JUNE 2015 June 19th
June 8th
June 4th A High School Like No Other
Business Behind the Scenes: LakeView Technical Academy
Eric O’Keefe “John Doe Probe Story”
Best Practices
Sales Roundtable
Inside This Issue:
OLLENBURG: 5 KEY RULES TO CRAFTING LEADER LEARNING
KEATING: THE COSTS OF OBAMACARE WARRANT OVERSIGHT THROUGH SPECIAL IG
SEROKA: THIS ONE GESTURE WILL INSTANTLY IMPROVE YOUR BRAND’S CULTURE
Networking matters
At AT&T, we know that making connections is critical to success. In Wisconsin and across the nation, we link businesses with their customers and the world through our wireless network with access to the nation’s largest Wi-fi network. It’s just another way we help our customers stay connected. AT&T is proud to support the Independent Business Association of Wisconsin.
© 2014 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved.
IBAW thanks AT&T for it’s continued sponsorship.
IBAW MEDIA LINK Kooyenga Bristles On Education Complacency Representative Dale Kooyenga bristled during a Joint Finance Committee meeting recently on MPS complacency of reading proficiency and those who refuse to change it.
Executive Director Steve Kohlmann President John Weber Hypneumat Secretary Charles Fry Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc President Elect 2014 Membership / Sponsorship Jim Leef ITU AbsorbTech VP. State & National Programs Je Homan Boerke
Watch by clicking here.
Does Knowledge = Understanding? Riding a bicycle is a life skill we learn as kids that sticks with us for a lifetime. Once you learn it, you never forget it. But what if there was a special kind of bike that will make everything you learned useless? Knowledge is key to management but understanding is also critical to the health of your business. What does a riding a bike have to do with all this? Watch the video to find out.
Treasurer Casey Malek Sikich Directors Bart Adams Sikich Ann Barry Hanneman Simandl Law Group S.C Heather Baylor Park Bank Richard Blomquist Blomquist Benefits Lisa Mauer Blackhawk Industrial Tom Boelkow BSI Design, Build, Furnish Craig Coursin MSI General
Watch by clicking here. IBAW Mission: To advance business prosperity through insightful programming, executive networking and member-driven public policy and advocacy.
Robert Gross Gross Automation Contributing Photographer: Tim Townsend
Business Education Series FIVE STAR Programing
Thursday, June 4th, 10:30 AM - 1:00PM
A High School Like No Other...
Business Behind the Scenes:
Forget the usual perception of what a high school is and enter a former 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility that is shattering the concept of what a high school is - and how - it teaches.
LakeView Technical Academy
The learning experience happening to 432 kids in Pleasant Prairie is nothing short of unique and eye opening. Here, just about every class is a "shop class" with hands on learning in courses of: Electromechanical Technology / Robotics CNC Machining Biomedical Nano Technology Electrical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Industrial Engineering Computer Information Technology Civil Engineering Automated Manufacturing Systems Join us for a hands on tour with the teachers and students of this very unique high school. After the tour we'll enjoy lunch with the kids and teachers involved with your tour so you can ask questions and learn more.
Click here to register.
June 19th
- ANNUAL MEETING! “The Story of the John Doe” Eric O’Keefe will give us the chilling account of his experience with Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm’s unprecedented John Doe investigation. Due to gag orders imposed on targets of this investigation, few of those involved have come to publicly discuss this investigation. One man, Mr. O’Keefe, has decided to defy the John Doe gag order despite the risks and tell his story because he “wants the public to know what is going on.” Join us for a morning of intrigue, governmental over reach, early morning home raids, leaked documents, and investigation of conservative groups. Location: The Wisconsin Club, 900 W. Wisconsin Ave. Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Cost: $32.00 IBAW Members! $42.00 Guests
LOCATION
THE WISCONSIN CLUB 900 W. WISCONSIN AVE. MILWAUKEE
7:00 AM
REGISTRATION & NETWORKING
7:30 AM
BREAKFAST & PROGRAM
9:00 AM
PROGRAM ENDS
Registration now open! Click here.
New Board President, President Elect June is a month of change for the IBAW as board positions change. Jim Leef of ITU Absorbtech will be our new president for 2015 - 2016 and Craig Coursin of MSI General will be our President Elect for 2016 - 2017.
Board President 2015 - 2016 Jim Leef ITU Absorbtech 2700 S. 160th Street Milwaukee WI 53151 262-782-1950 JLeef@ITUAbsorbTech.com Mr. Leef is the President of ITU AbsorbTech,Inc, headquartered in New Berlin WI. Jim is the third generation head of the family run industrial laundry business that serves manufacturing companies throughout the eastern half of the US. ITU AbsorbTech operates processing plants in WI, PA, IN and SC. ITU specializes in services that deliver environmental compliance and waste reduction benefits to its customers. Jim is a 1974 graduate of Brookfield Central HS and 1978 grad of the Univ. of Arizona, with a degree in Finance. He is active in state and national level trade organizations.
President Elect 2016 -2017 Craig Coursin, AIA MSI General Corporation P.O. Box 7 Oconomowoc , WI 53066 262-367-3661 craig@msigeneral.com Mr. Coursin is the president of MSI General Corporation, a design/build contractor in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin providing Single Source Responsibility on large and small projects. Craig is a licensed architect with over 33 years of architectural and construction experience including his active duty military, architectural practice, leadership in construction firms, and specialization in the design build model. Craig is a 1977 grad from James Madison HS, and has a B.S. in Architecture from UW-Milwaukee, School of Architecture 1981.
Other officers for 2015 - 2016 (These positions remain unchanged from last term) Treasurer: Casey Malek Secretary: Charles Fry To view the entire board, click here.
Watching the Basket Steve Kohlmann, IBAW Executive Director
Will Rogers, famous cowboy and humorist, is often credited with the phrase, “Put all your eggs in one baskets...and watch that basket!” And so it is with me and the IBAW. Devoting full attention to growing and strengthening an organization (or business as you are probably well aware) can be a daunting task with many areas needing time and attention. There are a lot of hats to wear. The month of June hosts the IBAW’s annual meeting. A time to install new board members and reflect what has been accomplished. For those of you who can’t make the meeting, I thought I would update you on progress made in the IBAW. Membership & Growth The IBAW membership grew by 25% last year and we are well on track to surpass that in 2015. Marketing and branding is just part of the reason for our success. A concentrated outreach effort by the Board and members who have invited guests to meetings and then converted those guests into members. Presently, we have 138 businesses involved within IBAW. People often ask me, “How big do you want the organization to be?”. My answer is always the same: “Whether we have 5 members, or 500, we want our members to be involved and we are committed to hold true to our core beliefs of quality programming and value for our membership.” I think we have something very special here with the IBAW. Much time and effort has been put forth to make sure we have a very solid foundation on which to build. Legislative Committee Expansion The Legislative Committee, which once consisted of just one person - Jeff Hoffman, has expanded over the past 14 months. The committee now includes Charles Fry as Committee Head, Jeff Hoffman, Ann Barry Hanneman, Mike Kuhn and Greg Lyons. We now have a very strong group in place with a diverse background to review pending legislation and, more importantly, to keep our membership up to date and informed on what is impacting business. Programming continues to be strong Monthly programming continues to be a strong driver for the IBAW. Over the last several years we’ve hosted many valuable speakers offering business insight on a wide variety of topics. Just a few months ago we had a panel of two Democrats and two Republicans in a head-to-head panel discussion - something you rarely see outside the Capitol. Often, speakers and topics are brought to me by our members so if you have a topic you would like to see covered, please let me know. Marketing Efforts When you brought me on as Executive Director, I was able to utilize my previous experience as marketing guy. My background in printing, marketing and communication has been a very valuable asset as we brand and promote the IBAW. We have a great assortment of printed marketing materials for potential members. With the help of Seroka Brand Development, we have also produced a video to help communicate and showcase the IBAW. Business Behind the Scenes We’ve had many events offering a unique perspective including Caterpillar Heavy Mining, Mitchell International Airport, LakeView Technical Academy, The Harley Museum and The Milwaukee Rep. Due to the popularity of this event we will continue to offer these unique opportunities.
Membership Committee The Membership Committee continues to meet and drive membership. This committee meets one a month to help drive topics for programming as well as maintain member relations and reach out to potential new members. We have two open positions on the committee, if you are interested. Sales Roundtable In February of 2014, IBAW member Mark Truesdell came to me with the idea of a roundtable exclusively for sales professionals. Here our members could share war stories, discuss the hurdles and challenges of sales, and discuss tactics on how to overcome those. Since inception, we have covered such topics as cold calling, proper sales procedures, branding, best methods for follow ups, inspiration, and even a topic of “How to Get Past the Gatekeeper”, bringing in a bonafide executive assistant to offer her insights for sales people. Sporting Clay Shooting Last month, the IBAW hosted a social event of clay shooting at The Highlands Sportsman Club in Cascade, WI. Twenty three members and their guests were treated to a great lunch and then spent the afternoon working through 12 stations of clays. You didn’t need to be an expert. Members who have never participated before were given special one-on-one attention and instruction on shotgun operation and safety by IBAW member and NRA Certified Instructor, Bob Gross. It was a great time and is scheduled to be an annual event! The Magazine When I came onboard as Executive Director, I started sending out a small, recap letter on our monthly meetings. I then added a few interesting business articles and it grew by a few pages. What started as a two page recap is now a 24 page business magazine, sent out electronically to over 700 small business owners and contacts throughout the state of Wisconsin. And it’s GROWING! Last month’s issue was our biggest ever with 34 pages filled with articles submitted by our members and sponsors. Is there an interesting development in your industry? Why not submit an article for publication to our statewide audience? Chances are there is something on your company’s web blog that would fit the bill and you could share your knowledge with a statewide audience? It’s a free benefit of your membership or sponsorship. Contact me for details. In Addition... In addition to all that, I’m constantly making changes to the IBAW website and applying new technology to improve the look and feel of the site. Also, we highlight upcoming events and issues we want our members to be aware of. As you can see, things are really jumping. So, what is the future of the IBAW? In September, we’ll be hosting the 2015 Wisconsin Manufacturing Summit, which is pretty exciting (details coming soon) and there’s been talk of adding a LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE that would be similar in scope to the Sales Roundtable. Since IBAW runs a very lean staff (me) and relies on volunteers (you) specific details of future growth can be a little out of focus but that doesn’t mean we don’t have vision. If past performance is any indication, the future of IBAW, and the quality of what we’re doing, the IBAW is, and is going to be, a very healthy and vibrant organization for years to come. Like a mother hen, I’m watching that basket of eggs very closely.
SALES ROUNDTABLE Even if you're seasoned in sales, learn what other professionals are doing and some new techniques and skills you might be missing. This is open to anyone at an IBAW member company who would like to share their real world challenges and most successful strategies for growing business. This Roundtable is meant to serve as a confidential means to learn from your peers in other industries and to help others learn from your experience – good and bad.
Click here to register for the June 8th roundtable.
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Legislative Team Gains Members Hanneman, Kuhn, and Lyons add expertise to Committee Ann Barry Hanneman is a principal at Simandl Law Group, S.C. Ms. Hanneman acts as legal counsel to management in labor and employment law matters, including representing employers in federal and state employment litigation and in labor arbitration. Ms. Hanneman has successfully tried federal court jury trials, and regularly represents employers in administrative matters as well as federal and state court proceedings. In addition to litigation, Ms. Hanneman’s practice includes advising on employment discrimination, negotiating separation agreements, handling sexual harassment complaints, drafting employee handbooks and developing policies, non-compete agreements and managing wage and hour matters and leave requests in compliance with state and federal law. Ms. Hanneman is a frequent author and speaker on employment law matters and provides management training for companies on such topics as employment discrimination, Family and Medical Leave Act compliance, Fair Labor Standards Act compliance, discipline and discharge, workplace investigations, drafting employee handbooks, ADA compliance, and updates on current cases and legislation affecting employment law and human resources.
Mike Kuhn, CPA, Vrakas CPAS + Advisors
Ann Barry Hanneman Simandl Law Group
With over 30 years in the accounting industry, MIKE KUHN has experience working with a variety of clients, particularly manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and software developers. He has specific expertise in working with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and lean manufacturing and technology companies. Mike also assists clients with acquisitions: providing due diligence research, preparing financial projections, facilitating financing arrangements and completing transaction analyses. He also provides financial analysis and assistance with budgeting and reporting for growing companies. Outside of the office, Mike shares his expertise in manufacturing with his peers in the industry. He has presented at the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s “Manufacturing Matters” conferences on lean accounting and has been quoted in the Journal of Accountancy on the topic of lean manufacturing.
Greg Lyons represents clients in the prosecution and defense of commercial litigation, insurance coverage and products liability. His extensive experience in commercial and business litigation has prepared him to successfully represent large multinational corporations as well as small businesses and individuals. Greg has also served as class counsel in numerous class actions involving tax refunds, securities fraud, and civil RICO. Greg has appeared in state and federal courts in numerous jurisdictions including New York, Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Florida, Illinois, and Washington D.C. Greg is a member of the Wisconsin state and federal courts, Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, Northern District of Illinois and the United States Supreme Court. Greg also serves as the Chairperson of the firm’s Ethics Committee. Greg Lyons O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing, S.C.
Sporting Clays Shooting SPORT CLAY SHOOTING IBAW SOCIAL EVENT
First Annual Event Draws Veterans and Newbies A enthusiastic group of 24 men and women shooters - both experienced and those new to the sport - descended on the Highlands Sportsman’s Club in Cascade, WI May 14th for afternoon of Sporting Clay Shooting. Attendees enjoyed a full lunch prior to going to the twelve shooting stations, which offered a wide variety of scenarios sure to challenge all skill levels. Those unfamiliar with shooting were treated to one-on-one instruction of firearms training with IBAW Board Member and Certified NRA Instructor, Bob Gross. Gun rentals were available for those that needed it. We wrapped up the event with exaggerated shooting stories and cold beers!
Budget Update State Representative Chris Kapenga, 99th Assembly District
MAY 22, 2015 This week, the Joint Committee on Finance debated some of the biggest agencies and costs in the 2015-17 biennial budget including funding for K-12 education, Corrections, and Medical Assistance programs. I wanted to give you a brief update on the results of those discussions and an update on the budget process as a whole. Â On Tuesday, the Committee restored per pupil state aid of $150 per pupil in the first year of the biennium and also increased per pupil aid in the second year to $250. Overall, this amounts to a an increase of $200 million over the biennium for K-12 education. On Thursday, the Committee voted to delete the Governor's changes to the SeniorCare program. The result is that the SeniorCare program will remain unchanged and funding that was eliminated in the Governor's proposal will be restored to providing full funding for the program. I would appreciate hearing from you on these two big changes to the budget. Do you support the increased funding for K-12 education and SeniorCare or did you support the Governor's original budget proposal? Â In the coming weeks, the Joint Committee on Finance will be taking up funding for Transportation, the University of Wisconsin System, and the Bucks Arena proposal. Once the Committee finalizes their work, their changes will be compiled into an amendment to the budget bill. The Assembly and Senate will then each debate the amendment and the bill in their entirety. I look forward to discussing the bill and working with my colleagues to set the vision for Wisconsin's fiscal future. Budget Priorities - Spring Survey In order to properly serve as your representative in Madison, I want to know your budget priorities. If you visit my legislative website you can fill out my online survey and answer questions about how you want your hardearned tax payer dollars spent. I appreciate hearing from you the taxpayer. As always if you have questions or comments about provisions in the budget that are not covered by the survey, please feel free to email me at Rep.Kapenga@legis.wi.gov.
5 Key Rules to Crafting Leader Learning Jessica Ollenburg, CEO, Human Resource Services, Inc.
While most employers tend to finance formal classroom or seminar learning for leaders, substantial opportunity is missed when more targeted and cost-effective methods are overlooked. Embracing our 4th decade of dedicating ourselves to the understanding of cognitive function and the variety of learning methods, we offer the following 5 key rules to success.
1. Address the 84% who prefer roundtable to classroom learning. Learning goals differ among individuals, as do learning styles. Audience adaptation is paramount. While kinesthetic learning outpaces auditory learning more than 2:1, classroom and/or seminar activities are less effective than hands-on and interactive learning. Top academic institutions certainly get this, and they heavily deploy group tasks, case studies and hands-on assignments as key training methodology. Classroom is the set-up to learning, but most will forget the “talking head approach” unless follow-up kinesthetic training is meaningfully deployed. Kinesthetic learning is preferred by most, and it consists of do-it-yourself or tactile activity. Interactive Q&A done well can address this learning style. Visual learning is the next preferred, consisting of videos, observation, pictures and graphics. Auditory learning is the least preferred learning style, consisting of lecture, listened instruction and/or audio-training. When learning style is unknown, kinesthetic or combination methods are best deployed as a default.
2. If the message isn’t delivered 3 times, don’t bother delivering it at all. The average human mind must receive a message 3 times before long term memory is invoked. Long term memory is defined as only 20+ minutes’ duration. While we all know exceptional learners who can receive instruction once and simply get it, these learners have likely learned their own trilogy memorization techniques, such as visualization, note taking, rehearsal, role playing or others. Trilogy training curriculum must be deployed at least two-fold. Not only do we repeat any message 3+ times to our immediate leader learning participants, but we must also help them execute trilogy training with those they then train. All leader learning should not only consider the knowledge transfer to immediately trained leaders, but also a “train-thetrainer” approach.
3. Preserve pride and safe harbor while training leaders. One of the biggest mistakes is internal training of leaders where hierarchy is present in the room. Seasoned leaders, especially, shut down critical questions when either their supervisors or those whom they supervise are present. In doing so, learning assessment and learning itself both suffer dramatically. While building trust between supervisor peers requires careful protocol from the experts, a relaxed mind accelerates learning and builds supervisor teamwork in a support system beneficial well beyond the immediate training exercises. “Old school” leadership training started and ended with salesmanship training. While more than 16 effective leadership styles are profiled, a leader can only lead to the extent subordinates are willing to follow. Beyond salesmanship, therefore, substance is more important than ever. Supervisors who are transparently incorrect will lose team confidence fast. In many environments, new hires may have received more leadership training than those to whom they report. In many cases, either
the talented new hire then resigns or is forced out by implying an ability to advance past the supervisor. Experts address these topics through “safe harbor” methodology.
4. When choosing a trainer, embrace that speaker and facilitator skills are reverse-correlated. Unless a panel discussion, the act of speaking in front of hundreds or thousands most often requires an ability to disconnect from the audience and rehearse a scripted presentation. Some speakers are more of entertainers than subject masters, and while humor is engaging and promotes auditory and possibly visual learning, Q&A may suffer. These presenters most definitely have their effective place in the schemata of combination method training; however, be careful when choosing them for a rapport-building coaching role. Very few can effectively transition between the two. For roundtable methodology, choose a facilitator who is a subject master and assessor who can meaningfully answer unanticipated questions and tailor curriculum to learning needs. Ensure that meeting skills and Gestalt protocol are simultaneously trained as not only immediate training enhancements but also to ensure company-wide meeting effectiveness improves as well.
5. Market leadership training as not only necessary but also an employee benefit. The benefit component is easier to market when a third party trainer is brought in. However, every investment into the team is in fact a benefit to be boasted. Effective leadership training creates transformational leaders and improves career path and success rate for all trained and all reporting to the properly trained leaders. CEOs, newly promoted team leads, or anyone in between should find improved time management, job satisfaction and job success through effective leadership training. Beyond these 5 key rules, leaders need regular refreshers and self-forgiveness in re-grounding to the basics. While leadership training needs to help leaders advance, leadership training for many needs to remind leaders of the rote redundancy which the intelligent mind would prefer to move past. Adaptation is critical. Employment law, motivation, corrective action, personality styles, six-hat thinking, appreciative inquiry, situational leadership and so many more topics are integral to leadership training, yet missed by many “cookie cutter” trainers. Do not settle for less than the best! A learning styles survey is available at AskHRS.com/learningsurvey09 - Jessica Ollenburg, HRS CEO As experts in Organizational Development, Employment Law and HR, HRS empowers business owners and C-suite leaders with fiscally savvy performance management solutions, custom to each unique employer. Headquartered in Brookfield WI, HRS offers locations in Washington DC and Scottsdale AZ plus national satellites. For more information visit AskHRS.com, call 866.HRS.9030 or email IBAW@AskHRS.com Article produced for IBAW release. Copyright ©2015 by Human Resource Services, Inc.
7 Steps to Moving Your Dream Forward Scott Hirschfeld, CTaccess
YOU’VE GOT A DREAM, a vision, a goal! What a great thing to have the hope and inspiration to go somewhere. Most of us don’t really want to coast. Most of us want to either improve things for ourselves, make a difference in this world, or some combination of both. The difficulty comes when the rubber meets the road. What happens when the daily grind kicks in, or it isn’t very much fun to stay focused, or we just don’t feel like it? Sometimes we back off, settle, or lose hope. We all struggle with moving things forward consistently and successfully. I am learning that real progress comes from purposeful and sometimes slow forward progress. Here are 7 things that I am learning to help keep moving forward: 1. CHOOSE ACTION. If you are struggling with moving things forward and find yourself stagnated, it may be time to just choose, and in choosing prefer the choice that is action. I’m learning that standing still and staying the same is the most costly decision there is. Even action that is not quite on target can produce better results than standing still, and once you are moving, it is easier to correct course. You can turn the wheels on a stationary car and nothing will happen, except you will expend effort making them turn. However, if you are in motion, a small turn in the steering will change course with very small effort. 2. SET AN EVALUATION POINT. It is so easy to just keep plodding forward down a path that isn’t working. It could be that you have veered off course. It could be that the course of action you chose is not working. We can avoid prolonged travel down the wrong path by setting a time-based evaluation point. For instance, I will try this new marketing plan for 3 months. On July 1, I will stop, evaluate progress, and choose to continue, adjust, or stop. Having a hard evaluation point forces you to take notice and change accordingly. 3. FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS YOU NEED TO LEARN. Business coach, Jim Palzewicz, once asked me as I was struggling to move something forward, “What is it that you need to learn?” The first time I heard this question it made me pause. Since then I have found that if I can’t get something moving or find success with something, it often means I need to learn something. And, the great thing about learning is that it brings hope. Once I have learned, through reading, gathering information from others, or just recognizing the change that needs to happen, I have hope that progress can be made again. 4. SET YOUR SIGHTS ON SOMETHING CLOSER. Sometimes that thing we want to accomplish is just too big. Set your goals on something that will move you in the right direction. What actions can you take today, this week, this month, this quarter that will move you towards the goal. Suppose I am in debt up to my eyeballs, and my goal is to be debt free. I could wallow in my debt, or I could set a goal this month to spend 30% less than I make. That might be an achievable step in the right direction. Suppose I want to build a 10 million dollar business. The intermediate goal of 10% growth this year might be a good way to start. Focus on a short term goal that moves you toward the end-game.
5. BE WILLING TO MAKE A MISTAKE. Many times we hold back out of fear. What if I make the wrong decision? Another mentor, Ruth Graczkowski, would often ask me if I was acting out of purpose or fear. If you are choosing a course out of purpose, you are less likely to make a mistake. And, some mistakes are providential. Do you learn more from your mistakes or from your successes? Sometimes that mistake brings learning that helps you succeed. 6. FIND SOMEONE TO HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE. Sometimes we need someone other than ourselves to make sure we do what we say. Tell someone about your goal. Let them know that you are telling them so that they keep you accountable. It is harder to make excuses when you know you have to fess up to someone you respect or care about. 7. SET A REWARD OR CONSEQUENCE. This strategy can be very effective. Recently I set a weight loss goal. I set a goal to lose a certain amount of weight in 10 weeks. It was an aggressive goal. My consequence was that I would stop drinking coffee for a month, if I didn’t get there. I told my wife about the goal and the consequence, so she would hold me accountable. Having a consequence made all the difference in reaching my goal. I really LIKE my coffee! If reaching that dream, or fulfilling your purpose is eluding you, take heart! Sometimes, in the middle of the struggle forward, it is hard to see progress. However, applying yourself toward incremental forward motion will get you there! Take a step back, evaluate, and set your course again with purpose. What are you going to do today to move forward with your dream? Scott Hirschfeld is president of CTaccess in Elm Grove.
YOU ARE INVITED TO…
“LIGHT UP THE NIGHT” At CJM’s New Lannon Office Space & Retail Showroom
THURSDAY, JULY 9TH 5:00 - 7:30 P.M. Please RSVP to info@cjmlighting.com by July 2nd. For information please call 262.518.7757 or visit our website at www.CJMlighting.com.
www.cjmlighting.com
Join CJM Lighting & Electrical for an exciting night of cross-chamber networking. The night is spotlighted by a cross-chamber ribbon cutting event, as well as the opportunity to connect with local professionals and business leaders from each organization. Thursday, July 9th 5:00 p.m. - Ribbon Cutting 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Open House and Networking Enjoy refreshments, light appetizers and feel free to take a tour of our new office space and retail showroom! We are located at 20316 W. Main Street in Lannon, just north of Good Hope Rd. and east of County Road Y. We welcome you to come connect, share ideas and leave ENERGIZED. We hope you can join us!
BUSINESS BEHIND THE SCENES: LakeView Technical Academy
Forget the usual perception of what a high school is and enter a former 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility that is shattering the concept of what a high school is, and what - and how - it teaches. The learning experience happening to 432 kids in Pleasant Prairie is nothing short of unique and eye opening. Here, just about every class is a "shop class" with hands on learning in courses of: • Electromechanical Technology / Robotics • CNC Machining • Biomedical • Nano Technology • Electrical Engineering • Manufacturing Engineering • Industrial Engineering • Computer Information Technology • Civil Engineering • Automated Manufacturing Systems
Date: Thursday, June 4th Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM Location: 9449 88th Ave. Pleasant Prairie, WI Cost: $10.00 (Covers lunch) To register, click here.
Join us for a hands on tour with the teachers and students of this very unique high school. After the tour we'll enjoy lunch with the kids and teachers involved with your tour so you can ask questions and learn more. Agenda: 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Gather, networking 11:00 am - 12:30 pm - Tour 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm - Lunch Tour starts promptly at 11:00 am.
This One Gesture Will Instantly Improve Your Brand’s Culture Scott Seroka, Seroka Brand Development This one gesture will instantly improve your brand’s culture You can’t swipe through inc.com; hbr.org or entrepreneur.com on your iPad without stumbling directly into an article about the significance culture plays in an organization. I think we all “get it.” Culture is as important, and some even believe more important, than strategy. I tend to agree. I don’t believe a company can execute its business strategy without highly motivated and driven people, and that motivation and drive can only come from building the kind of culture that encourages desired behaviors. A healthy culture is one where people genuinely care about the organization to which they belong; one where everyone believes in, and understands, the organization’s vision and purpose. Culture cannot be purchased through competitive comp packages, nor can it be driven by autocratic leadership or intimidation. It can only develop and flourish under a high E.Q. leadership model where people are trusted, respected and encouraged to do what they were hired to do. Most importantly, an ideal culture will flourish when employees receive frequent, quality feedback while being recognized for performance. Recognition ranks among the top three things employees value the most from their employer, and in some cases, is even more valued than salary. Although face-to-face recognition is always the most appreciated, a very close and near equal runner-up is the hand-written note recognizing and thanking someone for something they did that made a positive impact on you, your company, their colleagues or a customer. But, is it better than an email? I think the answer is rather obvious. (Are Happy Birthday emails as meaningful as receiving a card in the mail?) Try it. Write a thank-you note today to someone in your company who did something exemplary that merits recognition. It is easier than you think. Just follow this structure to write a meaningful and sincere thank-you note:
1. 2. 3. 4.
Write what you are thankful for, and be specific. (e.g. “I want to thank you for the way you…”) Let the person know how their action(s) made a positive impact on the company and/or another person. Close with a statement of appreciation. (e.g. “I appreciate your commitment to…”) Sign.
It’s that simple. You can be guaranteed that the employee who receives your note will continue to perform beyond expectations, and his or her colleagues will also be encouraged to perform beyond expectations so they, too, can receive recognition from the top. Next step – send a .jpg of your logo to a printer, have them print 20 thank-you cards for every employee in your company, and let your employees know you’d like to start a “Thank-You” culture. Therefore, if you have 140 employees, print 2,800 cards. They are ridiculously cheap, and the ROI will come in the form of improved morale, increased productivity, and stronger relationships between employees and management. However, a thank-you culture, or any kind of culture for that matter, cannot be forced. It is something that can only happen naturally, much like the way friendships are formed. Culture needs to be established and led from the top down, across management, and spread among all employees. As the CEO or leader of your company, challenge yourself to write one thank-you note a week, at the very least. One note a day would be even better, and easier to do once you witness the impact a thank-you culture has on the attitudes and behaviors of everyone throughout your organization.
May Meeting Wrap Up State Senator Stroebel talks Prevailing Wage, Buck’s President Peter Feigin discusses branding, leadership, Arena Newly seated State Senator Duey Stroebel visits IBAW’s May breakfast to give us an update on the issue of Prevailing Wage. Mr. Stroebel’s position is to eliminate - not reform - this issue which is costing tax payers hundreds of millions in additional costs on construction projects.
IBAW member, Christine McMahon introduces Milwaukee Buck’s president, Peter Feigin.
Milwaukee Buck’s president Peter Feigin, discussed the challenges of the Milwaukee basketball market. The entire Bucks organization has done a complete top to bottom analysis to improve the customer experience to drive a greater market share and to increase brand loyalty. Feigin’s plan includes reaching fans well beyond Milwaukee County and create the type of fan hysteria similar to the Brewers and Green Bay Packers.
Contributing Photographer: Tim Townsend
The Costs of Obamacare Warrant Oversight Through Special IG Ray Keating, Chief Economist, SBE Council, Washington D.C.
More government involvement in health care via ObamaCare’s increased controls, regulations, outlays, subsidies and taxes was bound to not turn out well on a variety of fronts, including costs. A new analysis courtesy of HealthAffairs.org points to ObamaCare’s bloated administrative costs. As explained in the report, “Last year we, and many others, drew attention to the chaotic and costly roll out of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) exchanges. The chaos is mostly over (unless King prevails over Burwell), but the costs will linger on. The roughly $6 billion in exchange start-up costs pale in comparison to the ongoing insurance overhead that the ACA has added to our health care system — more than a quarter of a trillion dollars through 2022.” Unfortunately, the authors of the report take away the wrong lessons from ObamaCare, arguing that a government universal payer system would work better. In reality, understanding basic economics and seeing such government systems in action, it’s clear that the results would be increased taxpayer costs, and other kinds of costs mounting ever higher, such as diminished quality of care, waiting lists for care, and denial of care. In contrast, what’s desperately needed is a repeal of ObamaCare, with it being replaced by measures that expand patient control and choices. In the meantime, however, measures are needed to rein in the ills of ObamaCare as best can be done. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) introduced one measure in Congress on May 19, 2015. The “Special Inspector General for Monitoring the Affordable Care Act,” or “SIGMA,” (S. 1368 and H.R. 2400) appoints a special IG to monitor and account for ObamaCare spending. Rep. Roskam declared, “We need assurance that—until ObamaCare is repealed and replaced—there is rigorous oversight in place to prevent more taxpayer dollars from being squandered on this law. A SIGMA alone would have needed authority to oversee all federal agencies involved in implementing and administering ObamaCare and protect the American people from its harmful effects.” Senator Roberts added, “We need to do everything possible to repeal and replace ObamaCare with real health reforms that lower costs and restore the all-important relationship between a patient and their doctor. However, as long as this law is on the books, we need a watchdog, namely a Special Inspector General, to investigate its implementation and ensure our taxpayer dollars are being spent within the letter of the law.” In a May 20, 2015, letter to Congress, SBE Council President and CEO Karen Kerrigan noted the plight of small businesses under ObamaCare: “The self-employed entrepreneurs and small business owners who SBE Council represents continue to be significantly impacted by the high cost of health insurance and health care. Unfortunately, with its mandates, tax increases, excessive regulations, added paperwork, price increases, and reduced choices, President Obama’s health care
law has proven to be bad medicine for SBE Council members. Many of our members are paying for ObamaCare through higher taxes and insurance costs, and are much worse off because of the law. Small businesses were promised affordability, but that promise has not come to pass.” Kerrigan then went on to sum up the need for SIGMA: “Significant taxpayer resources have been expended on botched health insurance exchanges and Healthcare.gov’s poor rollout, missteps at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ‘navigators’ and a myriad of other ObamaCare programs. Taxpayers and the public have received sporadic reports of wasteful and over-the-top spending, but the full scope of expenditures and wasted resources is unknown. ObamaCare’s disruptive impact on small businesses and all Americans must be investigated and held into account. An unbiased Inspector General is needed to monitor how tax dollars have been spent, are being spent, and to fully investigate the workings and wasted expenditures of this vast program. The SIGMA Act provides for the focused oversight and accountability that an IG would provide and small business taxpayers deserve.” The costs of ObamaCare are significant for taxpayers, consumers, small businesses, the state of health care system, and the overall economy. While ObamaCare is in effect, tight oversight is required. But ultimately, ObamaCare needs to be repealed. Raymond J. Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. Keating’s latest book published by SBE Council is titled Unleashing Small Business Through IP: Protecting Intellectual Property, Driving Entrepreneurship and it is available free on SBE Council’s website here.
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Legislative Fix Moving Ahead for Wisconsin’s New Manufacturing & Agricultural Credit Jim Brandenburg, CPA, MST - Sikich LLP
In IBAW meetings and publications in recent years we have introduced you to Wisconsin’s new tax incentive - the Wisconsin Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit (referred to as the “MAC”). The MAC came about in 2011 to provide an incentive for Wisconsin manufacturers and agricultural companies to remain and grow here, and also perhaps to have out-of-state companies move here. It was scheduled to begin in 2013, and when fully phased-in by 2016 it would essentially exempt any Wisconsin manufacturing and agricultural income from Wisconsin income tax. The MAC was championed by Representative Dale Kooyenga and Senator Glenn Grothman in the legislature.
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The MAC, however, had some problems for individual taxpayers when it was drafted and this glitch was recently identified. Here is the issue in a nutshell: the MAC would reduce a taxpayer’s Wisconsin individual income tax, but then would trigger a Wisconsin minimum tax for nearly the same amount. Thus, there may be little, if any, net savings for the MAC in 2013 (a “MAC Attack?”). The legislature is trying to remedy this situation now so that taxpayers can realize the proper tax savings with the MAC on their 2013 Wisconsin individual tax returns.
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Legislative Update: It seems that all key legislative leaders are now on board to correct this issue. It was approved by the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee last week. The Senate and Assembly will be in session in March and voting on final passage for several bills, one of which is this tax bill with the MAC correction. It looks like the legislative timetable will have the bill passed near the middle of the March, before going to the Governor. Thus, a best guess now is that the bill would be enacted into law somewhere in the latter half of March, 2014. MAC Attack Options: For any of our individual taxpayers taking advantage of the MAC, this may present some filings logistics. Here are the possibilities:
1. Best case scenario - in some cases the taxpayer’s share of the MAC for 2013 will be used and not result in a Wisconsin Minimum Tax. A taxpayer in this situation could go ahead and claim the MAC and file their 2013 Wisconsin individual return. There would be no need to wait for the legislation to pass.
Consider writing an article on a timely business related topic to your particular field of business. This is an outstanding opportunity for you and your company to gain exposure and increase your brand awareness to a statewide audience. There is no cost to submitting an article.
2. Next, a taxpayer has generated a MAC for 2013, but it will trigger a Wisconsin Minimum Tax. The taxpayer in this case could wait until the law is changed (and then wait a little for the WDR to update its computer processing systems) and then file their Wisconsin tax return and claim the MAC, and not incur the Wisconsin Minimum Tax. This could present a tight timeline for the April 15 deadline, and you may need to file for an extension.
3. Similar case as #2, but this taxpayer could file their Wisconsin individual return with the MAC, but also incur and pay a Wisconsin Minimum Tax for 2013. Then, once the corrective law is enacted go back and file an amended 2013 Wisconsin tax return to obtain the proper tax benefit of the MAC. You would not need extend, but you would need to amend. We’ll keep you posted as this legislation moves forward. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Brandenburg or Brian Kelley at Sikich, LLP in Brookfield (262)754-9400.
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Meeting Recaps 2014 Wisconsin Manufacturing Knowledge Summit
Power Test
On June 20, 2014 the IBAW partnered with the Tool, Die & Machining Association of Wisconsin (TDMAW) to offer Wisconsin manufacturers and their suppliers a unique look at trends within the industry and to also report on some of the challenges the industry faces in the next 5 years.
Power Test, Inc. is an industry leader in the design, manufacture and implementation of dynamometers and control systems.
Special thanks to the event sponsor, First Business Bank for their efforts in helping organize this event.
For more than 37 years, Power Test has provided specialized test equipment to manufacturers, rebuilding facilities and distributors globally. Our products can be found in use at these facilities in nearly 100 countries on six continents.
Chris Halaska
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Our headquarters and manufacturing operations are located in Sussex, WI with sales representatives worldwide. Our unparalleled customer service is well known throughout the industry. Power Test employs a dedicated staff of talented machinists, fabricators, electronic technicians, assemblers, designers, engineers, software developers, and administrative and customer service personnel. Our exceptional product life and excellent customer service is well known throughout the industry and has made us one of the industryleading dynamometer manufacturers. Our dedication to the customer and to the advances in powertrain component testing keep us there.
Power Test N60 W22700 Silver Spring Drive Sussex, WI 53089 Phone: 262-252-4301
4 Advanced Waste Services Advanced Waste Services is an environmental services company that provides wastewater recycling and other waste and risk elimination services to manufacturers in all industries. Each day, AWS helps hundreds of businesses, both large and small, meet their community and environmental obligations. Annually, we collect, treat and recycle more than 50 million gallons of contaminated wastewater into clean, reusable water and other valuable resources like fuel, steam and electricity. AWS is constantly helping our clients manage, reinvent and improve their sustainability successes. For example, we recently partnered with Forest County Advanced Waste Services Potawatomi Community to help Wisconsin food and beverage manufacturers convert 1126 South 76th Street food waste into clean, green renewable energy. Suite N408B West Allis, WI 53214 Founded in 1993, AWS employs 55 people in the Milwaukee area and a total of 150 people companywide in 5 states. 414-847-7100
Photo Key 1: A full house in the main ballroom of the Wisconsin Club as IBAW & TDMAW members prepare to hear about the state of manufacturing and the challenges the industry faces in the workforce.
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2: David Vetta of First Business Bank delivers opening remarks and highlights the importance of a strong relationship between banking and manufacturing working together for success. 3: New IBAW President, John Weber of Hypneumat addresses the change in IBAW Bylaws and calls for voting in new board officers. 4: Kent Lorenz of Acieta gives the main presentation on “Manufacturing Matters” pointing out the trends on manufacturing now and what to expect in the future. 5: Outgoing IBAW President, Steve Van Lieshout receives his award for his efforts as 2013 - 2014.
6 Photos courtesy of Tim Townsend.
6: IBAW Executive Director, Steve Kohlmann (Left) presents David Drumel with an award for his service on the IBAW board.
Spotlight on new members
2015 IBAW Legislative Priorities Now Online! State Legislative Priorities - Tax Reform - WI DOT Funding and Strategic Visioning - Establishing RIGHT TO WORK in Wisconsin - Joining the Lawsuit against the EPA - Advancing WI Education & Workforce Development Reform
National Legislative Priorities - Pro Growth - A National Energy Policy Capitalizing on our Strengths - Limitations on Executive Action and Administrative Regulations - Sustainable Healthcare Reform - Supporting a Free Market Internet
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