Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
March 2016
I want to start by thanking everyone for their support of our 44 th Annual Awards Event! This event would not be a success, without YOU! Make sure you take a minute to read inside about our worthy award winners. Thank you to our partners:
"Being involved in the Chamber has given me a greater appreciation for local businesses and their
Presenting Partner:
Entertainment Partner:
Platinum Partner:
commitment to our community. The chamber provides me with engaging networking events where I can share ideas with local business and community
Dessert Partner:
Cocktail Partners:
leaders. Each year I look forward to the annual "Taste of the Heart" event which showcases the culinary skills of
Table Partners:
local restaurants. And as a chamber volunteer I have made
Joel & Kristine Newhouse
March is a busy month year at the Chamber. Please take some time and check out our upcoming events - which include a Q&A with Reid Ribble, a joint business after hours with the Home Builders Association at Gerhard’s and some great member educational events! We have TWO exciting golf outings coming up! In May we will host our 1st Annual Women’s Wine After 9 Golf Outing that will include golf instructions, networking, golfing and wine! On Wednesday, June 15th we will hit the links for our 27th Annual Golf Outing! These events are a great way to get involved and get your business in front of over hundreds of business professionals and decision makers! Please reach out to the Chamber if you have any questions about your membership or are looking for ways to get involved and make your membership pay for itself! I look forward to hearing from you!
Kelli Clussman, Executive Director 920.766.1616 kclussman@heartofthevalleychamber.com
many important connections that have been an integral part of my business."
- Corey Grimes Van De Hey Financial Services
In This Issue Upcoming Events Annual Awards Event Ribbon Cuttings Business Card Exchange Member Spotlight:
High Cliff Restaurant
Upcoming Events Name: Emerging Leaders: LinkedIn for Business Date: March 1, 2016 Time: 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Little Chicago N9650 Friendship Drive Kaukauna, WI 54130 Name: Member Education Forum: Employee Laws and HR Date: March 3, 2016 Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Location: Chamber Office Name: Business Before Hours - Facebook for Business Date: March 8, 2016 Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Location: Chamber Office Name: Business After Hours: Gerhards co-hosted with Home Builders Association of the Fox Cities Date: March 10, 2016 Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Gerhards - The Kitchen & Bath Store 2100 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54914 Name: Government Relations Roundtable Group Date: March 11, 2016 Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Location: Village of Little Chute: Village Hall 108 W Main St, Little Chute, WI 54140 Name: Business Between Hours: Retire Wisely Date: March 16, 2016 Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: Chamber Office Name: Business Card Exchange Date: March 17, 2016 Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Location: Jake’s Diapers 139 E. 2nd St. Suite U2. Kaukauna, WI 54130 Name: Non-Profit Roundtable Group Date: March 22, 2016 Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Location: Chamber Office Name: Wireless Coaching Sessions Have you ever been frustrated with your current wireless bill or have you been confused by the charges that appear on your bill? Wireless coaches will be on hand to review your current wireless services. If this event does not fit into your schedule a wireless coach will come to your place of business to review your current plan regardless of carrier, assist with any questions you may have about available options and ultimately ensure your wireless communication needs are being met.
Date: March 25, 2016 Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: Chamber Office To register for an event, go to www.heartofthevalleychamber.com or email jamie@heartofthevalleychamber.com
Annual Awards presented by Baker Tilly: The Grand Meridian Congratulations to all of our winners and a huge thank you to all of our sponsors and everyone who attended to help make this event a success! Inspiring Business Person of the Year Maria Young, Business Development Specialist for Prospera Credit The Inspiring Business Person of the Year Award goes to an individual who actively encourages and perpetuates business innovation, freely shares ideas and opinions regarding business issues and is a chamber champion! Maria is responsible for driving new business to the Credit Union, servicing existing business accounts and participating in community events. Maria gives countless hours to many community organizations throughout the Fox Valley; The Heart of the Valley Chamber, Fox Cities Chamber, Red Cross and Women’s Fund being just a few. On almost any given evening you can find her out and about, cultivating relationships and supporting the community. In 2015, she attended over 65 after-hour networking events and met 150% of her new member goal! She has made a significant impact on the credit union, and the Chamber - not only by generating new business and providing excellent service, but also in the awareness she has generated.
Emerging Leader Award Lindsay Weise Director of Marketing and Business Development for Keller The Emerging Leader award recognizes the achievements of a young professional who plays an active role in the local business community, business associations and community groups. The individual must demonstrate a commitment to excellence and community service in their profession; and has a high level of leadership and innovation through professional and personal growth. Truly, one of the “Faces of Keller”, Lindsay is out representing Keller anywhere and everywhere – from trade shows to golf outings! She loves working with customers from the beginning of the job when the gold shovel goes into the ground to the ending celebration of a ribbon cutting. Her work ethic and enthusiasm are both inspiring and contagious to those around her.
Emerging Enterprise Award Dr. Brent Buss and Dr. Tyler Skibba The Chiropractic Advantage The Emerging Enterprise Award recognizes that starting a business requires a unique blend of vision, energy, perseverance and talent. It is given to businesses that has demonstrated a creative business approach, proven success and positive impact on the local community. This chiropractic business started in 2011. They have a state-of facility which includes digital x-ray, advanced chiropractic techniques, and the newest therapies to help their patients heal faster. There are several chiropractors in the Appleton market, so competition is very strong. The Doctors have been successful in continually improving both revenue and profitability and continue to grow their customer base and revenue every year. Both Dr. Buss and Dr. Skibba are very active within the community from both a networking and a volunteer standpoint.
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The Small Business Achievement Award is a prestigious award that recognizes a business that survives and thrives through challenging times with perseverance, community involvement and grit. This year, we selected 3 small businesses in different categories that have stood out and epitomized what this award recognizes: Small Business Achievement Award - Hospitality Ellen Brown and Cindy Wetzel Cold Stone Creamery This business began in 2004 when they opened two locations within 3 months! This sister duo is always on the move – both of them are very involved with the day to day of the business from marketing to catering and everything in between. Economic challenges in 2008-2009, caused them to pause and question their survival but believing failure was not an option, they worked with their landlord, bankers and with the assistance of other family members who joined the partnership they were able to weather the challenges. Their patience and tenacity as paid off with 2015 proving to be a record year with sale us 15% over the previous highest revenue since their 2004 opening!
Small Business Achievement Award - Service VVH & Associates. This company has been in business over 45 years – providing small to medium size businesses throughout the Fox Valley and beyond with sound business advice, tax planning and preparation, and management consulting. They have worked with over 1,000 local businesses during that time. This Little Chute business stated in the basement of Tom Verhagen home. Tom was the founding partner and face of the business – Tom loss his battle to ALS in 2005, but his legacy stays with the firm.
Small Business Achievement Award - Technology & Innovation The Weidert Group. This small business stands out against the completion! For the past 15 years, the company has been under the direction of a husband and wife team that have taken this business to the next level! AS an inbound marketing agency, they enable companies to increase revenue by attracting more leads online and turning them into paying customers! In 2010, they established a highly popular, award-wining blog – published daily – that helps marketing leaders rethink their marketing approach. In 2015, they experienced an unprecedented year, growing the company by 70%. They signed major clients as far away as Turkey and as nearby as Kaukauna.
Large Business Award Miron Construction The winner of our 2016 Large Business Achievement Award began in 1918 in a rented office space for $25 a month and work was largely concentrated within Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley. Today, their office space includes a state-of-the-art 112,000 square-foot corporate headquarters in Neenah that serves as both a showcase and teaching tool for clients and partners, as well as regional offices in Wausau, Madison, Milwaukee, and Eau Claire and Cedar Rapids Iona. Along with a growing regional presence, they have expanded their client base thought the United States. However – one thing has remained the same – their commitment to BUILDING EXCELLENCE. This company is a sound business that regularly earns cooperate and industry awards and accolades. As a contractor, it is no surprise that this company has helped to physically build the Fox Cites.
Cornerstone Award BLC Community Bank The Cornerstone Award is given to a business that displays extraordinary achievements in business and in their Community. This business has been facilitating economic growth in the Fox Cites for over 100 years. Strong performance, prudent lending and community focus has enabled this bank to remain independent and locally owned since 1906! This banks strong financial strength allows the flexibly to meet the changing needs of their customers. They continue to be a strong community leader committed to serving the needs of the people and businesses through the greater Fox Cities area. For over 20 years, the bank has been under the leadership of current president Gary Vanden Heuvel. In that time, the bank has grown form $78 million in assets to the current size today of $185 million in assets – a 137% growth. During Gary’s time at the bank, he has always been a huge supporter of the Chamber – serving on our board of directors and currently as our
Treasurer.
Congratulations to all our winners!
Ribbon Cuttings: Power Train & Anderson’s Gifts and Treasures
Power Train Sports & Fitness W3192 County Rd. KK, Suite D Appleton, WI 54915 (920) 364-9599
8 Connecting People – Promoting Business
Anderson's Gifts and Treasures 215 W. Wisconsin Ave. Kaukauna, WI 54130 (920) 462-7028
Business After Hours: Ambassador Bar
Business Card Exchange Check out our monthly Business Card Exchange. Each participant is allotted a period of time to introduce themselves with a prepared short elevator speech which summarizes key elements of their company, their products and their services. We are now offering to travel to your business to host it!
This Business Card Exchange was held at Impact Management Services.
Welcome New Members Nurses PRN Home Care Jenny Burklund - Chief Nursing Officer 717 Eisenhower Drive, Suite C Kimberly, WI 54136 (920) 830-9911 · (888) 830-9911 http://www.nursesprnhomecare.com Nurses PRN Home Care knows how important it is to find someone you trust to provide high quality in home care to you or your loved ones. Our comprehensive, multidisciplinary coordinated care system offering high quality in home health care is just the beginning. To Nurses PRN Home Care, each patient is like family and our aim is to offer the best clinicians to provide you the comfort and peace of mind you deserve. What you can expect: • Comprehensive, multidisciplinary nurses • High quality, high level care • Personal service available 365 days a year • Individual care plan • Multiple payment options CNO on-call 24/7 Nurses PRN Home Care accepts private pay and private insurance. Contact us today and let us show you how we can provide in home care for you or your loved one. There is never a charge for an assessment visit.
Creative Juices Artisan Shoppe Alissa Henrickson 309 E. Kimberly Ave. Kimberly WI (920) 858-9393 www.GetYourJuicesMoving.com CJAS@GetYourJuicesMoving.com Creative Juices Artisan Shoppe, an Art & Fine Craft boutique features handmade creations & learning opportunities from nearly 40 talented local Artists. Enjoy a unique collection of paintings & home decor to clothing & jewelry. Custom options are available, and we offer a regular schedule of classes & workshops, but will also accommodate your next birthday, bachelorette, ladies night out or corporate/team building event. Check out our calendar of events and shop online at www.GetYourJuicesMoving.com, or just stop in and see for yourself all that we have to offer! elite TalentScout Travis Moser - Business Development Manager 155 S. Executive Dr. Suite 200 Brookfield, WI 53005 (262) 785-0900 travism@elitehumancapital.com elite TalentScout –an elite Human Capital Group company: eliteTalentScout is a recruitment process “insourcer.” Unlike traditional staffing and outsourced solutions, our clients retain process and candidate ownership and control at whatever level is appropriate to meet their needs. The eliteTalentScout model is unique and scalable leveraging best -in-breed recruiting practices and technology tools to offer clients enhanced recruiting capabilities to compete for the market’s best talent. Our solution is a comprehensive yet customizable with enough flexibility to scale from mission-critical projects to full, end-to-end engagements. Our clients gain the advantages of dedicated, on-demand recruiting resources to support hiring needs any time business conditions warrant. 10 Connecting People – Promoting Business
Member Spotlight
High Cliff Restaurant & Banquets
High Cliff Restaurant was built in 1968 as part of Frank Schneider’s dream to create an all-inclusive public community (A little ahead of it’s time) including the restaurant, golf course, pro shop, condominiums, swimming pool, park and marina. Although there is no longer a pool and the condos have been sold off and the golf course has been closed off and on over the years, High Cliff Restaurant itself has been running continuously since 1968. We are proud to say that we are also the largest employer in Sherwood WI with between 30 -40 employees based on the time of the year.
Performing Arts Center, Theda Clark, SCA Tissue, Apvion and the list goes on. Because of these partnerships and a loyal restaurant client following, our revenues have increased by 33% since 2011! Our greatest obstacle is cash flow! Since 2008 the banking industry has looked at the restaurant and hospitality businesses in general as not viable for investment. The seasonality of our business puts a great deal of strain on our cash flow in the winter months. Without a partnership with a bank to lean on, operating during these times can be extremely difficult. I am humbled to say that through the help of friends and other small business owners, we have been able to manage during these times. We have made sure that the vendors we choose not only appreciate what we go through during these times, but are willing to work with us to keep these relationships viable. We have seen steady growth in our free standing restaurant for the last 5 years, but the most opportunity for growth. My hope is that with another profitable year under our belt that we can find a bank that will regard us as a viable small business that will be an asset in their portfolio along with a business that they are proud to partner with. We have accomplished a lot with limited access to funding, and that is truly something we are very proud of.
The restaurant itself has a unique dining room that is surrounded by windows overlooking the golf course, the wooded limestone cliffs and sunset filled skies. We have a loyal following of neighbors that have become close friends. We offer events like our 3rd Annual Winter Blues Jam, The Ugly Sweater Party, Packer Parties, Beer vs Wine Events, High Cliff Fest, Live Music every Friday to keep our guests interested and entertained. I (Larry Trucco) was given the opportunity to purchase the property and business in 2013 and did so on a wing and a prayer!! With a lot of sweat equity, creativity, special events and anything else we could think of to bring people into the building, we are still here and continually growing and evolving! Although a bank loan would have made my life easier, I discovered that the banks do not look kindly on hospitality businesses. After realizing that the banks were not going to work with me, I applied and happily secured a small business loan from Calumet County that got us through the first winter. It was a good feeling to know that the County had faith in our success. We are also an extremely proud partner catering to premier businesses and organizations such as The Bergstrom Corporation, The Fox Cities
The High Cliff Team
Being a member of the Heart of The Valley Chamber has brought many people into my business that may never have come in. We are grateful to have hosted the Taste of the Heart, The Women in Business Week Event, Several Business After Hour Networking Events, along with referrals from the staff and other members using us for their catering needs. I believe that being a Chamber Member gives you credibility that you are investing in the community and therefore the community is willing to invest in you! The “exchange” with other members about business and other areas has been priceless!
Good News is Worth Repeating KELLER, Planners, Architects, Builders, a Design/Build General Contractor with offices in Wausau, Madison, Milwaukee and the Fox Cities will design and build a 3,800 square foot sanctuary addition for Calvary Chapel of Waupaca under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Dale Hulce and Designer, Jim Stojke. KELLER, Inc., a Design/Build General Contractor with offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau announces the promotion of Shane Lamon to Expeditor, Jordan Schroeder as an Architectural Draftsman, Aaron McGinnis as an Architectural Draftsman, Danielle Heiting as an Accounts Payable Administrator, Kelsie Dallmann as an Administrative Assistant and Rebekah Spidle as an Interior Designer.
Lamon
Heiting
Schroeder
McGinnis
Dallmann
Spidle
J.J. Trucking recently celebrated the grand opening of their new 48,400 square foot storage facility at 3950 County Road PP in Plymouth. Keller, Inc. was the design/build general contractor for the new facility.
Stellar Blue Technologies launched four custom websites for companies. ThedaCare, the largest healthcare system in Northeast Wisconsin, is investing $3 million in Mequon-based Smart Choice MRI, the first MRI provider in the country to offer every MRI for an all-inclusive fee of $600 or less. Marco announced today the addition of a new Enterprise Network Team focused exclusively on providing business enablement technology solutions to enterprise businesses. The hires are part of Marco’s growth strategy to expand its business by investing in highly experienced and technically competent specialists. First National Bank – Fox Valley’s (FNB Fox Valley) Board of Directors has elected Dustin McClone to replace Tim Bergstrom as the new Vice Chairman of the Board and has added Fritz Merizon as a Director. First National Bank – Fox Valley (FNB Fox Valley) has hired Sydney Johnson as a Teller, Kevin McCarty as Credit Supervisor and has promoted Jennifer Miller to Regional Teller Supervisor and Cathy Brazee to Commercial Loan Support Lead.
Johnson
McCarty
Miller
Brazee
Epiphany Law, LLC, a boutique law firm in Northeast Wisconsin, will be hosting interactive monthly meetings that allow small business owners with 5-50 employees to share ideas, learn about various business topics, and share best
Contact Us Give us a call for more information about our services and products
practices relevant to business professionals. The goal of Morning Business 60 is to provide information to small business owners which will assist them in running their business effectively and efficiently. It is free advice, networking, a light breakfast and coffee all at no cost to you.
Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce 101 E. Wisconsin Ave. Kaukauna, WI 54130 (920) 766-1616 info@heartofthevalleychamber.com
Emily Smits, Weston, has been named to CAP Services’ newly created Director of Talent position.
Smits, Weston
Visit us on the web at: www.heartofthevalleychamber.com