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Published by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce for Chamber members
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Viewpoint
Farewell is really not good-bye, by Paul Jadin
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People You Should Know
Individuals who Lead the Way in their corners of the workplace
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Contents. Volume 19, #1 | February/March 2011
FEATURES
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Lead the Way - BBJ's Annual 20 People You Should Know
Individuals who Lead the Way in their corners of the workplace
32 Giving Back
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Companies and their employees are giving back in $$, time and talents
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20 PEOPLE YOU
BBJ DEPARTMENTS
SHOULD KNOW
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04 VIEW POINT 06 TECH WATCH 08 BOOK REVIEW 37 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 38 SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS 40 MEET A MEMBER 42 CHAMBER BRIEFS 44 CHAMBER NEWS ADVERTISERS
VISIT THE GREEN BAY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AT:
titletown.org
09 01 43 01 31
American Express 3 6 B aker Tilly B ack Cover Cellcom Dunkin' Donuts 02 K I Inside Front Cover Lambeau Field LAU N C H F I LM.C O M 07 M E GTE C 05 Menominee Casino Resort Network Health Plan 43 NWTC Inside B ack Cover Prevea TD S 02 Wisconsin School of Business
PRESIDENT Fred Monique EDITOR Lori Kaye Lodes GRAPHIC DESIGNER Josh Beaton ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tracy Schultz
The BBJ is published bimonthly by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1660, Green Bay, WI 54305-1660. The BBJ is supported entirely by advertising revenue from member companies of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. For information about the advertising rates and deadlines, contact Sales at 920.593.3404. The BBJ (USPS 010-206) is published bimonthly for $18 a year by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1660, Green Bay, WI 54305-1660. Periodicals postage paid at Green Bay, WI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The BBJ, P.O. Box 1660, Green Bay, WI 54305-1660. PH: 920.593.3423. CopyrightŠ 2008 Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
VIEW POINT TEXT PAUL JADIN
Farewell is not good-bye While this may be my farewell article I prefer to think I’m just checking in from a different venue. I’ve already taken up residence in the Department of Commerce building which just happens to be located on Washington Avenue in Madison. The irony of this address is not lost on me; for the first five years of my tenure as the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce president, we were housed at 400 S. Washington. Those five years and the two-plus at the Chamber's current address have been enjoyable and productive. My staff, which will be the biggest asset my successor will inherit, has performed beautifully in our four key function areas which include economic development, government affairs, education and membership services. Some highlights include: • The evolution of the Business Assistance Center and Advance Business Center/incubator. Following a successful 18-year history of business incubation at its facility located on Potts Avenue, Advance moved into the new Business Assistance Center on the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College campus in November 2005. The building is a testament to collaboration as it houses not only the incubation activities of Advance but is also home to multiple organizations catering to entrepreneurs. Through this innovative approach, the facility has established itself as the premier one-stop shop for business assistance to a wide range of Brown County area businesses. • Advance has played an integral role in helping the Green Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) earn strong rankings of economic strength. In 2010 rankings, Policomm Research rated our MSA 48th out of 366 MSAs in the United States. That ranking reflects the area’s rapid, consistent growth both in terms of size and 4
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quality; indices include job growth, earnings increases, per-capita personal income growth and more. Advance exists to bolster this with its effective programming in each of its four segments: business incubation, business retention, business attraction and business development. I look forward to working with Advance to restore the top 20 rating we enjoyed 10 years ago. • Partners in Education led the way to the Greater Green Bay area being designated as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in America not once or twice, but three times: in 2005, 2008 and 2010. Partners in Education’s partnership programming was an integral part of the application. • About five years ago, the Chamber acknowledged the growing diversity of our business community – and the community at large – by creating a diversity committee. Local government leaders came to the Chamber to find ways to engage the greater business community with issues involving ethnicities in the area. We also saw the committee as a means of further engaging minority businesses in an effort to bolster their success. • Partners in Education has been a key player in making the community aware of major issues addressed by our school districts that have a direct bearing on our future employees: achievement gaps, attendance issues and the need for additional parental involvement. • In 2007, the Chamber commemorated not only its 125th anniversary as a business organization catering to the needs of the greater Green Bay business community, but the storied accomplishments of the businesses that set the stage for today’s businesses. As such, we wanted to properly honor the business people in the greater Green Bay community (past and present) for whom the Chamber exists(ed). We established the “Legends of Commerce” concept
and the idea of building momentum with Chamber membership and the public at large, culminating with the grandeur of the Legends of Commerce annual meeting on Nov. 1, 2007. • In the past few years, the Chamber has really entered the “digital age” with the introduction of electronic newsletters and invitations and the increased use of social media outlets for communicating with – and more importantly, engaging – our members.
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• Peer support is an irreplaceable component of business success and the Chamber partnered with Milwaukee in introducing one of the state’s first CEO and CFO Roundtables a few years ago. Today, we have eight CEO and three CFO Roundtables involving 122 local business people who are reaping the benefit of peer experiences and insights in a confidential environment. • The Northeast Wisconsin Chambers Coalition, which includes Green Bay, Fox Cities, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, has evolved into a real “difference-maker” on the policy front by adopting a regional legislative agenda that it lobbies and by working together on international and job search efforts. • During this same time the Chamber added an online Action Call Center that allows our members to communicate with their legislators, both in Madison and Washington, in a timely and effective manner. Further evidence of the success of our pro-business policy and electoral agenda can be found in the record achieved in the November elections when we saw 13 candidates elected of the 13 we endorsed. • I was equally proud to work with the Chamber under Duanne Swift’s leadership. As I enjoyed significant support for my mayoral platform including the development of the Resch and KI facilities, the redevelopment of Lambeau Field and the creation of our three downtown organizations, particularly the enormously successful Main Street program that has lured us to Broadway. This was a time when we also achieved “All America City” status. The bad news is I have to leave my staff behind. The good news is that the very capable Chamber staff and extraordinary board leadership will enable the Chamber to move forward with its strategic initiatives without a beat. About that I have no doubt.
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I’m absolutely honored to be a part of the Governor’s plan to transform the business climate in Wisconsin through my role as Secretary of the Department of Commerce. But while my physical address has changed and my role is a broader one in nature, the 16 years I’ve dedicated to Green Bay will always represent my fondest memories. Green Bay will always be home.
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BBJ February/March 11 |
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TECH WATCH TEXT AL PAHL
Why Wii? Can an affordable computerized gaming console help users accomplish serious physical rehabilitation, weight loss and fitness? Or, more simply: Can cute help you do real work? No matter how you phrase your question about Nintendo’s Wii system, the local answer is an enthusiastic, “Yes!” from both professional therapists and home users. A 40-something Ledgeview mother of two lost 45 pounds due in large part, she said, to her regular and disciplined Wii Fit use. “It was that and reducing my calorie intake,” Christine Otto says. “Wii was the only activity I did. I didn’t do any other exercise at all.” What is Wii Before we go much further, a definition of terms: Broadly, Wii is a hardware/software combination that connects to your television and is run by either wireless handheld controllers or a balance board. Wii Sports was the original title in 2006, and it allows users to simulate golf, tennis, baseball, bowling and boxing. A year later, Wii Fit debuted, before being supplanted by Wii Fit Plus in 2009. The highlight of the Fit products is a sophisticated balance board that not only is an important playing surface, but can weigh you and even produce a Body Mass index (BMI) measurement. There are more than 60 activities and exercises, including strength training, aerobics and yoga, plus the opportunity to build a customized fitness routine. Aerobics, dance and walking were the primary activities Otto engaged in, 30-45 minutes, “at least every other day, if not every day." “Part of it was that it was fun and easy to do. Even the little people (on screen) are kind of funny. With aerobics, you try to beat your score. Being competitive helped me. I was trying to beat myself, as well as my friend; somebody at work was also using the Wii and we tried to beat each other. We checked in a couple of times each week. It helped having somebody else I knew on it,” she says. 6
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Users can not only set workout routines and goals, but also store accomplishments and measurements. “That really made a difference,” adds Otto, who dropped two sizes. “It helped keep me from eating things I shouldn’t during the day. Every night, I’d know if I made progress that day. Every other day, I’d check my weight. My BMI dropped.” One “cute” part is Wii’s representation of the user, called a Mii, grows in size when you log in your initial BMI and then shrinks when you lose weight. “Mine is much smaller than when I started,” says Otto, with justifiable pride Before noting the system’s sometimes mot-so-cute. “It says different things while you are using it and sometimes they are not nice. Sometimes I would yell at it. It keeps you going.”
“It’s one more tool to pull out of our bag." -Jan Gerbig St. Vincent Hospital physical therapist
Keeping patients going is a prime reason professionals in hospitals, schools, rehab centers and long-term care facilities have added Wii. “People tell me there are tournaments two nights a week at some nursing homes,” says Jan Gerbig, a St. Vincent Hospital physical therapist. The systems help an endless variety of patients with many skills, including visual tracking, balance, eye-hand coordination, both gross and fine motor skill,; and even interaction and socialization. It all starts with balance. “It helps with balance, weight shifting and weight bearing,” says Aurora BayCare’s Juli Constine, who is in her 19th year as a physical therapist and works primarily with inpatient clients. Suppose a stroke patient is weak on his or her right and favors the left side. “By using different games, the patient can learn to shift weight to their right, improving balance, which improves walking and standing,” she explains.
At St. Vincent Hospital, “we use them a lot for balance training,” says Gerbig, who also works primarily with inpatient clients. “When patients stand on it, the TV screen shows them the center of balance and they get feedback. ‘I thought I was leaning to the left but I am actually leaning to the right.’ They correct and see whether they were making the correction.”
“Once they see it, they think it’s cool and enjoy it.” -Juli Constine Aurora BayCare physical therapist The system's wide variety of activities is important. “In the inpatient setting, I see a patient twice a day, 45 minutes apiece,” Constine explains. “To have an alternative and something that is a little lighter; a little more fun, but which still targets the areas we want to work on, is important. “We can still work on balance and posture, but it is something fun. Sometimes they are with us two, three, four weeks and we spend 90 minutes a day with them. It is a lot of repetition, but that is what they need. If it’s something fun, it engages them more.” The fact many games can be played sitting or standing, allows professionals to use it with nearly any patient, regardless of functional level. “If you can be creative, you can use the Wii system for just about anybody,” Constine says. “I have people unable to grasp the control, but we were able to rig some-
thing up to allow them to use the controller. We had one person who could use a foot but not a hand. It is up to how creative the therapist is.” Constine and Gerbig admit some older patients might look at them a bit funny the first time they suggest the Wii, while younger clients take to it more quickly. That gap evaporates with a little instruction and use. “At first, some of them don’t know what I’m talking about and I say, ‘Let’s try it once,’” Constine recounts. “Once they see it, they think it’s cool and enjoy it.” The Wii can even help bring generations together, Constine has observed. A stroke might reduce or eliminate a patient’s ability to control facial muscles, or alter appearance or abilities in some other way. Sometimes visiting grandchildren don’t know how to react to these changes; but the Wii – on a cart and generally available to patients outside their therapy times – can provide a connection between grandparent and grandchild. “Social and interaction are part of their recovery,” notes Constine. “We don’t use it exclusively; we use it as an adjunct to what we do,” Gerbig summarizes. “It’s one more tool to pull out of our bag. It’s fun, it’s interactive and it’s nice because it is one of the few pieces of equipment we use that tons of people can afford to buy for themselves. This is something they can go out and get on their own. People can own it and keep working with it.” Do you believe, Gerbig was asked, patients will keep working on the Wii, after they go home? “Outpatients say they do,” she replies. “Do they really? I don’t know.” She says she uses hers.
14 Global Locations
MEGTEC Systems, Inc.
…proud to be an employer in Brown County for over 40 years, providing innovative solutions for our customers involved in: Advanced Materials Processing
Environment, Climate & Energy
Printing & Packaging Applications
MEGTEC’s global headquarters is located in a 365,000 sq. ft. facility in De Pere, Wisconsin, and is a center for excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Service.
www.megtec.com • info@megtec.com BBJ February/March 11 |
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BOOK REVIEW REVIEWED BY Dale Cropper, BROWN COUNTY LIBRARY
A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius
AUTHOR Ben Mezrich
The Facebook saga begins at Harvard and is the story of two friends, Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin, and how they became Internet billionaires and pioneers of social networking. Although Zuckerberg refused to be interviewed for the book, Saverin and others provide Mezrich with the no-holds barred details of the start up and early days of the website. At the beginning it was known as thefacebook.com and was limited to Harvard students. The idea was a way for students to connect, and for the founders of the site, to create a great way to meet dating partners. Within two weeks, 5,000 members had joined the site, almost 85 percent of the undergraduate student body. Zuckerberg and Saverin had stuck a very successful chord. The other side of the story was less inspiring. Zuckerberg had worked with a group of other students, led by the charismatic Winklevoss brothers: identical twins from a connected family who belonged to the top Harvard secret club, the Porc. Their idea was similar to the Facebook concept and was to be called the Harvard Connection. They had contacted Zuckerberg to help create the website and felt betrayed when Zuckerberg, with financial backing from Saverin, launched thefacebook.com to resounding success. Fighting back against what they saw as the outright theft of their idea, the Winklevoss brothers took their case to the Harvard administration. In a tense scene, then president, the controversial Lawrence Summers, rejects their protests. Even as thefacebook.com experienced a meteoric rise in users, the founders needed a way for the site to generate income and develop advertising revenue. Enter Sean Parker, the hyperactive co-founder of the file sharing website, Napster. After Napster was shut down because of copyright infringement and venture capitalists forced him out of his next project, Parker views thefacebook.com and is bowled over by the concept and vows to track Zuckerberg down. Parker sets up a meeting in a swanky | BBJ February/March 11
Betrayal
PUBLISHER Doubleday, First Edition, First Printing edition, 2009.
One of the hottest trends in business marketing today is using Internet social platforms such as Facebook to connect with increasingly involved customer communities. Most major brands have fan pages on sites like Facebook and Twitter, using this avenue to virally market products through “buzz” campaigns. The story of Facebook indicates how quickly cultural transformation can occur. A network that barely existed in early 2004 now boasts over 500 million active users and has become an essential part of the American social landscape. Like Google, Facebook has become a ubiquitous part of the language. The Accidental Billionaires is the story of the founding of Facebook, written in a breezy, colloquial style that mirrors today’s blogspeak.
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New York restaurant and with his cool Silicon Valley smarts convinces Zuckerberg to transfer the computer operation to California, leaving Saverin to manage the financial end of the business in New York. Mark and Eduardo begin to grow apart, as Zuckerberg succumbs to the lure of boom times in Silicon Valley and the easy life style of Palo Alto. In a small sublet near Stanford, Mark and his crew of computer geniuses work hard (and play hard) as they expand thefacebook.com network. Enraged that Mark is exploring new means of financing, Saverin undertakes a fateful decision. Convinced that Zuckerberg is intruding on his financial turf, Saverin cuts off the financing for the fledging company’s California operation. The relationship between the two founders never recovers. Events move quickly after the rift between Mark and Eduardo. Seeking investment capital to fund the growing operation, Parker sets up a meeting with Peter Thiel, the founding force behind PayPal. In a meeting that “could very well launch them into a partnership that would change the face of the internet itself and put them well on their way toward the billion-dollar payoff that Sean had envisioned when he first saw thefacebook in that dorm room on the Stanford campus,” Thiel agrees to provide $500,000 in new financing. Wisely, Thiel also insists that the name be shortened. In the new company financed by Thiel, Saverin’s shares are gradually diluted and inevitably he is removed from the management team. Parker suffers the same fate a few months later. Zuckerberg has ruthlessly eliminated any perceived obstacles to the growth of Facebook. Today, Saverin and the Winklevoss twins have won millions in settlements and litigation continues. Zuckerberg, though, in one of the great sagas of the internet age, has triumphed, and completed the journey from teenage hacker to internet billionaire. Facebook is a dominant organization that has forever changed the way we connect to each other, and the way that businesses engage their customers. Mezrich relates this real life adventure in a fast-moving, brisk style, utilizing what he describes as “re-created dialogue.” The narrative is exciting and propulsive as the story of the founding of Facebook is told. It’s ironic to reflect that this culture changing phenomenon was created because two college kids just wanted to meet some girls.
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COVER STORY
20
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
jennifer hogeland TEXT launchfilm.com PHOTOGRAPHY
Each year, the Chamber commends and highlights People You Should Know in its feature of the same name. This year, we kicked things up a few notches by asking for nominations of individuals in our community who Lead the Way in their respective areas. We’re pleased to honor the 20 individuals that follow, all of whom represent the best of the greater Green Bay area.
Thank you to our 2011 People You Should Know judges Will Debelak, Van Lanen Inc. Gregg Bushner, Advantage Office Solutions Denis Kreft, Imaginasium
10 | BBJ February/March 11
Janet Bonkowski, Schneider National Kristin Lison, WFRV TV-5
Dr. Thomas Saphner
Medical Director of the St. Vincent Cancer Research Center
Study guide. Dr. Thomas Saphner has made it his mission to find a cure for cancer, one patient at a time. Thanks to Dr. Saphner, Green Bay Oncology and medical director of the St. Vincent Cancer Research Center, local patients are involved in nearly 140 active cancer research studies.
for leading a team of Green Bay Oncology physicians to enroll 41 local patients in the trial.
His dedication to cancer research is inspiring. His efforts have given recognition to St. Vincent Cancer Research as a leading center for “Dr. Saphner’s enthusiasm in promoting clinical cancer care in Wisconsin. Much of trials motivates other physicians and staff his personal time is spent giving presentations on research findings members to excel in their respective roles,” or meeting with cancer education -Jolene Cheslock, director, and support groups.
This Wisconsin native works tirelessly to bring clinical trial opportunities to patients in Northeast Wisconsin. Saphner was instrumental in the designation of St. Vincent Regional St. Vincent Cancer Research Institute Cancer Center as a Commu“Dr. Saphner’s enthusiasm in pronity Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) – one of only two sites moting clinical trials motivates other in Wisconsin and 63 in the nation. This program allows hundreds of physicians and staff members to excel in their respective roles,” says area patients to be directly involved in National Cancer Institute stud- Jolene Cheslock, director of St. Vincent Cancer Research Institute. ies and to have access to the most advanced treatment options. The treatment strides made as a community, thanks to these studies, will “He has a willingness to take on this challenge and is a true dedication likely improve the care for all future patients. to this cause,” adds Jenny Kolar, RN, OCN, assistant administrator for Green Bay Oncology. Saphner’s joined committees to further his cause; he is a member of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Breast Cancer committee. He serves as community co-chair for TAILORx, a large breast cancer clinical trial coordinated by ECOG, and was responsible BBJ February/March 11 | 11
Jill Feiler
President of Denmark State Bank
Change chief. “Some people hit the ground running. Upon her arrival at Denmark State Bank in the fall of 2006, Jill Feiler hit the ground flying – and she hasn’t landed yet,” says Janet Bonkowski, board member for Denmark State Bank.
While she could have forcefully demanded change, Feiler led with great respect to the groundwork laid by her past and present colleagues. “She found a way to leverage the heart, soul and passion of the people who are the lifeblood of a community bank,” says Bonkowski.
Feiler keenly focused on initiatives that would improve the bank – such “Some people hit the ground running. Upon as setting staff goals and accountability and streamlining the business/ her arrival at Denmark State Bank in the consumer product line. Prior to Feiler fall of 2006, Jill Feiler hit the ground flying coming to Denmark State Bank, they had relied on promotional items and – and she hasn’t landed yet.” word-of-mouth to grow the organiza -Janet Bonkowski, board member, tion. The bank has since developed Denmark State Bank a marketing department focused on Changes in the banking industry rebrand awareness. Employee-recorded radio commercials have effectively crequired Denmark State Bank to adapt. Feiler showed her colleagues how to embrace and accept change. She ated a positive return on investment. initiated a performance management philosophy, created a series of employee training sessions, introduced a business development pro- All Feiler’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. In early 2010 Feiler was named gram, pushed the organization toward a sales culture and launched the president of Denmark State Bank – only the 10th person to hold the Bank’s first private banking department. position in the organization’s 100-year history. Just over four years ago, Feiler accepted the role of retail bank manager at the rural community bank. She was greeted with changes in banking practices, efficiencies, processes; falling bank stock prices taunted her. Feiler’s drive to succeed kicked in. She brought the leadership and structure needed to revive the organization.
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Mari McAllister-Charles
Executive officer for Brown County Home Builders Association
Community builder. As the executive officer of a non-profit organization Mari McAllisterCharles’ responsibilities are many. “Some days I’m the number cruncher, others the mediator, but every day I’m the coordinator and the motivator,” says McAllister-Charles.
developed a new community event – The Tour of Remodeled Homes – and meet the fiscal goals set in the organization’s annual budget, all without compromising their quality or integrity.
“Some days I’m the number cruncher, others the mediator, but every day I’m the coordinator and the motivator.”
For the last 18 years, McAllisterCharles has been providing superior service to the members of the Brown County Home Builders Association (BCHBA). As ambassador of the association, she serves nearly 800 members of the Wisconsin home building industry. She oversees events, publications and networking opportunities that educate members on the latest trends in home construction and remodeling. Her history with the association often makes her a valuable reference point. McAllister-Charles has become the building community’s go-to person when they are unsure how to handle a situation.
While the home building industry has been hit hard by the economy, BCHBA stayed strong. At a time when other home building associations were forced to downsize staff and programming McAllister-Charles helped BCHBA increase membership education with 24 new programs,
Creative thinking is one of her greatest strengths. She finds time to regularly explore new initiatives and educational programs. McAllister-Charles fosters the relationship between the building industry and the community to uphold the reputation of the association. She assists with advances in the industry that in turn have a positive effect on the community. McAllister-Charles leads by example. She is an active contributor to charitable causes outside the association. Others are following in her footsteps as volunteerism in the organization is at an all-time high. She furthers the BCHBA mission of providing affordable housing in the community by spearheading legislative efforts to support prohousing candidates; McAllister-Charles promotes strong relationships with local municipal governments. She eagerly joins in any cause that will grow the association and the community. BBJ February/March 11 | 13
Patricia Grimm
Vice president of development at Cornerstone Business Services, Inc.
In your corner. Patricia Grimm isn’t one to seek the spotlight. For the last nine years, Grimm quietly goes about each day making an impact at Cornerstone Business Services, Inc. and the clients with whom she comes in contact.
She sought innovative solutions to resolve business challenges.
For years, Cornerstone Business Services had been putting together offering memorandums for each client to send to prospective buyers. Instead of creating the books and sending them all over the country, Grimm found a new technology, a vir“I try in every way to keep the ball rolling, tual data room. Her clever discovery to keep the lines of communication open not only saved Cornerstone Business and hopefully, to celebrate with them Services money on marketing supplies but also cut down on the time spent when the deal closes.” making the books.
Grimm wears many hats and does each job with a smile. She handles information technology functions, human resources tasks and business development initiatives. As a seller coordinator, she handles the critical steps to ensure the company’s closing transactions go smoothly. Selling a business can be an emotional time for clients but Grimm handles delicate situations with grace. “I try in every way to keep the ball rolling, to keep the lines of communication open and hopefully, to celebrate with them when the deal closes,” says Grimm. Grimm was instrumental in developing the “Cornerstone process” which differentiates the company from its competitors. She continues to improve the process by proposing new ideas to obtain clients. Recent economic woes were no match for Grimm’s positive thinking. She found ways to introduce new programs and to reduce expenses. 14 | BBJ February/March 11
She set up the company’s CITRIX work environment to allow Cornerstone Business Services employees to work remotely while meeting clients’ needs nearly any time of day. She was responsible for adding a secure online data room to market and close deals proficiently. Her efforts have allowed Cornerstone Business Services to stay at the forefront of its industry in information sharing.
Jonathan Johns
Community development director for 91.1 The Avenue
Broadcast promoter. Jonathan Johns blames his parents for his compassionate heart. Having a happy childhood and being raised by people who lived a life helping others was bound to rub off on Johns. For that, many non-profits in Northeast Wisconsin are grateful. Johns is the community development director for 91.1 The Avenue, a nonprofit radio station. He is committed to bringing a voice and a presence to the non-profit community.
There was no job description. Johns hit the streets spreading the word about the station, its unique music mix and its mission. He began by visiting community non-profit organizations and finding out what they needed to share their message. Based on their needs, he instituted the 91.1 Community Grant Program.
“His humble and willing approach to fellow non-profits is a welcome and refreshing addition to their vision to tell their stories accurately and professionally,” -Michele Olson, marketing director, 91.1 The Avenue
He has spent the last 25 years reaching out to non-profits through volunteerism. Johns strived to help all non-profits – those dedicated to people, the planet, pets or the arts – be heard. Connecting them with media was his way to help them further their mission.
In March 2009, Johns began volunteering at 91.1 The Avenue. He felt the vision of the station, to play timeless music and to reach out to non-profits that couldn’t afford to advertise on the air, was worthy of some of his personal time. Six months later he became the on-staff community development director.
The program gives airtime to nonprofits with limited financial resources. Johns has a hand in raising awareness of child and youth organizations, theatre groups, disease prevention and so much more. “His humble and willing approach to fellow non-profits is a welcome and refreshing addition to their vision to tell their stories accurately and professionally,” says Michele Olson, marketing director for 91.1 The Avenue. Interaction with these non-profits has had a domino effect on Johns. He hears their stories and finds himself volunteering his personal time to help their causes. Promoting literacy, e-cycling and downtown Green Bay’s concert series are a few of his recent causes. While he is the public face of The Avenue, he still strives to lead the way and build awareness of other admirable community organizations. BBJ February/March 11 | 15
Dana Stueber, RN, BSN SANE coordinator at St. Vincent Hospital
Silent saint. Dana Stueber does a job most people could not. Stueber is the team leader of the St. Vincent Hospital Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. She cares for victims of this crime every day.
will happen in the exam. She is creating an additional book targeted at adult patients with cognitive disabilities.
She welcomes the opportunity to get out into the community to speak Stueber leads the team of registered nurses who perform an examina- about sexual assault, a once-taboo topic. She gives presentations for new tion and collect medical evidence after a sexual assault victim arrives officer candidates at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, nursing students at Bellin College and new hires in the ER. Last year the St. Vincent Hospital SANE program performed at local law enforcement agencies. “Something about these victims just calls 216 exams on patients ranging “The more knowledge we have about the subject of sexual abuse and asfrom three months to 91 years of out to me.” sault, the better we all are in helping in age. Findings are documented to be the person’s recovery,” says Stueber. used in the court process; Stueber works with law enforcement, sexual assault center and the district attorney’s office. The St. Vincent Hospital SANE program is the first and only such program in Brown County. Through Stueber’s dedication the program has earned While the work is difficult, Stueber remains ever passionate about her a positive reputation in the region, drawing patients from Brown, Outagjob. “She is dedicated to treating these patients compassionately,” says amie, Kewaynee, Manitowoc, Door, Shawano and Oconto counties. Jennifer Balthazor, director of emergency/trauma at St. Vincent and St. Mary’s Hospitals. Stueber wasn’t assigned, but chose, to help sexual assault victims both physically and emotionally. “Something about these victims just calls out to me,” says Stueber. Stueber was instrumental in developing the SANE Story Picture Album designed to help young patients understand and visualize what 16 | BBJ February/March 11
Stephanie Walker
Registered dietician for Festival Foods
A taste of health. Stephanie Walker is the fresh face behind Festival Foods' nutrition programs. In 2009, Walker accepted a position at Festival Foods as the organization’s first registered dietician. Right out of college, she wowed the grocer. Now, in just over a year’s time, she has taken the lead on countless projects and assisted dozens of customers with their nutritional needs.
topic relevant to her audience. She works with schools and students to discuss why nutrition is important, how food is marketed to them and how they can make better choices.
Walker’s enthusiasm for healthy eating invigorates others to embrace the store’s nutrition programs. Under her leadership, the NuVal Walker spends time answering program was implemented at FesMany reach out to Walker after they receive guest questions on the Festival tival Foods. Standing in the aisles, a diagnosis that changes their life – Celiac pouring over nutritional facts and Foods website via, “Ask Our DiDisease so they need a gluten-free diet, claims, is no longer necessary. The etician” or meeting shoppers in program’s scoring system helps person. Many reach out to Walker heart surgery so they are looking for a lowshoppers make quick, informed after they receive a diagnosis that sodium plan, or cancer patients hoping to get changes their life – Celiac Disease food choices. In five months she nutrients from food rather than pills. got the program up and running. so they need a gluten-free diet, She’s trained associates, incorpoheart surgery so they are looking rated NuVal Score into weekly ads for a low-sodium plan, or cancer and educated guests about the propatients hoping to get nutrients from food rather than pills. She acclimates guests to shopping with their new gram. Through her drive, thousands of associates across the 14 stores dietary guidelines and discusses how a food plan can fit into their lives. She have embraced the NuVal program and made it a remarkable success. makes a valuable connection between the store and their customers. With a moment’s notice, Walker is willing to present to a group of any size on nutrition. Her knowledge of nutrition allows her to make the BBJ February/March 11 | 17
Robyn Hallet
Housing administrator for the City of Green Bay; teacher and volunteer for Literacy Green Bay
Society champion. Robyn Hallet lives a fulfilling life – her days and evenings are spent bettering her two passions. Hallet is the housing administrator for the Green Bay and Brown County Housing Authorities and a dedicated teacher for Literacy Green Bay.
more than 750 volunteer teaching hours to improving the lives of community members. She never turns away a student, no matter the size of her class. New volunteers are taken under her wing.
“Robyn is enthusiastic, dedicated and committed to our mission of She oversees the management of low-income housing programs – helping adults and families acquire the reading, writing, math, English language, computer and workforce the Public Housing Program in Green Bay and the Housing Choice Voucher skills they need to function effectively “Robyn is enthusiastic, dedicated and Program in Brown County. Hallet as workers and community members,” says Jennifer Nelson, executive direcserves as a liaison to elected officials committed to our mission...,” tor of Literacy Green Bay. and boards as well as community ad -Jennifer Nelson, executive director, vocacy groups. Literacy Green Bay The majority of the immigrants come While only working in her professional to the area in hopes of improving their economic situation. But to reach their position for just more than a year, Hallet has already orchestrated several capital improvement projects for fullest potential they need to learn English. Each is positively impacted area properties. She believes bettering properties to something people by Hallet’s educational efforts. They are able to communicate more efare proud to call home will have a long-term effect on creating safer, fectively, attain employment, assist children with homework and confer healthier communities. She’s initiated the first steps. with teachers. Her students become more productive and contributing members of society. Hallet also stands out in her volunteer commitments. Her work touches the lives of the immigrant population struggling to adapt to their new community. Hallet has been teaching English Language Learners once a week at Literacy Green Bay for nearly 12 years. She’s devoted 18 | BBJ February/March 11
Bree Decker
Transitional housing coordinator for The Salvation Army of Brown County
Moving people to succeed. Bree Decker is the energy behind The Salvation Army’s Transitional Housing Program. As coordinator of the program, she works with homeless families to get transitional housing so they can pursue their education, finance, employment, medical, personal and future housing goals. Her accepting and understanding manner wins over the hearts of the families with whom she works. Decker secures the funding for the program, trains her staff and strives to find ways to improve the program. She reaches out to similar programs in the community to ensure there is coordination and collaboration, but not duplication of, services.
To increase the likelihood of each family’s success, Decker developed a volunteer mentoring program. Community volunteers are trained and meet one-on-one with the families involved in the transitional housing program to provide personal assistance in the areas of education, parenting, household management and budgeting.
Her accepting and understanding manner wins over the hearts of the families with whom she works.
She not only does her job to the best of her ability but seeks ways to enhance The Salvation Army’s program. Last year, the state introduced an optional computer program designed to measure self-sufficiency. Decker took the initiative to implement the measure with all the families in her transitional housing program. She went through her case records and captured information from the initial point of contact to have complete records on her families.
Decker has been part of The Salvation Army staff for more than 10 years. Her responsibilities extend beyond housing around the holidays. She works with Coats for Kids and coordinates the referrals for about 550 families as part of the Adopt-A-Family program.
A role model and spokesperson for The Salvation Army, Decker welcomes the opportunity to get out into the community. She is involved with groups including the HeadStart Advisory Board, the Brown County Homeless and Housing Coalition and the Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive.
BBJ February/March 11 | 19
Bonnie Schaefer
Receptionist/facilities coordinator for UnitedHealthcare
Impression maker. For years, Bonnie Schaefer has made people’s days a little brighter. Even if it was just one encounter, she’s made a lasting impression on hundreds of visitors.
drives, charity book fairs, the Service League Back-to-School store drive and the Lee National Denim Day. She assists with the annual Coats for Kids and Toys for Tots drives.
Schaefer is the receptionist at UnitedHealthcare’s Green Bay office, Schaefer does something to positively impact someone’s life every a role she’s held for the last 21 years. She is typically the first per- day. With her dynamic personality and remarkable passion, she inspires those around her. Her zest for son people meet upon entering the building. Each person – employee or life and dedication to both her job and guest – is given a sincere and warm the community has earned Schaefer “Anyone who ever came to [the former countless fans. welcome. Schaefer is also a wealth of American Medical Security] was only knowledge, answering questions and “Because of what I do, I’ve been forguiding people in the right direction. a stranger once. After meeting Bonnie, tunate to be involved with many area “I take great pride in making visitors everyone felt like family.” feel welcome and assisting them in businesses and the people who work -Ron Weyers, co-founder, for and are associated with those any way possible,” says Schaefer. businesses. Bonnie Schaefer at American Medical Security UnitedHealthcare is by far the most “Anyone who ever came to [the forenergetic and enthusiastic person I mer American Medical Security] was only a stranger once. After meeting Bonnie, everyone felt like family. have ever had the pleasure to meet,” says Murphy in the Morning of She is a very special person. Her enthusiasm is very infectious and WIXX radio. “What’s even more important is watching the people around genuine,” says Ron Weyers, co-founder of American Medical Security. her and how they interact with her. She is truly a joy to be around and her smile is contagious. Meet Bonnie one time and you will never forget her.” When she’s not greeting those entering UnitedHealthcare, Schaefer spends time conducting employee orientations and coordinating blood 20 | BBJ February/March 11
Sister Annice McClure
Clerk/receptionist St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital
Life-long devotee. As one of the two remaining Franciscan Hospital Sisters, Sister Annice McClure helps staff three hospitals – St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay and St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan. Her presence helps affirm, encourage and bring the healing ministry to life that the founding sisters brought to St. Vincent Hospital more than 100 years ago. Sister McClure has dedicated her life to the religious order and to serving the hospitals the sisters run. She teaches and conducts orientations and spirituality programs for staff. Time is also spent staffing the reception desk and completing various clerical office tasks.
smiling face is one of the first employees see. She inspires others with her giving nature as well as her devotion to God and the Hospital Sisters Health System. Sister McClure accepts any task asked of her. She is frequently asked to develop special devotions in the hospital chapels, to comfort patients and staff and to take the lead in hospital programs.
Her presence helps affirm, encourage and bring the healing ministry to life that the founding sisters brought to St. Vincent Hospital more than 100 years ago.
Even though she is nearly 80 years old, Sister McClure continues to be an ambassador for her order and the hospitals she serves.
She shares staff opinions and convictions to administrative leadership in hopes of directing the hospitals to be health care leaders in the community.
Sister McClure continues to touch the community in her private life. It isn’t uncommon to find her serving meals at a homeless shelter or hosting foreign musicians that perform at the Cup O’ Joy coffee house. Her faith also takes her throughout the nation as she protests against governmental and environmental abuses.
In recent years, her focus has been on the organizational development of the Green Bay hospitals. Sister McClure brings knowledge and leadership to hospital staff. She is part of a team that welcomes new staff members and acquaints them with the hospital history. Her BBJ February/March 11 | 21
Brighid Riordan
Public affairs director for Nsight, parent company of Cellcom
A green call. Brighid Riordan firmly believes in improving lives and the environment to make the community a better place. As the fourth generation of the Riordan family at Nsight, the parent company of Cellcom, she possesses the spirit and ambition the organization was founded on. As the public affairs director, Riordan’s strong values and strategic thinking create a ripple effect in the communities the company serves. She brings a heightened awareness of community issues and strives to be a catalyst for change.
As the public affairs director, Riordan’s strong values and strategic thinking create a ripple effect in the communities the company serves.
Riordan leads the organization’s green initiatives and has incorporated sustainable practices into the Nsight culture. Since 2004, Cellcom has offered a cell phone recycling program to encourage customers to bring in old or unwanted phones to be reused or recycled. Collected phones were sent to a recycler; Cellcom was paid for the salvaged materials. Riordon led the charge to give the proceeds back to the community. In its six-year history, the recycling program generated $75,000 for local charities. Last year Riordan took the phone recycling program a step further to complete the green cycle. She conceived the “Green Gifts” concept – a way to funnel the recycling dollars to organizations educating others on 22 | BBJ February/March 11
how to contribute to a better environment. In September 2010, $25,250 was given to eight local organizations for their sustainable or environmental initiatives. They rewarded a Shawano organization for a living cleaner project; a Peshtigo school was recognized for their healthy water experiment. Riordan’s community impact continues as the board president for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. This well-respected marathon draws thousands of runners and brings together more than 2,000 volunteers. Area businesses benefit from increased tourism.
The fund-raising component of the marathon is under her watchful eye. She dedicates her time to analyzing the operational and promotional components of the marathon in hopes of increasing the proceeds available for local non-profits. Enriching the lives of children and families in the community is another area Riordan concentrates her efforts. The Einstein Project, Camp Tehawitha, Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity and Junior Achievement are just a few organizations she supports.
Mark Matzke
Vice president of small business at Humana
Program visionary. Changes in health care make many cringe – but not Mark Matzke. This vice president of small business at Humana has made it his career to educate clients while offering superior service.
engage in managing their health care costs. By becoming well-versed in the changes, he’s reassured his clients he will work with them to address their specific needs.
In his drive to achieve perfect cusMatzke has been with Humana for tomer service, he leverages internal 19 years. Over this time, his exanalytics to transform how Humana pertise and analytical skills helped His dedication to his job is contagious grow the company’s offerings and attracts and services its valued cusamong his colleagues. He serves as a book of business. Within the last tomers and partners. Matzke commits the time necessary to foster five years he’s convinced Humana’s mentor for many – an inspiration to others. these relationships and draws on senior leadership to offer vision spethe resources necessary to decialty products; their offerings have velop personalized strategies. His since expanded. Under his guidance, dental was the first division within Humana to provide web-based dedication to his job is contagious among his colleagues. He serves services to members, employers and dentists. This strategy increased as a mentor for many – an inspiration to others. HumanaDental’s membership by 500 percent from 2000 to 2009 – His dedication to achieving greatness extends beyond his professional and it continues to grow. responsibilities. Matzke is invested in the community by participating in Now, as the country struggles with the uncertainty of healthcare Junior Achievement and raising scholarship funds for Green Bay student reform, Matzke has been busy developing strategies and business athletes by serving as a member of the Phoenix Fund. One of his most nomodels to manage business in this new environment. He has spear- table charitable achievements was under his leadership of Scholarships, headed a strategy focused on new types of wellness programs for Inc. While president from 2007-2009, the organization gave more than his small business clients. This program is designed to influence em- $1.3 million to assist students in Brown and Door Counties. ployees to take responsibility for their health and allow employers to BBJ February/March 11 | 23
Nancy Mirhashemi
Volunteer for American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter
Instant responder. She coordinates the relief efforts for disasters – fires, floods, tornados, power outages – that affect Red Cross clients. She is on-call two weeks every month from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. to respond to disasters in the surrounding eight counties. But, on-call or not, if she witnesses a tragedy she is prepared to offer immediate assistance. Her calm nature, critical thinking skills and unselfish “She truly wants to help people during a manner are just what is needed in an time of need and make a difference in their emergency situation.
If you are suddenly faced with a disaster, chances are Nancy Mirhashemi is on her way. Mirhashemi has volunteered for the American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter for the last five years. Watching the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Wilma and Rita in 2005 inspired her to ease suffering where she could. She went on her first national deployment to Florida after Hurricane Wilma and was hooked. Mirhashemi has since gone on two other national disaster assignments. Each time she was given a moment’s notice but she willingly packed up in preparation for her two- or three-week assignment.
lives.” -Steve Maricque, executive director, American Red Cross
“It’s Nancy’s spirit for her work and passion that distinguishes her,” says Steve Maricque, executive director for the American Red Cross. “She truly wants to help people during a time of need and make a difference in their lives. It doesn’t matter whether it’s day or night. She’s ready, willing and able to respond and help in a moment’s notice.” Mirhashemi is the team lead for the disaster services department at the American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter. She serves as a mentor and motivator for new team members. 24 | BBJ February/March 11
When she isn’t out addressing disasters, Mirhashemi is often found organizing the disaster storage room, inventorying supplies, restocking the disaster van or helping out wherever she is needed.
John Fairchild, lead disaster team volunteer, says, “She will remain onscene and off-scene to assure all efforts have been exhausted. She is a great advocate and devotee for the American Red Cross.”
Bill Wright
Community garden coordinator for UW-Extension
Growing guru. Bill Wright shares his green thumb with Northeast Wisconsin. His mission and life vision is to educate, garden and “grow healthy” citizens in Green Bay.
This problem solver designed the Microfarm, a portable garden to be used in the classroom.
His prototype was tested at McAuliffe Elementary School in Green Bay, Wright is an educator, innovator and leader in his role at UW-Extension at which students grew kale in their classroom garden. While he eduas the community garden coordinator. His primary work responsibili- cated the students on how food was grown, he was able to introduce many to this healthy veggie that was ties are to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necesserved in the school cafeteria. sary to grow their own fruits and Wright takes his expertise into the community Wright’s classroom innovation was vegetables. This is accomplished with educational programs directed at documented in a “how-to” manthrough classroom sessions and improving the health and habits of all ages. ual and shared with classrooms hands-on classes. throughout the country. He then matches interested gardeners with suitable land available through the city and county on He broadcasts his “eat healthy” convictions on the airwaves. Collabowhich to grow their produce. Approximately 140 gardeners are part of ration between Wright and NBC-26 resulted in a “Growing Healthy” series. The program is on the news twice a month and focuses on the program each year. education and the initiatives taken by area groups to combat obesity. Wright also takes his expertise into the community with educational Wright has been participating in the series since September 2010; the programs directed at improving the health and habits of all ages. program is scheduled to continue into summer 2011. Wright believed creating school gardens were the most effective tool to teach children about food and nutrition. Unfortunately the majority of Northeast Wisconsin’s growing season falls outside the school year.
He also has been the driver behind the gardening and arthritis program. By sharing tips and techniques on how to reduce stress on joints, Wright achieves his mission of keeping people in their gardens. BBJ February/March 11 | 25
Mary Walch
Branch manager for Citizens Bank – Suamico Branch
Dedicated banker. Money is said to make the world go ’round. Mary Walch has made it her mission to help clients make the most of what they have. As branch manager for Citizens Bank in Suamico, Walch is responsible for the day-to-day operations and overall profitability of the branch. While the bank’s livelihood depends on closing a sale or selling a service, Walch concentrates on helping her customers – improving their financial situations and growing their financial knowledge.
“She does all she can to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone she meets.” -Todd Draak, district officer, the Green Bay East District at Citizens Bank
Whether teaching a young adult about how to manage his first checking account, a couple how to finance their first home or a client worried about saving for the holidays, she has a lesson to share. Her approach is working. In just over a year since accepting her role as branch manager of the Suamico branch she’s made a significant impact in growing the bank’s client base. Under her leadership, the number of clients has grown 16 percent. More than 38 percent of new clients have opened multiple accounts, indicating they are willing to expand their banking relationship with Citizens Bank thanks to Walch. 26 | BBJ February/March 11
Client survey results revealed a five percent increase in customer satisfaction since she took over – a remarkable jump from years past. Morale at the branch has noticeably improved. Walch’s positive attitude and can-do spirit is contagious. “I don’t believe in ‘no’ and will always look for an alternative if an initial request cannot be met,” says Walch.
Her customer commitment overflows into the community through her personal involvement. Coordinating fund-raisers or serving as a board member allows her to further assist organizations in need. “She does all she can to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone she meets,” adds Todd Draak, district officer of the Green Bay East District at Citizens Bank.
Lisa Prunty
Public relations manager with Integrys Energy Group Inc.
Crew leader. Lisa Prunty has never been afraid of getting her hands dirty. Her willingness to jump right in and get things done makes her stand out in a crowd.
On Energy programs. She acknowledged the business’ efforts while increasing awareness of the energy program. She also actively promoted Integrys’ corporate citizen efforts. While this is becoming an industry trend, she strives to set her company apart from others.
Prunty is the public relations manager Integrys Energy Group Inc., the She is the first one to embrace parent company for Wisconthe chance to join in a comsin Public Service. While she “This go-getter is always on the move, searching for proudly wears the manager munity project. She has helped title, that doesn’t mean she construct a Habitat for Humannew ways to tell the company’s story.” home, weatherized homes will be found sitting behind -Mary Frank-Arlt, community relations specialist, ity for Project Heats On and visited the desk dictating to-do's. Wisconsin Public Service area schools to teach kids about “This go-getter is always on energy conservation. On more the move, searching for new ways to tell the company’s than one occasion Prunty has story,” says Mary Frank-Arlt, community relations specialist at Wiscon- slipped on the suit to be Louie, the Wisconsin Public Service mascot. She joined in the excitement last summer by donating more than 70 sin Public Service. hours to the “Extreme Home Makeover” build in Neenah. She jumped Prunty’s job is to provide public relation services to both internal and from crew leader to cheerleader, making it a positive experience for all. external customers. She’s developed relationships with media outlets throughout the service area to ensure important messages reach the Admired for her generous and hard working spirit both in and outside of the office, she is the first to say thank you and give credit where community when needed. credit is due – commendable qualities for a woman who is leading Prunty created a new process to recognize business customers who the way. have succeeded in becoming more energy-efficient through Focus BBJ February/March 11 | 27
Amanda Reitz
President/founder of Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary, Inc.
Animal hero. Amanda Reitz is an angel in the eyes of unwanted pets and animal lovers. In 2005, at the age of 20, Reitz’s dream of opening an animal sanctuary – a care center for cats, dogs and other animals – became a reality. Now just over five years later, her company, Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary, is a local leader in animal rescue. Reitz works tirelessly to keep the animals happy and healthy – 90 hours a week – for not as much as a dime. Her passion for pets and her no-kill passion push her on. “I knew there was a better way to care for animals in need, but I wasn’t going to wait for someone else to do something about it,” she says.
Her reputation has spread among the animal community locally as well. She’s inspired hundreds of local volunteers, allowing a second facility to open its doors, The Green Bay Adoption “I knew there was a better way to care for Center of Holmgren Way, in May. Fully animals in need, but I wasn’t going to wait staffed by volunteers, the awareness of for someone else to do something about it.” Reitz’s Sanctuary and its mission continues to grow.
The Sanctuary typically houses around 250 cats and dogs; it is consistently operating at capacity. Unlike traditional shelters, most of the dogs at Happily Every After (HEA) have indoor and outdoor access and live comfortably in groups with their “friends.” The cats reside in spacious rooms with furniture to climb on and toys with which to play. Reitz accepts strays and owner surrenders and attempts to get them into loving homes. Even with her rigid adoption process, Reitz is responsible for placing more than 1,000 animals into caring owners’ 28 | BBJ February/March 11
arms. Many of these animals come from Northeast Wisconsin, although Reitz's reputation in the nation's animal community has resulted in animals from shelters around the U.S. making their way to HEA.
Determined to live up to Happily Ever After’s mission, Reitz steps outside the demanding facilities just long enough to educate children on the importance of pet care and visit veterinarian offices to promote spay/neuter procedures. By partnering with local veterinarian offices, she has prevented countless litters of unwanted kittens and puppies by helping more than 500 owners afford low-cost spay/neuter procedures. Reitz is leading the way by changing the way people in the area think of animal rescue - and the term "no-kill" in particular.
Brad Hutjens
Vice president, commercial banker for Nicolet National Bank
One to count on. If awards were to be handed out, Brad Hutjens would be recognized as “most dependable.” He’s made an impression on his clients and coworkers at Nicolet National Bank for always delivering on his promises.
customer interests with corporate interests,” says Mike Daniels, president and COO of Nicolet National Bank.
While he is more than 10 years younger than many of his peers, Hutjen has become a natural leader of the team. He was assigned to be the “go-to” guy for one of the bank’s “I believe it is important for a person to drive main strategic objectives in 2010 themselves to the limit periodically in order to and 2011. He commands respect understand just how hard they can work.” in the boardroom for his ability to simplify complex issues to something everyone understands. His drive and ambition caused Hutjens to be called upon to head up various challenging projects at Nicolet National Bank over the last “Brad’s life is a life of action,” adds Daniels. As he embraces opportuniyear and a half. Each task was met with success as he simultaneously ties – bettering him and the bank – he hasn’t forgotten to give back to the community. He’s a graduate of Leadership Green Bay and has pursued his executive MBA program through Marquette University. served on the board of Literacy Green Bay. “I believe it is important for a person to drive themselves to the limit periodically in order to understand just how hard they can work,” says Hutjens. Hutjens has seen tremendous professional success. He began at the bank as a credit analyst and has quickly progressed through the organization as a commercial banker to vice president of commercial banking.
In a challenging banking environment, Hutjens has been faced with difficult customer conversations but has handled each situation with class. “People trust him because he has an uncanny ability to balance BBJ February/March 11 | 29
Shelly Hendricks
Media director for Insight Creative, Inc.
Creative cheerleader. In July 2010, Hendricks took the lead in handling the marketing and public relations for an Insight Creative, Inc. client, Lexington Homes, when the “Extreme Home Makeover” came to Neenah. She coordinated the initial press conference Hendricks has worked at Insight and pep rally; she even slept onCreative, Inc. for the last four “She makes those kind of sacrifices to ensure site to cover all the marketing, years as a media buyer and acadvertising and public relation count executive. She juggles Insight’s clients are getting the best possible what many women do – a career efforts throughout the build. “It service.” and a family – but takes it a step was a massive undertaking and -Alison Struve, PR/social media specialist, Shelly was instrumental throughfurther as a life-long learner. out the entire process,” says Jim Insight Creative, Inc. von Hoff, president of Insight She embraces new technology, Creative, Inc. always exploring the latest advertising tool or suggesting a method that is cutting edge. She was the first in the office to jump into blogs and use Facebook ads. From traditional ra- The results were remarkable. The pep rally and “move that bus” had redio and television to the hottest in social media, she has an innovative idea cord-setting attendance for the show. The show’s executive producers ready to meet her clients’ objectives. “She can take any client’s budget/ called later to say it was one of the best builds they have ever seen. needs and figure out an effective media plan to reach their target audience,” says Molly Setzer, copywriter/producer for Insight Creative, Inc. Hendricks uses her talents to better the community. She serves on the marketing committee for The Children’s Museum of Green Bay One night a week, she heads to Milwaukee to complete her master’s and works on the fund-raising efforts for Manna for Life to increase degree in advertising. “She makes those kind of sacrifices to ensure donations. Insight’s clients are getting the best possible service,” says Alison Struve, PR/social media specialist at Insight Creative, Inc. Shelly Hendricks isn’t one to be satisfied by the status quo. And for that her co-workers at Insight Creative, Inc. commend her.
30 | BBJ February/March 11
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Giving baCK Lee Marie Reinsch TEXT SUBMITTED PHOTOGRAPHY
In an imperfect world fraught with disaster, crime and catastrophe, it’s comforting to know one thing remains stable: the willingness of people to help others. Many local companies are exhibiting this behavior as part of their corporate stance and everyday behaviors. And their corporate volunteer programs appear to be thriving, according to the Volunteer Center of Brown County. “Even in this time of economic downturn, we have provided more support to corporations than we did in 2009,” says Christine Danielson, the center’s executive director. Despite the numbers of businesses nationwide cutting down, scaling back and laying off, more companies than ever are turning to the Volunteer Center to get their employees out in the community. Many even pay employees to volunteer on behalf of the company. “The culture of many companies today encourages employees to get involved as volunteers, either individually or in groups,” Danielson says. “Employees reflect that. They want to give back to the communities where they work and their children go to school.” Clearinghouse for causes The Volunteer Center plays matchmaker between people who want to help out and the charities or organizations that need their time and energy.It also works with businesses that want to start employee volunteer programs or strengthen the ones they already have, Danielson says.
employee relationships, boost morale and increase company loyalty, some sources say. They also usually don’t hurt public image, either. A 2009 survey by the Boston College Center for Corporate Responsibility found 70 percent of companies said reputation was a main reason for corporate citizenship. “We desire to be a good corporate citizen,” says Schneider National’s LuEllen Oskey. The same study by Boston College found 65 percent of executives surveyed felt that business should put more effort into social responsibility. “It’s so important for local businesses to build vibrant communities that people want to live and work in,” Oskey says. “And to have associates and employees who are proud to work for organizations that give back to their communities.” Some companies tout their good works as proof of their worthiness as a prospective employer. “It’s a good recruiting tool for employees,” says Liz Wallace, office manager for the accounting firm Wipfli LLP. “When people are looking for a career, they are looking for how we are involved in the community and what we give back to the community, and they like that we want our associates to be involved also.” “I believe it gives the employee a sense of pride and makes the company more desirable as an employer,” adds Jan Battiola, strategic planner for Humana.
“We’re contacted in a variety of ways to help set up or suggest things that meet the company’s interests and also meet the interests of employees,” Danielson says. Companies’ philanthropic endeavors can be formal or informal, on paid time or not, and can range from on-site collections to larger-scale projects requiring elbow-grease, like painting shelters or building houses. They can be splashy, high-profile projects that put a company in the spotlight, or quiet, behind-the-scenes efforts akin to mission work. Some companies that come to the Volunteer Center have never encouraged volunteerism and are looking for some tips to post on their workplace bulletin boards, she says. “Sometimes I will hear from the CEO who says, ‘We really value employees, and we see this as a benefit to take time off and support a non-profit,’” she adds. Bounty for business So what would possess bosses to want employees to remove their noses from the grindstone? Workplace volunteer efforts can strengthen 32 | BBJ February/March 11
Several times a year, a contingency of Schneider National associates prepare and serve dinner at the N.E.W. Community Shelter.
Chamber gives back through BACC Behind the scenes of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, armies of people on committees and councils are working hard for the betterment of the community. Bay Area Community Council is one of those groups. It’s not new: Chartered in 1990 as a community think-tank, it was instigated by the Chamber and the Brown County United Way. BACC is 150 members strong and has a number of projects, studies and white papers to its credit. “Having a quality workforce, high-quality government services, having a place where workers and managers want to live, all of that is terribly important to attracting and building business in our community,” says Nan Nelson, executive vice president of the Chamber. True, its mission statement doesn’t directly say anything about promoting business and commerce in the area. But one is a result of the other, according to Nelson. “Community building is one of our missions,” Nelson says. “The business community is like having a garden. So you look at what is going to be the business climate in our garden: preparing the soil and doing everything a business needs to grow in our community is part of the chamber’s mission.” BACC’s members take a broad look at the Greater Green Bay area and scope out issues or potential issues and problems that could arise. It’s studied immigration and its economic impact, transportation issues, poverty and alcohol use in Brown County, among other subjects. BACC tries to report on and resolve the problem before it becomes a serious headache.
Morale boost = business boost Susan Rosin, director of human resources for Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance in De Pere, said she thinks her company’s community efforts give employees the message that they’re valued, and that shows in the way they handle customers. “We want our clients treated the way we want to be treated and, hopefully, better,” Rosin says. “What I think it boils down to is, by showing we care about the community, we show our employees that we care about them.” Her company’s customer service ratings reflect that, she says. “Our employees’ service scores are very, very high; client experience is very important.” And that’s vital for any business. “The better we treat our clients, hopefully, the more we retain them, and the better it is for the organization,” Rosin says. “It’s more costly to get new business than it is to retain current business.” All employees are given eight hours of company-paid time a year during which to volunteer, and they can take it in four- or eight-hour chunks, Rosin says. For the past four or five years, Ameriprise has supported Habitat for Humanity through grants and elbow grease. Its most recent Habitat project saw 68 employees putting in 500 hours over nine build-days.
“The purpose was to take a look at various community problems and challenges, crises that may be developing or lying in wait,” Nelson says. “We would get information together and report it to the community and come back and get a dialogue going in the community about these issues. In that sense, it is a telescope for us to look at emerging problems, and come back to the community with a report so it could be recognized (and treated) before it gets to be a real problem.” Its white paper on alcohol use cited the availability of alcohol (every corner gas station sells it) and its acceptance in our culture (it’s at practically all social events) as two prime reasons minors tend to seek it out as desirable. BACC’s white paper on alcohol issues in Brown County can be read online at www.bayareacommunitycouncil.org, as can its recommendations to local leaders and lawmakers for ordinance changes and other possible remedies. Among its recommendations: raising the excise tax on beer from 6.5 cents per gallon to 17.5 cents per gallon and toughening drunk driving laws. “We can’t attract high-tech, high-growth communities and leaders with technical expertise, leaders who are highly educated, without a great quality of life,” Nelson says. “We can be so much more effective when we work together on projects like these.” So important is BACC to the Chamber that it’s provided staffing services to the council, Nelson says. BACC meets the second Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at the Chamber building, 300 N . Broadway.
Ameriprise gives grants, starting at $5,000, to groups with which their employees volunteer. Last year Ameriprise gave three grants of $5,000 to $10,000 each. Rosin says smaller grants tend not to be very effective. To be considered for an Ameriprise grant, charities must “support community vitality, be volunteer-driven causes (meaning several Ameriprise employees should be involved in them) and meet basic needs (food, shelter, water, etc.),” Rosin says. SOLD: gratitude and community spirit For the past two falls, the Northeast Wisconsin Realtors Association has sponsored its annual Neighborhood Outreach Day. Its main function is to help elders and those with physical challenges with minor household maintenance tasks. “It’s a day event where we get together and rake leaves and clean windows,” says Greg Dallaire, Realtor with RE/MAX real estate company. Realtors as a whole tend to know their communities just by the day-to-day logistics of their jobs. They get to know a lot of people and often get involved in charitable causes, Dallaire says. He says he feels compelled to help in his community as a thank-you for his own success.
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Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance employees participated in Hunger Awareness month through events such as food drives, a 5K run and Portions for Purpose, with all proceeds going to Paul's Pantry, a local food shelf. To really drive home the alarming statistic that one of every six Americans is at risk for hunger, one of every six of Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance employees wore a T-shirt to represent the portion of the population who goes hungry each day.
“Give back and you get rewarded,” Dallaire says. “I’ve been blessed to be doing really well as a realtor. In my mind, it’s about giving back to the community.” Associate engagement is important Humana has promoted volunteering for about a dozen years. Humana Shares started casually as “the United Way committee.” At Community Days twice yearly, employees sort clothes for The Salvation Army, landscape area shelters, paint non-profits’ offices, wash cars to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and pitch in at March of Dimes walks. “I think associate engagement is very important to Humana,” says Battiola. “We believe associates need to be tied to the community, both from a community aspect and from a team-building aspect.” In 76 different charity-related functions last year, Humana employees filled some 2,600 volunteer slots. Another 183 non-employees (friends and family of employees) joined in to help, she says.
While employees who are point-people for a given cause can do some of their volunteer duties during the work day, most others sacrifice their own time. “If we have someone sponsoring a Habitat build and they want to go all day, they will take a vacation day to do that,” Battiola says. Contagion of kindness Volunteering not only benefits the community but also the person who does the volunteering, according to Danielson. “Once people get into that spirit, it's very, very contagious to others around them,” Danielson says.
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The 24-employee image firm, Imaginasium, donates its marketing and website services to Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay and the Volunteer Center of Brown County. “We do quite a bit across the board for a company our size,” says Imaginasium President Patrick Hopkins. Fifteen years ago, Imaginasium stuck its toe in the water by creating Boys & Girls Club’s brochures and posters, then branched into sitting on its marketing committee and board of directors. Now it’s fully immersed, donating its time to the Boys & Girls Club’s various fund-raisers, including its wine and cheese event and annual golf outing plus its annual report and a slew of other projects. “A lot of young companies you see getting involved with nonprofits to get their name out into the community,” Hopkins says. “Once we got involved in it, we found we really believed in the cause. It usually starts on projects we work on, and our people bought into the cause. They get the rest of the organization involved, and that’s kind of neat.” Other principals in the company serve on boards for the CP Center, YMCA, UWGB’s Phoenix Fund and the Volunteer Center, and several employees have been involved with Leadership Green Bay. “Others have been involved with scouts, arts groups, singing groups,” he adds. “We give them the time to do that.”
Imaginasium’s bean-counters have questioned whether doing so much pro bono work makes fiscal sense, but so far it seems to be working out. “Our accountants and financial advisors keep telling us we’re insane,” Hopkins says. “We don’t do it for the business connections, but you get a reputation for selfless work, and it comes back to you.”
Schneider doesn’t have a formal volunteer program in place, or give employees company time in which to do their volunteer work. “We were quite pleased with the amount of time associates spend out in community on their own time,” she adds.
It remains important even as more and more of Imaginasium’s business in recent years has been coming from outside Green Bay. “We still want to maintain those local ties,” through community involvement, Hopkins says.
Schneider Foundation gives priority to causes related to arts and culture, children, education, and health and human services. “Last year we gave to more than 100 organizations within the Green Bay area, so we give to quite a few nonprofits,” Oskey says.
Helping for the long-haul Schneider National marked its 75th birthday last year by rolling out a challenge to employees: Log 75,000 volunteer hours, and the top 10 causes with the most logged hours get a check for $750. Employees logged a third of that, and that was just fine with Schneider officials. “We knew it was going to be a bit of a stretch,” says Oskey, who chairs the Schneider Foundation.
Schneider’s magnanimity totals about $1 million per year and extends to in-kind transportation donations. Its main beneficiaries include United Way, Boys & Girls Club, Junior Achievement, CP Center, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin, Salvation Army, YMCA, Special Olympics and Trucker Buddy, a program that brings truckers into schools to talk about over-the-road transportation as a profession.
Leadership Green Bay transforms ideas into community projects If you used the Fox River Trail a few years ago, before restrooms were built at St. Francis Park in Allouez, you may recall envying your dog at times.
The 40 people selected each year undergo personality inventories and are put into five groups of eight people for their team projects.
“There was no bathroom between downtown Green Bay and De Pere,” says Dr. Sandra Stokes, Leadership Green Bay graduate and leader.
People who are un-alike in personality and work style are intentionally placed in groups together, so that they learn how to work with and reach consensus with people who are nothing like themselves.
Stokes and the her team, dubbed the Outhouse Gang, are among some 850 Leadership Green Bay graduates whose community projects that are a key component of the Leadership Green Bay program have solved community problems over the past 26 years. The Outhouse Gang lightened the load for trail users a few years ago -- in the form of restrooms at St. Francis Park. The group trailblazed the replacement of a portable outhouse with a clean brick rest stop with real plumbing. Each year, it’s the job of Leadership Green Bay participants – placed into small groups – to identify a need or potential problem in the community, then develop strategies to fill or solve it. In this case, it could be considered a real relief effort. “We became convinced we were doing the right thing when the newspaper printed stories about how much use the trail was getting,” Stokes says. Each year’s Leadership Green Bay class meets during the school year for community training. It’s one full day a month, in addition to smallgroup team meetings on projects like the Outhouse Gang’s. The community training opens participants’ eyes to the community they call home through field trips and tours of the greater Green Bay area, exposing them to its different facets: heritage and cultural awareness, environment, government, education, human services, diversity and culture, and the marketplace. LGB students use their personal time, evenings and weekends, for meetings, says Jeanne Agneessens, program manager for Leadership Green Bay.
“We put people unlike you in your groups so that you have to figure out how to work with someone say, for example, who is a real stickler for time management and someone else is not,” Agneessens says. We are not skills-based but a community-based program.” A teeny sampling of the projects Leadership Green Bay has done over the years: • Put a map of the U.S. on the Aldo Leopold School playground to help students learn geography; • Produced and published a children’s book written by children; • Proceeds from sales went to Fort Howard School; • Operation Books gave gently used books to families that lack them; • Made it easier to dispose of compact fluorescent light bulbs by putting in receptacles around town; • Created a display of international flags at Leicht Park to pay homage to the heritage of people in the area; • Built the train depot waiting area at Bay Beach. “People in Leadership Green Bay get so excited about helping the community and they become so passionate about it,” Agneessens says. “It becomes fun for them.” Some skills they’re practicing: • Networking and making connections in the community. • Communication. “They’re having to sell an idea to the others and create excitement around it,” Agneessens says. • Time management • Cooperation “It’s a win-win situation all around for these projects. It’s quite honestly been a gift to the community to do this every year,” Agneessens says.
Strength in numbers “Together we can all make a difference,” says Sheila Vanderloop of Associated Banc-Corp’s service center in Green Bay, where some 650 associates work. “We can make an even bigger impact if we rally together rather than one person making a donation.” The service center is essentially where all the processing goes on, and the sheer number of people there makes it easier to make a big impact. The center does frequent drives of various types over the year, from food drives to book drives to coat drives. They support the Boys & Girls Club, Make a Wish Foundation, Salvation Army and Haiti relief efforts, among dozens of others.
Wipfli’s team of artistic associates paint a mural at the Encompass Day Care
In the past, the group tended to focus on “morale-boosting activities” like wreath-decorating contests and food days to raise money or goods, but last year they branched out. They doled out water at a breast-cancer fund-raising walk and hosted a “haunted” hotel room at Halloween for cognitively challenged kids, Vanderloop says.
on Broadway.
Schneider employees bowl with Big Brothers Big Sisters, work at the Bellin Run for kids and at the CP telethon. They’ve adopted 100 families from Paul’s Pantry, Golden House and House of Hope. “Associates go out and get gifts for the families” using their own money they’ve pooled or raised, Oskey says.
Breaking down walls When Wallace started at Wipfli LLP, only 25 people worked there. But now more than 100 people work there, so meeting everyone can be challenging. But Wipfli’s Community Day and other charitable works help colleagues get to know each other, she says. “I love the camaraderie; you really get to know people,” Wallace says. “When you are out in a different environment, you really start talking. It’s a good format for getting to know your fellow associates.”
Chamber is key funder and supporter of LIFE study Nan Nelson, executive vice president of the Chamber, wants to get the word out to business leaders: If you’re asked to take part in LIFE, please do. It’s important. LIFE stands for Leading Indicators For Excellence. It’s a quality of life study of the Fox Valley area that has local components and regional tie-ins with Appleton and Oshkosh. Hundreds of leaders in the community will get the survey, to be mailed out randomly. It’s a large study that won’t be completed until fall. The BACC has teamed up with the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation and the Brown County United Way to sponsor the project. They’ve hired experts from UW-Green Bay, UW Oshkosh and St. Norbert College to analyze the responses and report back to the community. The survey asks for secondary data, such as demographics and a variety of different fields aiming to get a picture of the poverty rate, unemployment rate, literacy rate, feelings toward the environmental and even how many people have Internet access, Nelson says. “We will look at the responses, and write a report back to the community,” Nelson says. “If people feel there’s a particular problem with water quality (for example), we will look at what can be done and what leaders and citizens feel about this.” Nelson urges those who receive the survey to fill it out promptly and mail it back via U.S. mail and, once the results are in, to take the time to read the information and digest it. 36 | BBJ February/March 11
The majority of Wipfli employees get involved in the hands-on action, whether it’s helping out at Salvation Army or painting murals at a local day care. Wipfli sponsors the Bellin Corporate Challenge, which enlists corporate participation in the Bellin Run; provides Christmas for families through the Salvation Army’s Adopt a Family program; volunteers at Bay Beach Wildlife Preserve and, one year, with the guidance of the Brown County UW-Extension, helped the Green Bay Botanical Gardens remove invasive plant species. Some cynics, when faced with do-gooders who talk of “giving back” to the community, might ask if paying taxes isn’t “giving back” enough already. Yes, paying taxes does give back to the community; taxes pay for infrastructure and government programs, Wallace acknowledges. “But we really believe people are important. This is an awesome company to work for; our associates are paid pretty well,” Wallace says. “This is our way of giving back – we can make a difference in people’s lives. This is where we take the view that, ‘We are not giving money today, but we are giving our time.’”
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT TEXT Jim Bott, account executive, fulfillnet, inc of green bay
Every year, businesses review and evaluate their marketing plans and tactics to ensure they are effectively targeting the right audiences in the right ways. In recent years, social media and the evolution of the Internet have many businesses rethinking their plan of attack. Yet, even with the growing trends in usage of social media and online marketing, traditional marketing strategies remain effective and deserve a place in a company's marketing plan. With social media or Internet ads, a message comes and goes and could go unseen if its target audience ignores their Twitter or Facebook account or doesn't surf the web the days the ads and posts appear. In addition, social media promotions and online ads compete against thousands of other posts and ads every day. As a result, the consumer spends less time on each ad or has the potential to completely miss the ad if the company's target audience follows hundreds of Twitter accounts, has hundreds of Facebook friends or surfs through multiple websites each day.
Direct mail influenced 76 percent of online purchases in 2009. -Deliver magazine Some promotions fit well with this short-term technique. But traditional marketing like direct mail is a great complement. Unlike an online campaign, a direct-mail piece is static and remains in front of the consumer until he/she decides what action to take. Traditional marketing techniques - such as direct mail - help to catch the audience that may have missed online advertising and reinforce a business' message to those who did see it. Direct mail is an avenue to complement a business message by reaching audiences away from their computers. With the increase in online marketing and social media, it may be difficult for some businesses to see the importance of using new
and traditional marketing techniques as complementary marketing strategies. That's not to say you should ignore online marketing. Having a diverse marketing plan helps to keep your message in front of potential and existing customers in a variety of different environments. That's why businesses should strive for a well rounded marketing plan that encompasses traditional and new marketing tactics. For businesses with online stores, direct mail is having a big impact. According to the article “Business Gurus Wise Up” in Deliver magazine's October 2010 issue, “Those who use both online and traditional direct mail find that customers acquired using direct mail are more valuable.” In fact, Deliver magazine reported that direct mail influenced 76 percent of online purchases in 2009. Direct mail is also proven to be effective with non-profit appeals. Deliver magazine's October 2010 issue notes the 79 largest nonprofit organizations in the United States generated nearly 80 percent of their donations through direct mail. In Northeast Wisconsin, we're seeing the same sort of results. Cerebral Palsy Inc., for example, receives up to a six percent response to its direct mail pieces. Klika Shoes of De Pere has had direct mailings that generated a more than 30 percent return on investment. Traditional marketing techniques are still relevant in today's marketplace and are continuing to show profitable results. No direct marketing plan should be based around one principle or tactic, but should include complementary aspects that integrate both new and traditional marketing techniques. If it's not broke, you may want to improve it, but why fix it?
Jim Bott is an account executive at FulfillNet, Inc. of Green Bay. FulfillNet, Inc. is a full-service fulfillment and marketing support services firm with a world-wide client base. FulfillNet Inc., 1361 Waube Ln., Green Bay, WI 54304. (800) 514-1119. www.fulfillnetinc.com
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SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS TEXT Katie Stilp PHOTOGRAPHY JOSH BEATON
Satisfy your sweet tooth with chocolate candies Beernsten's Candies showcases some of the chocolates traveling along a conveyor belt on to the next step in the chocolate-making process.
Whether you’re giving a special gift to a loved one or rewarding yourself, chocolate candies are a much-appreciated treat. The story of chocolate begins more than 2,000 years ago in equatorial Central American where the Mayan Indians held cocoa beans in high regard. It was the Mayans who first created a beverage from crushed cocoa beans that was enjoyed by royalty and shared at sacred ceremonies. Fast forward to today and the many occasions that include chocolate, from birthday celebrations to holiday festivities. Chocolate aficionados are surrounded with delectable choices. The Greater Green Bay area touts a number of long-standing chocolatiers with loyal fan bases; just two of these are Beerntsen’s Candies and Seroogy’s Chocolates. Seroogy’s Chocolates dates back to 1899; Beerntsen’s was established in 1925. Seroogy’s produces more than 300 varieties of chocolate candies including 20 varieties of their well known meltaways as well as nine varieties of snappers (turtle-type products featuring layers of nuts, caramel and chocolate), nut clusters and toffee. Beerntsen’s crafts about 125 varieties of homemade chocolate candies including 38 | BBJ February/March 11
toffee, creams and turtles. It counts its plain meltaways, caramels and turtle candies as its most popular. While Seroogy’s Chocolate is a popular destination for more traditional chocolates, it also has a dedicated fan base who appreciates their chocolate-covered ginger, orange peel, apricots and dried sweetened cranberries. Snappers draw a crowd as well. Original snappers feature layers of whole nuts, homemade caramel and a dollop of chocolate on top. For those seeking to maximize their chocolate experience, Snappers are also available in versions that are entirely covered in chocolate. “These are the ones we tend to ship because they travel much better than the original Snappers,” says Marjorie Hitchcock, sales and marketing manager, Seroogy’s Chocolates. Chocolate begins, of course, with cocoa beans grown in hot, rainy environments, most of which are located near the equator. Cocoa beans are then converted into chocolate, which is usually sold to candymakers in blocks or small round disks. The candymakers, in turn, melt the chocolate and begin the process that varies depending on the kind of chocolate candies being made. Then, it’s time to follow time-honored recipes passed down through the generations at Beerntsen’s and Seroogy’s. “Even though the
Did you know
that every chocolate company has its own mark for each type of chocolate? For example, Seroogy’s marks its chocolate-covered caramels with a diagonal line on top. Beernsten’s marks its plain meltaways with a “p” and its caramels with a diagonal line.
company has integrated new world technology into its business, Seroogy’s recipe and quality remain unchanged,” says Hitchcock. Adds Mark Beerntsen, “We don’t vary from the recipes at all. We use old world techniques and all natural ingredients to produce our hand-crafted, award-winning chocolates. Whenever possible we use local ingredients, such as pure Wisconsin milk and butter.” Every chocolatier has its own variations including where the chocolate is grown, blending length of time, temperatures used for melting, etc. Seroogy’s blends its chocolate for a very long time to release its molecules. From there, the process varies depending upon the chocolate candy being made. Meltaways: Seroogy’s meltaways are made with a variety of whipped centers that are poured onto a table and cut to ensure each piece is the same weight and size. Meltaway centers are then covered with chocolate, allowed to dry and then wrapped, boxed or sold in the store’s candy case. Creams: Creams featured flavored fillings covered with chocolate – and are a favorite of Beerntsen customers. “You can make a lot of variations with just the main cream,” says Beerntsen. “There’s vanilla, chocolate, orange, lemon, raspberry…it’s just like a baker uses in his rolls.”
Two Seroogy's employees maneuver the "insides" of future meltaways at one of the company's custom candy-making tables.
Creams are made in a mixer and are thicker in nature than meltaways’ centers; the creams’ consistency is formed by a machine. Beerensten’s process takes about 24 hours, beginning with cooking the ingredients for the cream at the designated temperature. These ingredients are then left to sit in the beater for about 45 minutes, during which time the mixture cools. Egg whites are added and then the beater mixes these ingredients. The cream mixture is poured into starch molds and left to sit overnight to cool. The next morning, the creams are put through the enrober to make the final delectable treat.
The equipment to craft the chocolate candies varies – from enrobers to cover candy centers in chocolate, to copper kettles, melters and wrapping machines. One special feature of Seroogy’s is piping throughout the production facility that brings chocolate from melting to the production areas. “You turn it on like a faucet but chocolate comes out instead of water,” said Hitchcock. And yet, many elements in the candy-making process continue to be performed by hand. For example, Seroogy’s nut and other flavors of clusters are hand dipped.
Toffee: Toffee is made with butter, nuts (Seroogy’s uses almonds; Beerntsen’s uses cashews, pecans or macadamia nuts), caramel and chocolate. The butter, sugar, water, nuts and corn syrup are combined and stirred during cooking. From there, it is poured on a table to cool.
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MEET A MEMBER
Pat Olejniczak
Hotel manager, Kress Inn, St. Norbert College Why the hotel business? “I started as a bellman – working part time – and fell in love with the hospitality business. Helping people was very appealing to me. I enjoyed it [then] and I still do.” What has changed over the years in the hotel business? “Technology. The majority of the hospitality business never changes, as personal touch is the key. That’s why its important to make sure technology helps the customer rather than hinders the interaction you have with them.” What is your favorite customer service story? “My favorite customer service story involves my mom and the Duchess of York. At the Kress Inn we were fortunate enough to have the Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, stay with us several years ago. I remember speaking with the staff prior to her arrival, no matter what their group asks for, the answer is ‘Yes’... no matter what. “Well, I happened to be put to the test on that. At 11 the night Ms. Ferguson was staying with us, her personal assistant called down to the desk and asked that I come up to the suite. I had our guest service representative on duty come with me as well. When we knocked on the door, her personal assistant handed me the dress Ms. Ferguson's would be wearing the next morning and asked me if I could have it pressed and back the room by 6 a.m. sharp. I remember our guest service representative looking at me, knowing we didn't have the capability to do that and that of course, all the Laundromats were closed. But of course I said, ‘Yes, absolutely.’ “After taking the dress from her and in a near state of panic, I called my "Ace in the hole".... my mother! I was at my mom's house about a half hour later, and there my mom saved the day and backed me up on whatever it takes for giving great customer service. By the way Sarah Ferguson looked great the next day with the dress my mom had pressed....Thanks, mom!” Who taught you the most about the business you're in? “I'd have to credit Doug Schubert, an early mentor of mine and owner of the former Holiday Inn City Centre (now Clarion), where I first started out in the business. I learned many lessons from him, but the main takeaway I learned was to always focus on the customer and to always give it your best. He taught me to be hands-on and present, definitely “MBWA” or “Management By Walking Around.” What do you like to do in your free time? “I like to bike! I love traveling, and I would love to go to Ireland, as I am half Irish. Spending time in the country and going to the pubs would be nice. I like to read, and I love business books about customer service.” Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? “My parents. They've always been positive role models throughout my life, and I'm so lucky to have them as my parents.” What is your favorite book and why? “In Search of Excellence by Tom Peters. It's an older book, but the management philosophies still ring true today. The book looks at America's best-run companies and finds a common denominator, which always comes down to people.” Key to happiness: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Make sure you are happy and it will be easier to make others happy.”
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Jeff Royle
Owner/president, Green Bay Bullfrogs How did you first get involved with the Bullfrogs? “I moved to Green Bay years ago, worked on the Packer Report, the official team publication of the Green Bay Packers. After selling the business in 2004, I learned Green Bay was the target city the Bullfrogs were looking at in the Northwoods League and they needed someone to step up to the plate. From 2004 to 2006, I did the due diligence of bringing in pro sponsor baseball and in summer 2007, kicked off the team.” Why baseball? “Baseball had become the forgotten pastime and after a long hiatus of not having baseball in Green Bay, we did things at a different level than had been seen here previously. We created a brand for the Bullfrogs and our goal is to get a new, state-of-the-art facility.” What do you do on a day-to-day basis as owner and president? “As the majority owner, I oversee all operations. I pride myself on being a very hands-on owner, putting together the marketing campaign, changing uniforms, etc. I spend a lot of time [planning] in the offseason because once the season starts, everything takes on a different mentality. We’re playing games and going through a process – it’s kind of like putting on a concert. During the off-season, I determine promotions, marketing and sales for the upcoming season and build a budget for the upcoming year.” What’s your favorite part of the job? “Living a dream. I never thought I would come here as the owner and publisher of the Packer Report and then, less than five years later, own a minor league sports franchise in Green Bay.” I hear you’re attempting to build a downtown stadium. What’s the status? “It’s been a challenge. There really aren’t a lot of choices on where we can call home. Joannes Stadium was built in 1929 and seats about 1,100. It is 80 years old and it’s the time to find the facility we really need.” How would the stadium positively affect the Green Bay community? “I think it will have a tremendous effect on what Green Bay is attempting to accomplish. There has been talk over the past five to six years on how to [get] more of Green Bay to spend their entertainment dollars here. But it’s missing the sport and entertainment component. We have a once-in-a-lifetime piece of property that offers the opportunity to build a baseball park right on the Fox River. It would be a trigger mechanism to bring people here from across the region.” The last book you read Wild and Outside: How a Renegade Minor League Revived the Spirit of Baseball in America’s Heartland. What is something you still want to accomplish in life? “Right now, my dream is to throw out the first pitch at the new facility. That would be an incredible night.” Best piece of advice “Don’t ever let someone tell you you can’t do something you believe you can.” What do you do to relax? “I play golf in the summer and snowmobile in the winter.” What’s something people might not know about you? “I’m a closet heavy metal fan and have a drum studio in my basement. I’ve been playing the drums since third grade and I’d love to play in KISS.”
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Chamber briefs
Government affairs
With former Chamber president Paul Jadin in the thick of things as the new Secretary of Commerce in Madison, our positions on reform of that department, public employee benefit equity, tax deductibility for health savings account contributions, and a host of other issues, formed an important part of the special legislative session on the state economy held in January. The Public Policy Council backed passage of the complete special session agenda on Jan. 21, and approved a Legislative Agenda for 2011-12. Candidates for Green Bay Mayor, Brown County Executive and a variety of other school board and municipal offices will be on the spring election ballot, and a February primary is needed in many cases. The Supreme Court seat now held by Justice Prosser is also up for election in spring. The Chamber's Good Government Council has developed a questionnaire for mayor and county executive candidates, and the results will be published to the membership…Congressional approval of the Defense Department's 10-ship contract award to Marinette Marine came in December– one of our most important priorities for the federal post election-session. Other victories included extension of tax cuts, a package of other economic incentives, and blocking Senate passage of the so-called Paycheck Fairness Act… Wisconsin agreed not to enforce WI Act 290 on union organizing passed last session, after suits were brought challenging the state's ability to interfere with national labor law…The Ritter Forum on Public Policy, working with St. Norbert College and the Ritter Family Foundation, is assisting fire chiefs from six urban Brown County communities to lay out the specifics of their vision for future consolidation so that a detailed proposal can be brought to the communities' leaders later this winter…The LIFE Study– a new, comprehensive look at the quality of life in our region– is conducting a random-sample mail survey throughout Brown County. In spring, expert panels will begin to analyze the results along with statistical data.
MEMBER SERVICES
More than 200 attendees enjoyed the Holiday Business after Hours on Dec. 8 at Brett Favre Steakhouse….Julie Musial, the Growth Coach, gave an awesome presentation on How to Maximize Your Effectiveness in Your Business and Your Personal Life at the Dec. 16 Business & Breakfast…The CEO/CFO Roundtable program launched CEO Roundtable 8 and is in the process of adding members to each of the three CFO Roundtables…Austin Straubel International Airport kicked the New Year off right by hosting a Business after Hours on Jan. 12, offering nearly 200 attendees the opportunity to network and tour areas at the airport visitors normally wouldn’t normally see. More than 30 local elected officials from various Brown County communities, County Board, and School Districts participated as part of the local official appreciation theme…Social media was the topic for the Jan. 20 Business & Breakfast. Kiar Olson, Element, presented “Social Media - Making It Part of Your Business.” Attendees learned what social media is, how their business can use it, how to get started and how to integrate Social Media into their marketing plan. Stay tuned as the Chamber is planning its third big social media event for May... Planning continues for the Health Forum scheduled for March 2 from 7:30 AM to 10:00 a.m. at the KI Center. Presenting partners include representatives from Aurora BayCare, Bellin Health and Prevea Health…Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore hosted the Feb. 9, 2011 Business After Hours…Marketing is on the docket for Diane Roundy, Schenck, SC, who will present at the Feb. 17, 2011 Business & Breakfast at the F. K. Bemis Conference Center. “Fifty Tips in Fifty Minutes,” from networking to news releases, speaking engagements to social media, 42 | BBJ February/March 11
ideas that can be implemented without a lot of effort - or cost - are on her agenda…Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 2, 2011 and plan to attend Business Expo 2011 at the KI Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check out 175+ businesses showcasing their products and services, learn from informational seminars and bring plenty of business cards for networking with exhibitors and fellow attendees.
Partners in Education
Youth Apprenticeship program applications are now being accepted. Current high school sophomores can apply to participate in workforce training program in one of 15 industry areas during their junior/ senior years. Applications are available at their local high schools or through Partners in Education at the Chamber and are due March 1. For more information, contact Lisa Schmelzer or Nancy Schopf at 437-8704…A variety of scholarships are available through Partners in Education. Learn more at titletown.org; deadline is March 15…Partners in Education Youth Entrepreneur Grants are available for local middle and high school students. Grant applications are due April 4; for more information, contact Nancy Schopf at 593-3411…Partners in Education Golden Appleseed is promoting school attendance and parental involvement in education, sponsored by Bellin Health and Chili's Green Bay. If you eat at Chili's Green Bay from now until May 15, mention Partners in Education and Chili's will donate 10% of your purchase to Partners in Education… Gear up for the Golden Apple Awards dinner, which is set for April 20 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. Celebrate education and the 2010 designation for the Green Bay Area as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in America. All proceeds support Partners in Education programming. Call Nancy Schopf at 593-3411 for Partners in Education membership which includes table(s)/tickets to the Golden Apple Awards celebration.
People Supporting People
The Chamber is happy to announce its partnership with the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation and the Green Bay People Supporting People© Initiative to bring People Supporting People (PSP©) workshops to Green Bay on a non-profit basis. People Supporting People (PSP) is a world class workshop that delivers transformational leadership development and unparalleled positive diversity impact. With a 20-year track record of delivering business results, PSP has been used in over 100 countries with more than 8,000 leaders having attended the workshop worldwide. Green Bay is the first place in the world to offer PSP on a community-wide basis with leaders from the business, education, non-profit, public, and healthcare sectors all attending the workshop together. The next Green Bay PSP workshop is May 4-6, 2011 at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. Register by March 1 to secure a discounted tuition and to take advantage of an additional discount available to Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce members. For more information, please call Sarah at 920.619.7640 or Grace at 920.562.0931 or visit www.titletown.org/our-community/ people-supporting-people.
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NWTC is one of just two Apple® Authorized Training Centers in Wisconsin that delivers Apple® certification training for Pro Apps (Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and Aperture) plus iLife and iWork. For more training information, call (920) 498-6301 or toll-free: (800) 422-6982, ext. 6301.
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CHAMBER NEWS
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Hobby Lobby's Ashwaubenon location enjoyed a ribbon cutting on Monday, Jan. 24. Present were Fred Monique, Chamber president (in black coat); Jerrod Haessly, store manager, Hobby Lobby, Ashwaubenon (holding scissors); Mike Aubinger, village president for Ashwaubenon; Debbie Kinsey, corporate chaplain, Hobby Lobby of Oklahoma City, Okla. (in grey suit); Gail Garrity-Reed representing Mayor Jim Schmitt's office, Pam Schuh, Hobby Lobby (in gray and black shirt) and Chamber ambassadors Carol Lagerquist, Wendy Willems and Becky Starry.
Kiar Olson of Element (far right) presented on the ever-popular topic of social media at the January Business & Breakfast at the F.K. Bemis Center. Pictured with him are (from left) Lance Peroutka, Element, and Darlene Albers, Community First Credit Union.
On Dec. 20, The New Community Shelter celebrated a ribbon cutting and donation of funds from Gilbert's Sausages and the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's food booth at ArtCraftic. Pictured at center is Terri Refsguard, executive director.
MACH IV Engineering & Surveying celebrated its move to the Broadway District with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, Feb. 3
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GO TO www.titletown.org FOR THE LATEST UPDATES IN CHAMBER NEWS AND EVENTS
The Holler family won the family challenge for the second year in a row at the Super Paper Airplane Toss on Saturday, Feb. 5.
44 | BBJ February/March 11
Current celebrated its Young Professional Awards on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Riverside Ballroom. Attendees included Dawn Foeller, City of Green Bay and Ned Dorff, Green Bay alderman, one of the Future 15 award recipients.
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Offer valid from 1/9/11 to 2/28/11 or while supplies last. Activation at time of service, two-year service agreement and credit approval required. New line activation or qualified upgrade required. A line set up fee and early termination fee may apply. If applicable, the early termination fees may be reduced proportionately to the remaining months of the term of the agreement. Prices do not include taxes, fees or other charges. Universal Service Fund (USF) and regulatory and other recovery fees charged on all service lines. An E911 fee or Police & Fire Protection fee charged on all service lines. The amount or range of taxes, fees and surcharges vary and are subject to change without notice. See retail location or www.cellcom.com/fees for details. Promotion offer subject to change. $149.95 HTC Desire and $49.95 HTC Wildfire available on MobileTies, US America or Unlimited calling plans calling plans $39.95 or higher with a subscription to an Advanced Data feature. Cellcom Visa Prepaid Cards are issued by MetaBank™ pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This card does not have cash access and can be used at any merchants that accept Visa debit cards. Card valid through expiration date shown on front of card. Free data offer: BlackBerry service is excluded. Cost of applications not included in service package. 30 Day Guarantee: If within 30 days you are not completely satisfied with Cellcom’s wireless service, pay for the services you have used and return the equipment in acceptable condition. Offers not valid with myChoice prepaid wireless service. Other restrictions apply. See store for details. Pandora is a registered trademark of Pandora Media, Inc. Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. Google Maps, YouTube and Gmail are a registered trademark of Google, Inc. Shop Savvy is a trademark of Big In Japan, Inc. EVERNOTE, the Evernote Elephant logo and REMEMBER EVERYTHING are trademarks of Evernote Corporation and used under a license.
Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1660 300 N. Broadway, Ste. 3A Green Bay, WI 54305-1660
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