fox cities chamber
Energizing & Empowering Enterprise
2016 The Year In Review
Winter 2016 Volume 17, Issue 4
InThis
ISSUE 2 President’s Perspective Views from Chamber President/CEO Shannon Full
4 Leadership Fox Cities
2016 major accomplishments
5 6 10
WiFi Security Protecting your data at public hot spots The EVENT 2016 Octoberfest/License to Cruise
2016 results
17 Upcoming Chamber Events 18 Fox Cities Regional Partnership 20 Chamber Small Business Programs 21 Welcome New Members & Diamond Member Honor Roll 22 Happenings 24 Your Voice The MAC Draws Jobs and Investment to the Fox Valley
25 Guest Column
12 PULSE
The year in review
American Innovation - It’s Worth Fighting For
26 Member Spotlight
14 Talent Collaborative 2016 Highlights
Photography by:
16 Communicate Like A Leader Help your written communications work harder
BConnected, LLC Graham Washatka Kim Thiel Photography
On The Cover
Report to the Community
2016 Year in Review Fox Cites Chamber Business (v259180). 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.
Register at foxcitieschamber.com
(EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED)
Thursday, January 12, 2017 7:00AM - 9:00AM BRIDGEWOOD RESORT HOTEL 1000 CAMERON WAY NEENAH, WI 54956
Registration Graphic - Winter Magazine.indd 1
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
1
12/1/16 11:25 AM
President’s PERSPECTIVE “Thank you for your investment in the Fox Cities Chamber. We exist to work with you, as your partner, to be a catalyst to drive our local economy and strengthen our communities.” Dear Members, As we wrap up another year, I would like to reflect on some of the successes we’ve had at the Chamber this past year and highlight a few focuses for 2017. Let me begin by saying thank you. Thank you for your investment in the Fox Cities Chamber. We exist to work with you, as your partner, to be a catalyst to drive our local economy and strengthen our communities. We have seen a tremendous increase in overall engagement of our existing members, as well as new partners of all sizes and industries. We have had the great pleasure of working with many partnering organizations with similar missions to accomplish more goals together. Our focuses continue to drive our economy through business expansion assistance and new business attraction, talent services to attract, retain and develop people, a strong public policy program that is policy driven versus partisan driven, and small business programming that ensures small businesses have the services they need to grow and prosper. This year has been very active for business expansions as our team at the Fox Cities Regional Partnership has met with over 100 business leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges with over 70% of these meetings resulting in additional services to focus on growth and sustainability. We have also worked with a new collaboration of partners in New North, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac to leverage resources on marketing our region and attracting new companies here. Talent is the number one priority for most of our companies today as the talent gap becomes even greater. We are responding with innovative, solution-based programming, such as Talent Upload, Concierge, Leadership Fox Cities and K-12 programming, all with the goal to continue building a solid future talent pipeline in our community. Our small businesses are the lifeblood of our community as these businesses are essential for our large corporations’ success because they are the supply chain and service sector that feeds the larger corporations and their employees. Our small businesses need different, customized services to help them sustain and grow. Learn more about our new Small Business Programs, Business Breakfast Bytes, Peer2Peer Roundtables and Small Business Workshops on page 20. Our final success and focus for the future is our transforming PULSE Young Professionals program. We are taking the benefits of the traditional model and combining that with a focus on overall millennial engagement that enhances the Fox Cities community. Our millennials want to make a difference and engage with thought leaders of all demographics as they push the envelope through out-of-the box events like YP Week, the Artery, Bazaar After Dark and many others that are impacting our communities forever. 2016 has been a busy and successful year. We could not have done this work without your support. Thank you for engaging with us, attending our events, telling our story and for your investment of human and financial resources. We are committed to promoting growth and prosperity in our Fox Cities businesses and communities and look forward to the year ahead.
Shannon Full President/CEO
2
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
Chairman of the Board Daniel P. Ferris SECURA Insurance Companies Chairman-Elect Bruce Zak JPMorgan Chase, N.A. Past Chairman Kip Golden CR Structures Group, Inc. Secretary/Treasurer Kathi Seifert Katapult, LLC Board of Directors Jen Bauer Miron Construction Co., Inc. Lisa Cruz Red Shoes PR, Inc. John Dennis Gardan Inc. Curt Detjen Community Foundation Travis Froze BMO Harris Bank Ted Galloway Galloway Company Jason Henderson Feeding America - Eastern WI Chris Hess ThedaCare Sharon Hulce Employment Resource Group Inc. Dean Kaufert City of Neenah Chris Matheny Fox Valley Technical College Rick Parks Modern Woodmen of America Todd Romenesko Calumet County Bruce Sasman We Energies Mark Scheffler Appleton Group, LLC Heather Schimmers St. Elizabeth Hospital/Ministry Healthcare Scott Teerlinck Werner Electric Supply Gary Vaughan Guident Business Solutions Abe Weber Appleton International Airport Bob Zemple Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Ex-Officio Kevin Eismann Epiphany Law, LLC Publisher Shannon Full Editor Emily Feagles Design Wild Apple Creative Photography BConnected, LLC Graham Washatka Kim Thiel Photography Printing JP Graphics
Get To Know Your Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce Staff The Chamber is a dynamic group of dedicated professionals who provide resources and solutions to businesses of all sizes within the Fox Cities region. The Chamber acts as an access point for solving business challenges, establishing and growing professional and social networks and providing assistance for business leaders to achieve their goals.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1. Shannon Full President/CEO sfull@foxcitieschamber.com 2. Linda Myers Executive Assistant to the President lmyers@foxcitieschamber.com 3. Nora Langolf Vice President, Finance and Administration nlangolf@foxcitieschamber.com 4. Amy Flanders Vice President, Development aflanders@foxcitieschamber.com 5. Emily Feagles Director, Marketing & Communications efeagles@foxcitieschamber.com 6. Stephanie Tyink Events Manager stephaniet@foxcitieschamber.com 7. Connie Barlow Receptionist receptionist@foxcitieschamber.com 8. Pam Schweitzer Receptionist receptionist@foxcitieschambers.com
7.
8.
9.
11.
12.
14.
15.
17.
18.
Public Policy
14. Mark Rahmlow Vice President, Public Policy mrahmlow@foxcitieschamber.com
16.
Member Services
12. Heather Warnecke Director, Small Business Programming hwarnecke@foxcitieschamber.com 13. Beth Haase Director, Small Business Development bhaase@foxcitieschamber.com
13.
Economic Development
9. Manny Vasquez Vice President, Economic Development manny@foxcitiesregion.com 10. Beth Pritzl Director, Research & Technology beth@foxcitiesregion.com 11. Rob Peterson Director, Existing Industry Services rob@foxcitiesregion.com
10.
Operations
Talent
15. Patty Milka Vice President, Talent & Education pmilka@foxcitieschamber.com 16. Adrienne Palm Director of Pulse – Young Professionals Network apalm@foxcitieschamber.com 17. Amy Schanke Director, Leadership Fox Cities aschanke@foxcitieschamber.com 18. Nikki Hessel Program Coordinator, Talent & Education nhessel@foxcitieschamber.com
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
3
2016 Major Accomplishments LEADERSHIP FOX CITIES
Program Overview: Since 1991, the Fox Cities Chamber has offered this successful program, Leadership Fox Cities (LFC). LFC is a 9-month program designed to help further develop participants as leaders and engage them in the community. The class learns about social issues and challenges facing the Fox Cities community, while getting exposure to leadership education and training skills to become community stewards. Approximately forty participants are immersed in full-day traveling classes that include guest speakers, hands-on experiences, tours and relationship building. At the start of the program, the participants are divided into small groups charged with the task of identifying a social or public issue that needs attention. These groups then plan and execute sustainable community projects. For more information, contact Amy Schanke, Director of Leadership Fox Cities, at: aschanke@foxcitieschamber.com.
6
38 LOCAL
IMPACTFUL Community
companies
represented
PROJECTS FOR
local non-profits in Spring 2016
8 UNIQUE
6sustainable
Provide enhanced learning of
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
MONTHLY SESSIONS
THE FOX CITIES
40 new
39
PARTICIPANTS PARTICIPANTS (2015 - 2016 Class)
Community
Groups
POSITIVELY
Impacted in SPRING The 2015-2016 Leadership Fox Cities graduation class at Butte des Morts Country Club in Appleton in May 2016.
2016
Program Overview:
LEADERSHIP FOX CITIES
EXECUTIVE
Leadership Fox Cities (LFC) EXECUTIVE is dedicated to the development of c-suite and VP-level senior management. The program is an excellent way to connect those new to the area, or to their position, to the Fox Cities community. Recognizing the busy schedules of high level executives, the LFC EXECUTIVE Program offers a condensed version of the highly successful traditional program. Participants receive a dynamic snapshot of the area while introducing them to established leaders.
4
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
SPRING 2017
(2016 - 2017 Class)
Goodwill NCW ThedaCare at Home ThedaCare Hospice Foundation Cherry Meadows Hospice The Renaissance School for the Arts Homeless Connections NAMI Fox Valley Fox Valley Veterans Council and Outagamie County Housing Authority A-Tech Charter School
Session topics may include: business, government, arts, service and education. These sessions are designed to create lasting connections for the participants, and their guest, to the Fox Cities. Please contact Amy Schanke, Director of Leadership Fox Cities, for more information at aschanke@foxcitieschamber.com.
Mark your calendars! Registration for the Spring 2017 class closes on January 9, 2017!
Wi-Fi
Security Contributed By: Cellcom
Wi-Fi hotspots in public places are convenient, but often not secure. If you connect to a Wi-Fi network and send information through websites or mobile apps, it has potential to be accessed by someone else. Encryption is the key to keeping your personal information secure online. Encryption scrambles the information you send over the internet into a code so it’s not accessible to others. When you’re using wireless networks, it’s best to send personal information only if it’s encrypted, either by an encrypted website or a secure WiFi network. An encrypted website protects only the information you send to and from that site. A secure wireless network encrypts all the information you send using that network.
The Federal Trade Commission offers these tips to protect your information when using public Wi-Fi: • When using a hotspot, log in or send personal information only to websites you know are fully encrypted. To determine if a website is encrypted, look for https at the start of the web address (the “s” is for secure). Look for https on every page you visit, not just when you sign in. If you think you’re logged in to an encrypted site but find yourself on an unencrypted page, log out right away. • Unlike websites, mobile apps don’t have a visible indicator like https. Researchers have found that many mobile apps don’t encrypt information properly, so it’s a bad idea to use certain types of mobile apps on unsecured Wi-Fi. If you plan to use a mobile app to conduct sensitive transactions — like filing your taxes, shopping with a credit card, or accessing your bank account — use a secure wireless network or your phone’s data network. If you must use an unsecured wireless network for transactions, use the company’s mobile website rather than the company’s mobile app, so you can check for the https at the start of the web address.
• Consider changing the settings on your mobile device so it doesn’t automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi. That way, you have more control over when and how your device uses public Wi-Fi. Once you are all done with your web browsing, make sure to log off any services you were signed into. Then, tell your device to forget the network. Visit www.cellcom.com/security for additional mobile security tips. Cellcom is an innovative wireless company that provides nationwide service for its customer base throughout Wisconsin and Michigan, with nearly 70 retail and agent locations. Cellcom is respected for its long-standing reputation of delivering extraordinary customer care, being a strong community partner, and for its renowned network, which is customized to its rural markets. As a subsidiary of Nsight, Cellcom is part of a family of companies offering complete telecommunications services.
• Many web browsers alert users who try to visit fraudulent websites or download malicious programs. Pay attention to these warnings, and keep your browser and security software up-to-date. Fox Cities Business Fall 2016
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
5
Great Gatsby
2016 Award Recipients From left to right: Richard Batley, Alison Mayer, Cody Splitt, Jean Long Manteufel, Patrick Minskey, Walt Rugland, Tom Wiltzius, Dave Willems The Fox Cities Chamber and presenting sponsor, Baker Tilly, honored numerous business leaders during their annual meeting The Event: Celebrating Business. Individuals recognized have a unique blend of vision, energy, perseverance and skill and have demonstrated outstanding achievements in operating businesses as well as leadership in the community.
Business Hall of Fame Inductees
Cody Splitt – Attorney (Retired), was selected for this award due to outstanding achievements in her industry and many successes as a business leader. In 1942, Cody joined the US Navy as a member of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) and was assigned to Washington DC at the height of WWII. Cody started in naval intelligence and was then in charge of 200 women personnel. Service to her country allowed Cody to utilize the GI Bill to finish her education. She was the only female veteran of the five total women in her law school class at UWMadison. After graduation in 1949, Cody and her husband, Harley, moved to Appleton and she opened the second woman-owned law firm in the county. At age 66, she was the first woman to hold the position of Outagamie County Bar Association President. At age 75 she retired from the legal profession and became a member of the Outagamie County Board. Cody has been recognized as a trailblazer for her years of service to her country and community. In 2013, Cody was honored as a Woman of Distinction by Mid-Day Women’s Alliance, and she received the Wisconsin Law Journal Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
6
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
Walt Rugland – Executive Vice President, Thrivent Financial (Retired), has been recognized with this award for his business leadership and many successes. After a lengthy career with Milliman, an international actuarial consulting firm, Walt moved to Appleton in 1998 to become Chief Operating Officer at Aid Association for Lutherans. Before his retirement in 2002, AAL merged with Lutheran Brotherhood to become Thrivent Financial. Walt had a key role in effecting the successful combination. Walt has served his profession as president of the Society of Actuaries and the International Actuarial Association and has been recognized with numerous professional awards including being recognized by the Actuarial Foundation as an Insurance Legend. Walt was also recognized in Appleton with Rotary’s Heeter award, the annual Walter L. Rugland Community Service Award (named after his late father), and the Appleton West Hall of Fame. He served 12 years as secretary/treasurer of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Walt continues to be involved with several boards, including as board chair of the ThedaCare Center for Healthcare Value. He is an emeritus governing regent of Luther College. In 2009, Walt undertook a major commitment to focus the community on a fully functioning convention facility in the Fox Cities, which has now led to the construction, underway, of the Fox Cities Exhibition Center.
Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service Award
Richard Batley – Rich Batley is President of R. B. Hospitality,
a hospitality management and consulting company which he founded in 2002, as well as owner/investor in three first-class hotel properties in Northeastern Wisconsin, including: CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel & Spa in Appleton; Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center in Neenah; and the newly renovated Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center in Oshkosh. In addition, he is an owner/investor in the Ground Round Grill & Bar in Neenah; the Ground Round at River’s Edge in Oshkosh; and Bridgewood Golf Course in Neenah.
In 2012, Rich received the Best Western International Voting Member of the Year Award which recognizes and celebrates owners who go above and beyond to live the Best Western vision of providing superior customer care. Rich was featured as the Franchisee of the Month in the August 2012 issue of Restaurant Business magazine. Rich is considered by his peers as a leader and pacesetter in the Ground Round IOC franchise group of which he is also on the board. Rich Batley started his hospitality career at the age of 16 as a dishwasher in a small restaurant and through hardwork became owner of a hospitality management company that employs approximately 375 team members.
Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor Award
Tom Wiltzius, Ph.D. – enVision Performance Solutions, LLC A man of faith and decorated Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War veteran, Tom attributes much of his orientation to service to his Christian upbringing, his own military experiences and those of his parents, Ralph and Lillian, who were both WWII veterans. After using his GI Bill to complete his education, Tom extended his service to others as a career counselor at Fox Valley Technical College, where his orientation to innovation was nurtured. Tom led collaborative efforts to start the nation’s first interactive career assessment and planning initiative, build a comprehensive career planning library and offer adult career services across the FVTC district using post-graduate interns. His service to adults in career transition inspired Tom to leave FVTC in a venture that would span almost 20 years, founding one of the first outplacement firms in the Midwest, with his partner Carl Wuornos. Together they won several awards for entrepreneurship and small business leadership. Tom served as an advisory to many displaced professionals, helping them reemploy or start their own businesses. Over the last 20 years, Tom has split his time between his formal leader development coaching, and special causes linked to improving the quality of life in our region including being one of several co-founders of the New North Regional Economic Development initiative.
ATHENA® Leadership Award
Jean Long Manteufel – Owner, A-1 Moving & Storage
Jean is recognized with this award for her professional excellence and dedication to improving the quality of life in the Fox Cities. Jean is the owner of A-1 Moving & Storage in Appleton, which she purchased from her parents, Jerry and Gladie Long. Her son, Mike, has become her minority partner. In 2007, Jean started a division called Long’s Senior Transitions. Her passion is to help seniors as they make the transition from the big family house into their next home. She writes a monthly column for the Post Crescent, Transitions, which talks about life changes that are associated with aging. In 2014, she published a collection of her columns in a book entitled: “Transitions: Stories of how to help Mom and Dad with their stuff.” Jean enjoys volunteering in our community and helping others achieve their goals.
Entrepreneur of the year award
Dave Willems – CEO and Principal, Willems Marketing and Events, was selected for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for taking risks and creating a successful business in the Fox Cities. Dave, along with the team members from his firm, Willems Marketing & Events, Inc. of Downtown Appleton, have been active advocates throughout the community. The team has helped business and not-for-profits launch, grow -- and glow. In addition to serving their clients, Dave and his team have initiated and helped sustain two innovative programs: the Student Marketing Team, made up of Appleton high school students who work on projects for local businesses and non-profits with little or no marketing budgets; Fox Fox Fox Cities Cities Cities Business Business Business December December Winter 2016 2015 2015
15 713
and the Appleton Co-Working space, offering short-term chair and desk rentals for freelancers and entrepreneurs as they get started. Willems Marketing & Events’ mission of providing affordable marketing services to businesses and community organizations melded together perfectly in 2013 with the announcement, launch and execution of the first Mile of Music festival. As part of sustaining the festival and the original music movement in Downtown Appleton, Mile Productions has evolved to begin offering year-round access and affordable opportunities for music with a goal of producing remarkable experiences with music right here in our community.
Champion of the Chamber Award
A Special Thank You to This Year’s EVENT Sponsors Presenting Sponsor Athena® Leadership Award Sponsor
Patrick Minskey – Advisor, Edward Jones
Patrick is recognized with this award due to his dedication to always roll up his sleeves for the local community and Fox Cities Chamber. He started his professional career in the explosives industry working for one of the country’s most specialized blasting companies, where he attained the position of Head Explosives Expert and Operations Manager. FUN FACT: Patrick was one of only a handful of individuals in the Midwest licensed to explosively demolish and implode high-rise buildings! Wanting a new “safer” challenge, he joined Edward Jones in 2010. Recognized as a leader in his field, Patrick is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and specializes in financial planning for individuals and small businesses where he has been recognized by his clients with numerous professional awards. Patrick’s knowledge, background, and enthusiasm have allowed him to help the Fox Cities Chamber in many capacities. Some of these include: serving as a team lead for the Chamber’s Ambassador Program, assisting with the orientation of new members, facilitating network relationships at the monthly Business Connections, and will serve as a facilitator for the new Peer2Peer Roundtables.
Raffle Sponsors
Media Sponsor
Dessert Sponsor
contributing Sponsors
Young Professional of the Year Award
Alison Mayer – Corporate Communications Specialist, US
Venture, moved back to the Fox Cities after graduating from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Today, the 31-year-old Neenah native has realized a newfound joy in creating a place she is proud to call home and blithely runs on the belief that everyone has a story worth telling. Alison is currently the corporate communications specialist at U.S. Venture, Inc. in Appleton. As a volunteer, she has accepted several key leadership roles at Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs. She also serves on the marketing committees for Weight of the Fox Valley and Women’s Fund of the Fox Valley. Alison spent time on the city of Menasha’s Landmarks Commission, authored a book called “The Story of Leif and Lily” for Catalpa Health to tell the story of pediatric mental health through the eyes of a child, is a founding group member of Fox Cities Restaurant Week, came together with nine other community members to create “Hands Over the Fox” in response to the tragic shooting on the Trestle Trail in Menasha last year, and was part of the Future 15 class of 2015. She also recently launched a passion project called River + Bay, Wisconsin’s newest online magazine and video channel.
8
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
2017 Save the Date Thursday, November 9, 2017 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel
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
Take your business to the next level SOPHISTICATED SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE CHALLENGES As one of the nation’s top 50 full-service CPA and consulting firms, our team members hone their expertise related to specialized industries. Our teams know your world, and we leverage the talent of specialists across our firm to help you navigate it. With our scope and resources, we can provide special insight, share best practices and identify opportunities to make your organization stronger. Our expertise includes: f Agriculture & Food Processing
f Health Care
f Not-for-Profit Organizations
f Dealerships
f Hospitality & Retail
f Real Estate & Construction
f Government
f Manufacturing & Distribution
f Trucking & Logistics
To learn more about Schenck and how we can help, visit us online at schencksc.com or call 920-731-8111.
800-236-2246 schencksc.com
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
9
2016 Octoberfest & License to Cruise Octoberfest celebrated 35 years of fun, community and tradition in September. Who would have thought that a simple brainstorming session among the Appleton Downtown Retailer’s Association in 1981 would lead to what has become one of Wisconsin’s most popular and longestrunning festivals, to date? More than 100,000 people flocked to College Avenue in Downtown Appleton for the annual celebration. The event kicked-off on Friday, September 23rd, with License to Cruise, the classic car show that featured MOPAR. This year, a special collection of high-end MOPAR vehicles were showcased at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (PAC). Many of the vehicles were valued at over a million dollars. The two-day event boasts five stages of continuous music; a family fun area with stage entertainment, carnival rides, playground equipment and much more; over 180 skilled artisans with unique, handcrafted items in the arts and crafts area, and food up and down College Avenue to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Octoberfest is an annual tradition for the 700+ volunteers who make the event possible, the attendees who want a relaxing day of fun with family and friends and for nonprofits to raise much needed revenue. In addition to being Appleton’s largest block party, the money raised benefits local nonprofit organizations year-round. Nearly 70% of the nonprofit food vendors made $1,000 or more this year, and Octoberfest has become a steady source of revenue for them as 81% have been vendors in the past. In addition, proceeds from Octoberfest are used for the competitive grant program that provides funding to nonprofits year round. Grants are awarded via an application process in three cycles: December 15, March 15 and June 15. The application and instructions are available at octoberfestonline.org.
10
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
The 2016 grant recipients included: Bay Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America Building for Kids/Fox Valley Symphony Christ the Rock Community Church Creative Downtown Appleton, Inc. History Museum at the Castle Fox Cities Building for the Arts Fox Cities Performing Arts Center newVoices, Inc. Paper Industry Hall of Fame, Inc. St. Joseph Food Program Talent Collaborative – Fox Cities Chamber Foundation VSA Wisconsin
2016 Sponsors: Octoberfest is made possible by the generous contributions from: Event Sponsors Fox Cities Chamber and Budweiser Presenting Sponsor Tundraland Premier Sponsor Harley-Davidson of Appleton, Wisconsin Executive Sponsors Chase JP Morgan and Pick ‘n Save Corporate Sponsors Cellcom, GLK Foods, Renewal by Andersen and The Post Crescent Gannett Family Fun Sponsor Fox Communities Credit Union In Partnership with: Appleton Downtown, Inc., Van’s Waste, Inc. and Valley Transit
Stage Sponsors included: The Woodward Radio Group WHBY-1150 AM WAPL 105.7 FM KISS 95.9 FM KZ Radio 104.3 FM RAZOR 94.7 FM Cumulus Media WVBO 103.9 FM WNAM 1280 AM NASH 99.5 FM and 104.9 FM WFRV-TV WGBA-NBC26
Mark Your Calendars for 2017
Media Partner WGBA-TV NBC 26
License to Cruise: Friday, September 29 Octoberfest: Saturday, September 30 Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
11
PULSE young professionals network
Transforming the Place We Call Home
A PROGRAM OF
Fostering an inclusive, inviting and innovative community is essential to our success as a region. Through both the projects we choose and the partnerships we make, we strive to enhance the economic and creative vitality of the Fox Cities region, making it an enduringly attractive place for young professionals to call home.
Dynamic, unexpected events have the potential to not only tell the story of a community, but to shape its culture through shared experiences. Building meaningful relationships and promoting unity is at the core of who we are. Whether you are looking to get socially connected in the Fox Cities or are seeking a unique resource for employees, let us be your platform for contributing to the creative growth and prosperity of the Fox Cities. Wisconsin needs you and so do we.
MISSION:
VISION:
Pulse Young Professionals Network will act as a catalyst for growth and collaboration in the Fox Cities through opportunities to connect, develop and inspire our community.
To foster a diverse and innovative community that enhances the vitality of the Fox Cities Region, making it an attractive place for young professionals to call home.
Event Attendees
6,000+
TOTAL EVENTS
31
12
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
2016 PULSE Highlights FEBRUARY Pulse’s 6th Annual Future 15 Awards saw its highest attendance yet. The sold-out event was both intimate and grand due to the shining talent of our 15 award recipients and YP of the Year, Alison Mayer. The speeches were good, the food was delicious and the pictures were epic!
April Our second annual YP Week, a statewide collaboration through NEWaukee and the WEDC, brought in record breaking attendance to 15 events packed neatly into 8 days and nights. Whether you were looking to talk politics and religion over a late night dinner, view a BMX demonstration at Appleton’s new skate-park, learn leadership skills from Future 15 alumni or learn about how to build a business from the ground up, we had you covered. We hosted the statewide Bubbler Awards to open the week and closed it out with our tri-annual urban arts market, The Artery.
hula-hoopers, food trucks, body paint, local artists, live music and beer created a festive atmosphere in an often overlooked stretch of Wisconsin Avenue. While it was hard to predict how many people would take interest in such an event and come hang out on a closed off stretch of a state highway, the turnout was incredible. For four hours, businesses who normally close by 5 pm kept their doors open and the customers showed up to show their support. It was truly a magical night, and one we look forward to recreating in 2017.
December Between the winter edition of the Artery, our 10th Annual CEO Breakfast and a holiday party at the always festive Cleo’s, there was no shortage of Pulse events in the month of December.
September The Fox Cities embraced our newest event, Bazaar After Dark, a night market inspired by the energy of similar markets in larger metro areas. Fire breathers, jugglers,
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
13
TALENT
COLLABORATIVE
2016: A Year In Review PULSE Young Professionals Network
® PULSE Young Professionals Network
provides dynamic activities and events to help develop leadership potential, cultivate new interests, network and create the community you want to live in. Pulse includes even more options for personal development through placemaking initiatives, community service projects and ideation sessions to cultivate a diverse and innovative community that enhances the vitality of the Fox Cities region, making it an attractive place for young professionals to call home.
Concierge Plus
® Concierge Plus is designed to help
employers attract and retain candidates to the Fox Cities through a series of customized experiences based on an individual’s needs, wants and desires. Concierge Plus provides social, cultural, educational, religious and lifestyle resources within the Fox Cities community.
The Talent Collaborative, a division of the Fox Cities Chamber, pursues new ways to align resources to develop partnerships with employers, economic development groups, K-12, post-secondary institutions, government and community organizations to attract, develop, and retain talent through dynamic programs and events while responding to workforce needs in the Fox Cities. Through our talent events, resources, programming and your assistance, we continue to enhance the vitality of the talent pipeline in the Fox Cities. We will continue to listen to the challenges of business through focus groups and design innovative programming to attract, develop and retain talent that is vital to our community. The following programs provide insight into these initiatives. If you have a workforce challenge you would like to discuss, please give us a call. Please contact Patty Milka, Vice President of Talent & Education, (920) 734-7101 or pmilka@foxcitieschamber.com.
Develop K-12
® The YOUR FUTURE 8th Grade Career Expo hosts 2,600 students at
an interactive trade show-like event to explore the variety of careers available in the Fox Cities and beyond. The annual event allows more than 60 businesses the opportunity to connect with students as they transition into high school.
® YOUR FUTURE Fox Cities is an online platform that streamlines
connections among students, educators and businesses to develop a thriving future workforce. Opportuniites, such as job shadows, internships, company tours and more, bring relevance to the classroom and allow students to discover paths to future success.
Talent Upload
® Talent Upload familiarizes college students from around the Midwest
with the Fox Cities community and the limitless career paths available here. This innovative program gives students an opportunity to explore life as a young professional in the Fox Cities and provides employers a chance to engage with them through a series of immersion events.
14
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
Develop Leaders
® Leadership Fox Cities is a nine-month
community-based leadership program designed to help participants grow as a leader and engage in the community. Each year, since 1991, the program welcomes approximately 40 committed participants. These professionals gather monthly to learn about our accolades as a community and the challenges we are facing in the Fox Cities.
® Leadership Fox Cities EXECUTIVE is a
six-session program designed for the C-suite and VP-level executive and their spouse/guest. This unique program provides a better understanding of the community while cultivating connections outside their own organizations to build relationships in the Fox Cities community.
® The Forum: Investing in People is a
premier half-day event where business, education and community leaders gather for interactive conversations, sharing of best practices and solutions around our joint responsibility to develop, attract and retain a thriving workforce in the Fox Cities.
Don’t Miss The Forum 2017: Mark your Calendars for March 23, 2017!
2016 Highlights Talent Upload brought a select group of Computer Science, IT and Engineering college students to the Fox Cities for a three-day event to expose them to career opportunities, employers and life in the Fox Cities in September. The event included a reception at the ATW Platinum Flight Center where students could directly network and interact with local employers.
Each year the Leadership Fox Cities class is divided into several small groups to plan and execute a sustainable project within the community. This LFC group assisted the Fox Valley Veterans Council and Outagamie County Housing Authority with the design and fundraising efforts for the Veterans Village memorial area which will be located near the Appleton VA Clinic.
Community Conversation was held on September 22, 2016 to discuss improving opportunities for youth with disabilities.
Freshmen and Sophomore female students from four area high schools participated in several hands-on activities, including group speed mentoring, at the 2016 Smart Girls Rock! event hosted at Miller Electric on October 25th.
Nearly 2,600 students attended the 10th Annual Your Future 8th Grade Career Expo on April 18th to learn about future career opportunities in the Fox Cities and beyond.
Leadership Fox Cities recognized its 25th anniversary and successes in 2016 by uniting alumni at Waverly Beach in Menasha to celebrate.
The Talent Collaborative helped coordinate several business tours, including one at Omni Resources, for Appleton East’s Professional Development Day in October.
College students and area employers participated in a Fox Cities scavenger hunt during Talent Upload in September in an effort to expose students to the assets and opportunities within the Fox Cities community.
The second annual Smart Girls Rock! event, held in October, provided approximately 95 female students the opportunity to get engaged and learn about various STEM career pathways while meeting with women professionals in related fields.
TALENT
COLLABORATIVE
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
15
Communicate like a
Leader in your Industry Three tips to help your company’s written communications work harder for your bottom line. By Patti Purcell, Owner & Principal of Writing by Design LLC
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through more than 25 years in marketing, it’s that effective marketing begins and ends with strong writing. In order to deliver results, any marketing vehicle—whether it’s a blog post or a targeted direct mailer—requires a clear, compelling message backed by a well-articulated strategy.
So, what does it take to create truly impactful communications? If you’re in a role where you review—or write—your company’s marketing materials, here are three tips to help make sure your communications are working hard to demonstrate leadership in your industry:
Monday, June 26, 2017 Butte des Morts Country Club
Monday, July 24, 2017 Ridgeway Golf Course
Tip 1: K.I.S.S. it!
The “Keep it Simple, Stupid” model works best for most communications. Reading takes work, so your communications should be concise, simple and organized in a digestible way. Steer clear of industry jargon—in fact, aim for a 6th or 7th grade reading level.
Tip 2: Focus it.
If you’re having trouble with wordiness, you may be trying to tell your audience too many things. We recommend defining this objective—i.e., the single main message—before you start writing.
Tip 3: Elevate it.
The subconscious question on your target audience’s mind will always be “what’s in it for me.” To answer that question, be sure you speak to the benefits of your products and services rather than listing features only. If you don’t tell your consumers why they should care, they won’t. By looking for opportunities to simplify, focus, elevate and ground messaging in strategy, companies can communicate like a leader in their industries and create more meaningful communications with their customers. Founded in 2006, Writing by Design specializes in helping Fortune 500 companies develop language to launch innovative new products and assists local and regional businesses with a variety of everyday writing needs. For more information, visit www.writingbydesignllc.com.
Event and Hole Sponsorships Available! Visit foxcitieschamber.com or call (920) 734-7101 for more information
Sign Up Today! 16
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
Upcoming Chamber
EVENTS
A BUILDING PARTNER THAT SAVES YOU TIME, DELIVERING A FACILITY THAT SAVES YOU MONEY
All of the Fox Cities Chamber events and details can be found online at foxcitieschamber.com.
JANUARY
Chamber Report to the Community Thursday, January 12, 2017 Bridgewood Resort Hotel, Neenah
Overtime Happy Hour with Pulse Thursday, January 12, 2017 Location TBD
Business Breakfast Bytes Tuesday, January 17, 2017 WIPFLI, Appleton
Business Connection Thursday, January 26, 2017 Butte des Morts Country Club, Appleton
FEBRUARY
Member Orientation Wednesday, February 1, 2017 Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce
Economic Outlook Breakfast CORPORATE • EDUCATION • SENIOR LIVING • RELIGIOUS • HEALTHCARE • MANUFACTURING
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel
Business Connection 920.731.2322
hoffman.net
Thursday, February 9, 2017 Urban Evolutions
Overtime Happy Hour/PAC Show with Pulse Friday, February 10, 2017 Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton
NEWCC Legislative Dialogue Breakfast Monday, February 20, 2017 Bridgewood Resort Hotel, Neenah
Business Breakfast Bytes Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Location TBD
MARCH
Business Day in Madison Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Monona Terrace, Madison
Future 15 Awards Thursday, March 2, 2017 Location TBD
8th Grade Career Expo Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Lake Park Sportzone, Menasha
Overtime Happy Hour with Pulse
Helping build vibrant communities
Engineering Architecture Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Design Land Surveying Geospatial Solutions Environmental Services Financing Strategies/ Grant Assistance Design-Build Public/Private Partnerships
920.751.4200 NEENAH WI
since 1909
MACHESNEY PARK IL
VALPARAISO IN
Thursday, March 9, 2017 Location TBD
Business Connection Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Headliners Bar & Grill/Winncrest Banquet Hall, Neenah
Business Breakfast Bytes Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Location TBD
The FORUM 2017: Investing in People Thursday, March 23, 2017 Location TBD
MCMGRP.COM Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
17
INVESTORS
DO YOU SUPPORT FOX CITIES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?
A DIVISION OF
GOVERNORS CIRCLE | $20,000+
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE | $10,000+
INVESTORS CIRCLE | $5,000 +
SUPPORTERS CIRCLE | < $,5000 or < $1 per capita Amerequip
Consolidated Construction Co. Inc.
Nordon Business Environments
Town of Greenville
American National Bank Fox Cities
First National Bank Fox Valley
Outagamie County
Town of Menasha
BLC Community Bank
Garrow Oil Corp.
Prospera Credit Union
Village of Hortonville
Business Lending Group
Great Northern Corporation
Time Warner Cable
Village of Kimberly
City of Appleton
Innovative Machining
Town of Buchanan
Winnebago County
CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel and Spa
Martenson & Eisele
Town of Grand Chute
The following organizations provide Fox Cities Regional Partnership with specific tools to stimulate industry growth
125 N. Superior Street
18
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
Appleton, WI 54911
920.831.4905
FoxCitiesRegion.com
THANK YOU WORKING TOGETHER TO ATTRACT THE TALENT THE FOX CITIES NEEDS TO GROW...
17 PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS WELCOMING 77 ENGINEERING & IT STUDENTS TO THE FOX CITIES GIGABYTE EMPLOYERS
MEGABYTE EMPLOYERS
KILOBYTE EMPLOYERS
CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. is a proud participant in Talent Upload program since its inception. As a growing company, with a strong focus on hiring technology talent, it is critical that we have engaging ways to connect with students. Talent Upload is a valuable and meaningful program that exposes students to career opportunities and hiring companies within the Fox Cities. Cindy Enli, Talent Acquisition Manager J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. 125 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920.831.4905
FoxCitiesRegion.com
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
19
MEMBER
SERVICES
Small Business Programming to Help You Grow & Sustain
Small Business Programming
The Small Business team at the Fox Cities Chamber was formed in 2016 to provide members with high-quality education, valuable tools, accredited resources, mentoring and networking opportunities to empower and promote success.
Business Breakfast Bytes
BUSINESS BREAKFAST
B Y T E S
Peer2Peer Roundtables A PROGRAM OF
Business Breakfast Bytes are complimentary educational opportunities for members which feature topics carefully selected to address the top small to mid-sized business concerns. These sessions are scheduled to occur every third Tuesday of the month, beginning September 2016 through December 2017. The educational breakfasts are facilitated by a professional on each topic. Sessions may also feature the owner or executive of the host organization as co-facilitator or a panel of experts weighing in on the topic with their knowledge. Learn more on our website at: foxcitieschamber.com
Peer2Peer Roundtables
Peer2Peer Roundtables have been created to provide members and non-members with access to a small, confidential network of peers that will advise participants on the challenges and opportunities within their company, as well as give perspective from outside their particular industry. Peer2Peer Roundtables provide businesses across the Fox Cities Region the opportunity to develop a professional network for discussion of critical business issues, experience-sharing and problem solving. Roundtable groups are led by Edward Lowe Foundation-certified facilitators and comprised of 8 - 12 participants. Groups are formatted based on areas of expressed interest. Learn more and apply today on our website at: foxcitieschamber.com
Small Business Workshops
Our Small Business Workshops have been revised to help local small to mid-sized businesses (both members and non-members) address concerns and identify solutions. Each workshop is comprised of several sessions in order to cover the degree of information for each selected topic. Participants will leave with turnkey solutions and valuable tools that can be used immediately within their business. Learn more on our website at: foxcitieschamber.com
20
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
WELCOME New Members The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce relies on its members to continue its work in promoting business interests in the Fox Cities region. Without these committed members, the Chamber would not be able to provide the high quality services it is known for.
BAKA Enterprises, Inc. 3232 N. Ballard Road Appleton, WI 54911-8804 (920) 574-3833 www.bakaenterprises.com ASSISTED LIVING Castilla Bistro & Tapas 213 S. Nicolet Road Appleton, WI 54914-3938 (920) 749-0342 www.castillaappleton.com RESTAURANTS Fox Valley Literacy Council 130 E. Franklin Street Appleton, WI 54911-5489 920-991-9840 www.fvlc.net NON-PROFIT AGENCY Independent Business Consultant 1661 Beethoven Way Neenah, WI 54956-9378 (402) 980-9443 MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT IVI North, Inc. W6395 Specialty Drive Greenville, WI 54942-8026 (920) 757-6001 www.ivinc.com MANUFACTURER Kaldas Center for Fertility, Surgery, & Pregnancy, S.C. 200 Theda Clark Medical Plaza, Suite 133 Neenah, WI 54956-2883 920-886-2299 www.kaldascenter.com HEALTH CARE
PoppingFUN! 1344 Constitution Drive Neenah, WI 54956-1647 (920) 486-7210 www.poppingfun.com CANDY/MANUFACTURER/FUNDRAISER Richmond Street Automotive 1731 Richmond Steet Appleton, WI 54911-3506 920-993-7721 www.richmondstreetautomotive.com AUTOMOBILE & TRUCK REPAIRS & SERVICE The UPS Store 6753 4764 Integrity Way Appleton, WI 54913-8464 (920) 954-6753 www.theupsstorelocal.com/6753 BUSINESS SERVICES, PRINTERS VL Performance 524 N. Clark Street, Suite 4 Appleton, Wisconsin 54911-4606 (920) 358-7570 www.vlperformance.com AUTOMOBILE & TRUCK REPAIRS & SERVICE Wild Blue Technologies 860 O’Keefe Road De Pere, WI 54115-2463 920-983-2911 www.wildbluetech.com GRAPHIC ARTS & DESIGN
DIAMOND MEMBER
Honor Roll October - December
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.
Avis Rent A Car Corporate Office
10/1/1963
BMO Harris Bank
11/1/1966
Carpetland U.S.A.
10/1/1971
Community First Credit Union
10/1/1975
Golper Supply Co., Inc.
11/1/1965
Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin
11/1/1973
Kelly Services, Inc.
10/1/1975
La Quinta Inn & Suites
10/1/1962
Lullabye Shop Inc.
12/1/1960
Nordon Business Environments
12/1/1972
Pace Corporation
11/1/1974
Schenck SC
12/1/1930
We Energies
12/1/1966
Wintrust Wealth Management
12/1/1966
Wisconsin Distributors Appleton, LLC
10/1/1973
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
21
5. 1.
6.
2.
7.
3.
8.
4.
22
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
9.
1. A panel of experts, led by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of Cybersecurity Policy Matthew Eggers, provided attendees at Liberty Hall in August with different perspectives and best practices to protect vital information within businesses.
10.
2. Appleton Housing Authority unveiled plans for a new development in Grand Chute which will provide additional affordable housing options called Grand View Townhomes. Executive Director of Appleton Housing Authority, Debra Dillenberg is pictured here with chairperson, Kathy Groat at the groundbreaking in October. 3. The Chamber helped welcome new member, Whistler’s Knoll Vineyard with a ribbon cutting in August. Whistler’s Knoll Vineyard is located in Hortonville and offers a beautiful vineyard and unique space for events. 4. The Fall Leadership Fox Cities EXECUTIVE class took in a backstage tour at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center during their Arts Day in October.
11.
5. Joseph and Erin Mattice, owners of Fox Valley Cryotherapy and new Chamber members, invited the Chamber for a ribbon cutting in October. Fox Valley Cryotherapy offers whole body cryotherapy, which is a cold therapy remedy by Cryo Sauna to achieve less pain, recover faster and help maintain better overall lifestyle for pain caused by accidents, fibromyalgia, inflammation, body building or a physical occupation. 6. Known as Appleton’s Largest Block Party, Octoberfest celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2016 with another successful year. Thousands of attendees flocked to College Avenue on September 23rd for License to Cruise and for Octoberfest on September 24th for live music, good food and endless fun. 7. Thrivent Financial was host to our September Business Connection where attendees had the chance to catch up with friends and meet other professionals. 8. Local employers interacted with Computer Science, IT and Engineering college students during the “takeoff” reception held at ATW’s Platinum Flight Center during Talent Upload in September.
12.
9. The Fox Cities community is lucky to have the Building for Kid’s Children’s Museum which provides unique exhibits created to inspire, teach and reinforce creativity in our children. A ribbon cutting was held in September to unveil recent renovations and a new Lego wall exhibit. 10. The Public Policy team hosted several lunch ‘n learns throughout 2016 which allowed attendees to learn from knowledgeable speakers on a variety of topics concerning local businesses. Reporter Andrew LaCombe from Fox11 shared his experience as a reporter and the impact of social media on today’s news. 11. Family-owned and operated, American Overhead Door invited the Fox Cities Chamber to the groundbreaking for their new location in Appleton in September. 12. Thanks to AbbyBank, formerly known as Fidelity National Bank, for hosting our October Business Connection where attendees had the chance to network with one another. Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
23
YOURVOICE Advocating for pro-business policy in the Fox Cities
The MAC Draws Jobs and Investment to the Fox Valley This year marks the first time that Wisconsin manufacturers and agricultural producers can claim the full value of the Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit (MAC). The credit rewards production which occurs in the state by nearly eliminating the income tax liability of those who produce here. There is fierce competition among the states today to lure manufacturing investment and jobs, with New York state eliminating corporate income taxes on manufacturers altogether and Indiana lowering its single personal income rate to just 3.3%. The MAC is Wisconsin’s answer to both ensure that local companies expand here and multi-state companies choose to invest in our state rather than somewhere else. Those eligible to claim the MAC include C corporations that pay corporate income tax as well as LLCs and S corporations (pass-through entities) that pay personal income tax. The credit may be claimed on 7.5% of the state’s flat 7.9% corporate income rate or the 7.65% top personal income tax bracket, leaving an effective rate of 0.4% or 0.15%, respectively, for manufacturers or farmers who produce in Wisconsin. The Fox Valley has seen substantial investment by manufacturers since the MAC began taking effect, including expansions by De Pere-based Belmark into Shawano, Neenah Paper in Appleton, Sargento in Hilbert, and Bemis in Oshkosh. These investments have resulted in the addition of new manufacturing jobs, which in turn allow workers to generate income, property, and sales taxes for all levels of government. Since the MAC was first signed into law in 2011, Wisconsin has experienced the 5th highest net increase in manufacturing jobs among the states, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Citing those same federal statistics, Wisconsin lost 81,800 manufacturing jobs in the four years leading up to the MAC’s adoption compared to 34,200 jobs gained in the four years following.
24
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
On average, manufacturing jobs pay about $55,000, about $10,000 more than the average overall private sector job. Some critics have called for the credit’s repeal, claiming its value would be better utilized elsewhere. Yet the MAC is driving investment into Wisconsin that is boosting the number of manufacturing jobs here. In addition, 88% of those claiming the credit actually make less than $1 million annually. That’s a lot of small Wisconsin businesses and investors who are re-investing into their companies and communities. Remember, you have to invest in production in Wisconsin and employ Wisconsin workers to earn the credit. The MAC allows manufacturing jobs to stay right here and continue to serve as the economic anchor for so many Wisconsin communities. Jason Culotta, Senior Director of Government Relations, WMC
American Innovation: It’s Worth Fighting For
Your pedigree doesn’t matter. Your hard work, your creativity, your perseverance, and your willingness to take a risk and maybe fail the first time do matter. Thanks to these 33 million businesses of all sizes and types, some 110 million of our fellow Americans have the dignity of a job and a paycheck. Last year alone, American businesses paid a whopping $7.5 trillion in salaries and wages and contributed nearly $2 trillion in employee benefits such as health care, retirement, vacations, and college tuition. Our businesses have also fueled innovation by investing more than $300 billion in research and development last year. As Americans, we have good reason to be proud of our free enterprise system. There have been mistakes, and there are bad apples. But American free enterprise has generated more wealth and prosperity, broadly shared, than any other system or country on earth. And it’s not just about money. Because of our free market system in the United States, we’ve been able to support a social safety net with health, accident, disability, old age, and unemployment insurance. We’ve been able to afford investments that have lowered our infant mortality rate. We enjoy a stable food supply, clean air and water, access to vaccinations and advanced medical care, and astounding scientific and technological breakthroughs— from putting a man on the Moon to mapping the human genome.
Contributed by: John Kirchner, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Congressional and Public Affairs Executive Director, Midwest Region With this unprecedented election behind us, now is the time to reaffirm the value of a free market system over the unbridled growth of an unlimited government. Free enterprise makes our American system unlike any other in the world—and better than any other in the world. We start with the fact that the United States is home to 33 million businesses— from young millennials creating computer apps as sole proprietors, to baristas starting their own coffee shops as limited liability companies to large multicity professional partnerships and massive retail chains whose stock is publicly traded. That’s real economic democracy.
Yet, nearly half of the millennials surveyed in a recent poll said they believe that the American Dream is dead. Millions of Americans no longer believe their children will be better off than they are—and many more don’t see the benefits of free enterprise extending to themselves or to the poor. One reason for such despair is our poor economic performance over the last decade. It’s understandably difficult to be the champion of something that isn’t working well right now; both the United States and the global economy are growing too slowly.
So how should Americans respond to the economic challenges we face? Our simple message to the government and our fellow citizens must be this: Let us do what we do best—create jobs, prosperity, and solutions for America. The mission of our country is not to make people more secure in their poverty—we want to move every American family toward hope, opportunity, and self-reliance. It’s time to unleash the creative genius, the ceaseless energy, and the can-do spirit of the American people.
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
25
MEMBERSpotlight Spotlight MEMBER
Member Spotlights are included in your membership package at the Grow ($700) or above level. Contact Beth Haase for more information by email bhaase@foxcitieschamber.com or call (920) 734 -7101.
About Better Care Audiology offers complete hearing care services to patients of all ages. Our highly experienced doctors of audiology, Stephanie Long and Heather Totman, provide testing and evaluations and offer the most technologically advanced hearing devices available. We can help you make the best choice for your hearing needs and help you achieve a better quality of life through better hearing. We provide full comprehensive hearing services, including: complete hearing evaluation and testing, hearing aid evaluation and dispensing, hearing aid adjustment and servicing, customized ear protection and musician monitors, assistive listening devices, hearing screenings for newborns and specialized auditory processing evaluations for children and adults.
Anakh Leadership Coaching LLC True leaders are intellectually competent and also personify kindness, empathy, courage, honesty and integrity. Through self-mastery coaching from Anakh Leadership Coaching, LLC, clients are educated and empowered to confront their weaknesses and create new behavioral habits which support their leadership goals and create more inner depth and meaning in their lives.
About Better Care Audiology works with patients of all ages. We love to work with anyone who wants to keep their hearing difficulties from holding them back. Research is showing more and more the importance of hearing for overall health, especially cognitive function. Technological advances in hearing aids offer clearer sound in many different and difficult listening environments. Smart phone applications and Bluetooth technology offer a wide range of options and ease of use. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss any of the conversation at your next meeting or dinner out with friends. Working together we can find a solution to help you hear easier and clearer and stay engaged with the world around you. For more information, visit www.abcaudiology.com
At Anakh Leadership Coaching, LLC, we work with business leaders and professionals who are interested in and highly motivated to develop their personal and leadership character virtues. Clients are courageous enough to challenge and overcome their weaknesses and change ineffective habits. They aspire to become highly effective role models and business leaders. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attending a small group workshop or committing to one-on-one coaching sessions, self-mastery coaching will help you identify what is holding you back from being the person and the leader you want to be. Connect with us today to learn about our proprietary, clinically-tested exercises that are designed to give fast, quantifiable results. For more information, visit www.aleadershipcoach.com
IVI Incorporated Founded in 1993 by Gerry Auler, IVI, Inc. designs, builds and installs industrial ventilation systems. Our custom dust collection systems improve air quality and reduce employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exposure to hazardous dusts and particles. Our systems are designed to be the most efficient, producing long-term cost savings for industrial facilities.
26
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
At IVI, our customers are a wide range of manufacturing plants within a variety of industries. We have proven experience and success in designing industrial ventilation systems for mining, pulp and paper, material handling, foundry, automotive, food processing and packaging, manufacturing, plastics and packaging and wood milling and forestry industries. For more information, visit www.ivinc.com
MEMBERSpotlight Spotlight MEMBER Our qualified, expert caregivers are trained in a wide range of skill sets and available around the clock to be of assistance to our clients in as little as one hour or up to 24 hours a day. The holidays are officially here. Are mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, an elder neighbor, or friend doing okay at home? Take observation of their health, wellness and safety, especially while visiting over the holidays this year. Senior Helpers is the national leading company of professional non-medical home care and personal care services. Our Fox Cities office is locally owned and operated by the Bortolameolli Family. Our personal mission is to promote and enable our adult and senior clients to live independently and safely in their own home while aging gracefully. Our services range from companion care, personal care, Parkinson’s care, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care for adults and seniors in the Fox Cities area.
We can assist with rehabilitation after surgery, exercise, nutrition, medications, housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation, dementia and memory care. We want to provide you the peace of mind you deserve with your loved one safe at home. Senior Helpers provides professional in-home caregivers that are available to assist you or your senior loved ones. Whether it is for personal assistance or expert guidance in working with those who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, call today and let us be your extra hand. For more information, visit: www.seniorhelpers.com/foxcities
coffee service and water filtration units. We provide these services at various locations based on population size.
Canteen provides breakroom refreshment solutions including self-checkout micro markets, called Avenue C, vending machines, food service, catering, pantry service,
At Canteen we offer customized and comprehensive solutions for our customers. We have a new concept called Nano market, which is a small micro market for locations with populations as low as 75 people. Our goal is to create healthy vending options through innovative design and products for our customers. For more information, visit www.canteen.com
work with each individual to support them to their highest level of independence. Seniors looking for maintenancefree living in a friendly and enriching community find joy living here. Touchmark offers maintenance-free retirement living with a focus on personal wellness. Our homes and services provide the support, amenities, and social benefits needed for older adults to focus on living well. Our staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service and care if needed. We offer active-adult retirement living with a continuum of care. With a wide range of homes and levels of care, we
Touchmark continues to grow! We’re developing communities in Prescott, Arizona and Portland, Oregon, both scheduled to open next year. Our new Director of Health & Fitness Operations is focused on furthering functional fitness programs across Touchmark communities to help residents maintain their quality of life through physical health and well-being. For more information, visit www.touchmark.com
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
27
For Those Once in A Lifetime
ACHIEVEMENTS
A business award as outstanding and unique as the individual who receives it. One of a kind, original art-glass awards, made to order.
WILD APPLE
Art Glass Studio 210 Main Street • Menasha, WI • 920 886-6636 • wildapple@new.rr.com
Booths & Sponsorships Available! reserve yours today
JOIN US Wednesday, June 7, 2017 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 28
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
visit foxcitieschamber.com or call (920) 734-7101 for more information
Services for Business & Industry
Customized. Innovative. Solutions.
To stay competitive, you need to find, select and train new and existing employees. Let Fox Valley Technical College help you: • Find new employees • Evaluate with employee assessments • Enhance employee skills with seminars and customized training
Contact our industry experts today!
www.fvtc.edu/EmployerResources • 920-735-2525
Fox Cities Business Winter 2016
29
fox cities chamber
PERIODICAL
POSTAGE
PAID
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
AT APPLETON, WI
Your Place on the Water
Waterfront
Development Opportunities
Downtown Real Estate Available
Contact David Buck: Community Development Director 920-967-3650