibilities of co-leading the firm’s health care team and his direct work with clients.

Olson

Zenker

MSI General Corp. has expanded Jim Olson’s role to vice president – director of design and development, and has promoted Bert Zenker to director of design services. Olson will connect designers and the sales team in development of creative designs for the company’s projects.

Zenker will lead the design department, which consists of the company’s architects, structural engineers, interior designer and architectural technicians.

BANKING & FINANCE

BUSINESS CONSULTING

Aspiriant, Milwaukee

Michael Best Strategies, Milwaukee

Aspiriant has hired Kathy Pederson as directorbusiness development. She has more than a decade of experience in wealth management and family office, serving successful individuals, families and foundations.

Michael Best Strategies has hired Stacy Conrad as a principal in Wisconsin. She has more than 25 years of experience in the health care industry. Conrad will work closely with Michael Best Strategies partner Kristine Seymour, the company’s health care team, and the business and community solutions team.

Milwaukee School of Engineering has named Ruth Barratt, Ph.D., chair of the MSOE Rader School of Business following a national search. She is the first woman to hold this position. Barratt is an associate professor in the Rader School of Business and came to MSOE in 2015 to lead the MBA in Education Leadership program.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Schroeder Solutions, New Berlin Schroeder Solutions has promoted Amanda Stein to vice president of support services for the company.

She will be responsible for overseeing the marketing, customer service and design departments. Additionally, she will focus on strategic leadership and initiatives to ensure the company’s profitability, as well as supporting the health and culture of the organization.

LEGAL SERVICES

Foley & Lardner LLP, Milwaukee Foley & Lardner LLP has appointed John Hurley to chief operating officer. Hurley has served as Foley’s chief marketing officer since joining the firm in November 2015. He has more than 25 years of business development, marketing and operations experience in the legal, management consulting and e-commerce industries.

A. O. Smith Corp. has named Tami Kou director of corporate communications.

Previously, Kou worked as director of public affairs at Aurora Health Care. Prior to that, she worked at the corporate headquarters of Kohl’s Department Stores, serving as a spokesperson for the national retailer.

PUBLISHING

Hal Leonard Corp., Milwaukee Hal Leonard Corp. has hired Debbie Diekelman as chief financial officer.

Diekelman most recently served as CFO at Champion Manufacturing Inc. in Elkhart, Indiana. She has more than 20 years of experience directing financial operations, with experience developing systems to integrate reporting, budgeting and strategic planning.

SENIOR HOUSING

MSP Real Estate and Heritage Senior Living, West Allis MSP Real Estate and Heritage Senior Living has hired Ben Shearer as vice president of construction.

Shearer’s primary role will be overseeing the companies’ senior housing and affordable apartment construction from conception to completion.

Submit new hire and promotion announcements to: biztimes.com/personnel

biztimes.com / 39

BizConnections VOLUME 24, NUMBER 9 | AUG 6, 2018

GLANCE AT YESTERYEAR

126 N. Jefferson St., Suite 403, Milwaukee, WI 53202-6120 PHONE: 414-277-8181 FAX: 414-277-8191 WEBSITE: www.biztimes.com CIRCULATION: 414-336-7100 | circulation@biztimes.com ADVERTISING: 414-336-7112 | ads@biztimes.com EDITORIAL: 414-336-7120 | andrew.weiland@biztimes.com REPRINTS: 414-336-7128 | reprints@biztimes.com PUBLISHER / OWNER Dan Meyer dan.meyer@biztimes.com

SALES & MARKETING

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Mary Ernst mary.ernst@biztimes.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR Andrew Weiland andrew.weiland@biztimes.com MANAGING EDITOR Molly Dill molly.dill@biztimes.com REPORTER Lauren Anderson lauren.anderson@biztimes.com REPORTER Corrinne Hess corri.hess@biztimes.com REPORTER Maredithe Meyer maredithe.meyer@biztimes.com REPORTER Arthur Thomas arthur.thomas@biztimes.com

— This photo is from the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Photo Archives collection.

COMMENTARY

Good for the city UNEMPLOYMENT IN WISCONSIN is below 3 percent, U.S. economic growth is increasing and downtown Milwaukee has boomed, as have nearby neighborhoods and several suburban areas.

But Milwaukee’s central city is still struggling to attract businesses and jobs. Although many employers say they can’t find workers, most steer clear of operating in the central city, where many residents need a job.

Why? Areas with high crime rates and poverty make undesirable business locations. They are seen as risky, especially by lenders. Higher taxes and some regulations in the city don’t help. Racial fears/tensions or just plain racism can’t be ignored, either.

So it was a big deal when Good City Brewing LLC, founded in 2016 on the East Side, announced it will buy the 53,160-square-foot Century City building at North 31st Street and West Capitol Drive for its corporate offices, warehousing and potentially its production brewing.

The building, co-developed by General Cap40 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

ital Group LLP and the City of Milwaukee, was completed in 2016 but has sat vacant ever since.

Century City is a business park at the former A.O. Smith/Tower Automotive site where thousands once worked. Now it includes the future Good City building, two former A.O. Smith Corp. buildings, including one occupied by Talgo Inc., and 45 vacant acres.

Mayor Tom Barrett recently sent a letter to Amazon.com chief executive officer Jeff Bezos encouraging the company to establish operations in Milwaukee’s central city. Such a move would be a “game-changer” said Barrett, who pointed out that Amazon and other companies typically place distribution centers outside of low-income areas, leaving people who need jobs disconnected from job opportunities.

Amazon considered Century City for a distribution center, but instead plans to build one in Oak Creek, according to our sources. The facility will have more than 1,000 jobs.

It’s difficult to attract large, bottom-line-driven, publicly-held corporations, which have to answer to shareholders, to take the risk of doing business in the central city.

Those firms are risk-averse and if they, like Amazon, aren’t based here, they have no loyalty to Milwaukee.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Molly Lawrence molly.lawrence@biztimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE David Pinkus david.pinkus@biztimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Maggie Pinnt maggie.pinnt@biztimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Christie Ubl christie.ubl@biztimes.com INSIDE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Amanda Bruening amanda.bruening@biztimes.com SALES INTERN Tess Romans tess.romans@biztimes.com

ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Sue Herzog sue.herzog@biztimes.com

Auditorium This photo, taken by James Conklin circa 1936, shows the Milwaukee Auditorium at North Sixth Street and West Kilbourn Avenue in Milwaukee. Opened in 1909 and today known as the Miller High Life Theatre, the 4,087-seat venue hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, ballets and stage shows.

DIRECTOR OF SALES Linda Crawford linda.crawford@biztimes.com

PRODUCTION & DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alex Schneider alex.schneider@biztimes.com

Independent & Locally Owned

ART DIRECTOR Shelly Tabor shelly.tabor@biztimes.com

— Founded 1995 —

Local businesses, like Good City, with owners whose values include a desire to make Milwaukee a better place, are a better bet to attract to the central city. But even that won’t be easy. Supporting local entrepreneurs, especially minorities, who want to do business in Milwaukee is crucial. That’s why the Sherman Phoenix is one of the most important economic development projects in the city right now.

Also, local and state government should move as many of their own operations into the central city as possible. Why does the city still have facilities in the Menomonee Valley, which is attracting plenty of private-sector development?

Nonprofits that serve the central city also should consider moving their operations there.

It’s great to see Bader Philanthropies moving from the Third Ward to Harambee.

Revitalizing the central city will take massive effort on multiple fronts. n

ANDREW WEILAND EDITOR

P / 414-336-7120 E / andrew.weiland@biztimes.com T / @AndrewWeiland

AROUND TOWN

Warhorse Quarterly Warhorse Talent LLC recently held a networking event at Hudson Business Lounge in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.

1

2

3

3

1.

MARK BOEDER of Warhorse Talent, LORRY RIFKIN of Clarity Management and TIM COLE of Glory Global Solutions Inc.

2.

DANTE HOUSTON and TIFFANY DORSEY, both of Titus Talent Strategies.

3.

PAUL PISTOL and MATT WARD, both of ROC Ventures.

4.

REBECCA RYAN of New Resources Consulting and SANDRA KENLY of Rockwell Automation Inc.

5.

ERV RAASCH of JellTech Consulting and CARA ANN CALLIES , self-employed business consultant.

6.

MATTHEW OSTRY of Lucas Milhaupt and BLAISE CLARKE of TierPoint.

Photos by Maredithe Meyer

4

6

5

The West groundbreaking ceremony A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for The West, a 177-unit apartment complex that is part of Mandel Group Inc.’s The Market at Six Points development in West Allis.

7

10

8

9

7.

PATRICK SCHLOSS of the City of West Allis, ROBERT MONNAT of Mandel Group and JOHN STIBAL of the City of West Allis.

8.

FRANK LA SUSA SR., FRANK LA SUSA II and JOE LA SUSA , all of Corvina Wine Co.

9.

STEVE SCHAER and SHAUN MUELLER , both of the City of West Allis.

10. TOM MARSHALL and MARY KURTH , both of Mandel Group.

11

12

11. ALEX MOTL, KEN VOIGT and SUE VOIGT, all of Ayres & Associates.

12. MICHELLE PETERSON of Harwood Engineering Consultants and DON LINDEMAN of Mandel Group.

13. DAN SELL of BMO Harris Bank and SHAWN CAVIN of First American Title Insurance Co.

13

14

15

14. MARTIN WEIGEL of the West Allis Common Council, GARY SCHMID of FIRE Governing Board, JOHN STIBAL of City of West Allis and MICHAEL CZAPLEWSKI of West Allis Common Council.

15. PAT HARRISON and JOHN SIWULA , both of GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. 16. BARRY MANDEL and IAN MARTIN, both of Mandel Group, and DAN DEVINE , Mayor of West Allis.

17. BEN VERBURG of Arcadis with SHAUN MUELLER of the City of West Allis.

16

17

18

18. BRENDA COMP, SAMUEL SHERMAN and KRISTINE DEVITT, all of Mandel Group.

Photos by Corrinne Hess biztimes.com / 41

BizConnections MY BEST ADVICE

your own best advocate.”

LILA ARYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

“ Be

CASEY FLEMING Partner Foley & Lardner LLP Milwaukee Industry: Legal services foley.com Employees: 2,329 (477 in Milwaukee)

42 / BizTimes Milwaukee AUGUST 6, 2018

“ONE THING that I tell people who start at the firm in particular is it’s important to understand yourself and to, first and foremost, be your own best advocate.

“I think sometimes people get stuck in this idea that if they just come and they do great work, that that will be enough to help them realize all their dreams.

“It’s important to be intentional and strategic about driving your career. People want to help people that they can clearly see want to help themselves. It makes your job and your career so much more enjoyable.

“Another important part of that is to be open to people who are willing to help you on that path. When I joined Foley, I was very intentional about developing relationships with people in the firm and also outside the firm, and as part of that I was eventually asked to participate in a number of higher profile firm opportunities.”

AGE: 34 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Fleming holds a bachelor’s in philosophy from Sweet Briar College and a law degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law. She joined Foley & Lardner in 2008 and became a partner in February.

IN THE NEWS: In April, Foley & Lardner merged with Dallas-based Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, forming a Milwaukee-based company with $830 million in joint revenues and 1,100 lawyers across 24 international offices. Fleming was involved in some of the integration efforts following the merger. n

2019 EDITION

GIVING GUIDE Reserve your space in the 2019 Giving Guide!

A SUPPLEMENT

REGIONAL P HILANTHRO

OF

PIC OPPORTU NIT

IES

2018 EDITIO N

SPONSORED BY

S E T O N C AT H O L I C S C H O O L S

Publication Date: November 12, 2018

MISSION Seton Catholic Schools is a transformational educational system committed to overcoming academic and social challenges, empowering students, families and educators to attain their God-given potential.

3501 S. Lake Drive Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414) 831-8400

setoncatholicschools.org facebook.com/SetonSchoolsMilwaukee/ @SetonSchoolsMKE TOTAL EMPLOYEES: ANNUAL REVENUE:

Your involvement in this annual publication includes an in-depth

390 $27,000,000 2015

YEAR ESTABLISHED:

SERVICE AREA Seton Catholic Schools serves more than 3,000 students across 12 schools in Milwaukee County.

GOALS

FUNDRAISING/EVENTS

Our goal is to prepare all our students to be academically and spiritually prepared for high-quality high schools and beyond. By transforming students and their families, we will strengthen communities helping our communities to be safe, stable, great places to live.

Seton Catholic Schools is a collaborative network growing to 26 K-8 Milwaukee Catholic schools. With over $6 million in investments secured in our inaugural year, Seton is looking for additional investors for its five-year, $25 million capacity-building campaign that will directly impact academic achievement of 9,000 students. The capacity campaign funds are needed to build out: the academic model of instruction, teacher recruitment and professional training, school resources and facility upgrades.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

We have many opportunities to share your gifts of time and talent with our schools and students: • Marketing and legal guidance • Reading to our students • Coaching a sports team • Service learning project leader • Arts and crafts helper • Recess supervisor

Support for Seton Catholic Schools affords many giving opportunities through individual giving, corporate contributions, grants and gifts of securities. Making a gift to Seton ensures that current and future schools have the resources to provide accessible, high achieving education and spiritual formation for faculty, staff and students.

FUNDING SOURCES

n Tuition and Voucher ......................................... 67% n Capacity-Building Campaign ......................... 16% n Fees/Meal Programs ....................................... 10% n Parish Support ...................................................... 7%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Name (Title) ★ Company

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki ★ Archbishop of Milwaukee

Kristine Rappé (Chair) ★ Retired

Bruce Arnold (Vice Chair) ★ Husch Blackwell

Jay Mack (Treasurer) ★ Donald Drees President

Dr. William Hughes, Ph.D. Chief Academic Officer

Very Reverend Javier Bustos Hispanic Ministry

Kathleen Cepelka

Archdiocese of Milwaukee School Sisters of St. Francis

Joan Shafer (Secretary) ★ WEC Energy Group

Seton Catholic Schools

Rana Altenburg

Rick Schmidt CG Schmidt Inc.

Catholic education changing right before our eyes Catholic education is is changing right before our eyes –– and we’re proud driving this transformation. and we’re proud toto bebe driving this transformation.

Seton Catholic Schools a collaborative network Milwaukee elementary schools built long-standing Seton Catholic Schools is ais collaborative network of of Milwaukee elementary schools built onon thethe long-standing tradition excellence Catholic education.

We’re investing Catholic education ensure students tradition of of excellence in in Catholic education.

We’re investing in in Catholic education to to ensure allall students areare academically and spiritually prepared high-performing high schools. supporting Seton, we’re able make academically and spiritually prepared forfor high-performing high schools.

ByBy supporting Seton, we’re able to to make a significant impact communities, creating safe, stable and connected neighborhoods. a significant impact in in ourour communities, creating safe, stable and connected neighborhoods.

SPONSORED SPONSORED BYBY

Portia Young

Sargento Foods Inc.

Very Reverend Tim Kitzke Urban Ministry

2018 GIVING GUIDE | biztimes.com/giving

www.setoncatholicschools.org www.setoncatholicschools.org

magazine, BizTimes Nonprofit Weekly enewsletter and BizTimes.com. by the Region’s Business and Philanthropic Leaders all year long.

Donald Drees ★

SetonCatholic-GG18_Profile.indd 2

profile, plus several advertising elements in BizTimes Milwaukee Take advantage of the opportunity for your organization to be seen

Seton students, every makes a difference because multiplied across a network schools growing ForFor Seton students, every giftgift makes a difference because it’sit’s multiplied across a network of of schools growing toto serve 9,000 kids.

With your help, change quality students and families area. serve 9,000 kids.

With your help, wewe cancan change thethe quality of oflifelife forfor students and families in in ourour area.

John Stollenwerk, Jr.

Stollenwerk Family Foundation

Sister Mary Diez

Town Bank

Marquette University

100

★ DENOTES EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Gary Bennetts

Archdiocese of Milwaukee

TRANSFORMING TRANSFORMING CATHOLIC EDUCATION EDUCATION CATHOLIC

www.wintrust.com www.wintrust.com

A SUPPLEME N T O F BIZTIM ES M ILWA U KEE

10/25/17 12:23 PM SetonCatholic-GG18_Profile.indd 3

10/25/17 12:23 PM

Contact Media Sales today!

(414) 336-7112 or advertise@biztimes.com A SUPPLEMENT OF

Stay Connected!

• Subscribe to the BizTimes Milwaukee Nonprofit Weekly eNewsletter • Submit your organizations listing to the BizTimes Nonprofit Directory For more information, visit www.biztimes.com

Healthier, happier employees are the bottom line.

From wellness programs to access to the state’s largest integrated network of primary and specialty care doctors, we offer comprehensive solutions to help employees feel better, get healthier, and increase productivity—all while helping you maintain a healthy bottom line.

Learn how we can work with your company, visit aurora.org/HealthierEmployees