Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
December 2016
Seasons Greetings! Fall has been a busy and rewarding time at the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce. We are very proud by the success of our two largest fundraising events which took place consecutively during this time. We are very grateful for the support of our chamber members and friends that made this success a reality. Thank you to all of our sponsors, vendors and attendees. We truly appreciate you! We are gearing up for another season of exciting happenings for our chamber members. Mark your calendars for our Annual Awards Event – Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 at Waverly Beach! This year we are partnering with Karbon4, a brewery out of Madison owned by three entrepreneurial Appleton natives to offer a beer and food pairing experience. At this event we applaud the accomplishments of our business community. We need your help!! Now is the time to nominate a praiseworthy business or business person in our community. We want to know who you think is deserving for any of the prestigious awards we present. There are also great sponsorship opportunities available. Please see the details within this newsletter and on our website. Act quickly – time is of the essence! The Chamber is hosting a roundtable discussion with Mike Gallagher on Thursday, December 22nd from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM at the Chamber office. This is a great opportunity to hear more about his vision as he moves forward in his new role, representing the 8th Congressional District.
Our Heart of the Valley Chamber has been a constant support for abel insurance. We have benefited from a variety of areas over the 45+ years we have been a member. The ability to use it for education, marketing, purchasing power are all wonderful benefits. However, to me I believe the largest benefit is the people and businesses we have met. It seems at each event/program you meet someone new, a constant connection and growth of partnerships and people. It allows you to connect with others to talk through different ideas/ thoughts which help us grow as businesses. We are fortunate to have such an active Chamber who really cares about the success of our independently owned businesses. Not all communities have this to offer. Thank you to the Heart of the Valley Chamber for all you do to make us better businesses, always striving to help us, for all of our associates and clients. - Kay E. Abel, AAI, Abel Insurance
On behalf of our Chamber Board and staff, we wish you a warm and happy Holiday Season!
Kelli Clussman, Executive Director 920.766.1616 kclussman@heartofthevalleychamber.com
Member Spotlight >>
What’s Inside?
Upcoming Events
Photos from this past month’s events
New Members
Good News is Worth Repeating
Upcoming Events --------------------------------------------------------------Name: Business After Hours: Fox Valley Hematology & Oncology (FVHO) Date: December 8, 2016 Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: 3925 N. Gateway Drive Appleton --------------------------------------------------------------Name: Community Benefit Tree Open House Date: December 13, 2016 Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: 2204 Crooks Ave. Suite C Kaukauna --------------------------------------------------------------Name: Business Card Exchange: Nutritional Healing Date: December 15, 2016 Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Location: 400 N. Richmond St., Ste F Appleton --------------------------------------------------------------Name: Government Relations Roundtable Group Mike Gallagher will join us at the Chamber to give us a quick update on the election and what are his first steps going forward. Date: December 22, 2016 Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Location: Chamber Office --------------------------------------------------------------SAVE THE DATE! Annual Awards Event Date: February, 23rd, 2017 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Waverly Beach N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha
To register for an event, go to www.heartofthevalleychamber.com or email jamie@heartofthevalleychamber.com 2 Connecting People – Promoting Business
Member Spotlight
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incentives and flexibility can be motivating for semi-retired or even young parents looking for employment. Kobussen Buses Ltd., is a family owned and operated passenger transportation company that maintains a history of high standards and flexibility because our people are knowledgeable and proud to take Personal Responsibility, In Delivering Excellence for every passenger (PRIDE).
Did you know we have more employees in the southern part of the state than where we are head quartered in Kaukauna?
In 2016, Kobussen opened our 16th terminal located in Richland Center ,WI. Our continued progression has led to a consistent pattern of growth that Kobussen Seventy-eight years ago, Elwood Kobussen, aka anticipates for the future. As quoted by Joe Kobussen, “Grandpa Goldie,” decided to help Kaukauna High President of Kobussen Buses Ltd., “It is our plan to School transport out of town students to school. That continue to grow through acquisition and conversion of small caring deed is how our business began. As we progressed through the 60’s women drivers became an public (school operated) to private (Kobussen) and to asset to the progression of our family business, a bold, look at other opportunities within the industry.” cutting edge move at the time. In the 80’s Kobussen became a member of Trailways when we chartered into The Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce gives the sense of family and community by providing the unknown territory, the motor coach industry. resources to assist in a successful business. That successful business leads to a successful community. The core values of The Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce coincide with Kobussen values of Family Pride in Every Ride!
Kobussen prides itself on a continued improved process of implementing programs when it comes to driver safety regulations. Long before state and federal regulations, Kobussen has developed an onsite training program. Our program in combination with drug testing has led to a comprehensive training other busing transportation companies have mirrored. Kobussen has a unique workforce that is comprised of mostly permanent part-time employees. Our biggest obstacle is maintaining the essential level of employees that is necessary to keep our thriving business moving forward. Our business has a continued process of adapting with the changing workforce. Adding
Kobussen Buses, Ltd. Adds to fleet. On October 20, 2016 Kobussen Buses took delivery of two 2016 MCI J4500 series 56 Passenger Motor-Coaches. Motor Coach Industries continues to set the standard in Motor-Coach development. Independent suspension, LED lighting throughout, Seat belts, Wi-Fi, reclining seats, 120v household outlets to name just a few of the many features of these luxury motor-coaches. This investment of over 1.1 million dollars represents Kobussen Buses continued commitment to being the areas leader in luxury motor-coach transportation.
Show Your Nominate a Deserving Business or Business Person The Annual Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are back and we are looking for your help! The awards will be presented at our Annual Dinner on February 23rd, 2017. We want to know who you think is deserving of these prestigious awards. Have you had a great experience with a business in the area, do you work for an amazing organization, or do you look up to a business leader in our community?
Inspiring Business Person of the Year
Emerging Leader Award
Emerging Enterprise Award
Small Business Achievement (4 categories): *
Hospitality/Retail
*
Service
Large Business Achievement
Cornerstone Award
*
Manufacturing
*
Innovation/Technology
Click here (http://heartofthevalleychamber.com/annual-events) to nominate a deserving business or business person today or email kclussman@heartofthevalleychamber.com
Business After Hours: Plan B
Business Card Exchange: Escape Salon Studios
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Business Before / Between Hours: Financial Wellness for Businesses & Their Employees Presented by: Tom Swiecichowski from Primerica
10th Annual Taste From the Heart Thank you to all our vendors, sponsors, volunteers and guests for making this event great!
Thank you sponsors! Schenck SC - Nicolet National Bank - FNB Fox Valley - Bank of Kaukauna - BLC Community Bank Fox Communities Credit Union - Times Villager - Prospera - L&H Gyr - Clear Approach Optometry Berken Heating & Cooling - MCCS - Chic to Chic Thank you vendors! Mr. Brew’s Taphouse, Grand Meridian, Van Abel’s of Hollandtown, High Cliff Restaurant, Cinders Charcoal Grill, Little Chicago, Bakers Outlet, Kaukauna Coffee & Tea, Buffalo Wild Wings, 5th Quarter,Jack’s or Better, Sam’s Club, Culver’s of Darboy and Little Chute, The Marq, Waverly Beach, Cold Stone Creamery 8 Connecting People – Promoting Business
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Welcome New Members New Wall Street 2050 Riverside Dr Green Bay, WI 54301 920-569-8383 http://www.new-wallstreet.com At NEW Wall Street, they understand that retirees face many important decisions that can affect their long-term financial success. Some of these decisions revolve around selecting investments that will help create a hedge against outliving their income, the impact of inflation, taxation and rising healthcare costs. Because over ninety percent of our clients are retirees with similar concerns, we are in an advantageous position to approach such challenges with experience and skill. Security Finance W3192 County Road KK, Suite J Appleton, WI 54915 920-731-6664 WI_1546@SFCBranches.com Security Finance is licensed to offer traditional installment loans, which vary in amount and terms and available ancillary products based on the state of operation and the type of license obtained within that state.
Wisconsin Industrial Coatings, Inc. 600 Tobacnoir Street Kaukauna, WI 54130 920-759-5036 todd@wicoatings.com Wisconsin Industrial Coatings, Inc. (WIC) is a provider of in-shop surface preparation and coating applications to the industrial and commercial markets of Wisconsin with field service available nationwide.
Finding Time, LLC N8331 State Park Road Sherwood, Wisconsin 54169 920-716-7007 http://www.findingtimecontracting.com/ Finding Time, LLC. is a local, family business that specializes in preventative maintenance, repair and remodeling for commercial and residential clients. Troy Mueller and his team have been serving Appleton and the greater Fox Valley area for more than 16 years. We are proud of our reputation for quality work and craftsmanship as well as outstanding customer care.
Friends of Ron Tusler 207 W. College Ave. Appleton, Wisconsin 54911 920-749-0400 http://rontuslerforassembly.com/ “In the Assembly, I'll be fighting for Wisconsin’s future. My agenda includes, but is not limited to, a small government, pro-growth economy, worker training, education and natural resources. We must do all that we can to establish the best business environment in which to grow the private sector and do all that we can to help every child get the very best education possible.” - Ron Tussler
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Wisconsin Business Development Finance P.O. Box 284 Little Chute, WI 54140-0284 (920) 966-1490 http://www.wbd.org/ For more than 35 years, WBD has been helping small businesses get the money they need to grow and succeed. As one of the top Certified Development Companies in the country, WBD has a full range of resources to serve business lending needs from tens of thousands of dollars to ten million dollars. If your business is ready to take the next step, let the lending experts at WBD help make it possible. MACS Macaroni And Cheese Shop W3192 County Road KK Appleton, WI 54914 (920) 939-3682 http://macandcheeseshop.com/ Fast casual, fast fresh, fast comfort and all Wisconsin‌MACS is a new concept in dining with its roots in a family favorite-Macaroni and Cheese. As all Wisconsinites know, everything is better cheesy.Using their delicious house recipe as a canvas, Jackie and Nick have experimented like mad cheese scientists, combining favorite comfort flavors into a skillet of perfection, each one cradled within the curves of traditional mac and cheese. Concordia University Wisconsin 4351 W. College Avenue, Suite 100 Appleton, WI 54914 https://www.cuw.edu/ Concordia University’s Core Values and Mission Statement express our enduring purpose and identity; our very reason for existence as a place of Lutheran Christian higher education. All of the Schools, programs and initiatives of the University are guided by shared fidelity to this central purpose. Women in Management Fox Cities P.O. Box 7112 Appleton, WI 54912-7112 http://www.wimiwi.org/ Women in Management, Inc. is a dynamic group in Wisconsin dedicated to the professional growth, development and success of women in a relaxed, social environment. Whether it's an enlightening speaker, networking with influential women in the community or discussing the latest management best-seller, every member gains valuable insight into real-world management they can apply in their career. For more information on how to join, click here. Next upcoming event: Exploring Gender Communications in the Workplace Thursday, December 8th 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at Pullmans at Trolley Square 619 S. Olde Oneida Street Appleton.
Good News is Worth Repeating
On January 14, 2017, Horizon Community Credit Union will become part of Fox Communities Credit Union. This Fox Communities Credit Union is hosting a panel consolidation provides Horizon Community Credit Union discussion with the goal of educating young people on how to members the added convenience of 18 additional offices closely examine their plans for post-high school training/ from Green Bay through the Fox Valley area and to the education. The panel will discuss considerations when Lakeshore in Manitowoc/Two Rivers, along with more ATM choosing a career and a school, how to fund an education, locations, and expanded products and services. and tips for managing money and loan payments. Longtime community leader Kathy Groat will accept the County Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICBK), the holding annual “Making Democracy Work” award from the League of company of Investors Community Bank, a commercial bank Women Voters of Appleton. Groat, who has served in a headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, reported net income multitude of governmental and nongovernmental positions of $3.1 million, or $0.46 diluted earnings per share, for the over the years, will be honored at LWV-Appleton’s annual third quarter of 2016, compared to net income of $3.3 million, Holiday Brunch, Saturday, Dec. 10 at Fox Banquets and or $0.55 diluted earnings per share, for the third quarter of Rivertyme Catering, 111 E. Kimball St., Appleton, from 2015. This represents a return on average assets of 1.04% 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to Investors Community Bank is pleased to announce the 1.63% for the three months ended September 30, 2015. addition of the following new employees. KELLER, Planners, Architects, Builders, a Design/Build General Contractor, will build a 4,800 square foot new Jeremy Ray has been named Senior Appraisal Review office for Unison Credit Union under the direction of Keller Specialist, based out of the Stevens Point office. Project Manager, John Elrick and Architect, Steve Klessig. Located at 750 West Evergreen Drive in Grand Chute, Katie Katch is a Portfolio Manager – Agricultural Banking construction will begin this month and is expected to be Division, based at the Appleton office. completed in May, 2017.
Joey DeBone was named Electronic Banking Associate and is located in the Manitowoc office. Tom Fisk, Senior Commercial Real Estate Advisor with Newmark Grubb Pfefferle, served as the exclusive listing broker on behalf of the Seller, Graco LLC for the sale of 1011 Parkview, Green Bay, WI. Onalaska based R.S.K. of Wisconsin, a/k/a The Potato King purchased the 6,160 square foot industrial building on October 11, 2016.
21st annual TOWARD HARMONY WITH NATURE Conference, a day-long seminar on native landscaping presented by Wild Ones Fox Valley. Keynote speaker Rob Nurre, Landscape Historian of Wisconsin will be speaking on “Reclaiming Our Heritage – Enhancing Our Landscapes with Native Plants.” Based on the work of the General Land Office Surveyors in 1839, Nurre will portray a very special time traveler “The Surly Surveyor” giving us a privileged look at what our area looked like before the first European settlers came and altered it forever. Denmark State Bank broke ground on a new branch location on the corner of Mid Valley and Scheuring Roads. To further enhance their growth in the greater Green Bay market, Scot Thompson, CEO of Denmark State Bank, is proud to be expanding with new Denmark State Bank branch locations in the Town of Lawrence and Howard. The new locations will open in early 2017.
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Please join Epiphany Law for Morning Business 60 – Maximizing Your Accounts Receivable, which will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 7:30 – 8:30 am at Cambria Suites in Appleton, 3940 N. Gateway Drive. Registration is required; contact Shannon at 920-996-0000 or sdaniels@epiphanylaw.com to register or for more information.
Contact Us Give us a call for more information about our services and products. Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce 101 E. Wisconsin Ave. Kaukauna, WI 54130 (920) 766-1616 jamie@heartofthevalleychamber.com Visit us on the web at: www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
Gift Certificates for the holidays! Don’t forget! Our gift certificates are the perfect gift for anyone on your holiday list. Good at over 120 local businesses. From gas to grocery stores, sports parks or florists - there is something for anyone of any age! These certificates are 100% redeemed back to participating Chamber businesses. Stop in the HOTV Chamber Office, Unison Credit Union or BLC Community Bank to purchase yours today!
Sign a PDF from Your Phone or Tablet
touchscreen signature, SignNow lets you upload a photo of your signature and can cleanly place it on documents. This app is developed by Barracuda, well-known for their security and data protection products. No surprise, document encryption is a touted feature of the app.
Mobile devices have helped us eliminate a lot of printing from our lives. Articles can be bookmarked, directions live in an app and even lengthy PDF documents in need of signatures can be signed without printing, signing and scanning. Here are some apps There are many more apps available that can be that can help you complete this task: customized to your needs. So whether you’re signing permission slips or managing contracts and leases, DocuSign – this app offers a range of services, consider taking that process digital with a smartphone including options for individuals who are primarily or tablet and a PDF signature application. looking to sign documents (which can be uploaded, signed and sent back for free) and for businesses that are looking to send documents for signature and receive them back within the platform (plans start at $10 per month with one user).
Cellcom is an innovative wireless company that provides nationwide service for its customer base throughout Wisconsin and Michigan, with 60 retail and agent locations. Cellcom is respected for its long-standing reputation of delivering extraordinary DropBox – this app is known for cloud storage and customer care, being a strong community partner, and collaboration, but recently added a PDF signature for its renowned network, which is customized to its rural markets. As a subsidiary of Nsight, Cellcom is option. When you open a PDF in the app a pencil part of a family of companies offering complete icon will appear at the bottom the screen that you telecommunications services. can tap to add your signature. This feature is currently only available in iOS. SignNow – similar to DocuSign this app has features for individuals and businesses with a tiered pricing model. In addition to letting you sign with a
Community Christmas December 23, 2016 | Fox Cities Stadium 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Community Christmas is a unique event for the Fox Cities communities to come together and provide a traditional family meal for up to 600 less fortunate people in need of some holiday cheer. What happens at Community Christmas? Families gather for a traditional holiday dinner along with a build your own sundae bar (compliments of Culver’s of Darboy and Little Chute). Up to 600 people are served in three, two-hour shifts. Santa visits and brings special gifts for everyone. Each family attending receives a box of food from Feeding America and some paper products to take home. Fun family activities for all! Who Attends? The following organizations distribute invitations to families in need. * Fox Valley Metro * Menasha Police Department * Old Glory Honor Flight (Veterans) * B.A.B.E.S., Inc. *Kaukauna, Little Chute, Kimberly and Appleton School Districts
Need more information? Contact Kenlynn Sweetalla Culver’s of Darboy ksweetalla@new.rr.com (920) 574-2199
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* Community Clothes Closet * LEAVEN * Goodwill FISC program * Boys and Girls Clubs
Can you help? Monetary donations are needed to spread joy and provide gifts for families. Feeding America, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is accepting cash donations. Committee volunteers will shop for toys and purchase gift cards. Donate paper goods or hold a paper products drive. Donate new toys, pajamas, slippers, holiday socks, books, gift cards, etc. Volunteer. All donations can be dropped off at Culver’s of Darboy or Little Chute.Contact Kenlynn Sweetalla, ksweetalla@new.rr.com or 920.574.2199, for more information about making a donation or how to get involved.