DECEMBER 2015 | Volume 15 | Issue 4

Fox Cities Chamber, Working for You

FVTC: Transforming Education to meet Workforce Needs

The Event: Award Recipients

CHAMBER

DECEMBER 2014 Volume 15, Issue 4

FOX CITIES

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this issue

VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 | DECEMBER 2014

15

3 Every Issue 2

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Views from Chamber President/CEO Shannon Meyer Full

22

NEW MEMBERS

30

OUT AND ABOUT

32

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Cover Story 3

Chamber Annual Report

Fox Cities

Chamber of Commerce & Industry

News 8

Site Selectors Leave with Positive Impression of Fox Cities Region

10

Wisconsin: A State of Transformation

12

Legislative Spotlight

14

It is “Your Future” Fox Cities: Transforming Solutions to Address Talent Challenges

16

Leadership Fox Cities

18

Ask a YP

26 Features 15

Weld Positioned

22

It Takes a Community to Mentor a Child

26

The Event

Photography by: Craig Augustine Photography & BConnected, LLC

Highlights 20

Chamber Affinity Plans

22

Diamond Member Honor Roll

23

Business Showcase

32

New Opportunities for Your Business

Fox Cities Chamber Business (v 259180). Published quarterly by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 125 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI 54911. PH 920-734-7101. WEB www.foxcitieschamber.com. Periodical postage paid at Appleton, WI. Annual subscription fee to members for Fox Cities Chamber Business is $9 and is included in dues. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Fox Cities Chamber Business, 125 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI 54911.

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

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president’s perspective Chairman of the Board Kip Golden CR Structures Group, Inc.

Thank you for your continued investment and engagement with the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce.

Chairman-Elect Daniel P. Ferris SECURA Insurance Companies Past Chairman Greg Bell WHBY Secretary/Treasurer Bruce Zak JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

As I begin, I would just like to say thank you. Thank you for your continued investment and engagement with the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce. As we approach the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on this community and the work that we are so honored to be a part of as it relates to growing the economy and the region.

I have had the pleasure of leading this transformational, innovative and dynamic organization for almost four years now, and I thought I would just take a minute to touch on some of its most rewarding aspects – shared mission, people and partnerships, and a tremendous sense of community.

Shared Mission – Every company or organization has a mission—something they want to accomplish, a reason for existing— and although our mission statement has changed slightly (mainly getting shorter and easier to remember), the focus of this organization has never wavered. We share this mission with you, the stakeholders, and that is: we exist to promote growth and prosperity.

It is extremely empowering and rewarding to be in a room of motivated individuals developing solution-based strategies to help our businesses, our community and our region grow and prosper. Our organization is committed to continual improvement – seeking feedback and implementing changes that allow us to better achieve our mission. You are part of a truly transformational organization that has your growth and prosperity as our number one priority.

People and Partnerships – Our business is all about relationships. I know many businesses are dependent upon strong relationships, but I don’t know of too many more dependent than ours.

One of the greatest aspects of my job is that I am privileged to work every day with committed and passionate people. Our volunteer leadership board and committees 2

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

are comprised of stakeholders who want to make a difference, people who want to focus their expertise and resources to help us grow our community.

I am also extremely fortunate to work alongside a professional staff that embraces our mission and core values. One of the many rewards of being associated with this organization is that you have a very diverse, diligent and dedicated team working on your behalf every day.

We have so many collaborative partners that are the catalyst for our success. These partnerships allow us to leverage critical resources, share our common mission with the entire community, form strong relationships and friendships, and achieve much more than we ever could on our own.

Our members and stakeholders are the driving force for our success. You invest with us, trust us, work with us and depend on us…we are so appreciative of you.

Sense of Community – People ask us often, what is it about the Fox Cities that makes you so great?

There are many answers, but none as powerful as the sense of community – the community pride and togetherness that you experience when you are here in the Fox Cities. Many of you have told me that you travel all over the country and there is no better place, or that you could live anywhere in the world, yet you choose to live here. We are so thankful that you do.

We recently had a group of site location consultants visit us, and one of the agreed upon, stated assets of this region was the people, the realization of true collaboration and a sense of caring that they don’t experience in many communities.

People truly care about one another here, and because of that there is little that we can’t do together.

Once again, thank you for all that you are doing in your business, in our community and within our organization. Please continue to engage with us, invest with us and grow with us. I wish you a very Happy Holidays and Prosperous New Year!

Board of Directors 2014-2015 Lisa Cruz Red Shoes PR, Inc. John Dennis Gardan Inc. Kevin Eismann Epiphany Law, LLC Travis Froze BMO Harris Bank Robyn Gruner AT&T Sharon Hulce Employment Resource Group Inc. Dave Jansen ThedaCare Lyssa King OuterEdge Stage Vic Lutz McMahon Chris Matheny Fox Valley Technical College Jen Wagner Mauk Affinity Health System Mayor Don Merkes City of Menasha Robert Pedersen Goodwill NCW Todd Romenesko Calumet County Bruce Sasman We Energies Kathi Seifert Katapult, LLC Monica Vomastic Landmark Staffing Resources Bob Zemple Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

Publisher Shannon Meyer Full Editor Kristin Sewall Design Coalesce Marketing & Design, Inc. Photography Craig Augustine

Shannon Meyer Full President/CEO

Printing JP Graphics Inc. Advertising Sales Dawn Nowakowski, 920-734-7101

Fox Cities

Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Evolving Chamber … Innovative Solutions Our organization thrives on evolving to meet your ever-changing business needs. One thing, however, remains constant: you. Your insight and influence have moved this organization into a solution-based strategy organization.

Through our program of work, we work with you to solve your challenges and position you for growth.

Evolution of Engagement:

Then Now

Print Only Advertising Multi-Media Advertising Technology has put information at our fingertips, which is your opportunity to be the expert in your industry. Diversifying your advertising channels is essential to creating brand awareness. That’s why we offer digital marketing channels, as well as print advertising.

The business community has spoken. The ways that our chamber proved valuable ten, even five years ago, isn’t enough anymore. We’ve expanded our scope to meet the needs of our business community.

Social Events Purposeful Events Building new relationships is critical to building your business. We’ve built on the typical networking events by focusing on you. Celebrating your success through awards and educating through professional development series.

Connections to Customers Solution-Based Services

Standard Customized

Economic development and talent attraction and retention are vital to a healthy community and business climate. You can depend on us to connect you to solutions to your workforce needs, as well as your next customer.

Your membership level is based on your business needs, not your employee count.

Staff-Driven Agenda Inclusive, Volunteer-Driven Agenda

Right Thing to Do Right Thing for You

Your expertise is invaluable to the development of our events and programs. Depending on volunteer engagement, from idea creation to carrying out the details, is essential to our collective success.

Finding value in your chamber is essential. We thrive on responding to your pain points with creative and innovative solutions.

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

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Program of Work Economic Development

Member Success

STRATEGIC PILLAR

STRATEGIC PILLAR

Serve as the catalyst for business development in the Fox Cities region

Influence and impact member success

Through the Fox Cities Regional Partnership the chamber focuses on a balanced, comprehensive approach to economic development.

We constantly strive to increase our value to you and increase your return on investment with the chamber, no matter your reason for joining the organization.

Existing Industry Retention and Expansion

Connections

Our focus is strengthening relationships with our existing industries to assist with their growth opportunities, challenges and connections to critical resources to aid in their success.

One of the greatest assets of the chamber is our ability to connect you with other business leaders, customers, government officials and non-profit professionals.

New Industry Attraction

We are proud to celebrate the significant contributions of local business and community leaders through our awards events and our business showcase.

Attraction of new primary employers will grow our local economy and provide additional jobs and revenue. Forming and enhancing relationships with site location consultants and CEOs is a key component in attracting business here.

Regional Marketing and Branding Effective marketing of our region is critical to our success.

Our Made Better Here brand highlights the assets of this region and is beginning to resonate around the country.

Regional Research and Data – Economic Outlook We assist existing companies and new industries considering growth in our region with regional data, including labor trends, cost of doing business, funding resources and the overall economic outlook.

Public/Private Partnership Our local government partners, along with our privatesector investors, bring resources and expertise to the table to increase the overall return on investment to the entire region.

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Mission: Promoting Growth and Prosperity

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

Business Success and Recognition

Professional Development We offer many professional development events and programs to advance your skills, including Lunch and Learns, Sales Series, Cultivate and other business growth programs.

Advocacy We are your partners as the Voice of Business at the local, state and federal level. Our knowledgeable staff can work with you, advocate on your behalf and inform you on critical legislation that will affect your business.

Accelerate Maximize your chamber membership by learning first-hand how to leverage your investment. Learn about our areas of focus, programs and engagement opportunities.

Affinity Programs Access a variety of products and services that will save you money and help you grow your business.

Our program is your program. The areas of focus have been identified, by you, as the most important areas for your success. Chamber leadership has been working to align your needs with new programming that is driving successful results. We are committed to focusing our energy and resources on the solutions most important to you.

Talent/Education Development

STRATEGIC PILLAR Attract, develop and retain high-quality talent The chamber’s talent/education division is comprised of business leaders and education professionals working together to better address our current and future talent needs.

YourFuture Fox Cities An innovative web-based platform connecting business and career opportunities to educators and students through collaborative work-based learning. (Formerly Connect a Career.)

Your Future 8th Grade Career Expo Numerous career exploration opportunities occur throughout the year with our 10 area school districts, including an 8th Grade Career Expo that hosts 65 companies and more than 2,800 students.

Talent Upload A cutting-edge talent recruitment program bringing college students to the region for a tour of our community and our local companies with hiring needs. The first program will launch in spring and will focus on IT and Engineering opportunities.

Concierge Plus A third-party, customized service that assists businesses with recruitment and acclimation of talent. We provide a personalized Fox Cities experience to the recruit, spouse and/ or family based on their individual needs.

Leadership Fox Cities A professional and community development program that highlights leadership training, community awareness and a community service.

PULSE – Young Professionals A young professionals program that is developing the next generation of leaders through business relationships, social opportunities, leadership, professional development and community involvement.

“I have several small business clients that I can say are a direct result of networking at the business connections, which more than pays for my annual chamber membership.”

Tina Kleckner, Tax & Accounting Specialist, Integrity in Tax & Accounting, LLC

“Participating in the LFC Executive Program was a great experience for my wife, Laura, and me. I made a number of business connections that developed directly from the program, and my wife has made a lasting friend. What more could you ask for?”

Howard G. Kamerer, President & CEO, WOW Logistics

“I’m so impressed with the way Concierge Plus integrated our new recruit into the community.

She received a very personalized look at the Fox Cities and made a variety of connections in a short period of time. It helped her feel at home in a short period of time.

This is a wonderful program.”

Cookie Fielkow, Manager Clinician Services, Affinity Medical Group/ Ministry Medical Group

“Leadership Fox Cities helped me to create a much stronger network of business professionals from outside my industry that I would never have been exposed to otherwise. This to me is the intangible benefit.”

John Swartz, Construction Productions Group, Miller Electric Manufacturing Company

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

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Collaboration Collaboration is a critical key to our collective success. By collaborating with other organizations, we are able to truly leverage your investment with us and drive even greater success to you and our community.

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

NATIONAL, STATE & LOCAL CHAMBERS

AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS

LOCAL BUSINESSES

DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

MENTORING ORGANIZATIONS

FOX CITIES CHAMBER

NATIONAL SITE SELECTORS

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICTS

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Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

MUNICIPALITIES

PRIMARY EMPLOYERS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS celebrate, together From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Marketing | Design | Packaging | Video | Public Relations | Web & Interactive | 920.380.4444 | www.coalescemarketing.com

economic development

Site Selectors Leave with Positive Impression of Fox Cities Region The practice of economic development starts with a robust program focused on industry retention and expansion. Estimates suggest that within a typical community, fully 70 percent or more of new job creation will originate with those companies that have an established operation locally. There should be no surprise regarding the percentage of new job growth attributed to these existing companies. Their ongoing investment in physical plant, equipment and human capital establish a logical basis for the possibility of growth and expansion.

But what of the remaining percentage of job creation? A comprehensive economic development strategy will include an aggressive industry attraction program that seeks to build on existing strengths found within the community’s industrial and community profile, further diversify the industrial base, and backfill any primary jobs lost to normal business cycles and changes in technology.

The attraction of new companies is a demanding discipline that requires a region to market itself effectively and continually expand brand awareness among its targets. One element of an overall industry attraction strategy focuses on building productive relationships and community awareness with site selection consultants.

Site selectors are hired by employers to evaluate communities

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Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

for their suitability for industrial projects. Say, for example, that an employer in California wished to locate an expansion facility somewhere in the Midwest in order to better serve the company’s customers. A site selector engaged by the company would research dozens of communities, examining labor quality and availability, educational attainment, transportation assets, tax and regulatory climate, and much more in order to recommend a few finalist communities for the employer’s consideration.

While those of us who live and work in the Fox Cities are quite aware of its positive attributes as a place to live, learn and work, the fact is that few outside our region have any knowledge or awareness of this area. For that reason, as one element of its regional marketing strategy, the Fox Cities Regional Partnership has for the past two years hosted several site selectors for a three-day October visit with local community and business leaders. This year’s guests included site selectors from Phoenix, Cleveland, Dallas, and Greenville, South Carolina.

The event concludes with a public debrief session at which the site selectors summarize their impressions of the area and their recommendations for improving the likelihood of industry attraction success. Our four guests were quite impressed with several perceived strengths of the region, including the visible collaboration between

partners supporting the regional economic development program, the productivity of the region’s workforce, the training resource available in Fox Valley Technical College, and the overall quality of the community.

The consultants also pointed out the fact that the region is lacking in industrial sites and buildings that could be presented to their

clients needing to be operational in six-to-twelve months. In contrast, each suggested that the region could receive their recommendation for clients with projects that had an operational start date of twelve months or more.

As one positive admonition, the consultants underscored the need for both public and private sector partners to coalesce around a regional approach to economic development, pointing out the fact that the Fox Cities Region must present itself in an aggregated fashion—maximizing the size and scope of its laborshed in order to receive consideration from employers with mid-size projects.

The reality is that if site selectors are not aware of the Fox Cities and what it has to offer businesses with job creation projects, we will not be in play for those location decisions. That is why hosting site selectors in our region, having them meet local leadership and learn what we have to offer, is so very important to our economic development efforts. This year’s event ranks as a success in expanding awareness of the Fox Cities Region’s business Larry Burkhardt, CEcD support attributes, and of its brand Executive Vice President Fox Cities Regional Partnership “Made Better Here.”

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Fox Cities Fox Cities Chamber Chamber Business Business | DECEMBER | JUNE 2014 2014

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advocacy

Wisconsin: A State of Transformation

Think back to November of 2010.

The United States was bumping along the bottom of a lingering recession, with massive job losses in the rearview mirror, but no sustainable job creation on the horizon. Public budgets were squeezed by the loss of economic activity (to generate tax revenues) and the increasing need for services to support those suffering through the downturn.

Debates over the federal government’s economic stimulus package, on top of a rancorous debate over fundamental healthcare reform, motivated a segment of the electorate to push hard for conservative fiscal reforms and reign in the scope of government. At the ballot box, what came to be known as the Tea Party flexed its electoral muscle and sent dozens of new representatives to Washington with a simple message: STOP IT! Closer to home, we saw the end of the election of Scott Walker as Governor and the beginnings of what would come to be one of the most divisive periods in the state’s political history. For months we saw acrimonious debates in the Legislature, including extraordinary tactics by Senate Democrats, about how public sector employees (except police and fire fighters) would negotiate for their salary and benefit increases.

What eventually passed as Act 10 made some fundamental changes to the civil service system in Wisconsin, but that is only one 10

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

piece of the transformation we have seen.

Reforms in regulatory practices, tax policies, economic development strategies, and rhetoric all contributed to a remade image for the state in the eyes of business leaders who fuel job creation and growth in communities.

Among many industries—the agriculture and manufacturing sectors are just two large examples—environmental regulation can add significant costs to doing business. Policies that pursue a balance between stewardship, preservation and progress allow innovators to use the resources in our rich state to generate broad prosperity. When those rules are difficult to understand, business leaders have to weigh the cost of compliance with the benefits of expected growth. These rational decisions drive corporate investments to the area where they can realize a return for shareholders and employees.

Similarly, tax policies and incentive structures influence corporate investments by attracting capital into areas and industries that we prioritize. Replacing the state’s Department of Commerce with the public/ private Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has created some benefits, but also came with troubling mismanagement early on.

Giving business leaders good information about the cost of doing business in our state, in the context of all the valuable resources they get by being here, is our core value proposition. When asked, more than 90 percent of CEOs in Wisconsin think the state

is moving in the right direction. The state and the Fox Cities Region are getting noticed by site selection consultants, and we are notching wins all across the state. However, the progress has been difficult at times, and the governor has not been able to create the 250,000 jobs he promised in his November 2010 election campaign. So where are we headed?

On November 4, 2014, voters in Wisconsin decided to give Governor Walker a second term to build on the work he has done so far. He has pledged to invest in workforce and industry, to generate prosperity for Wisconsin. By partnering with local and regional groups, the state can keep channeling resources into areas where we see the potential for growth, such as manufacturing exports and food processing.

Wisconsin has momentum on which to build. Let’s keep building.

Josh Dukelow, Fox Cities Chamber, Vice President of Public Policy and Leadership

A WINNING combination

At Baker Tilly, we are proud to pair up with the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and businesses in our community. Helping businesses evolve and thrive is what we do. It’s just one way we can help keep our community vibrant and strong, because when we work together, we all win.

Connect with us: bakertilly.com

Š 2014 Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Baker Tilly refers to Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, an independently owned and managed member of Baker Tilly International.

legislative spotlight

Making a Point for

Water Quality With a new legislative session on the horizon, we asked Jeff Landin for an update on phosphorus regulation in Wisconsin. This issue impacts the economy of the Fox Cities Region and the health of Fox Valley waterways.

The paper industry has a long and storied history in the Fox Valley.

While the industry has gone through some changes over the past several years, the area is still the leading papermaker in the United States, a distinction we have held for more than 50 years.

As an industry we face many challenges, from changing consumer behavior to more global competition. But the biggest threat, by far, is more and more regulations. While most of our regulations are federally driven by the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, Wisconsin occasionally imposes stand-alone regulations. The most recent example was enacted in 2010, and is a big risk to many manufacturers and local governments.

This bill is a great example of a bi-partisan effort to take a problem with a new rule and find a compromise that works for all sides. In doing so we made great strides to protect our environment and good paying jobs for future generations.

In the twilight days of the Doyle Administration, Wisconsin passed phosphorus regulations that no other state had passed. The problem was rather obvious; our rivers and lakes were threatened by increased phosphorus levels that caused algae blooms and potential drinking water quality problems. But the solution imposed won’t improve water quality. Let me explain.

For years the paper industry has worked hard to clean our air and improve our waters. Our air emissions have dropped dramatically, and our wastewater treatment facilities at individual mills are state of the art. In many cases the water we return to the river is cleaner than what is removed to make paper. We are proud of our record to improve air and water quality all over Wisconsin.

But in order to properly treat our wastewater, phosphorus needs to be added to our process. Without getting too technical, the microorganisms that treat the effluent need phosphorus to do their 12

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

job. It goes without saying that mills want to add the least amount of phosphorus possible since it is an added cost to operations. Our discharges are so low that if all paper mills shut down tomorrow there would be no change in water quality from phosphorus. None. Zero.

Unfortunately, the newly adopted rules targeted industry and municipalities to remove even more phosphorus. The reason is obvious; our discharges are measured and easy to target. But as I said, we, so called “point sources,” aren’t the problem. The problem is all the unregulated “non-point sources” that make up more than two-thirds of the total phosphorus load in the lower Fox River that are impacting water quality. Most of these discharges come from agriculture operations where runoff makes it to our lakes and streams.

With a compliance deadline looming at the end of 2014 for industry, the Paper Council worked with state legislators to pass a variance to give us more time to comply and also to set up a mechanism to address the non-point problem. The variance does NOT change the water quality standards. Instead, it allows more time, so we are not faced with expense filtration systems today. Industry will upgrade when technology improves and the costs are lower. This is very important for manufacturers in Wisconsin who have other locations in the United States and overseas. They compete for capital dollars with other locations in their company. The phosphorus bill as passed in 2010 put Wisconsin on an uncompetitive island and had the potential to cost us thousands of good paying jobs.

The other important aspect of the variance is the financial support industry will provide to address the nonpoint problem we have. In order to make any real impact on our rivers and lakes we must confront the issues we have with phosphorus in agriculture. Industry alone cannot make a difference.

After all was said and done, SB 547, The Clean Waters, Healthy Economy Act, passed with strong bi-partisan support.

Legislators from both side of the aisle saw how important this variance was, not Jeff Landin only for industry, but also as a means to President of the Wisconsin Paper Council actually improve the waters in Wisconsin.

“ Training from Fox Valley Tech is vital in helping us build a strong organization.”

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Manager, Distributor Training Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

Move beyond the

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Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

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talent — education

It is

“Your Future” Fox Cities: Transforming

solutions to address

talent challenges

The Fox Cities Chamber engages our members in learning about trends and challenges in their industries.

We’ve heard for some time now that employers face an acute need for talented workers. As their industry transforms and the workforce ages, they are especially interested in finding young workers with

experience based on their professional and personal community needs.

specialized skills who can evolve with technology. Based on this input,

This program is designed to demonstrate the Fox Cities’ ability to

we’ve transformed our programs to adapt to the seriousness of the

meet or exceed a relocation candidate’s existing quality of life.

talent challenge.

Leadership Fox Cities is dedicated to those who

YourFuture Fox Cities (formerly Connect a Career) is a mobile-ready online platform that connects

are looking for a deeper connection to the community. Participants

business with educators and students. It brings an understanding

Through a group service project, they learn to see the big picture and

of the labor market and the STEM (science, technology, engineering

use that perspective to shape everyday decisions.

and math) skills required in all industries, at every level of a company.

gain insight into various businesses and services in the community.

PULSE, Young Professionals is a program

This site easily and efficiently provides a way for employers to attract

that provides opportunities for up-and-coming professionals to

talent by offering a job shadow, hiring an intern or youth apprentice,

connect with and engage current Fox Cities leaders. Pulse develops

providing a valuable interview, speaking in a classroom, judging an

the next generation of leaders through business relationships, social

event, or assisting in a financial literacy simulation.

opportunities, professional development and community involvement.

Talent Upload offers college students from around the

As the needs of our partners in business and education change,

Midwest a chance to meet Fox Cities employers and explore career

we respond with innovative programs. By leveraging local talent, like

opportunities in their field of study. This is an innovative approach to

the creative problem solvers at Omni Resources who helped develop

attracting students from top-notch universities to the high demand

and build the Your Future Fox Cities site, we can help employers stay

positions in the Fox Cities.

competitive, develop a workforce for the future and drive local growth.

Concierge Plus helps companies provide their top-level executive recruits from outside the area a personalized Fox Cities 14

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

If you would like more information, please contact Patty Milka at pmilka@foxcitieschamber.com.

featured column

90%

placement for graduates of FVTC’s welding programs over the past three years.

160+

full-time career postings in the region for welders and metal fabricators.

Weld Positioned FVTC is championing an outreach to high schools to meet employer demands in the changing industry of welding and metal fabrication.

High school teachers view a welding application from FVTC instructor Brandon George as part of a new train-the-trainer initiative

The 21st century version of ‘Economic Development 101’ is being written before our eyes, yet many career-minded individuals still do not comprehend its blueprint to success. A new economy is calling for skill, not a four-year degree. One set of competencies that is well positioned to spark job growth is welding and metal fabrication.

No longer warranting views as a dirty profession, today’s welders are high-tech builders of the next robust beam support system or anything designed for the intricate world of infrastructure. These professionals infuse state-of-the-art technologies to program and automate precision-like accuracy. That is just what employers are

calling for based on feedback from two manufacturing job fairs held this year at Fox Valley Technical College, which drew nearly 145 employers and close to 800 attendees.

FVTC finds new ways to partner with industry every year so workplace talent is equipped with skills to match the speed and customization of a global market. FVTC’s latest collaboration is with six regional high school instructors representing all three Appleton public schools, in addition to Kimberly, Menasha and Omro.

These organizations are all addressing a growing need to teach college-level courses that are offered for dual credit. High school instructors from these schools meet once a week at Appleton West High School’s Technical Academy under training provided by FVTC. “Fox Valley Tech’s in-depth training for high school instructors in many areas of advanced manufacturing brings a new level of rigor to dual credit partnerships,” said Mary Hansen, director of K12 partnerships at FVTC. “In a sense, we are making the high school teacher a part of a program team at the college.”

The new welding initiative mirrors a 2009 report on behalf of The Workforce Alliance that indicated 54 percent of the largest share of job openings in Wisconsin over the next decade will require more than a high Chris Jossart, M.A. school diploma, but less than a fouryear college degree.

Manager of Media Relations, Fox Valley Technical College Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

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leadership

2014-2015

Leadership Fox Cities Class Another exciting year of Leadership Fox Cities is under way. This year’s traditional leadership class consists of 39 excited, engaged, social and thoughtful individuals. This professionally diverse group is incredibly interested in learning how to connect the dots between

the different facets of our community and how they affect each other.

We look forward to observing this class and watching them make a difference in our community.

Watch out Fox Cities, here they come!

Eric Aronson

Travis Jones

Amy Neumeyer

Chris Snyder

Schenck

BMO Harris Bank

Make-a-Wish Wisconsin

Epiphany Law

Jennifer Banta-Kroll

Preston Kendall

Sondra Norder

Kimberly Stevens

Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company

Robert W. Baird & Co.

St. Paul Elder Services

Globe University

Amy Kester

Melissa Olson

Chris Van Dreese

Jennifer Blackmore

Lawrence University

Gannett

Miron Construction

Zach Knase

Tracey Ratzburg

Manny Vasquez

Appvion

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Fox Cities Regional Partnership

Julie Luker

Nancy Rietveld

Kevin Weil

Bank First National

Thrivent Financial

Miller Electric

Erin Marquez

Heidi Schmidt

Lisa Werner

Radisson Paper Valley Hotel

Appleton Area School District

Marketplace Financial Group

Michele Martin

Suzanne Seegers

Anna Wilcox

Bemis Company, Inc.

Wipfli LLP

ThedaCare

Jennie Moore

Brenda Smongeski

Danielle Zarling

Goodwill Industries NCW

First English Lutheran Church

Emergency Shelter

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Bob Bobnock Appvion

Drew Bodway FNB Fox Valley

Betsy Borns Valley Packaging Industries

Jake Dietz Nicolet National Bank

Mary Downs Fox Valley Technical College

Josh Dukelow Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce

Lindsay Fenlon Housing Partnership

Mary Gronbach SECURA

Meagan Hardwick UW-Fox Valley

Chris Hauser We Energies

Janice Jackering Affinity Health System

Stephen Jensen Wilhelm Law 16

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

What do you see?

A partner who works as hard as you do.

BMO Harris Bank is proud to support businesses in the Fox Cities. We specialize in knowing your industry, knowing your community and knowing you. That’s how we provide the strategic insight to help make your vision a reality. If you can see it, we can help make it happen.

Tell us your vision.

Travis Froze | Regional Manager, Business Banking | 920.749.5975 | travis.froze@bmo.com

bmoharris.com/vision

BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC

pulse

Ask a YP: What has been the most

transformative moment in your career thus far?

“I think it’s the moment I realized I can’t emulate anyone else to be successful. I kept running into roadblocks because I respected some of my mentors

“The best advice I have received is

so deeply, I tried to be them, but I wasn’t listening to what they were trying to tell me. I figured out I needed to do things in my own unique, funny, passionate style. I’m good at being me and I should run my practice as me because it’s foolish to not use my own strengths. It was a big growing phase for me.”

‘fake it until you become it.’ It

— Jason K. Henderson, Principal, Orchard Financial

— Deniz Cakmak,

“... The most transformative moment in my career was when my manager taught me that selling isn’t about selling. Selling is about listening to your customers needs, asking questions and helping them find solutions. This is what brings value to the relationship. I work hard to remember this each time I meet with a new potential customer and believe it has paid off.”

— Kristy Courtois, Account Manager, JP Graphics Inc.

“The most transformative moment in my career was actually about four months ago. I was at a complete roadblock within my work ... I realized that

it’s ok not to know every last detail today. It’s important for me to appreciate the new adventures each day and to rearrange my ideas to fall in line with my new goals and aspirations. I focus a lot of energy into the future, and I started to realize that today is happening right now!”

— Abigail Kuehl, Owner, Bold Salon

speaks more truth to me than ‘fake it until you make it.’”

Account Manager, Red Shoes PR

“The most transformative moment for me was when I heard my supervisor talk about her supervisor’s motto, something along the lines of ‘People first, paperwork second.’ It opened my eyes at a time when I felt I was becoming bogged down by the red tape and administrative details of my position.”

— Rose Wasielewski, Assistant Dean of Students for Campus Life, Lawrence University

“Finding the ‘Right Company.’

Getting into a company that pushed me to the next level – presenting at national conferences, guiding clients in their marketing efforts, etc. With Blue Door Consulting, I have a career — not just a job.”

— Leah Van Rooy, Associate

Consultant, Blue Door Consulting, LLC

“The Miracle Morning has transformed my life. Being able to

work on myself at the beginning of every day has been life changing. It doesn’t matter what I have going on later in the day, by 8 a.m. I feel amazing. I have done everything that is important to me and still have the rest of my day ahead of me.”

— Jason Heinritz,

V-ector District Manager & Cutco Business Gift Consultant

“I, like many other young professionals, was graduating and transitioning out of school into a work environment that was struggling due to a recession. For someone with success on the brain, that was rather hard to digest, and I vowed that I would not let economic circumstance effect my plans ... I began fulltime at the small, start-up. It was a risk, but it was a risk worth taking. Success was never about a monetary number, especially just starting out. I wanted a position that would challenge me and let me grow. Having a candid conversation with someone who didn’t just tell me what to do but gave me the light to make my own decision was and is my transformative moment.”

— Amanda Betts, Marketing Director, Stellar Blue Technologies 18

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

Did we cat ch yo ur e? ey

3001 East Venture Drive Appleton, WI 54911 Phone 920-733-4483 Fax 920-733-1700 www.jpinc.com

Printing ... as Promised

Smart companies across the Fox Cities know that a strong banking relationship is key to creating and seizing opportunities that will move their business forward.

Providing seamless access to our network of experts across the firm, your Wisconsin-based banker brings you proactive insight, tailored financial solutions and personalized service to meet your growing needs.

Local connection to endless opportunities.

Your local team is invested in you, your business and our community.

Visit us at www.jpmorganchase.com to learn more.

Š 2014 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved. Chase is a marketing name for certain businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its subsidiaries worldwide. 8953

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

19

Chamber Affinity Plans

The chamber and Office Depot Business Services have aligned to offer a national program to Fox Cities Chamber members.

The program offers members the buying power for online, phone, fax and in-store Office Depot purchases as if your business bought in volumes as large as all national chamber members combined. In addition to office supply discounts, participating chamber members are entitled to discounts on in-store copy and print services and Tech Depot technology purchases. For more information, email Gregory Breister at gregory.breister@officedepot.com.

CarePlus Dental Plans, in partnership with the Fox Cities Chamber, is pleased to offer a managed care dental plan through Dental Associates. Chamber members now have the opportunity to provide a cost-effective dental plan to your employees without sacrificing coverage. A CarePlus plan includes no annual deductibles, no waiting periods and no pre-existing conditions. For more information on the dental plans offered to chamber members, contact Mike Glaser at (920) 431-1705 or mglaser@dentalassociates.com.

Wireless Cellcom has partnered with the chamber to provide discounted wireless plans and business solutions for all members.

Cellcom is a local, family-run company. Its employees live here, work here and the revenue generated stay in local communities.

Cellcom strives to give back to not only local charities, but also local businesses through special partnerships, like the chamber’s Affinity Program. For more information on Cellcom’s chamber partnership, or for a complimentary cost analysis, please contact local support specialist Michele Koehler at (920) 224-6354 or Michele.Koehler@cellcom.com

20

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

Partnering with organizations that offer services to Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce member businesses at a discounted rate is one of the many ways the chamber brings value to your membership. Take advantage of these opportunities and get a great service at a discounted price.

Time Warner Cable Media and the Fox Cities Chamber have partnered to offer members an affordable television advertising solution, reaching 62,000 cable households in the Fox Cities. Included are 100 thirty-second commercials per month featuring your business and the Fox Cities Chamber that will air across several common networks. For more information, email the chamber at info@foxcitieschamber.com.

Time Warner Business Class and the Fox Cities Chamber have an exclusive offer for chamber members. Businesses typically save 15-to20 percent every month by bundling phone, internet and TV service.

Installation fees are waived for chamber members. Early termination fees have also been waived for canceling any or all services within the first year of service. For more information, or for a free consultation and cost analysis, contact Bob Schmeckpeper at (920) 284-6700 or bob.schmeckpeper@twcable.com.

Telecom Insites has partnered with the chamber to review members telecommunication bills that could help save between 20 and 35 percent on their telecom services. There is no charge for this service unless there is a savings. If your company is interested in having its telecom bills reviewed, please contact Joanne Chastain, President of Telecom Insites, at (920) 540-0841.

The Fox Cities Chamber, in partnership with Merchants’ Choice Card Services, LLC, is pleased to offer you a local, independent card processing company.

Their services include: card processing, iPad POS solutions, mobile card processing, gift and loyalty programs, e-commerce processing, terminal and supplies, ATM, check guarantee systems, electronic check conversion, face-to-face sales and service, educational seminars, and more. A family-owned and operated company, Merchants’ Choice Card Service also offers no monthly minimums and no early termination fee. For more information, or to have Merchants’ Choice provide a complimentary cost analysis, contact Mitch Van Ornum at (920) 779-9000 or mitch@mccs-wi.com.

lifestyle . corporate . conceptual . product . industrial . architectural

Craig

www.craigaugustinephoto.com . 920.810.2616

new member welcome

| September – November 2014

Aquire Restoration, Inc. Jeff Edmunds 2172 Tower Drive Kaukauna, WI 54130-1167 (920) 688-2000 www.aquirerestoration.com FIRE & WATER RESTORATION

Explorers Guide Maritime Academy Gary Kulibert 2217 W. Spencer Street Appleton, WI 54914-4636 (920) 733-5500 www.explorersguidellc.com TRAINING AND CONSULTING

C3 Corporation Mark DesJardin 3300 E. Venture Drive Appleton, WI 54911-8312 (920) 749-9944 www.c3ingenuity.com MANUFACTURER

Global Data Consultants (GDC) IT Jayme Martin 2501 E Enterprise Drive, 2nd Floor Appleton, WI 54913-7805 (920) 486-4903 www.gdcitsolutions.com TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANTS

CAMERA CASE WIRELESS Beth Morstad 414 Winfield Court Slinger, WI 53086-9377 (262) 297-4190 www.cameracase.com CELLULAR PHONES

Midwest Dental Sally Stark 5553 Waterford Lane Appleton, WI 54913-8468 (920) 739-7165 www.midwest-dental.com/foxcities DENTISTS

Canteen Vending Cris Pope 4100 W. Wisconsin Avenue Appleton, WI 54913-862754911 (920) 734-9881 www.canteen.com NUTRITION

Pinot’s Palette Mari Kessenich 226 East College Avenue Appleton, WI 54911-5713 (281) 386-9796 www.pinotspalette.com/appleton ENTERTAINMENT

Cousins Subs, Div. of Fox Valley Submarine Sujal Baherawala 3020 E. College Avenue Appleton, WI 54915-3279 (920) 731-5440 www.counsinssubs.com RESTAURANTS

Robert W. Baird & Co., The Zuleger Kendall Group G. Preston Kendall 3913 W. Prospect Avenue, #301 Appleton, WI 54914-8797 (920) 830-3600 www.rwbaird.com INVESTMENTS

Equity Design Group Deborah Matz 2200 N. Nicholas Street Appleton, WI 54914-2208 (920) 205-9305 www.equitydesigngroup.com WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES

VR Advisors, LLC Venkat Raman 120 N. Morrison Street, Suite 101 Appleton, WI 54911-5882 (331) 472-7031 www.vradvisors.net MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

diamond member honor roll September — November 2014 The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce relies on its members to continue its work in promoting business interests in the Fox Valley region. Without these committed members, the chamber would not be able to provide the high quality services it is known for.

Diamond Members are companies that have supported the chamber and community for more than 40 years. We’d like to express our gratitude to the following Diamond Member businesses for their membership and support to the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce.

• Appleton Area School District • Bassett Mechanical • Bemis/Curwood • BMO Harris Bank • Erickson & Associates, S.C. • First American, Evans Title Division • Fox Cities Insurance Agency, Inc. • Funset Boulevard • HCR Manor Care Health Services #447 • Hollywood Cinema • Kampo Properties • Lullabye Shop Inc. • Riverside Florists & Greenhouses, Inc.

SEVENPHYSICIANS

ONEFOCUS

• Schenck SC • Time Warner Cable • Water-Right, Inc.

Fellowship-trained, highly experienced orthopedic surgeons specializing exclusively in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries and conditions.

9 2 0 . 7 3 0 .8 8 3 3

8 8 8 .3 8 3 .3 039

handtoshoulderwisconsin.com Clinic locations: 2323 North Casaloma Drive Appleton, WI 54913 1551 Park Place, Suite 100 Green Bay, WI 54304

Proud to be members of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce 22

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

• Wayne Hummer Wealth Management • We Energies • Woodward Radio Group

business showcase | september 2014

SOAR Fox Cities, Inc.

(Formerly The Arc Fox Cities) 211 Franklin Street, Appleton, WI 54911 920.731.9831 | arcfoxcities.com

SOAR Fox Cities, Inc., formerly known as The Arc Fox Cities, Inc., is a non-profit organization that provides services to promote the general welfare of individuals with developmental disabilities. Since beginning in the mid-1950s, SOAR has been instrumental in the creation of other Fox Cities agencies, such as Lakeside Packaging Plus.

SOAR empowers and supports families in problem solving and decision-making, collaborates with all community agencies and professional groups, and advocates with families and guardians for persons

with developmental disabilities. Its goal is to be a source of information and referral to promote better understanding of developmental disabilities. Currently, SOAR has a membership of more than 1,000 individuals in the Fox Valley area and touches more than 4,500 lives.

business showcase | october 2014

Midwest Restoration

2230 Bohm Drive Little Chute, WI 54140 920.460.3900 | mwrestoration.com

Midwest Restoration specializes in the restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, storms and vandalism. Its clients only need to make one phone call and they will get the benefit and convenience of working with a single company focused on restoring their damaged property. In addition, Midwest Restoration deals directly with insurance providers, helping to satisfy the needs of property owners.

Owner Coyne Borree started the company out of his garage in January 2008. Headquartered in Little Chute, the business now has multiple locations with nearly 20 employees. Midwest Restoration employs all local businesses and personnel, including subcontractors, employees, temporary help, materials and administrative/legal services. Boree is very passionate about his business. “I am incredibly lucky and feel blessed with how far this business has come so fast,” says Boree.

business showcase | november 2014

Fleet Feet Sports Fox Valley 3404 W. College Avenue Appleton, WI 54914 920.830.7867 | fleetfeetfoxvalley.com

Fleet Feet Sports Fox Valley is a locallyowned business in the Fox Cities. The store is committed to enhancing and growing the local running, walking and triathlon communities by offering specialty products, educational resources, and training opportunities. Everything its staff does is geared toward fitting customers as individuals, which is the staff’s “Fitlosophy.”

Whether it’s footwear or sports apparel, each person has a fit that is best for him or her, and the Fleet Feet Sports staff is there to help find that fit.

Co-operators Leah and Jeremy Schapiro, along with their team of associates, strive to make Fleet Feet Sports Fox Valley a place in the community that provides a comfortable environment, premier programs and services,

and the best products on the market. The store is a resource for running, walking and general fitness needs and a place to celebrate the accomplishments of new athletes, veterans and everyone in between. Fleet Feet Sports Fox Valley’s mission is to educate, empower and motivate every customer by providing consistent information, engaging programs and effective tools to support individual fitness goals.

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

23

community spotlight

It Takes a Community to Mentor a Child

By Melissa Graber

The scene plays out in hundreds of homes. A hard-working parent, often single-handedly, tries to make ends meet with little time left for parenting or one-to-one time. Negative influences abound in the community. A child is facing adversity! But there is no mystery to improving the lives of children facing adversity. It simply takes the collective, single acts of volunteers who give a little bit of their time to a child who needs it most.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fox Valley Region, Northeastern Wisconsin, and Manitowoc County have issued a call to action for “50 Bigs in 50 Days,” urging men and women in the communities to step up and become a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple. The 50-day recruitment campaign kicks off January 1 (Mentoring Month) and runs through February 19. Campaign partners include NBC 26, Cumulus Broadcasting, other forms of media and a friendly face you may recognize on Sundays – Randall Cobb.

“The recruitment campaign comes at a good time for our agencies, as there are more than 360 children ready and waiting for someone to spare a little of their time to mentor a child in either our communitybased or site-based program,” said Melissa Graber, Director of Marketing and Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fox Valley Region.

“Our waiting list is growing at an alarming rate. Our enrollment staff is noticing an increase in the number of families requesting our services that are currently at or below poverty level. Our campaign and program seeks to help alleviate the growing number of children on our waiting list by specifically focusing time, attention and resources on these children who need us most.”

Meet 8-year-old Little Brother Josh. He has been on the waiting list for nine months and is anxiously waiting for a Big Brother. “I want a Big Brother, who can throw a football, likes to watch NASCAR, is good at video games, loves pizza more than anything and if you own a dog that is certainly a plus,” said Josh.

Studies consistently show that having the positive influence of a Big Brother or Big Sister makes a real difference in a child’s life. Little Brothers and Little Sisters experience improvements in academic performance, behavior, and relationships at home and elsewhere.

Mentoring is also one of the most rewarding, enjoyable and simple things a volunteer can do. For as little as one hour a week, volunteers

“I just wanted to let you know that Deonte and I had a great time at the Packer game last week.

Thank you very much for getting us the tickets. If you could please pass along mine and D’s gratitude to whomever donated the tickets, it would be much appreciated. As a big, it helps tremendously to be able to attend these type of events cost free, and allow my little to experience them for the first time.

I am truly grateful!”

24

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

can add joy to the life of a child, and ultimately, contribute greatly to his or her full potential. Mentors have found that they not only change the life of a child for the better, but also enrich their own lives.

So join hundreds of volunteers in our community who give a young person someone to look up to, and join the “50 Bigs in 50 Days” campaign! And learn why so many are now saying, “I get back so much more than I give.”

For more information, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fox Valley Region at (920) 739-3542 or email Melissa Graber at mgraber@ bigbrothersbigsistersfvr.org. It’s time for you to meet you Little Brother or Little Sister and have fun!

You need one to win.

Let’s build it together.

Successful Journeys Need a Guide™ 920.427.5077 www.guidentbusiness.com

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

25

Thank You To Our Sponsors Presenting Sponsor

Premier Sponsors Martini Lounge and Premier Sponsor

Athena Award Sponsor

Las Vegas trip Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors

26

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

Diamond Earring Donation

Corporate Packages Alta Resources American National Bank - Fox Cities AT&T Bergstrom Automotive Community First Credit Union Epiphany Law/Landmark Staffing Faith Technologies, Inc. FNB Fox Valley Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin Johnson Bank Kimberly Clark Corporation Lawrence University McMAHON Nicolet National Bank Omni Resources, Inc. Red Shoes PR Security-Luebke Roofing, Inc. SVA Certified Public Accountants Thrivent Financial UW Oshkosh College of Business We Energies Wipfli

Award Recipients

Young Professional of the Year

Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor of the Year

Champion of the Chamber

Jason Henderson

Kathi Seifert

Dennis Jochman

Entrepreneur of the Year

Jim Bere

Athena Award

Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service Award

Margaret LeBrun

Walter S. Rugland

Business Hall of Fame Inductee

Business Hall of Fame Inductee

Business Hall of Fame Inductee

David G. Voss, Jr.

Leota Ester

John Bykowski

We are truly fortunate to have these incredible leaders in our community.

Thank you for making the Fox Cities a great community. See their acceptance videos at foxcitieschamber.com.

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

27

Giving bankers a

GOOD REPUTATION one client at a time.

At First Business we have a 97% client satisfaction rating.

What’s the secret? It’s that we don’t treat people like numbers. Personal relationships are how we do business.

We don’t just know our clients’ names, we also take the time to understand how they do business. Work with a bank that cares about building trusted relationships — and has the stats to prove it. Call us today to learn more.

Fox Cities: 920-734-1800 Oshkosh: 920-231-2400 Green Bay: 920-435-5442

Member FDIC

(L-R) Mickey Noone, President Tim McKeag, Vice President First Business Bank - Northeast

Y O U R S U C C E S S C O M E S F I R S T.

Business Banking | Specialized Lending | Equipment Finance | Retirement Services | Private Wealth Management

28

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

rned into tu n io is v r u o y t n a W

a reality?

s r e n w O e e y Emplo of Keller Keller’s on-staff Architects provide complete design services for our clients and are hands-on in determining floor layouts and building designs. Our team has the expertise necessary to personally create a space that is not only unique but completely functional and built to stand the test of time.

Keller, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned construction company. This means that our clients work with an owner of Keller each and every day. Our employees have a vested interest in the success of our company, working diligently to ensure that our clients are more than satisfied with the entire building process by performing the highest quality of work.

Steve Architect ner Keller Employee-Ow

1.800.236.2534 l www.kellerbuilds.com Offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee & Wausau

Before You Buy The Land

Before You Draw The Plans Call Keller.

You can narrow your focus because we broaden ours.

Wish you could do more of what you love about running your business? And less of what you loathe? Simply put Schenck on the job and you can. From accounting to technology consulting to retirement plan administration—and everything in between—Schenck’s experienced problem solvers take on your challenges, so you can get back to business.

To learn more about our full line of solutions and how we can help, visit us online at schencksc.com or call 920-731-8111.

Schenck will be offering a QuickBooks workshop on December 9 at the Schenck office in Appleton. Visit schencksc.com/events for more information and to register.

200 E. Washington Street • Appleton • 800-236-2246 • schencksc.com © Schenck sc 2014 10.14

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

29

out and about

Magic Marzeniak, specially brewed by Wisconsin Brewing Company for Octoberfest

John Bergstrom and Josh Dukelow address talent needs at Overcoming the Talent Crunch roundtable event

Leadership Fox Cities Class participates in a poverty simulation for the class Health and Human Services day

Pinot’s Palette ribbon cutting Roger Roth and Penny Bernard Schaber at the 19th State Senate District Candidate Forum, hosted by the Fox Cities Chamber and Post-Crescent Media

Goodwill NCW Donation Express WI ribbon cutting

Pulse Lunch and Learn at the former Kangaroost

Global Data Consultants ribbon cutting

Future Neenah shows off their new space

30

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

Leadership Fox Cities Youth at Goodwill Industries

Zack Pawlosky, Candeo Creative, takes an ‘ussie’ with Tim Bergstrom, Bergstrom Automotive

Pulse CEO Breakfast, talking Company Culture

Thrivent Financial collaborates with the chamber to give their report to the community during a business connection

the event

Jim Bere, John Bergstrom and Tim Bergstrom catching up at The Event Maria Young, Chamber Ambassador, and friends mingling Kyle Lange and YP of the Year Jason Henderson

Kathi Seifert receives the Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor award, pictured here with Joyce Bytof’s family; Kip Golden, Fox Cities Chamber Chairman of the Board; and Shannon Full, Fox Cities Chamber President/CEO

Congratulations Allan Davies, you’re going to Vegas!

Athena award winner, Margaret LeBrun with Athena award sponsor, John Bergstrom

Thank you to Jason Druxman (left), diamond stud at Avenue Jewelers for donating the diamond earrings!

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

31

Fox Cities

Calendar of Events

Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Go to www.foxcitieschamber.com for up-to-date event details.

January

March

Accelerate

September

Decoding Sustainable Growth Series

Break the Ice

UW-Oshkosh College of Business’ Appleton Executive Education Center

Break the Ice

Break the Ice

Business Connection

Fox Cities Chamber

Holiday Inn Select of Appleton

Business Connection

Accelerate

OuterEdge Stage

UW-Oshkosh College of Business’ Appleton Executive Education Center

Golf Outing

April

July

YP Week

Break the Ice

First Quarter 2015

Wednesday, January 7

Tuesday, January 20

Accelerate

Thursday, January 29

UW-Oshkosh College of Business’ Appleton Executive Education Center

February Economic Outlook Breakfast

Wednesday, February 11 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel

NEWCC Legislative Dialogue Breakfast Monday, February 16

Wednesday, March 4 Fox Cities Chamber

Tuesday, March 17

Thursday, May 28

April 13-17

Business Connection Tuesday, April 14

Career Fair

Monday, April 20

Radisson Paper Valley

Thursday, September 24

UW-Oshkosh College of Business’ Appleton Executive Education Center

Business Trifecta

Radisson Paper Valley Hotel

License to Cruise

Friday, September 25

Monday, June 22

Octoberfest

Ridgeway Country Club

Saturday, September 26

October Business Connection

Wednesday, July 1 Fox Cities Chamber

Tuesday, October 13

Business Connection

Platinum Flight Center

Trolley Square

November

Golf Outing

Break the Ice

High Cliff Public Golf Course

Fox Cities Chamber

Tuesday, July 14

Monday, July 27

May

Fox Cities Chamber

Accelerate

June Wednesday, June 10

Thursday, March 26

Wednesday, September 2

Wednesday, November 4

BEST WESTERN PREMIER Bridgewood Resort Hotel

Break the Ice

Accelerate

Accelerate

Business Connection

Fox Cities Chamber

Ridgeway Country Club

Wednesday, May 20

UW-Oshkosh College of Business’ Appleton Executive Education Center

UW-Oshkosh College of Business’ Appleton Executive Education Center

Friday, May 1

Tuesday, February 17

Cultivate

Future 15

Fox Cities Stadium

Thursday, February 26 OuterEdge Stage

Thursday, July 30

Thursday, November 19

August Business Connection Wednesday, August 12 Waverly Beach

New Opportunities for Your Business The chamber, in partnership with VR Advisors, LLC, is offering an educational series starting in 2015.

DECODING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS GROWTH This series will encompass technical as well as a case-based learning approach. Each part of the series will be directed towards a critical business area and will contain actionable insights – things that you can use today to impact your business. Invest time & money and generate positive ROI – not once but many times over.

This series is delivered through the lens of corporate strategy and corporate finance, and 32

Fox Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014

will empower business owners and managers to: • Manage their business better • Be bold on investment opportunities • Accelerate earnings power and the financial health of their company Part 1 – Strategy & Value Creation Part 2 – Evaluating Growth Opportunities Part 3 – Profit Improvement I Part 4 – Profit Improvement II Part 5 – Cash Flow Forecasting Check our website for 2015 dates.

ENGAGE! This monthly marketing seminar is designed to help you engage with your consumers and audiences, and provide you with applicable marketing knowledge to help grow your business.

The seminar is held on the third Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Chamber members can attend for free; the cost for non-chamber members is $5.

ENGAGE! is presented by Candeo Creative, a full-scale integrated marketing agency that lives and breathes brilliant marketing.

...to

Partner

Locally!

“I never considered a credit union for commercial purposes, but now that’s changed. Community First’s mission to save people money is real. They saved my business a lot of money,” said independent businessman, Tom Purdy.

“I was awed by Community First’s rapid response and competitiveness. They found a way for me and are an extremely valuable partner to me.”

If you’d like to do business locally with your financial partner, visit us at Community First for all your needs.

Local Lending Decisions Business Checking that Pays Dividends SBA Preferred & SBA Express Lender 401(k), SEP & SIMPLE Planning Merchant Credit Card Services Investment and Insurance Services Free 24-Hour Online Account Access

Let Community First find a way for your business too!

Tom Purdy Apple Hill Farms Development CFCU Member/Owner

APPLETON, GREENVILLE, NEENAH, DARBOY, DE PERE, HOWARD BELLEVUE, OSHKOSH, MANITOWOC, WAUPACA, NEW LONDON, NICHOLS

www.communityfirstcu.com • (920) 830-7200 orFoxToll-Free 1-866-273-2328 Cities Chamber Business | DECEMBER 2014 33

FOX CITIES

CHAMBER

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Fox Cities Chamber Business c/o Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. 125 N. Superior Street Appleton, WI 54911