SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2018
ALTRA GIVES Helping you live your best life!
CHAMBER LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Ed Jaekel - Chair JRM CPAs, LLC Lynn Bruns, Chair-Elect ISG Bruce Friell Vice-Chair Elect (Secretary) Gundersen Health System Joe Poehling, Past Chair First Supply, LLC Randy Berg - Treasurer Trane
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kerstin Boudreau Metre Chris Butler Verve, a Credit Union Jansen Dahl Dahl Automotive La Crosse Brad Dinsmoor Dinsmoor Strategies Anne Finch Logistics Health - LHI Wendy Franke, Board Advisor N2 Publishing A.J. Frels, Ex-Officio Explore La Crosse Spencer Hegenbarth, Board Advisor RE/MAX First Choice Scott Kish Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Sue Kolve-Feehan The Salon Professional Academy Brian Koopman Trust Point, Inc. Steve Loehr Kwik Trip Robin Moses, Ex-Officio Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. Amy Noel Mayo Clinic Health System Tim Oliver, Board Advisor US Bank Brandon Prinsen Johns, Flaherty & Collins, SC JoAnn Steffes Steffes HR Advantage Glena Temple Viterbo University Jodi Widuch The Parenting Place Jeff Wieser Wieser Brothers General Contractor, Inc.
SEEKING A GOVERNMENT THAT COMMUNICATES As early as a few months ago, I joked that the first municipal leader to hire a communication director gets my vote. After what happened with the vote on the remodeling/expansion of the La Crosse Center, it's no longer a joke for me. [A La Crosse Center update is later in this publication.] The La Crosse Center process was government at its worst. No business would allow its largest historic investment to get to the CEO’s desk and be vetoed without anyone seeing it coming. Our Chamber, unquestioningly, developed the most comprehensive tool to educate the public on the project and what the city council members were voting for. That needs to change.
GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION NEEDS TO BE MODERNIZED For government to be a partner in solving our problems, they need to be more transparent. The only people engaged right now are the people with the time to monitor a government website to look up agendas who then know to show up for meetings. That’s governing by the vocal minority. That needs to change. A fundamental of a successful business is that you can’t launch a product or service just by opening your door. You must market. You must push communication out. The more channels, the better in this crazy, busy world. If the smallest shop on the corner can do it, so can our government. We need change. Instead, our government is like a tall business on the corner that everyone sees the name of but no one knows what it’s producing. We also know it’s getting our money, and will continue to do so, so it will never fold. This model breeds mistrust. That needs to change. Government creates a lot of sausage. The larger the plant, the more it struggles to get meat into the casing. There are many cocktail sausages that get produced that segments of people care about, but when a brat or even ring bologna is about to come out, people want to know before it hits the grill. Right now it’s char-broiled, flame burned and coming out crispy before anyone knows about it. That needs to change.
CASTING A NEW VISION Some people listen to talk of government and hear the Charlie Brown’s teacher (wah-wah, wah-wah) or the equivalent of a bad speaker at a drive thru. An effective communicator should put the taxpayer in the shoes of the councilmember or supervisor and ask, “Now that you know the facts and the impact, how would you vote?” Leave the politics to those wanting to argue one way or another. An effective communicator would use all mediums available to push that information out, allowing people to click through to information they care to learn more about on the municipal website. If companies spread information by going viral, why can’t electeds be equipped with quick social media posts to send out through their connections? If a website can alert you that a convicted sex-offender is moving into your neighborhood, why can’t the same be done when a municipal project occurs within a certain radius of your home? The technology is there. Government is not. Government could learn a thing or two from how businesses operate. Hiring someone to communicate what it is working on would be a given to ensure its stakeholders understand what we are paying for. It’s time government catches up.
Vicki Markussen, Executive Director La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce
TABLE OF CONTENTS Business Expo....................................................................................................................................5 Young Professionals..........................................................................................................................5 Leadership Training . ...................................................................................................................... 6 Advocacy Update................................................................................................................................7 Now Hiring!...................................................................................................................................... 9 Upcoming Events............................................................................................................................. 9 Maximize Your Membership.......................................................................................................... 12 Ribbon Cuttings............................................................................................................................... 12 Connecting Members to Members................................................................................................. 15 Rockstars.......................................................................................................................................... 15
VICKI MARKUSSEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
608-784-4880 ext. 226 vicki@lacrossechamber.com
ANGELA SEEGER, BUSINESS OUTREACH DIRECTOR 608-784-4880 ext. 225 angela@lacrossechamber.com
MAGGIE CHRISTIAN, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
608-784-4880 ext. 224 maggie@lacrossechamber.com
SARAH GANG, MARKETING DIRECTOR 608-784-4880 ext. 233 sarah@lacrossechamber.com
RANDY FISCHER, FINANCE DIRECTOR
608-784-4880 ext. 223 randy@lacrossechamber.com.
JAMI REDENBAUGH, MEMBER RELATIONS
608-784-4880 jami@lacrossechamber.com
jmklattedesign@gmail.com
ALTRA CREDIT UNION.................. PGS 3-4
CONTACT THE CHAMBER
MAGAZINE LAYOUT BY JACOB KLATTE
FEATURED ARTICLE
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PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE
is at the
center of the Credit Union movement. At Altra Federal Credit Union, it has been a core value since it was founded in 1931 as Trane Federal Credit Union. Their name may have changed, but their commitment to the community is stronger than ever. Altra strives to make an impact in the communities they serve by focusing on three key areas: financial literacy, community development and cultural enrichment. To achieve this commitment, Altra supports and encourages employee volunteerism. Recently, Altra instituted a Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policy which gives full-time employees eight hours per year of paid time to volunteer in the community. Employees are encouraged to find a cause they are passionate about and volunteer during their normal work hours. In addition to the VTO policy, Altra will hold their first Altra Gives Back Day on Monday, October 8, 2018. Employees will spend half of their day volunteering
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at various organizations in
for the past thirty-three
the Coulee Region as well
years. Each year they
as the communities of their
help plan the tournament
national office locations. The
with other Credit Union
other half of the day will
employees from the Seven
include an employee meeting
Rivers Chapter, as well as
featuring key note speaker,
employees volunteer and
Tom Thibodeau.
golf at the event.
“Once employees realize how
Throughout the summer,
easy it is to volunteer and
Altra employees help set
how meaningful it is to both
the pace for the Great
them and the organization,
Rivers United Way as
we feel employees will
part of the Pacesetter
continue to make a difference
Campaign. In addition
on their own time,” said
to participating in A Day
Altra President & CEO, Jack
of Caring, employees can
Peplinski.
participate in a variety of
Not only does Altra champion employee volunteerism, they also acknowledge the efforts of local volunteers through their sponsorship of the Jefferson Awards Foundation. Each month, a local volunteer is recognized for their dedication to the community. One deserving individual is then chosen to represent the Coulee Region at the national ceremony in Washington, DC. As part of Credit Unions for Kids, Altra fundraises for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals each year as part of their CMN Month Campaign in February. This year, employees contributed nearly ninety percent of the total funds raised. In addition to CMN Month, Altra employees are involved in the Miracle Open Golf Classic held the first Tuesday of August
events during the monthlong fundraiser including an online employee auction, Bing-O, summer fun days and food truck lunches. This year, Altra hosted their first tasting event that included food and beverages from local restaurants, breweries and wineries. In addition, employees gathered over lunch to assemble personal hygiene kits that were distributed to local organizations in need. In the spirit of the Christmas holiday season, employees step up to adopt local individuals and families in need. Altra realizes that supporting those who are experiencing
“EACH YEAR, I’M OVERWHELMED BY THE GENEROSITY OF ALTRA EMPLOYEES.” SHAWN HAUSER, ALTRA COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER
and gift-in-kind donations
and the betterment of the
were distributed to over 400
communities Altra serves.
organizations in Altra’s local and national markets.
As they look toward
“Each year, I’m overwhelmed
formalizing a Corporate
by the generosity of Altra
Social Responsibility
employees,” said Shawn
policy. “Our employees
Hauser, Altra Community
are our biggest asset as an
Relations Manager. “We
organization,” Peplinski
strive to provide a variety of
said. “As we continue to
opportunities for employees
grow, we want to ensure
to be involved in our
that Altra maintains an
communities. Whether it is
environment of corporate
time, talent or treasure, they
giving. I believe
are such a giving group of
our employees
individuals and I am proud to
will grow
call them colleagues.”
personally and
As a way to acknowledge employee efforts, in 2018 Altra created the Community adverse circumstances by providing clothing, every day necessities and simple gifts can make a positive impact on one’s life that can be paid forward in the future. Employees can participate on any level they choose including a monetary donation, shopping, wrapping or delivering gifts.
Hero Award. The award will be given out annually and will recognize an individual whose volunteer service to others embraces Altra’s sense of helping community
the future, Altra will be
professionally as a result of giving back, which will strengthen our communities and make Altra stronger as an organization.”
members live their best lives. This award honors an employee who possesses a selfless dedication to the betterment of others
In addition to the three major campaigns, employees may choose to participate in Friday Jeans Days each week. In 2017, employee contributions, combined with Altra sponsorships
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SAVE THE DATE! FOR THE BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS EXPO THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | La Crosse Center, South Hall
Our Business-to-Business Expo is back again this year with even more opportunities to connect your organization to other organizations in the La Crosse Area. Look for more information in upcoming Chamber communications - registration will be launching soon!
YP UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER 5: HOME BUYING 101 Browsing, buying, or selling your home is a daunting process.Join us at the Chamber in September as we hear insider tips on real estate, lending, titles and
TRUE EXPERTISE + WORKING INGENUITY
insurance from your fellow YPs. Lunch will be provided pre-registration required.
OCTOBER 3: FIRST SUPPLY AND GERHARD’S Learn the fascinating story of First Supply and Gerhard's Kitchen & Bath Store - a staple of the La Crosse business community for 121 years! The luncheon will
Proudly celebrating
45 years
Committed and eager for the years to come, ISG’s multidisciplinary team continues to expand its expertise and strengthen bonds with the communities we serve, including La Crosse and its surrounding partners. Powered by our clients, ISG embodies a spirit of innovation, focusing on the future while honoring the past.
showcase the new lighting division of Gerhard's, recently acquired from Wettstein's earlier this year.
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ARCHITECTURE + ENGINEERING + ENVIRONMENTAL + PLANNING
www.is-grp.com
LEADERSHIP TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES SPACE IS LIMITED - SIGN UP TODAY!
Strengthening our community means strengthening our leaders - take advantage of this opportunity to grow as a leader! Our line up for leadership trainings for 2018-19 include Community Leadership, Servant Leadership, and Dale Carnegie Leadership Training. Space is limited, so sign up today to reserve your spot! More information can be found at our website www.lacrossechamber.com/learn.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP (8AM – 11:30AM) Servant leadership is a
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP (8AM-12PM) The La Crosse Area Community Leadership Program is unlike any other program you will experience and is guaranteed to provide
philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just community and a caring world.
DALE CARNEGIE LEADERSHIP For over 100 years Dale
UPCOMING COURSES INCLUDE:
Carnegie Training has been
Dale Carnegie Course-
helping companies improve
One meeting per week over
their most important asset,
8 weeks beginning Monday,
their people! Dale Carnegie
September 17th in Madison; Tuesday, September 18th in
greater insight into the
We’re proud to partner with
Training is recognized the
community in which you
Viterbo University to offer you
world over for its unique
La Crosse. Evenings, 6pm-
a renowned two-part servant
ability to coach men, women
9:30pm
become a member of our
leadership program. Take
and organizations to higher
esteemed Alumni group that
advantage of this opportunity
levels of achievement.
Strictly Business: The Dale
is equipped to help build the
to learn servant leadership
community’s future.
skills from nationally
The Greater La Crosse Area
Three full days, meeting
Chamber of Commerce is
three consecutive Tuesdays
proud to again be sponsoring
from 8:00am-5:00pm. Next
the Dale Carnegie Leadership
class beginning Tuesday,
Program, which is now
November 13th.
live. Upon graduation, you
DATES: • •
Tuesday, October 16 Tuesday, November 20
recognized, in-demand facilitator Tom Thibodeau. The takeaways from each session are timely, practical
•
Tuesday, December 18
•
Tuesday, January 15
•
Tuesday, February 19
FALL 2018 DATES:
•
Tuesday, March 19
•
Thursday, September 20
•
Tuesday, April 16
•
Thursday, October 11
•
Tuesday, May 21
•
Thursday, October 25
•
Thursday, November 8
and impactful.
Carnegie Immersion Seminar-
forming. Winning with Relationship Selling-
TRANSFORMATION STARTS HERE
One meeting per week over 8 weeks beginning Thursday, September 27th in Madison. Evenings, 4pm-7:30pm.
SPRING 2019 DATES: •
Thursday, March 7
"I once took a Dale Carnegie
•
Thursday, March 21
Course and it was equal to a
•
Thursday, April 4
college education."
•
Thursday, April 18
-Warren Buffet
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ADVOCACY UPDATES LA CROSSE CENTER Our message to Mayor Tim Kabat was to not follow the same failed process as last time. Stakeholders investing time in the process need to hear concerns earlier than the CEO's desk. Taxpayers deserve to be better informed. Every
by Vicki Markussen, Executive Director
projects like Market Street and Cass Street.
The County is bringing a multiple part question
Mayor Kabat stated a hefty bank account
to the November ballot asking for voter
doesn't makes sense when city roads are
guidance on how it should raise $5 million
crumbling. Doing the work now allowed them
for transportation. See the sidebar story for
to get ahead of inflation that would grow the
background. They include continuing to pursue
cost of the projects in a year or two.
the Premier Resort Area Tax (which we are opposed to), a $56 wheel tax (which is the
six months costs $1 million due to increasing construction costs. The Mayor agreed and said he is convening a group to increase communication. As of about 30 days ago, the timeline was to get a new plan submitted in what is now about 60 days. The plan will not be to build-out the park side of the La Crosse Center. The La Crosse Center Board is spearheading the
Realizing reserve spending
HOLDING OUR ELECTEDS ACCOUNTABLE The Chamber believes a combination of the following is a better solution: reallocate existing funds in the budget, create or earmark additional revenue, and continue to pressure the state and federal government for more funding. Each of these are tough. It's time we point out to our electeds when we see actions in these three ways and when we do not.
project.
CITY OF LA CROSSE DEMONSTRATES PRIORITIES
is not a long term solution, Mayor Kabat is proposing a local wheel tax of $25 that
highest wheel tax in the State of Wisconsin even higher when combined with the City of La Crosse's), or a 15% increase in the county portion of your property tax.
would have a sunset. This funding would allow them
In truth, the solution is a combination of the
to grow their transportation
wheel tax and property tax increase. However,
budget.
when presented as extreme, single-source funding options, voters gravitate to the least
The city and county can create this wheel tax without a voter weigh-in via
understood - the PRAT. Meanwhile, it requires a long and uncertain path subject to state dynamics.
referendum. Watch for it at upcoming council meetings.
Our Chamber agrees La Crosse County needs
COUNTY NEEDS TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS
more infrastructure money. First our County
The county budget is 51% human services, health and aging, 12% courts and safety, 10% solid waste and 8.7% is highway. Allocating
The City of La Crosse pulled money from its
more funding to the highways requires
ample reserves to maintain major artery road
impactful decisions elsewhere.
needs to make tough choices to demonstrate that transportation is a priority. We have a few supervisors listening and earmarking surplus sales tax to transportation. Last year, and again this year, the amount was $400,000. We have a few areas to tackle after that. We'll keep you posted.
YOUR VOICE: THE BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE ON FUNDING OUR ROADS The Chamber agrees with local, state and
Shared revenue from federal and state
We are open to new forms of revenue at
national government that our roads msut be
started to not keep pace with the Consumer
the local level, but we do not believe the
fixed. Delayed maintenance projects due to
Price Index. The gas tax was kept constant
only solution is to increase a local tax or fee
lack of funding become major overhauls when
amid controversy. While Madison debates
indefinitely.
funding is allocated. What we disagree on is
over creation of additional taxes versus
how to get there.
efficiency with our current resources, our
LACK OF STATE, FEDERAL SOLUTIONS CREATES PROBLEMS
counties, towns, villages and cities face a gap
The root of the problem is that in 2011, in exchange for counties and municipalities
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in financing and a property tax cap. Seeing no solutions in sight, they're seeking other solutions.
receiving money for infrastructure from the
THE CHAMBER WAY
state (a.k.a. "shared revenue"), the state
Local solutions become problematic when (not
capped how much they can raise their property
if) state and federal solutions become available.
taxes to ensure that taxpayers weren't paying
When a new tax is created, it rarely goes away.
for projects through state taxes that became
There is always another need for the money
local and then again through property taxes.
and people become accustomed to paying it.
We believe a combination of the following is a better solution: reallocate existing funds in the budget, create or earmark additional revenue, and continue to pressure the state and federal government for more funding. Each of these are tough.
DISPELLING MISINFORMATION The first challenge is understanding whose money impacts which roads. The road in front of your house is likely owned by your local municipality but there are exceptions. Think
SOLUTION 1: BUDGET REALLOCATION Continuing to operate as status quo is no longer an option. Declining state and federal funding has counties and municipalities taking solutions into their own hands. During the recession, transportation funding seems to have switched to courts and safety. It has not returned. back to your driver's education days. Ovals around numbers are state highways - ex.
Our Chamber is pressing that municipalities first demonstrate their prioritization before
La Crosse Street (Highway 16), West Avenue
asking for additional fees and taxes.
(Highway 35). Shields around numbers are U.S./Federal Highways and include Copeland,
SOLUTION 2: ADDITIONAL REVENUE
Rose Streets and Mormon Coulee Rd. Squares
There are three additional revenue sources on the November ballot: PRAT, Wheel Tax and
around letters are county roads - ex. B, Z, SN,
County Property Tax Increase.
and S.
Should the County Spend Money on Transportation. VOTE YES
The symbol matters because that tells us who
We believe additional funding is needed by the County. The structure of the referendum is
is responsible financially for its upkeep. For
problematic. It presents all-or-nothing solutions with extreme numbers that we do not
example, fixing La Crosse Street is funded by
recommend. Budget prioritization, a smaller wheel tax, and a lower county property tax
the State paying the City to do the work.
increase are more viable.
Funding from the state and federal
Premier Resort Area Tax (PRAT). VOTE NO
governments for roads, bridges and transit,
Our Chamber opposed the PRAT because it is a problematic use of a tool designed for the
however, have not kept pace with the
Wisconsin Dells whose infrastructure strains from 4-million summertime tourists. When
construction costs, leaving counties and
it gets applied to a County where tourism is 5% of its tax base, it means at least 80% of
municipalities short.
the tax is paid by you and I. It's essentially an extra 1/2-percent sales tax except, and problematic, it is only paid at certain places. Buy flowers at a florist and pay the tax. Buy
County road funding is more complicated. A
them at a grocery store and you don't. You'll even pay it on your gym membership. For a
portion of all of our property taxes goes to
company that competes with Rochester or online, for example a wedding dress, the decision
the County. Property tax growth in Onalaska
to buy elsewhere is easy. For a convention whose attendees will pay $8,000 or more, that
benefits the county. Their social services,
too is a deciding factor.
health, economic development and other programs benefit all in the county, however
Wheel Tax. VOTE NO
their safety and infrastructure cover gap
Wheel taxes have become the additional revenue of choice. A wheel tax gets added on to
areas not covered by towns, villages and
your $75 vehicle registration fee by the municipality in which you live and/or the the County
cities - ex. sheriff's department services and
in which you live. The highest wheel tax currently is $45 ($20 Milwaukee City and $30
roads. What this means is additional funding
Milwaukee County). Wisconsin State Journal reported four communities with a wheel tax in
generated by the County only has to be spent
2011 is now up to 27 at the end of 2017. This doesn't include a $30 wheel tax that passed in
on county roads (ex. B, Z, SN, and S) not for
Eau Claire County, a $28 Dane County (Madison) fee, and Green Bay $20.
La Crosse Street, Main Street in Onalaska, etc.
The difficulty with a wheel tax as presented is $56 for the County is extreme. Most counties are at $30 at most. Because it only pays for county roads (most likely not the road in front of your home), municipalities like the City of La Crosse need room to use this tool as well - ex. $25 for the City and $30 for the County. Remember, this wheel tax is not being shared with municipalities. Think of all those square box - letter named roads. That's what it's paying for.
Property Tax. VOTE NO The same reasoning applies here as the Wheel Tax. We believe a 15% increase is unnecessary and extreme when presented as a stand-alone solution. Second of all, no one understands how much the county portion of their property tax is. Here again, property taxes are not shared with municipalities. Unless you live on a county road, this won't fix your road.
Why So Many No's Again, we believe a combination of solutions is needed and this County referendum question seeks one solution over another. We technically support each but to vote yes for all opens the door for $10 million in solutions.
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ADVOCACY UPDATES
Continued...
NOW HIRING: ADVOCACY, TALENT DEVELOPMENT & CONCIERGE At the time of writing, we are quickly approaching hiring for three components of the Chamber. I state it this way because we're looking for the right combination of all three in any combination (from three part time to one part+one full). We will adjust positions to make the hours add up. What you're joining is a highly innovative and adaptable team who is constantly listening to the needs of our members and (re)developing our programs and services to help companies grow. If you love constant improvement and the ease of change that comes with working with a small team, this is the work environment for you! Detailed information can be found online at lacrossechamber.com. Resumes can be submitted at recruit@lacrossechamber.com
ADVOCACY: ~ 20 HOURS/WEEK
CONCIERGE: ~ 29 HOURS/WEEK
This candidate understands what challenges businesses face and how government impacts competitiveness. They develop proactive, respected relationships with our electeds and staff to ensure the concerns of business are always heard.
Develop this program for us! The concierge is the connection between a business wanting to attract key talent to the area and the individuals considering moving here. They address the work needs while you help with their personal - from finding a home (rental or ownership), meeting their special diversity needs, finding a church, and more. We are seeking an individual who is well-connected to the resources and assets of our community with the professionalism of an HR recruiter to bridge this unique opportunity. Flexibility is key as you become one of their first friends while functioning as an HR-team extension for businesses - reporting updates and struggles.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT: ~ 20 HOURS/WEEK The number of available workers is fewer than available positions - and the gap is growing - our businesses need tools to make them win the talent they are trying to attract, particularly from outside the area. Additionally, the millennials are replacing experienced baby boomers requiring quick skill development. Assist our Talent Development Committee to develop these tools and resources needed by so many businesses.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Please register in advance as this is considered a private event and is by invite-only for all Chamber members.
September 13 | 5:15 p.m. HOSTED BY THREE SIXTY REAL ESTATE @ The Hub 415 6th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601
October 11 | 5:15 p.m.
November 8 | 5:15pm
HOSTED BY INSITE
HOSTED BY THREE AMIGOS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
@ Cargill Room, The Waterfront Restaurant 332 Front St S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Location to be announced
UPCOMING EVENTS
September
September 6 | 9:00 a.m. Faith in Leadership Assisi Room in St. Rose Convent, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration 912 Market St La Crosse, WI 54601 September 10 | 7:30 a.m. The Forum: Meet Your Local Candidates to Madison Education Center, La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce 601 7th St N La Crosse, WI 54601
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September 11 | 10:00 a.m. Special Forum: DOT Secretary Ross Education Center, La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce 601 7th St N La Crosse, WI 54601 September 20 | 8:00 a.m. Servant Leadership Program (sign up for all four sessions in the program @ lacrossechamber.com) September 26 | 8:00 a.m. Maximize Your Membership Education Center, La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce 601 7th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601
October
November
October 8 | 7:30 a.m. The Forum: Meet Your Federal Representative Candidates
November 1 | 9:00 a.m. Business Conference
Education Center, La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce 601 7th St N La Crosse, WI 54601 October 10 Oktoberfest in the Capitol Join us in Madison! Learn more at www.lacrossechamber.com October 16 | 8:00 a.m. 2018-19 Community Leadership Program Sign up for the full program @ lacrossechamber.com
La Crosse Convention Center 300 Harborview Plaza La Crosse, WI 54601 November 12 | 7:30 a.m. The Forum: Election Results & Their Impact with Joe Heim Education Center, La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce 601 7th St N La Crosse, WI 54601
December December 10 | 7:30 a.m. The Forum (Topic TBD!) Education Center, La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce 601 7th St N La Crosse, WI 54601
Course instructor
Bill Koepnick has more than 42 years of experience in safety and health including work as a corporate safety specialist in industry, 11 years with the Wisconsin Safety Council and was recognized with their Safety Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Now living in Prescott, Arizona, Gundersen Health System is pleased to welcome Bill back to La Crosse, Wisconsin.
OSHA
30-hour voluntary compliance course for general industry
New and experienced safety, health and compliance professionals, as well as personnel who have a wide range of responsibilities, such as human resource managers, plant managers and safety committee members, will benefit from the program.
Key Topics/Goals/Objectives
• Introduction to OSHAct/OSHA Standards • OSHA Inspections/Citations/Penalties • Industrial Hygiene • Hazardous Materials (Subpart H) • Material Handling & Storage (Subpart N) • Portable Tools (Subpart P) • Personal Protective Equipment (Subpart I) • Electrical (Subpart S) • Means of Egress/Fire Protection (Subparts E & L) • Permit Required Confined Spaces
• Recordkeeping • Safety Program Management Guidelines • Hazard Communication Standard • Walking/Working Surfaces (Subpart D) • Machine Guarding (Subpart O) • Welding (Subpart Q) • Hearing Conservation (Subpart G) • Electrical Safety-Related Work Practice, Lockout/Tagout • Sanitation/Safety Signs/First Aid (Subparts J & K)
Session location, dates and times
Monday-Thursday, October 15-18, 2018 each day, at Gundersen Hotel & Suites - La Crosse Fee for the 4-day course is $650 per person, which includes continental breakfasts, lunches and both required publications. The number of participants is limited so make your reservation online or by phone. Register at: gundersenhealth.org/business To register by phone, call Gundersen Business Health Services via BusinessLink at (800) 731-4431 or (608) 775-4431.
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Inc. Gundersen Clinic, Ltd. | 4864-8_0618
Specialty Coffee • Hot Food Anytime Top Tier Fuel • Fresh Meat Clean Restrooms • No Fee ATM* *No service fees are charged by our stores. Individual card holder fee may still apply.
kwiktrip.com
ONLY TWO MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP EVENTS LEFT IN 2018! JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH FROM 8:00AM-9:00AM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHAMBER AND HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP! This quarterly program helps you understand what the Chamber offers your business and provides strategies for maximizing these benefits.
•
Build connections with other Chamber members
Don't miss out on all the benefits that your Chamber
•
Discover the potential within your Chamber membership
membership has - register early online or by calling the
•
Utilize your online Member Information Center (MIC) to
Chamber to learn about how you can get the most out of your
post hot deals, jobs, and more!
membership! Can't make it to this one? Register for our last
•
Learn about all of the perks of being a Chamber member
Maximize Your Membership event on Wednesday, November
•
Please bring brochures and/or samples to share.
28th!
RIBBON CUTTINGS
BETHANY LUTHERAN HOMES June 19th, 2018 - Ground breaking for their Eagle Crest South expansion.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE 7 RIVERS REGION July 25th - Ribbon cutting at their new location.
VALLEY VIEW MALL July 31st - Ribbon cutting celebrating 38 years.
THREE AMIGOS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT June 21st, 2018 - Ground breaking for their Abbey Court property.
HAVENWOOD OF ONALASKA July 25th - Ground breaking for their new complex.
STATE BANK FINANCIAL August 16 - Re-dedication ribbon cutting celebrating 160 years.
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CONNECTING MEMBERS TO MEMBERS ALLERGY ASSOCIATES: Allergy treatment
CHARTERPOINT WEALTH STRATEGIES:
Directors, Financial Service Specialists,
through Allergy Associates of La Crosse
Recently welcomed Michael Myers to
and staff to help manage the career
and Allergychoices, Inc. is based on
the LaCrosse-base team. Michael will be
training process for New Financial
the La Crosse Method™ Protocol. The
providing full financial planning services
Advisors in LaCrosse, Milwaukee, and
protocols’ treatment outcomes were
in the LaCrosse and New Lisbon area.
Minneapolis.
officially validated by The Validation
Also, Joel Dettwiler has continued his
Institute, affirming that the treatment
professional training toward his Charter
PER MAR SECURITY SERVICES announced
method provides real patient benefits.
Special Needs Consultant designation.
the hire of Jennifer Thiede as Director of
AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE - TEAM LASSEN AGENCY: Cappuccino, and
THE FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY CENTER WILL PRESENT JESUS@WORK: Leading
ice cream, and cookies—oh my! The
With Your Heart and Head with keynote
responsibilities as Director of Human
construction is complete and we’re
speaker John McHugh from Kwik
Resources include managing human
getting cozy in our additional Tomah
Trip Inc. from 8 a.m. to noon Friday,
resources, recruiting and training.
office finally and it feels like home. We’re
October 26, at The Cargill Room at The
still here in Holmen/La Crosse area of
Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern. The
VITERBO UNIVERSITY: Viterbo University
course, but if you happen to pass through
conference has been intentionally priced
will launch a new graduate program,
Tomah, please come say hello and get a
at just $20 per person to make it possible
an Ed.D. in Counseling Education and
scoop of ice cream in our Team Lassen
for leaders to bring their entire team.
Supervision in Spring 2019. This is part of
Lounge!
Kristy Walz of Confluence Consulting
the Mental Health Counseling area in the
will facilitate discussion after the talk.
College of Nursing, Health, and Human
Information: www.FSCenter.org or 608-
Behavior. More info: www.viterbo.edu/
791-5295.
edd.
and the City of Onalaska for collaborating
MIDWEST ALARM SERVICES is excited to
Interested in completing your bachelor’s
to revitalize Onalaska’s downtown. The
announce the launch of its new website.
degree in nursing or business? Attend the
three partners received the Triangle of
The new website’s responsive design
Viterbo University virtual information
Achievement Award for their joint work
allows for visitors to easily navigate
session on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at noon
on Dash-Park and David Reay’s Modern
the site, and learn about integrated life
for information on BSN completion
Diner + Tavern.
safety solutions including fire alarm
or Wednesday, Sept. 19 at noon for
design and engineering, inspections,
information on business completion. Visit
fire extinguishers, alarm monitoring,
www.viterbo.edu/info-sessions.
DBS GROUP: The La Crosse Area Development Corporation honored DBS Group along with Dave and Barb Skogen
DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Find the talent your business needs! The second annual Coulee Region Job Fair will be held September 20, 2018 at the Omni Center in
wireless clocks, security systems, nurse call systems, area of refuge and mass notifications.
Human Resources. Thiede brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in human resources and operations to the role. Her
KEITH PURNELL, who served for 22 years in the U.S. Army before retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class, is Viterbo
Onalaska. Register today for this premier
MUTUAL OF OMAHA: Aimee Meyer has
University’s new director of military
hiring event, sponsored by the Workforce
joined the Upper Midwest Division
aligned student support and recruitment.
Development Board and partners: www.
Office of Mutual of Omaha as a Training
For military and veterans information,
eventbrite.com/e/2018-coulee-region-
Manager in LaCrosse. Meyer will work
visit www.viterbo.edu/military-and-
job-fair-tickets-46301466934
with the Managing Director, Sales
veterans.
HAVE MORE THAN 40-WORDS WORTH OF UPDATES? SHARE YOUR BUSINESS NEWS ONLINE USING YOUR MEMBER INFORMATION CENTER (MIC)! Log in to your MIC account to have 24/7 access to post News Releases, Job Postings, Hot Deals, Events, and more! Visit www. lacrossechamber.com/login/ or contact the Chamber to learn more about how to get the most out of your MIC!
ROCK STARS
CONNECT. GROW. ADVOCATE. IS THE BEDROCK OF THE CHAMBER. HERE WE SPOTLIGHT SOME PEOPLE WHO HELP US CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THAT FOUNDATION. Thank you to BRANDON PRINSEN (Johns, Flaherty & Collins, SC) for his help in navigating the liquor license regulations. Thank you to the top 25% Ambassadors for last quarter: RON REVERE (La Crosse Media Group), MICHEAL
GARCIA (1st Community Credit Union), TIM OLIVER (US Bank), and AMY STUDDEN (State of Wisconsin - Department of Workforce Development).
13
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage
PAID
La Crosse, WI Permit No. 219 601 7TH STREET N. • LA CROSSE, WI 54601 PHONE: 608-784-4880 • FAX: 608-784-4919 INFO@LACROSSECHAMBER.COM WWW.LACROSSECHAMBER.COM
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
SILVER SPONSORS BMO HARRIS BANK BREMER BANK DBS GROUP GENSLER HAWKINS ASH CPAS ISG
ALTRA FINANCIAL ADVISORS
EHLER INSURANCE
2715 Losey Blvd. South
505 King Street #10
La Crosse, WI 54601
La Crosse, WI
608.787.4599
608.793.1400
Sheila Peterson
Matthew Ehler
Financial Services
Insurance
CARPENTERS LOCAL 1143
HANSON & ASSOCIATES AMERIPRISE
2421 Larson Street
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC
La Crosse, WI 54603
500 2nd Street South, Suite 101
608.788.6240
La Crosse, WI 54601
Kevin Hennessey
608.783.2639
Construction
Lynn Konsela
DAIRYLAND POWER CREDIT UNION
Financial Services
3200 East Avenue South
HAVENWOOD OF ONALASKA
La Crosse, WI 54601
Hwy 16 And Emerald Drive
608.787-1283
Onalaska, WI 54650
Sue Johnson
608.299.9590
Credit Union
Elizabeth Meyer Nursing and Residential Care Facility
J.F. BRENNAN COMPANY/ BRENNAN MARINE INC.
DOHERTY STAFFING 146 West Broadway Street
VECTOR MARKETING
STATE BANK FINANCIAL
Owatonna , WI 55060
1501 Saint Andrew St, Suite 200B
952.832.8838
La Crosse, WI 54603
THREE-SIXTY REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS WIPFLI
Kymberley Zitzner Employer Organization
715.470.2073 Dustin Johnson Marketing