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WELCOME

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CommunityLink.com

1 800-455-5600

production production manager director of media & content copywriting

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MATT PRICE DIANA VAUGHN STEVEN D. PUCKETT PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL LAURA WILCOXEN CHRISTINA REESE LISA LEHR JOHN HARTMAN LORI MEYER UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – STEVENS POINT CRAIG WILLIAMS CLINT EILERTS AMANDA WHITE ERIN GRAY

business development director of sales operations director of business development business development manager

customer service director

DEBBIE MOSS GEORGE PRUDHOMME BONNIE EBERS KATHY RISLEY

advertising ad research

ad traffic ad design

MILLY MASON MARY KOPSHEVER AMY SCHWARTZKOPF KATHY SCOTT CAROL SMITH JOSEPH GOETTING MARIAH SNIDER BECKY TRAIL KACEY WOLTERS

administrative support administrative support account support customer service advocate human resources assistant

KATHY HAGENE CAROL SMITH TERRI AHNER TRICIA CANNEDY JULIE VORDTRIEDE TERESA CRAIG

information technology publishing systems coordinator

CHRISTOPHER MILLER

executive leadership chairman and founder chief financial officer

CRAIG WILLIAMS RHONDA HARSY

This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through The Portage County Business Council. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com.

ABOUT

FOR MORE AREA INFORMATION

The Portage County Business Council.

5501 Vern Holmes Dr.,Stevens Point, WI 54481, 715-344-1940, Fax 715-3444473, www.portagecountybiz.com

© 2007 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, 618-357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

WHAT‘S INSIDE

WELCOME ..........................................................................4 Portage County Has It All

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION ...................................5 You Can Get There From Here — Quickly and Easily

YOUR NEW HOME ............................................................6 Welcome to the Neighborhood

WORSHIP .........................................................................10 Gathering Together

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY ...............................................11 We’ve Got the Tools for Success

COMMERCE/RETAIL .......................................................16 Shop ’Til You Drop

EDUCATION .....................................................................18 A Tomorrow We Can Only Imagine

GOVERNMENT ................................................................23 Services for the People

HEALTH CARE ..................................................................24 Comprehensive Community Care

RECREATION ....................................................................27 Our Great Outdoors

CULTURE/ENTERTAINMENT .........................................32 The Finer Side of Life

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ...............................................35 Please Support our Advertisers

CLOSE ...............................................................................37 Experience Portage County

2 | Portage County Business Council

WELCOME

Portage County Has It All T

he Portage County Business Council is excited to present our 2007 Community and Relocation Guide. In the following pages you will learn more about what those who live here already know — Portage County is a great place to live, work, play, pray and retire.

Nestled in Central Wisconsin, Portage County has it all. We boast diverse employment opportunities; a high-quality workforce; a four-year college campus, the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point; accomplished public and private school systems; abundant natural resources, highlighted by the Wisconsin River and Green Circle Trail; forward-thinking elected officials; and a quality of life that is second to none.

Portage County has an advantage that few other places can tout — location. An improved transportation system anchored

by Interstate 39 puts us in the middle of it all. Situated in the heart of Wisconsin, we are within an easy half-day drive of Chicago, Minneapolis and Milwaukee.

4 | Portage County Business Council

While we are close to those metropolitan areas, you will quickly find that Portage County communities have much to offer themselves. We have the urban flair of culture and the arts, a myriad of shopping, and wide-ranging dining options, along with the rural charm of hiking and biking trails, acres of public open space, and quaint old-time Main Streets.

We believe this guide will give you a wealth of information about our home, Portage County. Take your time reading so that you can soak in the beauty and charm of our communities and opportunities. We think you will be impressed.

If you would like to learn more about Portage County, please visit our Web site, www.portagecountybiz.com, or call us at 715-344-1940. Or better yet, come to Portage County and explore everything that we have to offer. We’ll be waiting for you.

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION

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You Can Get There From Here — Quickly and Easily

P

ortage County is in the heart of to the north via Interstate 39, providing Wisconsin, and if you’re looking for a Interstate-quality roads to the Twin Cities. great place to start, expand or relocate your Central Wisconsin Airport, 15 miles business or family, Central Wisconsin is the north of Stevens Point, offers 24 regional jet perfect location for you. Situated at the gates commercial flights per day, which connect of the great Wisconsin Northwoods, Portage through Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit and County residents can be in Chicago in four Milwaukee. The terminal has undergone hours, Minneapolis in three and a half, extensive renovations to provide the ameniMilwaukee in two and a half, and Green Bay ties of a 21st-century airport, and highway in a hour and a half. The access has been reconcounty seat, Stevens Point, structed to better serve is also close to our neigh- Moving around Portage County the business and pleasure boring cities of Wisconsin needs of the region.

Rapids, about 20 miles away, is a breeze with our improved The Canadian National and Marshfield and Wausau, Railroad (CNR) employs transportation network. both approximately 35 miles more than 400 people away. Our location ensures in Portage County. CNR that everything is within reach for the busi- has a major depot and switching yard in nesses, families and individuals that choose Stevens Point. The depot houses engineerto make Portage County their home. ing and transportation-management perMoving around Portage County is a sonnel, dispatchers, and customer service breeze with our improved transportation representatives. There is also a roundhouse network. Interstate 39 is the north-south where engines and cars are serviced and connector, and Interstate-quality roads go repaired. Stevens Point is a central location east and west, including U.S. Highways 10, on the Wisconsin line, and the paper mills 54 and 66. State Highway 29 is just 30 miles in the area are major customers. www.portagecountybiz.com | 5

YOUR NEW HOME

Welcome to the

Neighborhood W

hy not make your home in one of the family-friendly communities of Portage County, Wisconsin? Here you can find educational opportunities at every level and vast recreational choices amidst the beauty of this scenic area.

In no time at all, you will find yourself feeling at home in a warm and welcoming community of people who support the arts, as well as the commercial sector.

The communities of Almond, Amherst, Amherst Junction, Junction City, Nelsonville, Park Ridge, Plover, Rosholt, Stevens Point and Whiting are filled with enthusiastic residents, including lifelong residents, those who have returned to their roots, and those discovering this portion of Central Wisconsin for the first time.

Cultural diversity of the kind associated with metropolitan areas can be found here, 6 | Portage County Business Council

where the air remains clean and a person need not fear walking the streets at night or sending their children to school.

The communities of Portage County can attribute their success to keeping an eye on the future while not losing sight of a rich historic past, which links the county’s cities nearly as closely as area thoroughfares.

REAL ESTATE There is a solid mix of single- and multi-family housing units within Portage County, with the majority of the multi-family dwellings being in the Stevens PointPlover urban area. A single-family home in that area (which is roughly defined by the borders of the Stevens Point Area Public School District) sold for an average price of $144,700 in 2005.

In rural settings and suburban areas, the average price of a single-family home was $166,911. Homes with large lots are affordable here, too — the average price for a single-family home on 2.2, or more, acres was $181,595.

COMMUNITIES ALMOND Almond is the county’s southernmost community, located off Interstate 39/U.S. Highway 51 approximately 20 miles from Stevens Point. Known for its small-town pride, Almond has a population of 457 and is served by the Almond-Bancroft School District.

This is a great location for the lover of the outdoors and is also both convenient and family-friendly, with a library,

YOUR NEW HOME post office, gas station and three parks.

Almond is also near public hunting and fishing grounds.

The popular restaurant Two Lakes is present for a pleasant dining experience.

Groceries and additional retail goods are available seven miles to the south in Plainfield.

AMHERST Amherst, population 1,024, is the largest of Portage County’s rural communities. There are quality home sites available near the village’s lively business district, which includes a grocery store, post office, library, bank, hardware store, coffee shop, several restaurants, and bed and breakfasts.

A trout stream runs through this community, where a picturesque dam, the village Tree Nursery, the Nelson Park pavilion, the Scout Hall recreation area, a boat landing and the Lettie M. Jensen community cultural center can also be found. An after-school Boys and Girls Club is hosted by the Jensen Center.

Located 15 miles east of Stevens Point and 15 miles west of Waupaca on U.S. Highway 10, Amherst residents have easy access to nearby centers of recreation and jobs.

An increase in residential construction is expected to follow a new business park.

AMHERST JUNCTION Amherst Junction, population 329, is a small-town charmer providing easy access to Stevens Point, which is only 14 miles away on U.S. Highway 10.

www.portagecountybiz.com | 7

YOUR NEW HOME The Amherst business district is a mile away; Amherst’s K–12 Tomorrow River School District serves Amherst Junction, as well.

A post office and a day care center can be found here, as can a trailhead for the Tomorrow River State rail-to-trail path for bikers, hikers and horse riders.

Nelsonville is on State Highway 161, 10 miles from Iola and 14 miles from Stevens Point, and is part of the Tomorrow River School District, with K–12 facilities a mere two miles away in Amherst.

Lake Emily and Sunset Lake are within easy reach of Nelsonville residents and provide excellent fishing and swimming.

JUNCTION CITY Junction City lives up to its name by being an ideal location for two-income families seeking a near-halfway point between their workplace destinations.

Situated a dozen miles west of Stevens Point and 26 miles east of Marshfield on U.S. Highway 10, this village of 417 is just a 20-mile drive on State Highway 34 from Wisconsin Rapids.

An annual ice-cutting event brings additional business to the town’s restaurant and convenience store, which join a bank and post office in Junction City.

The community park is a perfect spot for a family reunion or sporting event, and the John F. Kennedy elementary school (part of the Stevens Point Area Public School District) runs an active after-school Boys and Girls Club site.

PARK RIDGE Park Ridge is a residential village on the eastern side of Stevens Point and borders

NELSONVILLE With a quaint hillside church, Nelsonville brings a bit of a New England feel to the Central Wisconsin countryside.

This village of 195 people is home to The Rising Star Mill, a popular venue for summer music and art shows along the Tomorrow River.

PLOVER Plover is one of the fastest-growing villages in Wisconsin and is located to the south of Stevens Point, some 16 miles to the east of Wisconsin Rapids on State Highway 54.

A population of 10,981 in 2003 has increased in just three years to about

Junction City lives up to its name by being an ideal location for two-income families seeking a near-halfway point between their workplace destinations. the popular summer and winter recreational area known as Iverson Park.

With a population of 461, Park Ridge is part of the Stevens Point Area Public School District and is home to Walgreen’s; several retail, service and professional businesses; and the Silver Coach Restaurant.

Open since 2005, the Village Park at Plover is located at the junction of Interstate 39 and County Trunk Highway B. 8 | Portage County Business Council

12,000. Plover offers many new homes and building sites within the enrollment areas of two public elementary schools that are part of the Stevens Point Area Public School District. There is also a Catholic elementary school located in Plover.

Little Plover River and Lake Pacawa are among the features of numerous parks.

Additionally, a sports complex, a youth sports program and a historical village of early Portage County buildings can be found in Plover.

The residential areas of Plover are connected to the scenic beauty of the Green Circle, a 26-mile hiking and biking trail following the flowing path of the Wisconsin and Plover rivers. Also, the culmination of the Tomorrow River State rail-to-trail path begins in this village.

Several eating establishments, retail shops, banks, a post office and professional offices are located in Plover.

Plover’s population was less than 3,000 in 1976 and has experienced steady growth during the last 30 years. With continued commercial development, there is a strong likelihood that residential development will continue to follow.

ROSHOLT Rosholt, with 516 residents, is located on State Highway 66 in the northeast quadrant of Portage County. Located 15 miles from Stevens Point, Rosholt maintains its small-town charm among a HarleyDavidson motorcycle shop, a bank, library, post office, grocery store, hardware store, two body shops and several gas stations.

Flume Creek adds to the scenic beauty of three village parks, and two county parks are less than five miles away. The Rosholt School District is proud of its auditorium, which hosts musical and theatrical performances, and the village is home to the county fair, held Labor Day weekend.

STEVENS POINT Stevens Point, which is home to the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (UWSP), is a welcoming and easy place to get to — and around — with an outstanding public transportation system and wellplanned walking routes.

This city of 25,208 is the cultural hub of Central Wisconsin. Several leading school districts, churches, and friendly and safe neighborhoods make Stevens Point shine as an excellent place to raise a family.

YOUR NEW HOME A safe, family-friendly atmosphere makes Portage County a great place to raise children.

UWSP assists in the shaping of the area both intellectually and culturally through activities such as athletics, theater, music, speakers and special events. A planetarium, art gallery and natural history museum provide enlightenment and entertainment.

Schmeeckle Reserve is a natural area near the college campus that features a lake, hiking trails and a visitors center, while the Green Circle hiking and biking trail has its trailhead on the north side of town.

WHITING Whiting fits snugly between Stevens Point and Plover at the joining of the Plover and Wisconsin rivers. With 1,707 residents, this village keeps a small-town appeal in a larger urban area.

The 26-mile Green Circle trail winds its way through Whiting, and picturesque parks are an ideal spot for family outings.

A part of the Stevens Point Area Public School District, Whiting has one elementary school.

Affordable homes adorn well-maintained streets in Portage County neighborhoods. www.portagecountybiz.com | 9

WELCOME WORSHIP

Gathering Together R

esidents of Portage County experience a fulfilling spiritual life thanks to the abundance of churches and denominations represented in the county.

In Stevens Point and Plover alone, the faiths of Baptist, Catholic, Christian Science, Episcopal, Evangelical Lutheran, Lutheran, Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist and United Church of Christ are among those represented. No matter what your location in Portage County, there are plenty of worship opportunities from which to choose and numerous chances to volunteer.

In addition, local communities are benefiting from a spirit of cooperation between local pastors, priests and other church representatives who want to make the community an even better place to live, 10 | Portage County Business Council

work and play. Ecumenical services are held during the holidays.

Other interfaith efforts focus on improving the lives of the needy and those underserved by the community. Joining these efforts are other community leaders like The Salvation Army, local food pantries and America’s Second Harvest. These programs always welcome new volunteers.

In keeping with a national trend, there are also several youth-ministry groups active in the community that take service-oriented trips to other areas. Also, many colleges in the state have degree programs in religion.

The faith families of Portage County are always eager to welcome new members and to assist new residents as they settle in the community.

We’ve Got the Tools for Success

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY If you’re looking for a location where the ups and downs of the national economy barely make a ripple under most circumstances, then Portage County is the place for you.

The regional economy of Portage, Wood and Marathon counties has as its strongest sectors the medical, finance and insurance, manufacturing, and agribusiness fields, while Stevens Point and Plover are strongest in education, finance and insurance, agribusiness, paper making, and food processing. The varied nature of the industries in this area has resulted in a diversified workforce and an economy that remains stable, and even experiences growth, when other regional economies falter.

The varied nature of the industries in this area has resulted in a diversified workforce and an economy that remains stable, and even experiences growth, when other regional economies falter.

Because the employment base is so diverse in each community, many area residents commute from their city of residence to their city of employment. With the short distances between each community, the job market is excellent for individuals, for two-income families and for professionals seeking access to highquality jobs without the hassles of major traffic congestion.

For businesses, an address in Portage County results in easy access to other markets in Central Wisconsin and is a convenient location between Chicago, Minneapolis and Green Bay. From the Stevens Point and Plover urban area, a commute to Wisconsin Rapids takes 20 minutes, a drive to Marshfield takes 45 minutes, and a trip to Wausau takes 40 www.portagecountybiz.com | 11

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

TWO PROMINENT SUCCESS STORIES DONALDSON COMPANY INC. www.donaldson.com

In 1915, Donaldson Company Inc. had three employees and one location. Today, over 4,000 people work at more than 15 manufacturing locations throughout North and South America. The 400 employees of Donaldson’s Stevens Point facility — the company’s largest and most technologically advanced — manufacture hydraulic, lube and fuel filters for heavy-duty engine, off-road and on-road applications. These industry-leading filters are a vital component of the company’s ongoing goal to not only improve vehicle and engine performance, but also to protect and improve the environment.

Donaldson Company, which has been in business in Stevens Point since 1976, has not only been an important part of the regional economy, but has also been a valued and responsible corporate neighbor.

Donaldson Company is proud to support programs and organizations that strengthen the communities of which they are a part.

GAMBER-JOHNSON LLC www.gamberjohnson.com

Headquartered in Stevens Point, GamberJohnson LLC has been a leader and innovator in the vehicle and computer mounting systems industry since 1954. All clients — including state and local governments, field service organizations, and mobile professionals — rely on Gamber-Johnson’s vehicle mounting systems and docking stations on a daily basis.

The company’s vehicle mounting systems are installed in thousands of fleets worldwide.

Gamber-Johnson is known for developing customer-driven, innovative products, including special mounts that allow mobile radios to quickly transfer from vehicle to vehicle and the industry’s first universal laptop mount.

Gamber-Johnson has continued its tradition of innovation and expansion by recently introducing products into the aviation and boating markets.

In 2001, Gamber-Johnson became the first mounting company to earn the ISO 9001 international quality standard. Its commitment to providing a great work environment for associates was recognized in 2004 when it was one of three companies named a “Workplace of Distinction” by Corporate Report Wisconsin. Gamber-Johnson’s commitment to growth has recently necessitated moves into larger facilities twice within five years.

12 | Portage County Business Council

Portage County Business Park houses the offices of the Portage County Business Council, as well as the headquarters of many other businesses.

minutes. The majority of these commutes are on interstate-quality roads.

The Portage County Business Council is building on the foundation of a well-trained and diversified workforce as it strives to bring in new companies that will add to the diversity of the local market. In recent years, the Business Council was instrumental in bringing Lands’ End and Caraustar to the county and has also been seeking to recruit businesses requiring the skills of graduates of the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (UWSP) and Mid-State Technical College. Primary among these many skills are software development and Village Park at Plover

environmental operations; software-development company ProLogic brought additional computer-technology jobs to Stevens Point in 2005, a positive sign for a hot and developing 21st-century economy.

INDUSTRIAL CENTERS AND DEVELOPMENT Aside from being home to the offices of the Business Council, the 350-acre Portage County Business Park, on the east side of Stevens Point and adjacent to Interstate 39, houses the headquarters of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association; Aspirus, a medical clinic; and

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY a dental office, among other businesses.

Major tenants include Lands’ End clothing company; a general commercial contractor, Oscar Boldt Co.; and Furniture and Appliance Mart distribution center.

Oakwood Center is a $25 million project involving the construction of a business and professional campus in the Business Park. Plans call for there to be 11 buildings in the office and light-retail development when completed; construction on the first two buildings began in the spring of 2006.

However, development is not confined to just one area of Stevens Point, as significant remodeling is occurring to some structures downtown and in other parts, as well. Highlighting these improvements are retail and lodging/convention center developments that will significantly impact the region’s business, travel and tourism potential.

A revamping is being conducted at Northpoint Shopping Center, where nine businesses occupy a total of 70,000 square feet on Division Street; here also the Country Springs Hotel is doing significant remodeling to its property.

Country Springs also has a newly renovated, 295-guest-room hotel on North Point Drive — that facility contains 35,000 square feet of meeting space.

Holiday Inn Hotel Convention Center and Water Park opened on U.S. Highway 10 on the east side of Stevens Point in December 2005. With 36,000 square feet of exhibition space, the facility can accommodate conferences, conventions and banquets of up to 1,200.

Area industries are clustered around the region. The Pines Corporate Centre

www.portagecountybiz.com | 13

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY way in welcoming even more new industry to this exciting region.

The finance and insurance sector of the Portage County economy continues to grow.

is a business-industrial park that has been open in the western quadrant of the Village of Plover since 2003. Located north of State Highway 54, the Pines Corporate Centre houses Pointe Precision, a machining operation; First Supply, a plumbing contractor; and Warner and Warner, a warehousing business.

Many other industries make their home in the 112-acre Twin Towers Industrial Park, which has been located in Plover’s eastern quadrant, north of County Trunk

14 | Portage County Business Council

Highway B, since the late 1980s. Ninety of those 112 acres are already occupied by tenants, including a trucking terminal, steel fabricator, machine shop and a materials recycling facility.

Highlighting the region’s burgeoning economy and commitment to growth, an impressive $45 million in commercial and residential building permits were issued in Stevens Point during 2005; yet, the city still has some room to grow. The Portage County Business Council is leading the

A STRONG LABOR FORCE Portage County’s civilian labor force is 40,690. Historically, unemployment rates have been at or below state and national averages.

Reasonable wage rates and a moderate cost of living make this area attractive to business and industry, which benefit from a strong Midwestern work ethic. A robust economy and an active, healthy lifestyle offer a perfect alternative to the rush hours and traffic jams of the big city.

The presence of UWSP and Mid-State assure a steady supply of workers with the skills needed for a variety of industries, including the technology and science sectors that are projected to be the leaders of the world economy now and in years to come.

KEY LOCAL INDUSTRY SECTORS FINANCE Within the Portage County economy, a sector that is very visible and still growing is finance and insurance. Sentry Insurance, Travelguard International (Noel Group),

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Offering a significant economic impact, not only through direct employment, but also through proactive, pro-business policies, are the 27 local governments.

The University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and Mid-State Technical College, along with four public school districts, provide substantial employment opportunities. Students and faculty at the university and college represent a solid and vital consumer base, while new graduates provide a constantly renewing, highly skilled workforce. As an additional bonus, UWSP and Mid-State attract new businesses and residents by contributing richly to the region’s culture and learning.

Portage County is Wisconsin's leading producer of carrots, potatoes and snap beans.

Delta Dental and Associated Bank are all major regional employers in this sector, which employs more than 4,000 people in the county.

AGRICULTURE/FOOD PROCESSING While the county has a very strong dairy industry, the majority of the agricultural operations here involve the growing of vegetables as cash crops.

Portage County is Wisconsin’s leading producer of carrots, snap beans and potatoes. Also, the state is the nation’s leading producer of oats, cranberries, beets for canning, snap beans for processing and cabbage for sauerkraut.

Because of the type of soil and the large groundwater aquifer, vegetables grow extremely well in Central Wisconsin, and high-quality harvests are made even more likely by the sector’s ability to manage factors that impact crops. Environmentally friendly farming practices are also stressed and continue to be developed through the relationship with the University of Wisconsin System and a variety of groundwater protection groups.

Food-processing operations with a significant employment presence here include Basic American Foods, Del Monte, Golden County Foods, McCain Foods, Penford Food Ingredients, Okray Family Farms, and Worzella and Sons Inc. EDUCATION & GOVERNMENT The educational and governmental sectors provide many quality jobs and are an important influence on everyday life in Portage County.

TRANSPORTATION/ DIRECT-MAIL MERCHANTS Canadian National, United Parcel Service and Spee Dee Delivery each have a strong presence in the county, with the railroad employing more than 300 people and the remaining two companies having parceldelivery services in Portage County.

Direct-mail merchants are present in the form of Lands’ End, Figi’s and Herrschners, which ship clothing, food products and crafts materials throughout North America.

Plover is home to Banta Global Turnkey, a global logistics company that provides services to clients throughout the United States.

Also, numerous over-the-road truck operations make their home base in the county and provide jobs for long- and short-haul drivers.

MANUFACTURING With various pockets already thriving, the manufacturing industry is experiencing continued growth in Portage County.

The area is particularly strong in the paper industry, as three paper mills call the county their home. Kimberly Clark and Stora Enso are the operators of the county’s paper mills and have a combined employment of approximately 1,200 people.

Worzalla Publishing exerts a strong presence in the nation’s printing and publishing industry and has a state-of-the-art printing and binding facility housed in a 300,000square-foot plant in Stevens Point.

Several additional area firms include Sunrise Medical Inc., Pointe Precision, The Worth Co. and Steel King.

www.portagecountybiz.com | 15

COMMERCE/RETAIL

Shop ’Til You Drop

MAIN STREET CHARM Of course, the Portage County experience would not be complete without experiencing the many specialty shops of Stevens Point. These charming shops offer the unique charm of old-style downtown shopping for those seeking a more relaxed, oldfashioned experience. Be sure to check out the following fine merchants: DOWNTOWN STEVENS POINT Blue Bead Trading Co. (beads and designer jewelry) The Companion Shop (specialty products for pets) Divepoint Scuba (diving equipment) Downtown Antique Shops (antiques) Heaven in a Handbasket (gifts/gourmet foods) Living Spirits Books (books, music and gifts) Play ‘N’ Learn (educational resources) Sorenson’s Floral and Gift Center (floral and green house) The Supreme Bean (coffee shop) CITYWIDE Bookfinders (books, magazines and calendars) Crane Echo Tack (specialty shop for horse enthusiasts) Dream Weavers Bridal (full-service bridal shop) Herrschners (needlework and craft kits) Hoffman’s Hobbies (sports memorabilia) Holly Shoppe (specialty handcraft outlet store) JR Liquor (domestic and imported beer, fine wines, party supplies) Koerten Gallery (art, gifts, collectibles) Martha’s Yarn Emporium (knitting supplies) Point Pottery (ceramic and pottery studio) Shippy Shoe Store (family-owned shoe store) University Store (on UWSP campus: UWSP clothing and gifts, art and school supplies, books and more)

16 | Portage County Business Council

A

variety of shopping and dining experiences await residents and visitors to Portage County. The region’s commercial sector is booming as more and more unique businesses and national chains discover the area’s outstanding potential.

Among the prominent retail centers and shopping niches that make a day or night on the town in Portage County a great experience are: • Crossroads Commons is anchored

by Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse, Kohls’ Department Store, Wal-Mart Supercenter and Best Buy. Located along Interstate 39 in the northeast quadrant of Plover, Crossroads’ anchor stores opened in 2005. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill opened in February 2006, and a Starbuck’s, Cousins Subs, M&I Bank and other merchants are expected to open in the summer of 2006, as the village’s unprecedented growth continues.

• The Village Park at Plover is situated at the junction of Interstate 39 and County Trunk Highway B. This development has been open since 2005 and includes a Toyota dealership, Hampton Inn, Bamboo House Chinese restaurant, Pups ’an’ Stuff pet store, a Mobile gas station/Maid Rite Restaurant, International House of Pancakes, and Nitschke Auto Sales.

• Centre Lakes Resort Project is in the planning stages. This development will be an exclusive resort community offering a variety of recreational, entertainment and lodging amenities, including a 306-unit, full-service hotel; an 85,000-square-foot convention center; an 18-hole golf course; and two 27-acre manmade lakes.

The region’s commercial sector is booming as more and more unique businesses and national chains discover the area’s outstanding potential.

Diners enjoy old-fashioned charm at The Wooden Chair in Stevens Point.

COMMERCE/RETAIL • CenterPoint MarketPlace in Stevens Point is an enclosed shopping center of specialty stores that also offers unique dining, entertainment and more amid the charm of the city’s historic downtown. People come from all over Portage County and the surrounding area to shop at one or more of the 21 chain-operated or locally owned stores — including JCPenney, Dunham’s Sports, Bath & Body Works, Christopher & Banks, Foot Locker, and more — or to attend a special event at the mall. In keeping with the community spirit of the entire downtown area, CenterPoint works closely with the Main Street manager employed by the Association of Downtown Businesses.

• Coffee Maker • Iron/Ironing Board • Rollaway Beds • Hair Dryers • Cable/Satallite TV • Showtime/Pay-Per-View • Fitness Room • Pool & Spa • Free High-Speed Internet

From quaint shops to national chains, a variety of shopping opportunities are available in Portage County.

5317 US Hwy 10 East Stevens Point, WI 54481 USA Phone: 715-342-9300 Fax: 715-342-9300

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EDUCATION

A Tomorrow We Can Only Imagine

W

hether it’s getting your child off on the right foot at the primary level, finding a secondary school to prepare your college- or employment-bound student, selecting a college or university to prepare you for a job, or the pursuit of lifelong learning, Portage County residents have easy access to many paths for success.

STEVENS POINT AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT The future is on the minds of the staff of the Stevens Point Area Public School District, all of whom are focused on “educating children today for a tomorrow we can only imagine.”

Nine elementary schools serve approximately 3,660 students attending kindergarten through sixth grade in the Stevens Point Area Public School District.

Parents may choose either a full-day or half-day kindergarten program. If enough parents are interested in the half day, a separate class is formed; otherwise children attend the regular full-day program for half a day.

A combined enrollment of approximately 1,650 students is served by two junior high 18 | Portage County Business Council

schools, which cover the seventh through ninth grades. Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH) has approximately 1,960 students attending grades 10 through 12. The district is also served by an alternative high school (the Charles F. Fernandez Center for Alternative Learning) for those needing a more personalized curriculum.

Many auxiliary programs enhance traditional classroom instruction. Among these are gifted-talented services, English as a second language, reading, reading recovery, special education, tutorial assistance, after-school academic programs and summer-school programming. The district’s Department of Curriculum, Learning and Student Achievement supports the efforts of teachers with professional development opportunities, materials, resources, in-classroom assistance, data analysis and teacher collaboratives, all for the purpose of enhancing learning.

The district also hosts seven active charter schools. Wisconsin River Academy, located at SPASH, offers an integrated environmental science, social studies and language arts curriculum. CARE

(Concerned About Reaching Everyone) is located at Ben Franklin Junior High and serves at-risk students. McKinley Center focuses on technology, while McDill Academy supports departments or “academies.” Washington Elementary is a service-learning school, and Roosevelt Elementary focuses on differentiating instruction. Jefferson Fine Arts Center uses music, dance and drama in an integrated curriculum.

Continuing improvements to the Stevens Point Area Public School District’s learning environment have included: • Adding Advanced Placement classes at SPASH • Offering a co-curricular class with the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point • Using a smaller learning communities grant to support a professional learning community at SPASH • Improving professional development offerings to fine-tune teachers’ abilities • Requiring annual school-improvement plans for each building

EDUCATION Stevens Point Area Public School District also offers a wide variety of extracurriculars, including athletics of all kinds, intramural sports, dance, gymnastics and pom teams, music and drama opportunities, game clubs, and debate.

SMALLER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS About 540 students attend AlmondBancroft Public Schools for early childhood through the 12th grade. Early childhood and kindergarten classes are conducted in the Portage County Community of Bancroft, while classes for grades one through 12 are held in Almond.

The Tomorrow River School District serves approximately 900 students in prekindergarten through grade 12. In the Village of Amherst, the district’s interconnected structure houses Amherst Elementary School (pre-K through grade five), Amherst Middle School (grades six through eight), and Amherst High School (grades nine through 12). The school site is adjacent to the Jensen Community Center.

A total of about 750 pupils attend classes for pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade in the Rosholt School District. A single facility in the Village of Rosholt includes Rosholt Elementary (pre-K through grade five), Rosholt Middle (grades six through eight), and Rosholt High (grades nine through 12).

STEVENS POINT AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Six schools with a combined enrollment of about 1,034 students make up the Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools (SPACS) consolidated system.

A comprehensive faith-based education for preschoolers through 12th graders is offered by SPACS, which challenges its students to reach their personal bests in keeping with a history of Catholic education that dates back to 1873 in Portage County.

Students in grades nine through 12 attend Pacelli High School, which offers an education with both standard and collegeprep courses. Students’ results on college entrance exams compare favorably with state and national averages.

OTHER PRIVATE SCHOOLS Three additional schools located in Stevens Point include St. Peter Middle School (grades six through eight), St. Stanislaus Elementary School www.portagecountybiz.com | 19

EDUCATION (kindergarten through second grade), and St. Stephen Elementary School (grades three through five).

Located in Plover, St. Bronislava offers an education to preschoolers through fifth graders.

St. Paul Lutheran School, which is affiliated with St. Paul Lutheran Church, is another private-school option. St. Paul Lutheran School serves about 200 students from age 3 through grade eight.

MID-STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) has full-service campuses in Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids; a center in Adams; and several outreach sites.

As one of 16 colleges in the nationally acclaimed Wisconsin Technical College System, MSTC has a vital leadership role in the development of Central Wisconsin’s workforce and economy. The college provides a dynamic learning environment that has assisted thousands of graduates in achieving their personal and career goals.

Career training in some of the fastest-growing fields in the United States is offered at Mid-State Technical College. A recent survey of MSTC graduates showed that 96 percent found employment within six months of graduation.

Technical training in more than 40 careers is offered by MSTC, which grants one- and two-year technical diplomas and two-year associate’s degrees in business, service and health, and technical and industrial fields.

Certificates of successful completion are awarded by the college for a single course or a combination of courses.

main colleges on campus. The College of Natural Resources’ undergraduate program is widely regarded as the leader in natural resources and environmental management in all of North America.

Nationally ranked biology programs and well-respected business administration programs are offered by the College of Letters and Science. And one of the best fine arts programs in the country can be found in the College of Fine Arts and Communication, one of only 20 institutions in the nation offering accredited degree programs in art, music, dance and theater.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – STEVENS POINT Serving almost 8,700 undergraduate and graduate students, the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (UWSP) is one of 13 four-year campuses in the University of Wisconsin System. UWSP has a long and storied academic tradition dating back to 1894, when Stevens Point Normal School opened its doors to 300 students as a teacher-training school. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks UWSP in the top 10 percent of all regional public universities in the Midwest.

Ninety-five undergraduate and 11 graduate programs are offered through the four

Nationally ranked biology programs and

Left: Mid-State Technical College has full-service campuses in Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids.

Below: University of Wisconsin – Steven Point College of Fine Arts and Communications offers one of the best programs in the country.

well-respected business administration programs are offered by the College of Letters and Science Semester- or year-long internships are offered through programs in the College of Professional Studies, which are state or nationally accredited. UWSP’s International Programs rank 18th among all baccalaureate institutions in the United States for sending students abroad, where they participate in 17 programs in all regions of the world.

UWSP’s 435-acre campus includes 13 major academic and administrative buildings, 14 residence halls, and two residence centers. The university maintains the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES), a year-round conference and educational center on 500 acres at Sunset Lake.

The library at UWSP contains one of the finest collections of information resources in the entire University of Wisconsin System, with more than 357,000 volumes of books and periodicals. The community also has access to the library via the Internet, and all library facilities are available at no cost to all Wisconsin residents.

Also benefiting the entire community is Schmeeckle Reserve, a 225-acre natural area that is also located on the campus.

This area includes a 24-acre lake, trails that are a part of the Green Circle nature trail, and a nature center.

WISCONSIN LEARNING CENTER Businesses and organizations throughout the region are discovering the benefits of sending their employees to the Wisconsin Learning Center (WLC).

20 | Portage County Business Council

EDUCATION

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION Partners in Education (PIE) provides employability skill and career awareness development opportunities for K–12 students in Portage and Waushara counties by linking educational institutions, businesses and community organizations through its programs and services.

PIE offers over 19 programs and services to help educators link their curriculum to the “real world,” including business tours, elementary career days, guest speakers, job shadowing, reality shops, a regional career expo, and the Golden Apple Awards program.

Partners in Education is a coalition of the Portage County Business Council Foundation, area businesses and industries, MidState Technical College, the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, and area K–12 school districts.

Career success depends on preparation. Through hands-on exposure and experience in the business community, PIE helps to prepare students of all ages to become part of the present and future workforce of the region.

The WLC is Central Wisconsin’s top training facility for business and industry. Located adjacent to the Portage County Business Council in the Portage County Business Park, the 5,000-square-foot learning center features state-of-the-art learning opportunities in computer labs, along with a conference room and a distance-education room capable of connecting to virtually any site in the world.

The University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and Mid-State Technical College instructors conduct seminars and classes to meet the changing needs of the Central Wisconsin business community.

The WLC grants continuing education units and certificates.

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GOVERNMENT

Services for the People T

he government of Portage County is comprised of a 29-member Board of Supervisors elected from districts consisting of 17 county townships, nine villages and the City of Stevens Point. Stevens Point serves as the county seat. Beginning in April 2006, a full-time county executive will be elected to a four-year term. Elected county officers and appointed personnel conduct the day-to-day business of the county under the direction of the Board of Supervisors.

Stevens Point’s mayor serves as the city’s full-time chief executive officer and presides over meetings of the Common Council. The Common Council is comprised of 11 aldermen who represent the city’s 11 wards.

The Village of Amherst has a village president/village trustee form of government with a paid village clerk/ treasurer. The village president oversees meetings of the board of trustees, chairs

22 | Portage County Business Council

the planning commission and is a committee advisor.

The Village of Plover also has a village president/village trustee form of government with a paid village administrator.

Each ward is represented by two board members. The village administrator is the chief administrative officer.

Stevens Point’s mayor serves as the city’s full-time chief executive officer and presides over meetings of the Common Council.

STATE GOVERNMENT The government of Wisconsin features separate legislative, executive and judicial branches. Constitutional officers include

the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer and superintendent of public instruction.

Each officer is elected to a four-year term.

The legislature is divided into two houses: the Senate, with 33 members, and the Assembly, with 99 representatives.

Senators serve four-year terms and representatives serve two-year terms.

The executive branch of government is headed by the governor, who can by state law run for an unlimited number of terms. The lieutenant governor is elected at the same time as the governor and oversees many projects, such as state testing of students.

The superintendent of public instruction gives direction and technical support to public schools in Wisconsin. This office also assists administrators with a vast array of programs and professional services.

GOVERNMENT

INFORMATION COMMUNITY CONTACTS EMERGENCY ALMOND

Clerk Fire Department Electric - Alliant Natural Gas - WPS No Municipal Water System Wastewater Department Cable New Century Communications Phone - Union Telephone Co. School District - Almond/Bancroft Library

AMHERST

Clerk Fire Department Electric - Alliant Natural Gas - Alliant Water Department Wastewater Department Cable - Tomorrow Valley Cable Phone Amherst Telephone Company School District - Tomorrow River Library

AMHERST JUNCTION

Clerk Electric - Alliant Natural Gas - WPS Cable - Tomorrow Valley Cable Phone Amherst Telephone Company School District - Tomorrow River

JUNCTION CITY

Clerk Fire Department Electric - Alliant Natural Gas - WPS Water Department Wastewater Department Cable - HLM Phone - TDS Telecom School District Stevens Point Area Public

NELSONVILLE

Clerk Electric - Alliant Natural Gas - Alliant No Municipal Water System No Municipal Wastewater System Cable - Tomorrow Valley Cable Phone Amherst Telephone Company School District - Tomorrow River

PARK RIDGE

Clerk Fire Department Electric - WPS Natural Gas - WPS No Municipal Water System Stevens Point Wastewater Department Cable - Charter Communications

911 (715) 366-8171 (715) 366-7181 (800) 862-6222 (800) 450-7260 (715) 366-8171 (800) 247-1566 (715) 366-4581 (715) 366-2941 (715) 366-2151

(715) 824-5613 (715) 824-2699 (800) 862-6222 (800) 862-6222 (715) 824-5613 (715) 824-5613 (715) 824-5529 (715) 824-5529 (715) 824-5521 (715) 824-5510

(715) 824-3147 (800) 862-6222 (800) 450-7260 (715) 824-5529 (715) 824-5529 (715) 824-5521

(715) 457-2353 (715) 457-6464 (800) 862-6222 (800) 450-7260 (715) 457-2973 (715) 457-2973 (800) 451-5119 (888) 225-5837 (715) 345-5444

Phone SBC Northern Telephone & Data Choice One Communications

(800) 924-1000 (715) 342-9192 (920) 968-7350

School Districts Stevens Point Area Public Stevens Point Area Catholic Lutheran

(715) 345-5444 (715) 341-2445 (715) 344-5660

PLOVER

Clerk Fire Department Police Department Electric - WPS Natural Gas - WPS Water Department Wastewater Department Cable - Charter Communications Phone SBC Northern Telephone & Data Choice One Communications School Districts Stevens Point Area Public Stevens Point Area Catholic Lutheran Library

(715) 345-5250 (715) 345-5310 (715) 345-5255 (800) 450-7260 (800) 450-7260 (715) 345-5254 (715) 345-5259 (800) 581-0081 (800) 924-1000 (715) 342-9192 (920) 968-7350

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(715) 345-5444 (715) 341-2445 (715) 344-5660 (715) 341-4007

ROSHOLT STEVENS POINT

Clerk Fire Department Station #1 Fire Department Station #2 Stevens Point Police Electric - WPS Natural Gas - WPS Water Department Wastewater Department Cable - Charter Communications Phone SBC Northern Telephone & Data Choice One Communications School District Stevens Point Area Public Library

(715) 346-1569 (715) 344-1833 (715) 344-1850 (715) 346-1500 (800) 450-7260 (800) 450-7260 (715) 345-5260 (715) 345-5260 (800) 581-0081 (800) 924-1000 (715) 342-9192 (920) 968-7350 (715) 345-5444 (715) 346-1544

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS (715) 824-3746 (800) 862-6222 (800) 862-6222 (715) 824-5529 (715) 824-5529 (715) 824-5521

(715) 343-1590 (715) 344-2134 (800) 450-7260 (800) 450-7260

Day Care Referral Services Mid-Wisconsin Child Care Resource & Referral (715) 342-1788 Newspapers Buyer’s Guide (715) 344-4700 Our Community Spirit (715) 824-5202 Portage County Gazette (715) 343-8045 Stevens Point Journal (715) 344-6100 Poison Center (800) 815-8855 Portage County Business Council (715) 344-1940 Portage County Sheriff (715) 346-1400 Saint Michael’s Hospital (715) 346-5100 Tourism Information Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (715) 344-2556 Vehicle Registration/Driver’s Licenses Department of Transportation (715) 345-5321

(715) 346-1561 (800) 581-0081

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HEALTH CARE

Comprehensive Community Care M

inistry Medical Group-Rice Clinic and Saint Michael’s Hospital, both located in Stevens Point, help to meet the health care needs of the people of Portage County. Each is a member of the Ministry Health Care organization.

SAINT MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL Founded in 1913 by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, Saint Michael’s Hospital provides an integrated continuum of primary and secondary health care services to Portage County and surrounding Central Wisconsin communities. Saint Michael’s Hospital is a fully accredited acute care facility with 181 licensed beds. More than 200 physicians serve on Saint Michael’s Hospital medical staff, with a close alignment to Ministry Medical Group physician practices throughout Portage and Waupaca counties.

In 1998, Saint Michael’s Hospital constructed a state-of-the-art, 110,000-squarefoot clinic addition to the hospital which is now occupied by Ministry Medical Group (previously Rice Medical Center), a multi-specialty clinic with more than 90 physicians. During that time, the hospital 24 | Portage County Business Council

interior was completely renovated, including the addition of a new cancer center, urgent-care department and laboratory and MRI suite.

Saint Michael’s affiliates include SAINTS Health Services for Business, Ministry Behavioral Health, Hospice of Portage County, Home Health, and Kidney Centers in Stevens Point, Wausau and Waupaca.

SAINT MICHAEL’S FOUNDATION Saint Michael’s Foundation was established in 1989 with a mission to develop, manage and grant charitable support to meet the health care needs of the community. Serving as the funding provider for community health services and education, Saint Michael’s Foundation primarily funds community education programs, Lifeline, cancer support services, health screenings, health education scholarships and patient education initiatives.

Other services include: • Lifeline — This is a 24-hour personal emergency response system providing independence to elderly, disabled

and medically “at risk” persons who wish to live on their own.

• Ministry Dental Center — This collaborative partnership between CAP Services, Delta Dental Plan of Wisconsin and Saint Michael’s Hospital serves low-income individuals and families who qualify for Medicare/Badgercare.

• Family Health / La Clinica — This expansion of annual mobile outreach health services enhances the ability to reach migrant farm workers and increases the level and quality of care.

• Free Prostate Cancer Screenings — Saint Michael’s Foundation, with the help of the medical staff, offers free screenings to men, ages 40–70, for prostate cancer.

• Community Wellness Week — In collaboration with the National Wellness Institute, Saint Michael’s Foundation brings nationally and internationally renowned wellness experts to share their insight with the community.

• Gun Safety Awareness Program — Saint Michael’s Foundation partners with the Children’s Miracle Network and local law-enforcement agencies to educate elementary students about the importance of gun safety. Safety locks are provided.

• Birth to Three Years Newsletter — The Foundation is a co-sponsor of this valuable newsletter that reaches all parents of newborns in Portage County. Birth to Three Years informs parents about their child’s development, nutritional needs, safety issues and nurturing activities.

• Carrier Alert Program — The U.S. Postal Service, area law-enforcement agencies and Saint Michael’s Foundation present the Carrier Alert Program. Designed primarily for the elderly and handicapped who live alone, Carrier Alert offers peace of mind in knowing that your postal carrier will call for help if there is no sign of activity at your home.

• Depression Awareness and Free Screenings — Information is provided each fall to help individuals understand the factors in dealing with depression. Free screenings are provided to seek treatment and overcome stigmas.

HEALTH CARE • Developmental Asset Initiative — The community has received funding support for new testing of the students in Portage County.

• Infant Carbeds — Saint Michael’s provides carbeds for parents to use when bringing home a low-birth-weight baby.

MINISTRY MEDICAL GROUP Previously known as Rice Medical Center, Ministry Medical Group was founded in 1928 by Daniel Rice, M.D., and his son Rhody Rice, M.D. By 1950 the clinic had developed into one of the state’s first multi-specialty practices with the addition of Robert Slater, M.D.; surgeon Richard Eckberg, M.D.; and obstetrician/gynecologist John Riordan, M.D. At that time, Rice Medical Center opened a new clinic on Main Street in Stevens Point.

Over the ensuing decades, the clinic steadily grew to meet the increased health care demands of the community. Numerous specialties were added throughout the years by recruiting new physicians and affiliating with physician clinics in the area.

Today Ministry Medical Group has regional clinics and affiliated services in Plover, Stevens Point, Iola, Amherst, Waupaca, Wisconsin Rapids and Wausau. Ministry Medical’s specialties include: audiology dermatology ear/nose/throat gastroenterology family practice geriatrics internal medicine

nephrology neurology obstetrics/ gynecology ophthalmology orthopedics pediatrics

podiatry psychiatry sleep medicine sports medicine surgery urology

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HEALTH CARE

SAINT MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL/MINISTRY MEDICAL GROUP — 2006 SUPPORT GROUP INFORMATION (All numbers are area code 715.)

ADULT DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP Stevens Point Pre-registration requested; call HEALTHLINE at 346-5463.

BREASTFEEDING BASICS Stevens Point Pre-registration is required; call HEALTHLINE at 346-5463. Cost: $10.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Stevens Point Call Chris Schmelling at 346-5355.

HEALING HEARTS GROUP Stevens Point Call 346-5336.

“I CAN COPE” CANCER EDUCATION Stevens Point Pre-registration requested; call HEALTHLINE at 346-5463.

26 | Portage County Business Council

JOINT DECISIONS Stevens Point Pre-registration requested; call HEALTHLINE at 346-5463.

“MAN TO MAN” / “US TOO” PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Stevens Point Call 295-9939.

JUVENILE DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP Stevens Point Call Emily Woyak at 341-4588.

SIBLING CLASS Stevens Point Pre-registration is required; call HEALTHLINE at 346-5463.

Cost per family: $10.

LAMAZE PROGRAM Stevens Point Pre-registration is required; call HEALTHLINE at 346-5463. Cost: $50.

LIVING WITH CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Stevens Point Pre-registration requested; call HEALTHLINE at 346-5463.

LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER Stevens Point Call 343-3030.

LOSS OF SPOUSE SUPPORT (L.O.S.S.) GROUP Stevens Point Call Chris Schmelling at 346-5355.

TOPICAL TUESDAYS Stevens Point An educational series about the health topics that matter to you. Second Tuesday of each month. Call HEALTHLINE at 346-5463.

WIDOW & WIDOWER SOCIAL GROUP Stevens Point Call Chris Schmelling at 346-5355.

YOUNGER SURVIVING SPOUSE GRIEF SUPPORT & OUTINGS Stevens Point Call Chris Schmelling at 346-5355.

Our Great Outdoors

R

esidents of Portage County have outstanding recreational opportunities from which to choose. This is thanks in large part to the local governments’ commitment to providing residents and visitors the chance to enhance their lifestyle through an unsurpassed park system and other attractions.

People of all ages can enjoy the Green Circle Trail, a 30.5-mile nature trail winding through the beauty of rivers, trees and wildlife habitat.

TRAILS/GREENWAYS/NATURE PARKS GREEN CIRCLE TRAIL People of all ages can enjoy the Green Circle Trail, a 30.5-mile nature trail winding through the beauty of rivers, trees and wildlife habitat. This greenway is perfect for hiking, biking, jogging, cross-country skiing, canoeing, wildlife watching, fishing, family outings and solitude. Certain trails

are kept groomed for skiing, while others are set aside for joggers and walkers.

Bikers particularly enjoy the trail. The Green Circle Trail ride circles Stevens Point on a paved and graveled surface. There are many points of access, but the trail officially begins at Schmeeckle Reserve, which is a natural area surrounded by the city.

The reserve includes many miles of hiking trails, a 20-acre lake, diverse natural communities and a visitor center. An off-road bike suits all surfaces best.

The trail is made possible by the support of private landowners, local governments, the Portage County Business Council, the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, public utilities, state and federal agencies, and local residents.

STANDING ROCKS COUNTY PARK Standing Rocks County Park has about 10 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course, a cross-country skiing/dog exercise trail, downhill skiing and a 26-field target archery course.

RECREATION

A trail pass can be purchased at the trail head; the pass is required for mountain bikers and cross-country skiers.

TOMORROW RIVER STATE TRAIL Tomorrow River State Trail has been developed from about 15 miles of abandoned railroad grade and connects the villages of Plover and Amherst Junction. When weather permits, the trail is open to bicyclists, joggers, hikers and horseback riders.

THE YELLOWSTONE TRAIL The Yellowstone Trail passes through Portage County on its way across the state of Wisconsin as it winds west to the state of Washington. Beginning at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, the trail enters Wisconsin just north of Chicago and exits just east of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

The Village of Amherst is the trail’s first Portage County stop; bed-and-breakfast accommodations are available here. From there, the trail follows County Highway B into the Village of Plover and then enters Stevens Point via northbound U.S. Highway 51. www.portagecountybiz.com | 27

RECREATION Heritage Park, in the Village of Plover, is home to an authentic Yellowstone Trail cabin and other period buildings.

In Stevens Point the trail passes UWSP’s “Old Main” building, completed in 1894, and historic downtown buildings.

WATER SPORTS Not surprisingly, summer recreational opportunities in the region center around the water.

RIVER RECREATION The Wisconsin River flows through the heart of the county. Many of its reservoirs provide quality locations for fishing, boating, swimming, canoeing and wildlife viewing.

Call 800-775-6404 for water conditions.

The upper Plover River provides the setting for an exciting canoeing adventure, with State Highway 66, County Road Y and Marathon County Road C-J leading to river access. This area is known for its woods and marshes. The bridge that crosses the river near Marathon County Road C-J is a good place to launch your canoe.

CANOEING A great spot for beginners wanting to get a feel for canoeing is McDill Pond, which can be accessed at the boat landing on Business 51 at the south edge of Stevens Point. It is not unusual to spot an osprey nest on one of the telephone poles bordering the pond.

FISHING Some of the premier fishing destinations in the entire region can be found

Portage County is home to many of the region's premier fishing destinations.

28 | Portage County Business Council

RECREATION right here in Portage County, the home of the Wisconsin and Plover rivers, Lake DuBay Flowage, Biron Flowage, and several additional lakes and streams.

Portage County is a popular troutfishing destination. The Tomorrow River, which flows through Nelsonville and Amherst, offers great fishing for brown trout and brook trout.

Trout Fishing Ditches 1 through 6 were created many years ago by a farming boom that hit the southern part of the county. When a vast amount of wetlands were drained for their fertile soil, these ditches were left behind. They are fed by cool groundwater and now provide a home for stocked brook trout.

The Little Wolf River, which crosses the northwest corner of the county, and Spring Creek, which flows through the hills of southeastern Portage County, also provide refuge for brook and brown trout.

PARK WATER FACILITIES You can experience more fun with water at these park/picnic facilities in Portage County:

• Bukolt Park has access to water.

• Goerke Park has a swimming pool and waterslide.

• Iverson Park has access to water and a swimming beach.

• Mead Park has a docking area and swimming area.

• Pacawa Park offers a swimming beach.

• Worzella Pines Park has a paved boat landing.

• Hartman Creek State Park (located in adjacent Waupaca County) offers canoeing and fishing.

CAMPING The Portage County Parks System takes reservations for campsites in person, over the phone or by mail. For more information, call 715-346-1433 or visit www.co.portage.wi.us on the Web. • Collins Park, covering 21 acres, features 27 campsites, an enclosed lodge, and areas for swimming and boating.

• Dubay Park has 31 campsites and an enclosed lodge on 51 acres. Motor boating, water skiing, swimming and sailboat access are offered.

• Lake Emily Park features 66 campsites and an enclosed lodge on 143 acres. Nature trails, swimming, motor boating, water skiing and sail boating are offered.

• Jordan Park offers 25 campsites and an enclosed lodge on 271 acres, including a nature trail. Swimming, row-boating, canoeing and sailing areas are available.

The private campgrounds of Lake DuBay Shores, Ridgewood On The River, Rivers Edge and Vista Royalle are also available.

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GOLF Golfers of any level can find a course to suit their skills among the fairways of Portage County.

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RECREATION

SentryWorld in Stevens Point is ranked as one of Wisconsin’s top five public courses. It offers a pro shop, driving range, practice green, lessons, a restaurant and bar. Outdoor and indoor tennis courts are also available at SentryWorld. Reservations are suggested.

Also in Stevens Point, the Wisconsin River Golf Club’s picturesque setting provides the backdrop for an 18-hole course that plays anywhere from 4,924 to 6,584 yards. Lessons, a driving range and a pro shop, along with a bar and grill, are available.

Above: SentryWorld Golf Course is a great place for golfers to hone their skills.

Top right: Portage County winters are perfect for snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing and skating.

30 | Portage County Business Council

WINTER SPORTS Wintertime fun can be had snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing and skating. Adding fun to the beauty of the winter scene are the Portage County Park System, the 121-acre Iverson Park, tracked and groomed cross-country ski trails, recreational skating rinks, two large toboggan slides, and various sled and saucer hills.

The winter sports of basketball and hockey can be enjoyed through participation, or as a spectator, through quality indoor facilities.

CULTURE/ENTERTAINMENT

The Finer Side of Life M

any shops and galleries supporting the fine arts are located in Portage County, which is also home to the Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater and the Central Wisconsin Symphony, each located in Stevens Point.

THE CENTRAL WISCONSIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra (CWSO) was formed in 1948 and promotes music, entertainment and education. Adults from a five-county area are joined by college and high school students in this 75-member orchestra.

Four concerts are performed each year by the orchestra, which also offers a youthoriented program, usually featuring a guest artist. The four Saturday night and Sunday afternoon concerts are generally held on a weekend in October, December, February and April. Additionally, the CWSO presents at least one children’s/family concert a year.

In recent years, the orchestra has performed the music of composers Joan Tower, Charles Rochester Young, Judith Lang Zaimont and Barbara Harbach, among others.

In addition, guest artists have included classical guitarist Sharon Isben, Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Karrin Alyson and the American Horn Quartet. The CWSO has also commissioned some short original pieces.

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For more information, visit the CWSO Web site at www.cwso.org.

THE CENTRAL WISCONSIN AREA COMMUNITY THEATER The Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater (CWACT) consists of community volunteers who select, produce and fund plays that the entire community values.

Organized in 1973, the CWACT offers its members the opportunity to participate in quality theater, annually presenting three plays at the Sentry Theater.

These three plays consist of a musical and two other productions, usually a comedy and a drama. A summer fundraiser for the Community Foundation of Portage County is on occasion produced by volunteers.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – STEVENS POINT An array of theater, music and exhibits are presented throughout the year by the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (UWSP), which is a focal point for arts and entertainment options in the region.

Many different kinds of campus entertainment — ranging from local bands to national comedians, hypnotists and singers — are hosted by the University Center every Thursday through Saturday night each semester, totaling about 150 programs a year.

UWSP presents a minimum of 200 arts events, including a major Performing Arts Series, running from September to May of each year. There is also a campus-wide arts and athletics ticket office that has ticketing and marketing services for the Central Wisconsin region.

Only 23 colleges in the nation have programs in the arts that are recognized by four national accrediting associations — the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the National Association of Schools of Theater, the National Association of Schools of Music, and the National Association of Schools of Dance — and UWSP is one of the 23. UWSP is the only college in the state to have such an honor.

UWSP’s College of Fine Arts and Communication is the driving force behind dynamic performances representing “the best in performance, creativity and expression.” Many of the area’s top visual and performance artists receive their training on the Stevens Point campus.

The College of Fine Arts and Communication is located in the brand-new, state-of-the-art Noel Fine Arts Center on campus. The 200,000-square-foot facility includes four staffed computer labs, two theaters, two dance studios, a concert hall, a major lecture hall and a gallery.

One of the theaters in the Noel Center —

CULTURE/ENTERTAINMENT which is twice as big as the previous facility — allows for more experimental and contemporary performances.

In addition to housing the departments of Art and Design, Theater and Dance, and Music, as well as the Division of Communication, the Noel Center plays host to the Aber Suzuki Center. The Center has been recognized internationally for its excellence in the Suzuki classical musical instruction method. Each summer, more than 3,000 individuals attend the annual American Suzuki Institute in Stevens Point.

Visitors to the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point campus can also experience and enjoy the Edna Carlsten Art Gallery, Schmeeckle Reserve, the Museum of Natural History, the Aviary and Forestry Hall of Fame, theatrical and musical performances, athletics, special events, and the planetarium.

It’s a city-owned arts center that hosts art exhibits and workshops. Wood sculpture, printmaking, pottery, water-color painting, and set and lighting design have all been subjects at the arts center.

Below: The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra holds several performances per year.

Middle: The College of Fine Arts and Communication is located in the brand-new Noel Fine Arts Center.

Bottom: The UWSP planetarium is a hit with visitors of all ages.

OTHER COMMUNITY ARTS ORGANIZATIONS The Monteverdi Master Chorale is a group of amateur singers who perform throughout the year, including at Christmastime.

The Party in the Park Series is sponsored by the City of Stevens Point and is held under the band shell at Pfiffner Pioneer Park on Friday nights during the summer. Also, the City Band plays theme concerts on Wednesday evenings in the scenic park setting.

The Riverfront Arts Center can be found just west of downtown Stevens Point, off U.S. Highway 10 near the Wisconsin River.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ACCOUNTANT Clifton Gunderson LLP — Pg. 3 201 Frontenac Avenue P.O. Box 106 Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-344-4984 fax 715-344-8544

Clifton Gunderson has been serving clients for over 45 years. We’re proud to say our clients think of us not just as accountants, but as trusted business advisors.

ACCOUNTANTS Ligman & Wille CPA, LLC — Pg. 7

2804 Post Rd. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-341-3232 cpas@ligmanwille.com We offer complete accounting services, including: • Computerized payroll & accounting • Accounting software support • Business & personal income tax preparation & planning

ADULT CARE/ SENIOR LIVING Heartridge Homes, Inc. — Pg. 25 Wellington Place Stevens Point (Whiting) 715-344-9669 Wisconsin Rapids (Biron) 715-423-5600 Wausau (Rib Mountain) 715-842-5000 www.heartridgehomes.com

Caring assistance in an elegant, homelike setting!

North Haven Assisted Living Homes — Pg. 10

2225 Eagle Summit Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-343-1288 northhaven@charterinternet.net Our mission is to provide individualized, superior and loving care to our residents in a home setting. Our caring staff ensures each resident receives quality care with dignity and respect.

ARCHITECT Architectural Service — Pg. 5 3028 Stanley Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-344-6860 fax 715-342-0595

Architectural Service provides a full range of service for residential and commercial projects. Membership in the American Institute of Architects and continued education keeps Architectural Service serving clients effectively.

BOOK PUBLISHER Worzalla — Pg. 4

3535 Jefferson Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-344-9600 fax 715-344-2578 www.worzalla.com We provide the best in book manufacturing services all under one roof — in-house digital scanning and state-ofthe-art electronic pre-press, positive and negative film capabilities, 1- to 6-color printing, and soft or hard case bindings.

CABINETRY Welling Woodworks, Inc. — Pg. 17 3701 Patch St. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-344-2688 bjwelling@wellingwoodworks.com

Welling Woodworks offers both residential and commercial cabinetry. With two designers on staff, and both stock and custom cabinetry, we can satisfy most every budget and design requirement.

COMMUNICATIONS UltraCom Wireless Communications Inc. — Pg. 7 5301 Highway 10E Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-343-1547 fax 715-343-1572 info@ultracomwireless.com www.ultracomwireless.com

CONSTRUCTION/ CONTRACTORS Blenker Companies, Inc. — Pg. 23 P.O. Box 40 Amherst, WI 54406 715-824-5665 pamela.jewell@blenkerco.com Expect more • Quality • Integrity • Beauty • Ingenuity • Precision

COUNTRY CLUBS Stevens Point Country Club — Pg. 30

1628 Country Club Dr. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-345-8900 www.stevenspointcountryclub.com

DENTAL INSURANCE Delta Dental of Wisconsin — Pg. 25

2801 Hoover Road P.O. Box 828 Stevens Point, WI 54494 800-236-3713 bwalker@deltadentalwi.com Delta Dental Plan of Wisconsin offers benefit services, claims processing, and plan administration to employers throughout Wisconsin. We provide benefits to more than 1 million subscribers and their family members.

EDUCATION Mid-State Technical College — Pg. 19 933 Michigan Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481 888-575-MSTC mstc.edu

Mid-State Technical College offers nearly 50 career opportunities through associate degrees, technical diplomas and short-term certificates. Student-focused and community-based, MSTC locations include Stevens Point, Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids and Adams.

Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools — Pg. 21 1408 Ellis Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-341-2445 fax 715-342-2001 jdyer@spacs.k12.wi.us www.spacs.k12.wi.us

The Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools (SPACS) provides a nurturing educational environment dedicated to the development of the whole student, founded in academic excellence and Christ-centered faith, worship and service.

Stevens Point Area Public School District — Pg. 19 1900 Polk Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-345-5456 www.wisp.k12.wi.us

Stevens Point Area Public School District, known for academic excellence, offers a K–12 program serving 7,360 students in 9 elementary, 2 junior high, a senior high and an alternative school.

University of WisconsinStevens Point — Pg. 26 2100 Main St. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-346-0123 www.uwsp.edu

UWSP is a leading comprehensive university serving 8,800 students who choose from 49 majors. The student-tofaculty ratio is 20-to-1. About 180 student organizations offer extracurricular learning experiences.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES EarthWonders LLC — Pg. 29 1201 Water Street, Suite D Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-321-0227 earthwonders@charter.net www.earthwonders.net

EarthWonders provides nature-inspired wellness programs, workshops, and consulting services for businesses and individuals.

FINANCIAL CONSULTING Chase Paymentech — Pg. 33 866-919-9131

We are your local merchant service provider offering: • Credit card processing • Check conversion, guarantee & collection • Gift and loyalty cards Call for your free analysis!

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AnchorBank, fsb — Pg. 1 25 West Main Street Madison, WI 53703 608-252-8733 fax 608-252-8842 bschultz@anchorbank.com www.anchorbank.com

AnchorBank, fsb, is a $4.4 billion financial institution with 59 full-service and two lending only offices. Founded in 1919, AnchorBank currently brings its innovative and unique products to approximately 150,000 Wisconsin households.

M & I Marshall & Ilsley Bank — Pg. 3

1245 Main Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-344-5100 2851 Post Road Plover, WI 54467 715-341-0380 Crossroads Commons 1200 Commerce Place Plover, WI 54467 715-344-8182 www.mibank.com

US Bank — Pg. 19

5673 Highway 10E Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-342-8000 www.usbank.com A full-service financial institution offering consumer and commercial banking, mortgage banking, investment insurance, and much more. All of our services are backed by our five star service guarantee.

WoodTrust — Pg. 7

1900 Plover Road Plover, WI 54467 715-342-9262 bill.fields@woodtrust.com www.woodtrust.com

GOVERNMENT Portage County Business Council — Pg. 13 5501 Vern Holmes Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-344-1940 fax 715-344-4473 www.portagecountybiz.com

Your business advocate — a single point contact for all you need to be successful.

Providing the resources and expertise to help with site selection, training, operational and technical resources to help you expand or relocate your business to Portage County.

Portage County Executive Office — Pg. 23 1462 Strongs Ave Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-346-1998 fax 715-346-1995 www.co.portage.wi.us

Mark Maslowski, our County Executive, is the chief elected official for Portage County. The County Executive is elected on a countywide basis and charged with leading and managing Portage County.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS HEALTH CARE

LAWN CARE

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Ministry Behavioral Health — Pg. 31

Sharon’s Secret Garden — Pg. 33

Saints Health Services For Business — Pg. 7

Ministry Medical Group — Pg. 21, Outside Back Cover

• Lawn Mowing • Landscaping • Fertilizing • Thatching • Pruning Call us for all your lawn care needs!

SAINTS Health Services for Business provides a full range of work-related health care services.

209 Prentice Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-344-4611

824 Illinois Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-342-7500

Ministry Medical Group Plover — Pg. 34 2401 Plover Road Plover, WI 54467 715-295-3800

Point Sports Medicine — Pg. 17 824 Illinois Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-342-7800

Saint Michael’s Hospital — Pg. 21, Outside Back Cover 900 Illinois Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-346-5000

HOTELS/MOTELS Comfort Suites — Pg. 23 300 Division St N Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-341-6000

Fairfield Inn — Pg. 17 5317 Highway 10 E Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-342-9300 fax 715-342-9300

• Coffee Maker • Iron/Ironing Board • Roll-Away Beds • Hair Dryers • Cable/Satellite TV • Showtime/Pay-Per-View • Fitness Room • Pool & Spa • Free High-Speed Internet

HOUSING/APARTMENTS Central Wisconsin Apartment Association — Pg. 5 Box 498 Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-345-1897 fax 715-345-1897 cwaa@g2a.net www.cwaaonline.org

Apartment-House-Duplex or Student Housing. www.cwaaonline.org Hundreds of listings. CWAA — meeting the Central Wisconsin needs for rental housing.

INSURANCE Sentry Insurance — Pg. Inside Front Cover 1800 Northpoint Dr Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-346-6000

Sentry Insurance, one of the largest and strongest mutual insurance companies in America, serves business owners and consumers by offering property, casualty, life insurance and retirement products.

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P.O. Box 194 Plover, WI 54467 715-341-2195 secretgarden800lawncare@yahoo.com

LOGISTICS/ TRANSPORTATION CH Robinson Worldwide Inc — Pg. 15

3046 Village Park Drive Plover, WI 54467 800-481-7576 Peter.Danielsen@chrobinson.com www.chrobinson.com Full-Service Global Transportation Supply Chain Management

MANUFACTURING Basic American Foods — Pg. 9 P.O. Box 68 Hayes Avenue & Hwy. 54 Plover, WI 54467 715-341-5960 fax 715-341-5966 www.baf.com

A company founded on customer satisfaction and focused on food service, Basic American Foods is committed to providing operators and their customers with convenient products that exceed expectations.

Donaldson Company, Inc. — Pg. 29 5200 Coye Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-341-5311 fax 715-341-0318

Donaldson Company, Inc., located in Stevens Point since 1976, is a manufacturer of lube, fuel and hydraulic filters for heavy-duty engine and off-road applications.

Pointe Precision INC — Pg. 19 2675 Precision Dr. Plover, WI 54467 715-342-5100 fax 715-342-5134

Pointe Precision, INC is a precision contract machine shop that utilizes Lean Manufacturing and Six-Sigma methodologies to provide comprehensive manufacturing solutions to a diverse customer base.

MARINA Heckel’s Lake Dubay Marina — Pg. 28 1135 W. County Highway DB Mosinee, WI 54455 715-341-1244 www.heckels.com

• Midwest’s Largest Marine Superstore • Boat, Motor & Waverunner Rentals • Snowmobile Rentals • Unbelievable Pricing • Largest Selection And much more! Come see us.

Highway 10 East, Suite D Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-346-5243 www.saintshealthservices.org

REAL ESTATE Coldwell Banker Northwood Real Estate — Pg. 9 3260 Church Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-344-8807 fax 715-344-4852 info@northwoodre.com www.northwoodre.com

We offer you professional service with a name you can trust.

• Relocation • Selling • Computer-Assisted Home Search • Community/Area Information • Customer-Friendly Contract Room

Stevens Point GMAC — Pg. 30 490 Division St Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-341-1000 spr-gmac@charterinternet.net

RETAIL Emmons Business Interiors — Pg. 15

5225 Joerns Dr. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-345-8933 Sherryl@emiweb.com

Lands' End — Pg. 15 5700 Lands’ End Way Stevens Point, WI 54481 1-866-WORK4LE (1-866-967-5453) www.landsend.com

Lands’ End is a global direct merchant of classically inspired clothing, soft luggage and home products. The products are offered through catalogs, online at www.landsend.com and in selected Sears stores.

Wal-Mart Supercenter — Pg. 17 250 Crossroads Dr. Plover, WI 54467 715-345-7855

RETAIL - FOOD Copps - A Division Of Roundy’s — Pg. 14 Stevens Point 3256 Church St. 344-2290 Stevens Point 5657 E. Hwy 10 345-1937 Plover 1850 Plover Rd. 342-0011 Wisconsin Rapids 900 E. Riverview Express 423-1620

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT Banta Global Turnkey — Pg. 7 P.O. Box 220 Plover, WI 54467 715-341-0544 www.banta.com

Banta’s supply-chain management business provides a wide range of outsourcing capabilities to the world’s largest technology companies. Services range from component procurement, product assembly and packaging to inventory control and global distribution.

TRANSPORTATION Central Wisconson Airport — Pg. 5

200 CWA Drive, Ste. 201 Mosinee, WI 54455 715-693-2147

TRAVEL SERVICES Marathon Travel & Cruise Shops — Pg. 13 1039 Ellis Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-345-1410 fax 715-345-2734

Business and leisure travel specialists with 8 convenient locations. The only agency with over 50 years of worldwide experience and 24/7 travel assistance at 1-800-AWAY NOW. Up-to-the-minute specials at www.MarathonTravel.com.

VISITOR INFORMATION Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau — Pg. 28 340 Division St. N. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-344-2556 www.stevenspointsarea.com

The Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau leads the region’s tourism industry and aggressively markets Portage County as a destination for leisure travelers, conventions, motorcoach tours and sporting events contributing to the economic development of our communities.

WATER CONDITIONING Maher Water Corporation — Pg. 17 2901 Hoover Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-344-2900 fax 715-344-3047 bill@maherwater.com

• Free Water Test • Softeners • Salt • Filters • Filters • Reverse Osmosis • Delivery of Bottled Water • Water Conditioning Supplies

CLOSE

Experience Portage County T

hank you for exploring Portage County through these pages. We’re sure you can understand the pride we feel for our home.

Indeed, Portage County has something for everyone. Whether it’s furthering your education, changing your career, taking in the arts, experiencing fine dining and shopping, or enjoying the outdoors, Portage County is your place. We are anxious to share our corner of the world with you.

Come experience first-hand the beauty and wonder of Portage County. After visiting, you will long to return time and time again. Like many others who have stopped to visit before you, don’t be surprised if you soon call one of our Portage County communities “Home.”

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