March 2016 IBAW magazine by Steve Kohlmann

MARCH 2016 March 18th

March 14th

l Speak Nationa SALES ROUNDTABLE

"What are your value points and how do you communicate them?"

er!

Jay Lehr, Ph.D. "Why the U.S. economy is unstoppable... and how fraudulent climate change has punished it."

Inside This Issue:

CONROY: ZOMBIES VS. THE SKILLS GAP

KEATING: GDP GROWTH REVISED UPWARD TO...1 PERCENT

SEROKA: IS YOUR BRAND MAKING A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION?

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.

IBAW thanks AT&T for it’s continued sponsorship.

IBAW MEDIA LINK Gronbach: Demographics predicts economic growth...or not. _________________________________________________________

Demographer Ken Gronbach shares why economic predictions are easier than you think.

Executive Director Steve Kohlmann President Jim Leef ITU AbsorbTech Secretary Dan Hansen Park Bank President Elect 2015-16 Craig Coursin Stier Construction VP. State & National Programs Charles Fry Baird Treasurer Casey Malek Sikich

To watch, click here.

Directors Ann Barry Hanneman Simandl Law Group S.C John Weber Hypneumat

The Week in Review

Jeﬀ Hoﬀman Boerke Co.

Wisconsin Eye takes a look at the

Dan Hansen Park Bank

_________________________________________________________

week’s past political events.

Richard Blomquist Blomquist Benefits Lisa Mauer Rickert Industries Tom Boelkow BSI Design, Build, Furnish Robert Gross Gross Automation

To watch, click here. IBAW Mission: To advance business prosperity through insightful programming, executive networking and member-driven public policy and advocacy.

Friday, March 18th, 2016 "Why the U.S. economy is unstoppable... and how fraudulent Climate Change has punished it."

Jay Lehr, Ph.D The economic recovery since the great recession has been steady, albeit slow. But there is optimism to be had and America is poised to be lead the world in economic strength. Dr. Jay Lehr will lay out his case on why the U.S. Economy is stronger than most believe and why it will keep moving forward. Dr. Lehr will also delve into how Climate Change regulations and restrictions act to impede the economy.

Join us for a lively discussion and a look into the future. National speaker Jay Lehr, Ph.D. will fly into Milwaukee specifically for IBAW to give his economic outlook and predictions for the next several years. Dr. Lehr is an internationally renowned speaker, scientist, and author who has testified before Congress on dozens of occasions on environmental issues, and consulted with nearly every agency of the federal government, as well as many foreign countries. Dr. Lehr has spoken in front of thousands of audiences on topics ranging from economics to global warming and biotechnology, to business management and health. He invariably receives the highest scores for entertaining and energizing even the largest audiences.

Meeting sponsor:

LOCATION

THE WISCONSIN CLUB 900 W. WISCONSIN AVE. MILWAUKEE

7:00 AM

REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

7:30 AM

BREAKFAST & PROGRAM

9:00 AM

PROGRAM ENDS

IBAW Members: $32.00 Guests: $42.00 Includes plated breakfast • Attire: Business Professional

Registration now open! Click here.

As Good as it Gets? Steve Kohlmann, IBAW Executive Director

Needless to say in my role as your director for the IBAW I get to talk to a lot of people. Most are business owners or those who support small business. Nowadays, when I talk to them, the conversation almost always follows this type of direction; FIRST QUESTION: “Hi Steve, how are you?” OR “Hi Steve, how are things at the IBAW?” SECOND QUESTION: “What the hell is going on with this election?” I don’t have a problem answering the first question since I’m doing very well, thank you, although my knees do crack on damp mornings when getting out of bed. And IBAW is doing fine. We’re growing, adding new members and programs. There’s money in the bank and our street cred is on the rise. But the second question is way more difficult to answer since I don’t have a clue as to how to explain the election of 2016. But the question shouldn’t be “What the hell is going on with this election.” but begs a larger question of “Are the front runners the best America has to offer for president?” The country that gave you such iconic figures such as Neil Armstrong, Amelia Earhart, Abraham Lincoln, Muhammad Ali, John Glenn, George Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr. and countless others now gives you Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Geeze. Watch the news or at least some of the debates and you have to shake your head with disgust. On both sides. As I watch all of this taking place, I can’t get past that question of “Is this the best America has to offer for president?” A real estate / business mogul who insults everybody (including the Pope), an elderly socialist who thinks the biggest national threat is not terrorism but global warming, and a power hungry retread who is under investigation by the FBI and subject of a Congressional Committee. Great, that’s really the cream of the crop. For a minute let’s pretend that all three of these candidates weren’t famous people but were ordinary individuals vying for top position in your company because you’re going to retire. Who would you pick? Maybe Trump because he has business sense. But Trump’s personal skills have something to be desired. He insults everybody in the firm and not really someone you would consider a team player. You’d have a lawsuit on your hands the first time he makes a sexual remark at a female worker. No, not Trump. It couldn’t be Sanders, Bernie wouldn’t be concerned about profits and give workers more than you can afford to pay or maybe he gives away proprietary information because he wants to be fair to your competition. And it couldn’t be Clinton because, well, as most American’s feel, she can’t be trusted. And, she’s under investigation by the FBI for the secret email server. Having someone under FBI investigation I think would automatically rule you out for taking over a business. I know politics is a messy business and not many people want to get involved because of that, but really, this is the best we have as front runners for the highest office in the country? Can’t we have a veteran who has served his country running for president? How about one of those tough as nails women who passed Army Ranger school recently. Or maybe the fire fighter who rushed into a burning home to save a trapped family. Surely THIS is the caliber of individual we would want leading our county.

Welcome to our newest IBAW Members! Bentley Management Tom Bentley 4080 N. Port Washington Road Milwaukee, WI 53212 Endpoint Solutions Mark Penzkover 6871 S. Lovers Lane Franklin, WI 53132 www.endpointcorporation.com TKO Miller Nick Kozik 219 N. Milwaukee Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.tkomiller.com Wisconsin Lutheran College Rich Mannisto 8800 W. Bluemound Road Milwaukee, WI 53226 www.wlc.edu

Business-Fitness Dave Hynek 10532 N. Port Washington Road Mequon, WI 53092 www.business-fitness.biz Wisconsin Firearms Training Center Dennis Barthenheier 12730 W. Burleigh Road Brookfield, WI 53005 www.wifirearms.com Epic Resins, Inc. Daniel Veenhuis 600 Industrial Blvd. Palmyra, WI 53156 www.epicresins.com Hammond Company Oscar Curasi 735 Larry Court Waukesha, WI 53186 www.hammondcompany.com

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February Meeting Recap: New Berlin School Superintendent Garza New Berlin School Superintendent Joe Garza spoke to the IBAW at our monthly meeting on February 19th at the Wisconsin Club. Garza updated the membership on how the New Berlin School District was addressing specific concerns from the business community on getting young people into the job pipeline and how college may not be the answer for all kids. Garza’s approach included informing parents and kids of various career options early in life. Mr. Garza encouraged business leaders to become actively engaged with their local school system and help guide them on the specific needs and concerns they have.

View Mr. Garza’s PowerPoint by clicking here.

Hoffman Receives Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award

IBAW member Jeff Hoffman of the Boerke Co. received the Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award at a gala dinner February 22nd. The "40 Under 40" program highlights up-andcoming business leaders in southeastern Wisconsin. Milwaukee Business Journal officials said they received about 280 nominations for this year's class, but there can only be 40 winners. Jeff has been on the IBAW Board of Directors for many years and has served on the Legislative Committee. To watch video, click here.

G N I T R SPO

T O O H CLAY S

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Is Your Brand Making a Good First Impression? Scott Seroka, Seroka Brand Development

If you’ve ever taken the time to calculate your cost per lead and cost per customer, you know how expensive it is. You can appreciate how much time, money, and effort goes into persuading someone to just pick up the phone and call you or send an email to inquire about your products or services. And when that prospective customer finally does touch your brand - either through the phone or an email, what exactly do they experience? If they are greeted by an auto-attendant, what do they hear? How long do they need to wait on hold to speak with a human who can facilitate the sales process? Is the person answering the phone qualified and competent? Does the person answering the phone have a personality that expresses enthusiasm to help? If the call goes to voicemail, what does the prospect hear? How long does s/he wait to get a call back? If a prospect comes in through email, what is the response time? What does the response look like? What attachments and links are provided? What does the signature line look like of the person responding? These represent just a few of the brand touch points within the presale phase of the sales cycle. More than 90 percent of the perception of your brand will be based on what happens and what is experienced in this phase. If the prospective buyer is impressed with his or her experience, the remainder of the sales cycle is typically smooth sailing. If s/he isn’t feeling loved or wanted, the potential of making a sale drops significantly. I’ll never forget the time when I was searching for a good Realtor to sell my home. It was stuck on the market for longer than I thought was reasonable. As I was paging through a newspaper while sitting in a coffee shop, I saw a full-page ad for Shorewest Realty featuring Brian, their “Realtor of the Week.” The brand “Realtor of the Week” really resonated with me, so I immediately called Brian and left a voicemail. I received a call back in less than thirty minutes. He asked all the right questions and said he could meet me at the home I was trying to sell at 7:00 the following morning. I liked Brian because he was empathetic to the fact that I was losing money every day that my home wasn’t selling, and he gave me assurance that he had more tools and connections to find a qualified and interested buyer than the average Realtor. No guarantees were made, but he validated my perception that he would succeed. Three weeks after my home was listed, I received and accepted a reasonable offer. I must also tell you that after I called him, I also called a few other Realtors who were featured in the same newspaper. They each called me back on Monday afternoon, but none instilled in me the same level of confidence that they could to the job as Brian did. To this day, if I know that someone is trying to sell their home, I refer them to Brian. Needless to say, Brian made a great first impression, and he delivered beyond my expectation. So my question to you is this: How many “Brian’s” do you have at your company?

“I Don’t Want the Job - The Plant’s Too Dirty” Jeff Kortes I almost fell off my chair when I heard this comment from a 26-year old mechanical engineer who interviewed with one of my client companies. In addition to being an employee retention speaker, I also work as a “headhunter.” I conduct dozens of searches mainly in the manufacturing sector so candidates I find have to go into manufacturing plants regularly to interview. The thing that amazed me about this situation was that the candidate loved the person who would have been their future boss (the Plant Manager), liked the VP Operations (the Plant Managers boss), and liked what they saw of the organization. They did not like the fact that the plant was dirty. The VP Operations made it a point to explain they had only acquired this plant 7 months ago and that the engineering role the candidate was interviewing for was going to play a key role in “turning this plant around.” I don’t think the problem was that the plant was too dirty. I think the problem was the fear of a challenge because I see this come up with other millennials. Many of them are afraid of failure. They are afraid that they will not always come out on top. I see this as an employee retention trainer with clients I consult to as well. They hire millennials and have to be VERY careful how they assimilate them into the organization or they quit when the going gets tough. It is a real challenge that they face. I have found there is a special art to assessing how much they can take without having a millennial quit. If you are able to do this, you are then able to build a resilience in them that will enable them to step up to future challenges. It takes a skilled leader to do this. This challenge for leaders is not new. It has always existed. It’s just that with the millennials leaders have to have a better sense of how hard to push people before they will quit. As an employee retention expert, I am asked if the millennials will step up to challenging situations. My answer. Yes. Just take a look at what our military has been able to do with this very same generation. When I see what our young people have been able to do in Iraq and Afghanistan, I know the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Zombies vs. The Skills Gap Dan Conroy, Vice President of Human Resources (Ret) The Nexen Group, Inc. zombie a : a person held to resemble the so-called walking dead b: a person who moves very slowly and is not aware of what is happening especially because of being very tired Mark Twain said, “everyone complains about the weather, but no one ever does anything about it”. Well everyone complains about the skills gap, but not enough of us are doing something about it. My fellow HR professionals know the drill. A skilled position goes vacant, and we place the ads and the online postings. We might even contact a few technical colleges or universities. And then we wait. Few if any resumes come in, and those that do aren’t even close to what we’re looking for. So we meet with the hiring manager, and give each other knowing looks. We whine and complain, and bemoan what a tough lot we have. Then we place more ads and more online postings. We might even contact a few technical colleges or universities. And then we wait. Few if any resumes come in, and those that do aren’t even close to what we’re looking for. We’re starting to look and act like zombies. We attend a meeting of educators businesses and governmental agencies and talk about the skills gap. At first it is a lot of finger pointing and complaining about how bad it is, and then a few brave souls suggest ways we could partner and work together. We nod affirmatively, but don’t step up to help. We’re too busy – being zombies. There are those same ads to post…. The thing is, we don’t have to be skills gap zombies. We can get engaged. We can get our message out. We can bring people into our buildings and show them what excellent careers look like. We can improve our odds if we choose to make the commitment of time and energy and effort. You should know your local school administration on a first name basis. You and your fellow employees should have spent time in the classrooms. You should be tight with the tech-ed teachers. You should be speaking to student, parent and community groups about the awesome careers you have and the skills that are required to have a chance at being hired. You should work at being more super hero and less zombie. Quiz: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Have you visited your school Superintendent in the past year? Has the High School Principal toured your business? Are you on a first name basis with the Tech-ed Teacher(s)? Has an employee presented in a classroom within the last year? Has your company donated equipment, supplies, $$ to education?

100% You may not need this article and you get a gold star 80% ! You pass – a B+ on the Curve 60% !Wake up and do something before it’s too late 40% ! Your competitors for talent are going to eat your lunch 20% !Actual zombies are moving faster than you 0% ! The zombies are eating your brains If you didn’t do well on the quiz, you can do something about this. A partnership starts when you leave your building and go to their building and start the conversation by saying “you are important to me because”. If people aren’t aware of your skills gap careers, get out to community and civic groups and inform them. Let economic groups know about the impact on the local economy. There are a host of things you can do. You may not do things perfectly the first time, but DO SOMETHING! Resist the urge to act like a zombie.

Removing Roadblocks for Hiring Vets Your Input is Requested Brig. Gen. (ret) Marianne Watson After 30 years in the National Guard, including a deployment to Bagram, Afghanistan, I retired as the Director of Manpower and Personnel (J1) for the National Guard Bureau in Washington, DC. To follow my passion of supporting veterans, National Guard members and Reservists, I am working with Center for America, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) to assist those looking for full-time employment. CFA has been coordinating the American Jobs for America's Heroes campaign for the past four years with 1,878 participating employers. We would like to invite your association members to participate in the first-ever national employer survey on the problems employers are having that hold them back from hiring military candidates. More than 40 associations are already encouraging their members to participate in the survey. (See list.) We realize many resources to help employers hire veterans are too general, too complicated or too costly to really help them find and hire military candidates. So, CFA is developing free, industry-specific networking and web-based education resources to make it easier and faster for employers to connect with the right military candidates. I hope you will publicize this project to your members and encourage them to complete the online questionnaire. It takes less than 10 minutes. They can complete the survey anonymously if they wish.There are still more than one million veterans looking for full-time jobs with tens of thousands of soldiers leaving the military in 2016. Many employers, perhaps including yours, aren’t getting the right information and networking help they need to successfully hire veterans, Reservists and National Guard members. Center for America (CFA), a nonprofit, is conducting a national survey among employers to identify the specific problems that employers in different industries and locations are having in recruiting military candidates. CFA is funded by foundations and Phillips 66, so it is providing its help to associations and employers at no cost. “We realize many resources to help employers hire veterans are too general, too complicated or too costly to really help them find and hire military candidates,” said Brig. Gen. (ret) Marianne Watson, director of Outreach for Center for America. “So, CFA is developing free, industry-specific networking and web-based education resources to make it easier and faster for employers to connect with the right military candidates.” “We are asking for your help to complete a 10-minute online questionnaire – anonymously if you wish – that will identify the challenges you’re having in hiring veterans,” said General Watson. “Hundreds of employers from all over the country are participating.” Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/36PW85F_CFA In the first question, please input the code – E722 – in the first question. Please complete the questionnaire in the next two weeks. CFA has been coordinating the American Jobs for America’s Heroes national campaign for four years under a written agreement with the Army National Guard in Washington, DC. Please contact Steve Nowlan, president of Center for America and coordinator for the American Jobs for American Heroes campaign, with any questions or for free help with your veteran recruiting. 201-513-0379 or SNowlan@CenterForAmerica.org. Get a head start by downloading a free copy of CFA’s Best Practices Guide for Veteran Hiring at http:// www.CenterForAmerica.org/bpg.html Center for America!

www.CenterForAmerica.org! www.CFAawards.org

Meet Judge Michelle Havas Judge Michelle Havas, Circuit Court Branch 45

There is a darling video making the rounds of a baby who has serious eyesight issues. In the video, her mother is wrestling to get her first pair of glasses on her and of course, the baby doesn’t want any part of it. But, suddenly the glasses are in place and it becomes obvious that she can see things that previously were just a blur. It’s the same things she always saw, simply with a different perspective. Perspective can be a funny thing. Sometimes, like that baby, the view you have is the only one you can imagine. Then, a change comes along and your view is completely different.

My perspective has recently changed in a way I never imagined and I am so happy to be able to see the court system through that new lens. I have spent my career many places in the legal system. When I first entered the workforce, I was a temp at the Oak Creek Police Department, so I saw the system through the law enforcement perspective. I then moved on to become a legal secretary with the Milwaukee County DA’s office and saw the system through the eyes of a prosecutor. I moved from there to a position as a Probation and Parole Agent working with drug offenders in the mid-1990’s when cocaine was taking over the Milwaukee streets. That helped me to see the effects of crime on the people of our community, including the families of the offenders who turned their lives around or those who didn’t and had to be sent back to prison to protect the community. I saw the devastation that drug crimes can bring to a neighborhood and worked to help neighborhoods reclaim their streets. While I worked there, I earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Concordia University and once again, had a perspective shift to view the legal system as a student. I continued that view as I attended UW-Law and began to critically examine the policy decisions that drive legislation and to learn the importance of a judiciary that says what those laws are rather than what they may personally wish them to be.

After law school, I was granted another view as I worked with Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek as a commercial litigator. I was able to see firsthand how the legal system can impact a business as they attempt to stay abreast of the changing legal environment while satisfying both employees and shareholders. The biggest frustrations my clients faced were the unknown factors of not knowing how to conform their activities based on a moving target of inconsistent interpretation of statutes and regulations.

After three years at WHD, I found myself longing to return to public service so I took a position as an Assistant District Attorney. I worked almost exclusively on cases involving foster children and prosecuting the cases necessary to make their homes permanent. I cherished that view for more than 12 years. The only thing that could have made me give it up was the view I currently enjoy – that from the bench as a Milwaukee County Circuit Judge. It is from that perspective that I am able to take in all of the perspectives I have had in the past – an assistant, an agent helping people move forward or holding them accountable for not doing so, a student, an attorney defending my clients in private lawsuits and a prosecutor helping to build families. As I sit on my bench, I see everyone that makes up a community, police and prosecutors, victims and witnesses, defendants and their zealous counsel. The citizens are there to watch and make sure that I hold people accountable while treating everyone with respect. It is a position that I treat with great humility and reverence. I am thrilled to be able to continue my dedication to public service from this perspective.

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Learn the benefits of membership at IBAW.com

GDP Growth Revised Up To...1 Percent Ray Keating, Chief Economist, SBE Council, Washington D.C.

On February 26, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released its second take on fourth quarter 2015 GDP growth. It turns out that real GDP did not grow at a mere 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter, but according to this latest estimate, it expanded at 1.0 percent. The proper response? Whoopee. Of course, 1.0 percent growth is miserable, and the 2.4 percent growth rate for all of 2015 reflects that the U.S. economy continues with a woeful recovery/expansion period since the 2007-09 recession. By the way, in a solid recovery we would be growing at better than 4 percent. In fact, it’s worth noting that the slight revision up in fourth quarter GDP growth was not exactly about anything really positive. As the BEA noted, “The upward revision to the percent change in real GDP primarily reflected an upward revision to private inventory investment and a downward revision to imports…” Unfortunately, a downward revision in imports actually says something about the state of the domestic economy, that is, imports decline during economic slowdowns and recessions. And as for private inventories, these are temporary measures upon which solid growth is not built. So, not only is a minor upward revision in fourth quarter real GDP growth from 0.7 percent to 1.0 percent nothing to get excited about, it’s make-up in this case arguably says something a bit worse about the economy in late 2015. _______ Raymond J. Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.

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The IBAW Legislative Team

Mike Kuhn G r e g Ly o n s

Jeff Hoffman

The IBAW Legislative Team keeps our members up to date and informed on business issues coming out of Madison and Washington D.C..

Charles Fry

Ann Barry Hanneman

SALES ROUNDTABLE "The ninety minutes we spend together is very valuable. It is a confidential environment where fellow business professionals discuss ideas and insights into effective sales and business-building techniques. I would encourage anyone who is in sales to participate in this program."

- Scott Seroka, Seroka Branding

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 next roundtable.

IBAW is on an upward trend of growth and we are actively recruiting businesses just like yours to join! When you join IBAW your entire company is a member - anyone from your team can attend our fine educational and networking events. Help yourself, your business AND your Team Members. Come on in...weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open for business!

Join o

nline!

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2016 Membership Committee

Craig Coursin Stier Construction

Scott Seroka Seroka Branding

Charles Fry Robert W. Baird

Mary Stark Waddell & Reed

Dan Hansen Park Bank

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.

Magazine Content Needed Consider Submitting an Article!

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.

The IBAW magazine is in need of content, we rely on our members and sponsors to supply us informative articles. The digital magazine is sent out to over 650 contacts statewide and the magazine is parked on the web where, on average, it gets over 1100 views.

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.

Contact Steve Kohlmann for details.

Articles submitted by our members & sponsors.

Welcome New IBAW Members!

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

2 3

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.

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

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AT&T ITU AbsorbTech Park Bank Blomquist Benefits Advantage + Bank Mutual Waddell & Reed Sikich Lauber CFO’s RW Baird von Briesen Vrakas Advanced Waste Services Simandl Law Group, S.C. Boerke Co. Hansen Reynolds Dickinson Crueger

Rickert Industries BSI - Design, Build, Furnish Letterhead Press MSI General Contractors BMO Harris Powertest Red Elephant Chocolate Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, S.C. Hypneumat Mfg Staﬀ Electric Sponsor support helps IBAW continue to bring insightful programming to small business owners. Help keep Wisconsin business strong! Ask about becoming a sponsor today!

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THERE’S ROOM AT THE TABLE

As an advocate for small business, the IBAW offers intimate meetings on relevant topics such as Leadership, HR, Sales, and Political Issues. Business Leaders...Leading Business

Join us. “...the sales round table was very informative, Judson will be renewing our membership in the IBAW. Thank you and I look forward to more roundtables!” Dominic Misasi, Judson and Associates s.c.

“ I almost always come away from an IBAW meeting with useable material that helps me with my business. Many times, a speaker will give me something that applies to ITU AbsorbTech. Other times, it is a conversation over breakfast that gives me value.” Jim Leef, President & CEO, ITU AbsorbTech

“Being involved with a business organization like the IBAW is critical for small business owners in Wisconsin for growth and to have a voice with government.” Rich Meeusen, CEO, Badger Meter.

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960 Timber Pass Brookfield, WI 53045 Office: 262-844-0333 IBAW.com

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1 - 15 Employees ...............$300.00 16 - 25 Employees ...............$400.00 26 - 49 Employees.................$500.00 50 or more Employees...........$600.00 SPECIAL OPTION: Prepay breakfasts meetings. Get 12 for the price of 10!

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