SEPTEMBER 2015 September 14th
September 18th
Best Practices
WORKFORCE STRATEGIES: Attraction. Retention. Connection.
Sales Roundtable
Do you have the culture you need to drive the growth you want?
Inside This Issue:
ELTON: IT’S PERSONAL. YOU’RE RUNNING A BUSINESS, WHY SHOULD YOU GIVE A RIP ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL CREDIT REPORTS
KEATING: POOR PRODUCTIVITY, POOR INVESTMENT
SEROKA: THE DIRECT AND UNBREAKABLE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAND AND 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 Wisconsin unemployment: See trends by county.
Executive Director Steve Kohlmann President Jim Leef ITU AbsorbTech Secretary Charles Fry Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc President Elect 2015-16 Craig Coursin MSI General VP. State & National Programs Jeff Hoffman Boerke
To utilize the map, click here.
Treasurer Casey Malek Sikich Directors Bart Adams Sikich
Gov. Walker’s Invitation to attend the Small Business Summit
Ann Barry Hanneman Simandl Law Group S.C John Weber Hypneumat Dan Hansen Park Bank Richard Blomquist Blomquist Benefits Lisa Mauer Rickert Industries Tom Boelkow BSI Design, Build, Furnish
To watch video, click here.
IBAW Mission: To advance business prosperity through insightful programming, executive networking and member-driven public policy and advocacy.
Robert Gross Gross Automation
IBAW Around Wisconsin...
CYP Lunch event with Senator Ron Johnson. Senator Johnson briefed the group on the latest issues pending in Washington D.C.
Gross Automation celebrated their 25th year in business with an Open House featuring indoor golf, food and door prizes.
Dan Ariens of Ariens Company and IBAW Executive Director Steve Kohlmann share a moment after breakfast.
Outgoing board member Heather Baylor receives an award for all her service to the IBAW.
WORKFORCE STRATEGIES: Attraction. Retention. Connection.
September 18, 2015 SUMMIT OVERVIEW Workforce continues to be a driving factor for the Manufacturing and Construction sectors. This summit will give you insight as to what to expect in the future and offer key takeaways to help retain the workforce you have. Learn how your company culture will attract skilled workers and retain the team you have now. Get introduced to key organizations to help you work through this issue NOW and in the upcoming years.
Keynote Presenter: Christine McMahon “Why should I work here?” What employees want from employers is changing. Today, the work experience is as important as the work they do. How they are treated and the opportunities to grow and advance their career matters. Employee retention is as important as employee attraction – a much overlooked consideration. In “Why should I work here?,” we’ll cover critical strategies to help you become an employer of choice for both prospective and existing employees. Existing employees will feel positive about their work, their leaders and the company. About Christine McMahon: Ms. McMahon helps leaders create compelling businesses where employees rally around a shared vision and are purposeful, creative, collaborative and accountable. Her goal is simple: create flawless execution. Before launching her company, McMahon established a proven track record of building high performing teams with Procter & Gamble, Slim-Fast Foods and Nabisco. She is a co-founder of the Leadership Institute at WCTC’s Center for Business Performance Solutions, and a columnist for the award-winning BizTimes publication.
September 18,2015 Location: The Wisconsin Club Ballroom Time: 7:00 am - 9:30 am COST: $32.00 Includes plated breakfast! Who Should Attend CEOs Human Resource Managers Shop Floor Management Directors of: Operations, Engineering, Production Key Organizations In Attendance Get introduced to organizations that will help you with your specific workforce right now and in the future. A specialized mini expo will take place personally vetted and selected to help you.
REGISTER NOW!
Monthly Member Spotlight: A conversation with WASCO Windows By Mary Stark
Sealed to Perfection Technical Precision. Uncompromising Quality. Utmost Customer Satisfaction. Integrity Above All Else. This is the culture and philosophy fostered by two generations of leadership from the Paulus family at WASCO Windows. Purchased by Dave Sr. in 1983 and directed by Dave Jr. since 2006, WASCO windows employs over 40 full time team members in Milwaukee and Appleton. The common misconception they face is that they are simply a window assembly operation. In fact, the windows are manufactured on site with technical precision that far exceeds the common energy saving standards that other companies deliver. Dave Jr. sets the bar high for his employees, and passionately believes that technical knowledge, quality control and delivering a product above customer expectation are the keys to continued success. He is on site and active in the production process to ensure these standards are consistently met. With a PhD in engineering, the concept of “good enough� does not exist in his mind. Precise engineering is the ingredient that ensures the utmost quality in the WASCO product. The majority of the WASCO business centers around residential remodeling (approximately 85%), with the remainder attributable to new construction. A typical week results in production of 175-200 windows. Dave Jr. sees the greatest opportunity for continued growth in the area of certified passive energy and low energy windows. The WASCO reputation expands far beyond the Wisconsin border, with significant business derived from Colorado, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and additional east coast states. They are a popular choice with many architects and high end home builders looking for the highest quality
Father & son team: David Jr. (left) and David Sr. share a moment at the Wasco manufacturing plant in Milwaukee.
products for new construction and remodeling projects. Dave Jr. was attracted to membership in IBAW because of the historical support the organization has delivered to small business owners in Wisconsin for decades. The ever-changing regulatory environment presents challenges that he experiences first hand in his business: he needs 4 licenses to do his job, each with its own set of ongoing certification requirements! Dave Jr. values the legislative information and collective voice provided by IBAW. The current minimum wage proposals concern him from the standpoint of additional wage pressure that could result in all levels of compensation being propelled from the bottom up. He appreciates the value of human capital and wants to continue to be a premier employer in the area, offering strong wages, benefits and future growth opportunity in an expanding company. The IBAW has helped him stay abreast of the current legislative issues that affect his continued success in this community, and he appreciates that assistance as a Wisconsin small business owner.
To view video, click here.
Howard Beale for President Steve Kohlmann, IBAW Executive Director One of my friends who has voted both Democrat and Republican made an interesting proclamation to me the other day that nearly caused my head to explode. He said he’s connecting with Donald Trump. WHAT? Yes. Just to be clear, he’s not sure that he would vote for Trump but he finds him “strangely refreshing”. Trump is speaking his mind about topics no other candidate wants to bring up. And a few they never would have thought about bringing up. Unless you’ve been living in a cave without Wi-Fi, you have seen the growing crowds at Trump’s events. But what’s the attraction? I think there’s several things going on here. Trump is a TV personality and for whatever reason, people are drawn to that. But the main driver for the crowds in my opinion is that for good or bad, Trumps speaks his mind. He’s not politically correct and - as my friend tells me -is the only one “telling it like it is”. My friend points to declining wages, terrorism, still rising health care rates and the crazy crime rate locally and nationally (the homicide rate here in Milwaukee is 104 so far this year as of this writing) It’s a brewing frustration with “business as usual” here and in Washington, D. C. In short, Donald Trump is the modern day Howard Beale. If you don’t know Howard Beale, he was the news commentator who went off the deep end in the 1976 movie “Network” during a live, on-air news commentary. During his “off the deep end” rant (while dressed in pajamas, slippers and a rain soaked overcoat) Beale launches into a diatribe about the bad economy, crime in the streets and various other local and national topics of distress. Beale instructs his viewers to wake up and acknowledge they are fed up with the way things are and to get up, open their windows, stick their head out and yell at the top of their lungs “I’M AS MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!” It’s a great tirade and if you never seen it, it’s certainly worth watching. The clip is thirty nine years old. Issues that have a burr up Howard Beale’s hide are still a concern today; Crime is still crazy in the street, people fear for the jobs, the economy is far from great and the Russians are (still) a concern. But a few new wrinkles have also been added; Iran is working on a nuclear program, terrorism is a huge concern with ISIS on the rise, and you can’t go out to the movie theater for fear of some nut job going from zero to Mad Max on you and your date because he has some imaginary ax to grind...on you. The America public is scared, frustrated and fed up. And just like Howard Beale, Donald Trump has struck a chord with the American public. Like it or not, Trump’s brash, non politically correct style is connecting with many Americans because it’s what they are feeling and talking about in private. They are fed up...with all of it. And they are as mad as hell.
Poor Productivity, Poor Investment Ray Keating, Chief Economist, SBE Council, Washington D.C.
When looking at key measures on the economy, productivity growth, or the lack thereof, points us in two directions. First, it tells us something about investment, since investment in new and improved tools, equipment and technology enhances labor productivity. Second, productivity growth serves as a key determinant of income, that is, in general, the greater the productivity, the higher the income level. So, what are the latest numbers and trend telling us about productivity? To be clear, as explained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Labor productivity, or output per hour, is calculated by dividing an index of real output by an index of hours worked of all persons, including employees, proprietors, and unpaid family workers.” The BLS released its first estimate of second quarter productivity, along with recent revisions, on August 11. It was noted: “Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased at a 1.3 percent annual rate during the second quarter of 2015.” That 1.3 percent growth came after declines of 1.1 percent in the first quarter and 2.2 percent in the fourth quarter. For all of 2014, productivity barely budged with growth of only 0.7 percent, and that followed on no growth for 2013, 0.9 percent for 2012, and 0.2 percent for 2011. So, in effect, we’ve experienced very little productivity growth for four-and-a-half years now. Unfortunately, that’s not all that surprising given the lack of private-sector investment growth since 2006. And the most recent GDP data, as I explained in a recent SBE Council Cybercolumn, saw investment turn down: “Most troubling is that real private investment nearly ground to a halt at 0.3 percent growth in the second quarter of this year. In fact, real fixed nonresidential investment actually declined by 0.6 percent. That was the first decline in business investment since the third quarter of 2012.” If we want to see incomes rise, then we need to see productivity pick up, and that requires increased private-sector investment. Given this economic reality, perhaps it’s time for the current presidential administration to reverse its agenda of higher taxes and increased regulation on investors, entrepreneurs and businesses and turn toward pro-growth policy solutions. Hey, it’s just a thought.
It’s Personal. You’re Running a Business, Why Should You Give a Rip About Your Personal Credit Reports? Larry Elton, Advantage+, Chief Executive Officer
Most lenders consider your personal credit score a measure of character and creditworthiness—of you and your business. So if your score stinks, credit will be tough to get and cost more when you get it. And it takes years to mend bad credit scores. But don’t give up—if your credit score is good, you can make it better; and if it’s bad, you can make it good. Credit scores range from about 300 (despicable) to 850 (fantastic). The three main credit-reporting agencies each have their own mystic formulas to determine scores. But, approximately 35% is determined by payment history, 30% by amounts owed, 8% by length of history, 12% by number of new accounts, and 15% by type of credit used. Here’s how to improve your scores: At least once a year get a credit report (they’re free) from each major agency: Equifax: http://www.equifax.com/ Experian: http://www.experian.com/ Trans Union: http://www.transunion.com/ Scrutinize the reports. If you see incorrect information, contact the reporting creditor, and request corrections (they’re legally required to make them). Make loan payments on time, and in the correct amounts. Use credit cards sparingly, keeping amounts borrowed less than 30% of credit limits. If you have trouble making a scheduled payment, contact your creditor to make repayment arrangements, before you’re delinquent. If you are shopping rates or terms for a particular purpose, do it over a short time frame, so reporting agencies will consider it as only one “hit” on your credit record. Avoid credit repair clinics and services. There are no shortcuts. Accurate and timely negative information cannot be removed from your credit file. So your best approach is to handle your credit responsibly over time. Credit reports have become more accurate and complete. This has prompted many lenders to develop cookie-cutter underwriting that’s based solely on credit reports and scores instead of traditional underwriting. Traditional underwriters consider credit scores too, but also evaluate the unique characteristics and management of each business. The cookie-cutter method may work for you, but you’ll likely get better terms and a growing relationship with a lender that considers the whole shebang.
Are you befuddled by the world of small-business loans? I’m here to help. To share your comments and ideas for future blogs, send an email to lelton@advantageplusfinancing.com or call me at 1-800-949-7040.
The Direct and Unbreakable Relationship Between Brand and Culture Scott Seroka, Seroka Brand Management
In the absence of people, there is no brand. Every time I hear an advertisement, see a company’s tagline, read a website or brochure, I immediately think about the promise the company is making to its customers, and if the company has a culture of people motivated to consistently deliver on its promise. Like you, I’ve had disappointing experiences with brands and wondered how the CEO would react if s/he knew how customers were being serviced and treated. And, I’ve also had very positive experiences. The difference between the two lies in a company’s culture. A company cannot brand itself as “innovative” unless the CEO recruits and hires innovative thinkers and creates a culture where innovative thinking is encouraged and rewarded. A company cannot brand itself as “easy to do business with” unless its people have a genuine desire to want to bend over backwards and jump through flaming hoops to help internal and external customers. And, a company certainly cannot brand itself as a “leader” in its industry if the CEO doesn’t maintain a culture of people who are naturally competitive and driven to lead through collaboration and teamwork. Leading brands don’t achieve their elite status through aggressive and expensive marketing campaigns. A company can spend millions on marketing, but if the brand is fuzzy, or if its people don’t deliver its promise, marketing does more damage than good because it exposes more people to an underwhelming or disappointing experience. When a company sees little or no value to marketing, a weak brand is often the reason. There is a direct and unbreakable relationship between brand and culture. Consider that: " " " " " "
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A brand is a unique set of distinctions a company owns that make a noteworthy difference in the lives of its customers. Distinctions are not found in the products or services a company sells for one simple reason: Given enough time and capital, any company can duplicate what its competition offers. A company’s unique distinctions are best defined by the reasons the business was originally created, and what its employees are able to consistently deliver. These typically include things like innovation, thought leadership, technical aptitude, purpose and business philosophy.
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The quality of employees a company is able to attract has a direct correlation to the significance and strength of its brand. Top-performing employees are very discerning, and hence very selective about where they choose to work. For this group, a company’s culture will play a significant role in their decision to join or leave an organization. Top-performers want to work for brands of significance and purpose. Nice paychecks and benefits satisfy financial needs, but being a part of a strong brand satisfies employees’ much deeper needs of experiencing feelings of purpose and fulfillment.
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A company’s business (brand) strategy can only be executed by employees who share the same level of passion and determination for winning as the CEO. Grooming such employees requires building a culture of high-rewards in exchange for delivering on high-expectations and teamwork.
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If a CEO wishes for his or her employees to give their best every day, s/he must give them all the right reasons. Employees need and deserve six things from their employer:
To be challenged into a sense of accomplishment and achievement – If you’ve ever wondered why people waste colossal amounts of time playing games on their smart phones, it’s because the more they play, the more challenging the games become, leading to greater feelings of accomplishment. Meaningful work. Employees naturally feel better if they know that what they do every day serves a larger purpose, and makes a positive difference in the company and people’s lives. Strong leadership. Without it, employees will be lost, confused, and will not know if they are performing to expectations. Leaders have an enormous impact on a company’s culture. Recognition for performance. This drills down to the fundamental need every human has – to feel important. If employees only hear about failures or the mistakes they make, they won’t stick around very long. Opportunities for personal and professional growth. If employees don’t feel as if they are growing through new challenges, opportunities for advancement, promotions and added responsibilities, they will become bored quickly and likely move on to new ventures. Fair compensation. Enough said.
When I think of culture, I think of sports, and wonder how fans would react if half the players on the court or field really didn’t try very hard, or worse, hated their coach. Would the fans (customers) ever return to see more games? Would the players ever win any games? A championship or a Super Bowl? I think you know the answer.
Wisconsin’s only Certified Brand Consulting firm.
SEROKA Brand Development | Strategic Communications YOUR GROWTH. GUARANTEED.
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Seroka creates winning brands by providing the tools and strategies needed to help companies grow their critical internal and external metrics. INTERNAL
Employee engagement Productivity Continuous improvement Retention Communication Culture
EXTERNAL
Brand awareness Brand differentiation New business acquisition Brand loyalty Profitability Brand advocacy
To learn about how we can help your company grow, contact Scott Seroka today. scott@seroka.com 414.628.4547
IBAW MEMBERS QUALIFY FOR DISCOUNTS ON SEROKA’S SERVICES!
IBAW WHITE PAPER
IMPACT OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO WHITE COLLAR EXEMPTIONS FOR OVERTIME The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that will change the qualifications for exempt status. FLSA requires employers to pay employees a minimum wage and overtime for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a single workweek. The proposed rule change will increase the minimum salary required for “white collar” employees to be exempt from overtime from $455 a week to $970 a week. The DOL projects that 4.6 million employees currently exempt would now qualify to be paid overtime. The proposed rule also imposes an annual automatic update to this salary level based upon either a fixed percentile of earnings or the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Impact on the Current Law. To be exempt, the current “white collar” or EAP (executive, administrative and professional) employees must: (a) be paid on a salaried basis; (b) be paid more than a $455 per week ($23,660 annually); and (c) perform administrative, executive, or professional duties as defined under FLSA. An example of an employee that would currently qualify as exempt from FLSA would be a manager at a fast food restaurant that makes $27,000 per year. If the DOL changes are imposed, that manager would need to be paid a minimum salary of $50,440 to retain exempt status or be paid overtime (time and one-half for any hours worked over 40 hours). This salary minimum could change on an annual basis if the automatic update is imposed. Position of Those Supporting the Proposed Change The current threshold of $23,660 is below the poverty line for a family of four. Only 12% of current salaried workers fall below the $23,660 threshold. FLSA has been updated once since 1970 and the updated rule would index for inflation moving forward. 4.6 million workers might experience increased wages or be paid overtime for hours worked over 40 in a workweek if salary level will not meet the increased level for exemption. Stagnant wages have affected the middle class, and increased wages could potentially infuse $1.3 billion into the economy. Position of Those Opposed to Proposed Change The definition of exempt formulated in 1938 is outdated and does not reflect the current dynamics of the 2015 workforce. Potential loss of exemption status eliminates desired flex scheduling of workforce. Tracking of hours worked remotely will become an administrative nightmare. May provide incentive for employers to reclassify positions into a part-time status or reduce required hours worked. Increase in potential costs to employers of $1.3 billion annually in overtime wages.
To voice your opinion. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published on July 6, 2015 in the Federal Register (80 FR 38515) invites interested parties to submit written comments on the proposed rule at www.regulations.gov on or before September 4, 2015. Only comments received by that date will be considered part of the rulemaking record. We encourage all IBAW members to express their opinions on the potential impact of these changes on their business operations.
August Meeting Wrap Up...
DAN ARIENS, President & CEO, Ariens Co.
A full house at IBAW’s August meeting was treated to an inspiring story of a family business by Dan Ariens, president and CEO of Ariens Company. Started in 1933 by Henry Ariens, Ariens Company has had its ups and downs but though perseverance, determination, innovation and hard work, Ariens Company is successful and continues a path of growth. The presentation was filled with company history and historic footage of Ariens as well as strategic plans for a future which will take one of Wisconsin’s premier manufacturer into new markets and into the future.
FEEDBACK FROM THE MEETING - WHAT ATTENDEES SAID... “The speaker was one of the best speakers I have ever heard. His heart and head was in the right place. I would like to hear more of those success stories in the future. Everyone likes to hear stories that have a rough patch, a turnaround strategy, and what happened for the company to survive (and thrive).” “Inspiring message today. Very meaningful for business owners to undergrowth strategies, risks and benefits.” “Keep up the amazing job of finding speakers and planning events. I always look forward to the next meeting.” “I appreciated the event as well planned for the speaker and for networking with attendees. Food, the Room, Parking, etc... all excellent.”
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."
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- 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...we’re open for business!
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2015 Membership Committee
Steve Kohlmann IBAW
Scott Seroka Seroka Branding
Charles Fry Robert W. Baird
Mary Stark Waddell & Reed
Get involved with IBAW. Consider joining a committee! Contact Steve Kohlmann for more information.
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
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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
Click here to view.
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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.
Education • Networking • Political Advocacy BUSINESS LEADERS...LEADING BUSINESS
www.ibaw.com / 262-844-0333 / IBAWOffice@gmail.com
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IBAW& 960!Timber!Pass! Brookfield,!WI!53045! ! Office:!262Y844Y0333! WWW.IBAW.COM!!
Membership Application
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! Name____________________________________________________________________________________! Company_________________________________________________________________________________! Type!of!Business___________________________________________________________________________! Address__________________________________________________________________________________! City,!State,!Zip_____________________________________________________________________________! Phone____________________________________Email___________________________________________! Website______________________________________________________________! ! PLEASE&CHOOSE&THE&APPROPRATE&CATEGORY&FOR&YOUR&INVESTMENT& IN&THE&GROWTH&AND&STABILITY&OF&SMALL&BUSINESS&
AMOUNT&
&&&&&&&&&&&&&NUMBER&OF&EMPLOYEES&IN&COMPANY&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&ANNUAL&DUES&
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!–!16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$300!
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!16!–!25!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$400!
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!26!–!49!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$500!
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!50!or!more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$600!
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Consider!becoming!an!IBAW!sponsor!!Sponsorship!includes!membership!with!advertising!options!!! Sponsorship!opportunities!start!for!as!little!as!$750!
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Special!)–)Pre)pay)breakfast)meetings)–)Get)12)for)the)price)of)10)))))))))))))))))))))))$320)
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PAYING&BY&CHECK!?!!!!!!Make!checks!payable!to!IBAW!–!and!mail!to:!IBA!960!Timber!Pass!Brookfield,!WI!53045! !
WANT&TO&PAY&ONLINE?!!!You!can!also!pay!by!MasterCard!!/!Visa!at!the!IBAW!Membership!page.!www.ibaw.com!
! ________________________________________________________________________! ! The Independent Business Association of Wisconsin is a not-for-profit entity filed with the IRS under 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a not-for-profit association, the members of The Independent Business Association, Inc. are allowed to deduct a percentage of dues that are not used for lobbying purposes. For the year 2013 based on the total income of the association and the lobbying expenses as reported on the Wisconsin State Ethics Board Lobbying reports for 2011 the percent of dues that were used for lobbing purposes is 10%. Therefore, the percent of dues that would be tax deductible is 90%.
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