Business Leader Fall 2016

FALL FALL 2016 2016

Plus: UW-EC’s College of Business turns 50

■

More salaried workers will be eligible for

OVERTIME PAY

Local RC model boat enthusiast awarded ■

SPONSORED BY

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Permit #203 Eau Claire, WI

Thank you customers, employees and partners for getting us to 125 years of service.

We could not have done it without you.

We celebrate our history, relationships and the potential of a remarkable tomorrow.

Huebsch Services in Minnesota and Wisconsin, along with Huebsch Direct online, deliver custom solutions for work uniforms, floor mats, and cleaning supplies—solutions that enhance the marketplace experiences of our client brands, from their first impression to their lasting reputation.

Our unique perspective of placing client interests first—at every opportunity, without exception—derives from 125 years of family values shaping our business and our community.

Eau Claire, WI: 715-835-3101 Eagan, MN: 651-686-2320 www.Huebsch-Services.com

814719 9-26-16

2 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

Graphic Design & Layout ~ John Balgaard _________ Magazine Advertising & Distribution Coordinator ~

Pg

4

Pg

10

Engineer lauded by hobby group.

Pg

12

Pg

16

New equipment Co-op’s revenues grow boosts filter factory. under manager.

Catie.Carlson@ecpc.com

Editor ~ Andrew.Dowd@ecpc.com

Pg

22

COMMUNITY PROFILES

Companies prepare for overtime law change.

FEATURE STORY

➤ Guest Columns �������������������������� Pages 8, 19 ➤ Book Review ���������������������������������� Page 18 ➤ Honor Roll of Business ���������������������� Page 27 ➤ Briefcase ��������������������������������� Pages 33-36 ➤ Crossword ������������������������������������� Page 34 ➤ Business Directory ������������������������� Page 35 ➤ Calendar ���������������������������������������� Page 37 ➤ By The Numbers ����������������������������� Page 39

COVER STORY

FALL 2016

College of Business looks back on 50 years.

715-833-9204, @ADowd_LT As I labored on a Sunday to finish a lengthy article about overtime, the irony was not lost on me that I’d have to really manage the week’s hours to end at 40.

The federal law changing on Dec. 1 means that many salaried workers — about 4.2 million — will likely have to start doing the same.

Supervisors, managers and other salaried workers impacted by the upcoming change to U.S. labor laws will likely be asked to put in standard workweeks, a departure from the flexibility they’d traditionally had when it came to their hours.

For these workers there are the obvious benefits of getting paid overtime for putting in extra work or being able to enjoy more free time if their employer enforces a strict 40-hour week.

But businesses that relied on these employees to troubleshoot problems via phone on weekends, travel to training sessions and represent their company at events may need to rethink how those are done in compliance with the changing overtime law.

Local experts gave plenty of insight into expanding overtime

eligibility’s effects for this issue of Business Leader, which also features a variety of articles.

UW-Eau Claire’s College of Business is celebrating its golden anniversary, which is a good time to revisit its origins and look at 50 years of change.

Profiles of Kuss Filtration of Bloomer and the Menomonie Market Food Co-op both show how leadership contributes to a culture that fosters growth.

Michael Zaborowski finds that making and racing high-speed remote-control boats are fun pursuits when his workday is done at Realityworks.

Local investment expert Adam Mohr has an insightful column of the ups and downs that the S&P 500 has taken after presidential elections.

Also packed into this issue are expert leadership advice, a book review, recaps of some recent business developments and a look forward at events and classes for the business community in the Chippewa Valley.

Published four times per year by the Leader-Telegram advertising department. Copyright 2016 Eau Claire Press Co., 701 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire, WI 54701. All rights reserved. 800-236-7077. leadertelegram.com

COVER STORY

Overtime work

s a

d t s t “ a

e a p y

w t i p

t D 6

Companies have until December to prepare for change affecting 4.2 million U.S. employees

A A

E a

h

By Andrew Dowd, Leader-Telegram staff

historic change to U.S. overtime law impacting 4.2 million workers coming on Dec. 1 led hundreds of businesspeople in western Wisconsin to seek Deborah Marshall’s advice.

The human resources expert from business consulting and accounting firm Wipfli’s Eau Claire office got her 75-minute spiel on the law change down pat for the numerous seminars, webinars and trade group meetings that booked her.

“It’s huge, it’s a big deal,” she said of the change that will increase the number of salaried workers eligible for overtime pay.

While not as sweeping as new health insurance and record-keeping requirements put on employers from the Affordable Care Act a few years ago, Marshall said the impending overtime change is significant.

She called the U.S. Department of Labor’s final rule issued on May 18 a “bold move” as it doubled the salary level it takes for employees to be exempt from overtime law.

Since 2004, employees that earned more than $455 a week in salary — $23,660 for a year of 40hour workweeks — would not get overtime. On Dec. 1, that threshold increases to $913 a week — amounting to a $47,476 annual salary.

Bryan Symes, an attorney specializing in employment and labor law at Eau Claire’s Ruder Ware office, said most people, even those in management, would likely agree some kind of adjustment was in order. The current threshold had fallen about $600 below the federal poverty line for a household income needed to support a family of four.

Like Marshall, Symes also started educating area employers in spring about what the impending law change means to their businesses.

4 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

r a

r

o t

s o b e

b t

s

y c C

a I A

than the increased threshold to qualify for overtime, he said, Many employers are prepared for the overtime change, Symes noting that his company keeps competitive with the labor market. said, as it was widely publicized both in the news and a hot topic For employees with lower salaries, Larson said paying them among human resources professionals. overtime for the few hours they work over 40 a week is an option “It was a much-anticipated change,” he said. many are considering in the Marc Freedman, executive hospitality industry. director of labor and law policy for Getting ready Marshall believes retail the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, companies will have their overtime said the sudden increase to salary For businesses not already preparing for the change compliance plans well in place threshold is “excessive” and will be in overtime law or are in the process of doing so, before switching their focus to the “highly disruptive” to employees here are key steps Deb Marshall and Bryan Symes holiday shopping season. and employers. recommend are undertaken before Dec. 1: “Most of the retail industry And despite the efforts to • Communicate to employees that you’re working on this. will have this taken care of by educate employers about the fast• Review work roles and responsibilities.

Thanksgiving,” she said. approaching change, he said some • Verify exemption status based on duties While the potential to impact probably didn’t get the message performed. profit margins is a worry for yet.

• Identify employees at or below new threshold. businesses, the law change has the “There are a lot of employers potential to be more damaging who don’t know this is coming and • Track employees’ time. for employers that don’t get their they’re going to have to deal with it • Review and update overtime and timekeeping revenues from selling stuff. in short order,” Freedman said in a policies and procedures. phone interview.

• Train managers and supervisors in new procedures.

Among the workers affected by • Decide on redistributing workloads and hiring the rule change nationwide, the additional employees.

Most people think of typical forDepartment of Labor estimates • Communicate changes to employees. profit businesses — large and small 68,838 are in Wisconsin.

— when it comes to the overtime And based on the makeup of the change, but Freedman said the Eau Claire area economy, a notable amount of those employees U.S. Chamber also has been stressing the impact on nonprofit and their workplaces are in our area. organizations.

“Nonprofits, hospitality and retail are the ones that will be hit “They are quite literally trying to figure out how to absorb the hardest by this,” Marshall said. increased cost of this rule,” he said.

With little ability to raise more revenue, Freedman said many nonprofits will be considering a reduction in services they offer Businesses in those fields, particularly shops, hotels and and in some drastic situations, if they stay open at all. restaurants will likely find a way to comply with the law while “We’re literally talking about the groups that are the fabric also not cutting into their bottom lines. of local communities,” he said, citing groups including the Boy “That’s absolutely expected and that’s part of the fallacy of this Scouts of America and Big Brothers Big Sisters. regulation,” Freedman said.

Western Dairyland Community Action Agency — a private, While some salaried workers who have historically worked nonprofit agency that provides programs helping lower-income over 40 hours a week may be expecting a windfall, he cautioned individuals in Eau Claire, Buffalo, Jackson and Trempealeau counties — has been preparing in advance for the overtime law that they may instead be just working fewer hours. change, but still has some worries.

Strategies businesses will likely employ include changing “We have been preparing for this change for over a year,” Anna salaried employees to a comparable hourly wage, limiting hours Cardarella, Western Dairyland’s executive director stated in an of those workers to 40 a week, potentially shifting some duties email. between workers and other ways to effectively keep staffing costs The organization is using the strategy of switching 45 impacted even. salaried employees to hourly rates of pay. Staff in the Head “I think it will end up being cost-neutral,” Marshall said.

Start program already switched when the school year started, Symes doesn’t believe that will be universally possible for all Cardarella said, and affected workers in other programs will make businesses and some will absorb higher labor costs, but he agrees the same transition by Dec. 1. they will pursue that cost-neutral goal.

“We are still concerned with how this will affect our budgets,” Some jobs expected to be affected by the law include Caradarella said. supervisors and managers at restaurants and hotels.

Many Western Dairyland employees work outside a traditional “With high overhead expenses and punishing profit margins, workday, she said, at parent events, trainings, client meetings and yes, hospitality in general is expected to be affected by the other activities in addition to their regular duties. changes to the overtime rule,” Tom Larson, president of Larson Companies, said in an email statement.

Even with more than a year of preparations, Caradarella noted His Eau Claire-based company manages numerous restaurants some worries remain about potential unforeseen effects of the overtime rule change on the agency’s work. and hotels, including Eau Claire’s Holiday Inn and Johnny’s “There is some uncertainty — especially with our mid-level Italian Steakhouse, and the recently opened Staybridge Suites in management who we rely heavily on,” she said.

Altoona.

Larson’s general managers already are paid higher base salaries See page 6

Nonprofit squeeze

Affected businesses

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 5

from Page 5

COVER STORY

Making a plan

Aside from keeping an eye on personnel costs and morale, Marshall said employers should also work on their policies for managing overtime.

Both Marshall and Symes said there is no one-size-fitsall approach for employers faced with the overtime law change.

“It’s sort of a case-by-case basis,” Symes said.

Workers gaining the ability to get overtime will likely be But there are a few things that all affected employers in supervisory or managerial roles, but they’ll need to curb should do before Dec. 1.

One of the first things to do is educate employees on the their urges to check-in when they’re out of the office.

“They’re going to have to change their habits,” Symes impending change and assure them that your business is said.

“That same behavior might result in overtime working on it. compensation.”

The next key step for employers is getting an idea of Supervisors who have to troubleshoot problems while how much their employees making salaries less than outside the office will now need to make sure that time is $47,476 are actually working. accounted for, Freedman said.

“We’re telling employers to track employees’ time now “All that time now has to be captured,” he said. so when we get to December, you’re going to have a better Managers who have traditionally checked their emails idea on how to deal with this,” Marshall said. on weekends using a company-issued smartphone may One of the outcomes that Symes and Marshall are even find that device taken away as employers clamp expecting to see is more people working on an hourly rate. down on work time that now must be accounted for, “I have no doubt you’ll see some significant amount of Freedman added. employees pushed from Technology also can salaried into the hourly Nationwide numbers help control overtime bucket,” Symes said. costs and ensure For employers switching • T

he U.S. Department of Labor estimates that compliance with the salaried employees to 4.2 million workers in the U.S. will be affected law change, Marshall hourly pay, Marshall said by the Dec. 1 overtime law change. said, referencing an it’s not as simple as taking • Of the salaried workers that will qualified for article from the Society their current salaries and overtime starting Dec. 1, an estimated 1.5 for Human Resource dividing them by 2,080 million have minor children at home.

Management. hours for the year. Finding That online article says • The new rule will give overtime to about out how much they truly employers may want 19 percent of the 22.5 million U.S. salaried work is necessary to build to limit remote access workers who are currently exempt from it. likely overtime into their employees can have hourly rates. to company software In addition to the fiscal to within work hours, impacts of the law change, monitor when employees check email and even eliminate there’s also a potential emotional toll with some workers. technology that could lead to off-the-clock work.

“There’s sort of a morale issue with being hourly versus Symes cautioned that getting caught for not abiding by salaried,” Symes said. the Fair Labor Standards Act, which the new overtime rule Marshall agreed that the status and scheduling is a part of, can be costly for companies. flexibility that comes with being salaried is often seen Lawsuits that stem even from employees contesting as a perk. That’s another reason why employers need to even a small amount of pay can end up leaving companies communicate switching their pay from salary to hourly, if with a significant level of exposure as class action cases that’s their strategy. often have high attorneys fees, he noted.

Preventing overtime

• Electric Motors • Belts • Pumps • Gear Boxes • Bearings • Drives • Capacitors • Lubricants • Fuses • Fan Blades • Pulleys • And More!

• Machine Shop Easily accessible off Hwy 29 to Seymour Cray Blvd. to 1975 Olson Drive, Chippewa Falls

Lubricants

In Stock or Ordered

715-720-7012 or toll free 888-882-7012

Locally Owned • Prompt Service • Customer Service Is Our #1 Priority

www.garberselectric.com 6 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

814470 • 9-26-16

b

D t

t w t

w e a 1 c

m t y

s t u

t

c

Potential for change

Schrader, D-Ore., who wants the new threshold to be incrementally phased in annually to reach $47,476 in December 2019. The bill dubbed While the Dec. 1 deadline is probably the immediate concern for the “Overtime Reform and Enhancement Act” also would eliminate businesses, Marshall already has her mind on 2020. the adjustments that occur automatically every three years.

That’s when another part of the rule approved May 18 by the Schrader’s proposal has nine Department of Labor is scheduled to cosponsors — five Democrats and take effect — an automatic update.

Not covered four Republicans — but has been The 40th percentile salary level for stalled in the House’s Committee on There are certain jobs — even if they make $47,476 the lowest-income region of the U.S. Education and the Workforce since or less per year — that will be exempt from the will be resurveyed and the overtime mid-July. overtime law change. threshold will be adjusted to that.

Though the proposal has bipartisan • E xecutive-level jobs, such as branch managers, Based on the expectation that there support and Schrader has a lengthy building superintendents and CEOs. will be fewer workers on the lower list of trade associations in favor of • L earned professionals including teachers, dental end of the salary spectrum as more it, Freedman said it does face a “long hygienists, physician assistants, accountants, chefs are shifted to hourly rates on Dec. vertical climb.” and athletic trainers.

1, Marshall said the threshold will The U.S. Chamber is still •O utside salespeople who do not work primarily at continue climbing every three years. scrambling to see if anything an office or their homes.

Both Marshall and Freedman can be done to adjust the rapidly • S ole practitioners and people with 20 percent or mentioned a projection that the new approaching overtime law change, but more ownership in a business. threshold will be $51,000 in three Freedman admits there’s “no great •C reative professionals, such as writers, musicians, years. sense of optimism” that can get done actors and artists.

Freedman said that figure is

by Dec. 1. speculative, but the direction for Symes also has heard of legislative the regular readjustments will be and court challenges prepared for the overtime law change, but he upwards. doesn’t expect it to change by the Dec. 1 start date.

“Each time you do this you’ll have fewer employees in the pool and “If you don’t expect anything to happen, that ship has sailed,” he said. the threshold will skew higher,” he said.

Since spring, Marshall said she’s told employers to be ready for the The U.S. Chamber is lobbying for changes to the overtime rule overtime change. change’s implementation and future adjustments.

“I’m not telling them to wait it out,” Marshall said. “Be prepared.”

One proposal the U.S. Chamber likes comes from U.S. Rep. Kurt Contact: 715-833-9204, andrew.dowd@ecpc.com, @ADowd_LT on Twitter

FIERCELY FOCUSED >

I NEED MY CPA FIRM TO UNDERSTAND AND FOCUS ON MY BUSINESS. Talk to Wipfli. We can offer you the industry expertise and breadth and depth of resources of a national firm, but the focus you expect from a local firm. From audit and tax services to a wide range of information technology and business consulting services, Wipfli will provide customized solutions that align with your goals and needs. As a firm that has served businesses in the Chippewa Valley since 1921, we are committed to your success and the success of our business community. Contact Wipfli today to see how we can put the power of our focus to work for you.

Eau Claire Office: 715.832.3407

wipfli.com 814881 9-26-16

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 7

CEO SPEAK

Changing reality

Jeff West is the owner of Bear Down (beardowninc.com), an executive and executive team coaching company based in Eau Claire. He was a founder and CEO of Silicon Logic Engineering. He also currently chairs the local chapter of TEC (The Executive Committee) and Business Partners, a forum for small business leaders. West can be reached at: 715-559-2195 or jeffatbeardown@gmail.com.

Business leaders with imagination, vision can change the landscape “What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.”

PLUTARCH, Greek biographer, essayist

By Jeff West How well do you think you deal with reality?

We often talk as though we’re dealing with reality, right? Would it surprise you to know that this never happens?

What’s in our head is not reality. We filter input the world gives us and convert it into something that has meaning to us.

That meaning is based on multiple factors. Our background, experience, culture, education, etc. give each of us our own unique view of reality. All of these things make up the mental models we have that create our virtual reality.

Have you ever met anyone you agree with 100 percent of the time?

Probably not. So when you have disagreements who’s view of reality is correct?

Reality’s limitations

I know this may sound like a philosophical argument but there’s really nothing philosophical about it. It’s as practical as one can get.

Understanding this concept is critical if you want to become an effective leader. By not coming to grips with it, you’ll forever be at a disadvantage to those who understand it.

The world is a blank canvas. It’s not until we start adding the paint of our own biases and beliefs that we create something that has meaning to us.

So when we talk about reality – or our interpretation of reality – it’s limited to the way our own minds work. We might wish it to be some other way, but I’ll bet you’ve already experienced how much the world cares about your wishes. The world’s social, technological, economic and political complications are things we can understand only in the way we think based on who we are. Who among us has a strong grasp of all the complexities of the economy or society?

Trap of entrenchment

So if our sense of certainty on something doesn’t necessarily mean we’re right and how you happen to see a certain situation doesn’t obligate things to really be that way, what do we do?

The most popular answer is to find others who believe what we believe. There’s comfort in agreement.

But does that really do us any good though?

Whole civilizations have disappeared, going to the bitter end believing they were right based on the reality they created. Many companies have suffered a similar fate. Senior leadership believes the strategy they’ve implemented is correct and in line with reality only to watch helplessly as the world passes them by without as much as a nod.

8 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

We can ask for help from others, thereby expanding our view by adding different perspectives. However, others’ perspectives are not guaranteed to be any more infallible than ours.

Lee Thayer offers this advice in his excellent book “Leadership: Thinking, Being, Doing”: “Arguments on whether something is true or not is, most often, a waste of time. It’s not about, ‘Which interpretation is the true one?’ but ‘Which interpretation is going to get us where we want to go?’”

Creating new worlds

We each try to understand the world based on the mental models we create. Leaders, however, create alternative worlds. New worlds.

Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than facts.”

Whose imagination and whose facts?

The person who becomes the leader is the answer to those questions.

Think about Steve Jobs; he lived in the same world we did pre-iPod, iPhone, iPad. Where did they come from? His imagination!

Where did Mickey Mouse, full-length animated movies and Disney World come from? Walt Disney’s imagination!

Frederick Smith, founder of FedEx, only received a C on a paper while attending Yale. The paper outlined an overnight delivery service based on a hub-and-spoke model using new technology called computers. He received a C because his professor said that while it was an interesting idea it needed to be feasible to get a higher grade.

Is your imagination up to the task? What do you imagine for your business? Do you have the passion and drive to create a new reality?

Start with a vision

Once you get over the idea the world is somehow obligated to behave as you believe it should, the insight that you’re the artist with the blank canvas will appear.

By acknowledging that you don’t know it all or even a fraction of a fraction of it all, create a vision of what your business would look like if it was running at its very best.

Then begin putting plans in place and track if they get you closer to your image or not. If they do – great! If not – you need to figure out where your plans are out of sync with what the world is really doing.

You can never know what will happen in the future if you do “X.” You can only speculate. Measure and learn from your victories and failures and adjust yet again.

Real leaders create the reality they want from their vision of the future.

What reality do you want to create?

6

TUESDAY, OCT 18

11:30am - 3:30pm

E.C. Indoor Sports Center

3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire, WI

$5 Adults  under 12 free with paid adult

FREE Admission with Student I.D. or Military I.D.

Visit more than 150 exhibitors!

Network with hundreds of area business professionals.

Research new career opportunities at the job fair See new products and learn about new services!

Enter to win fantastic prizes at each booth!

Attend free educational seminars!

For more information, visit www.eauclairechamber.org or call the Chamber office at 715-834-1204.

Sponsored by:

Coordinated by:

814729 9-26-16

September 26, 2016 ♌ BUSINESS LEADER | 9

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Boats are his balance

Michael Zaborowski technician at

displays an outboard tunnel hull model boat he designed at Half Moon Lake. Zaborowski, a mechanical engineering Eau Claire-based Realityworks, recently was inducted into the International Model Power Boat Association’s Hall of Fame.

Photos by Marisa Wojcik

Realityworks technician spends off-hours designing and racing remote-controlled watercraft

By Eric Lindquist, Leader-Telegram staff

W

hen Michael Zaborowski first guided a remote-controlled model boat around Mill Pond in Owen as a high school student in 1979, he had no idea how far the hobby would take him.

Thirty-seven years later, Zaborowski is still directing model boats in circles around bodies of water, but the difference is the Eau Claire resident is now an internationally recognized designer and racer of the small crafts capable of reaching speeds as high as 80 mph.

Zaborowski’s contributions to the hobby were recognized in August when he was inducted into the International Model Power Boat Association’s Hall of Fame.

He joined the organization in 1994 as a boat racing enthusiast looking to take his hobby to a new level and certainly was successful in that regard, having won 17 national championships, three world championships and three masters championships.

A recent article in the IMPBA’s Roostertail newsletter pointed out that Zaborowski has been an innovator of model boat designs and accessories for more than 20 years and has designed boats in multiple classes.

“While his GrimRacer designs are well known, it is Mike’s enthusiasm for model boating, his dedication to promoting

10 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

and growing the sport, along with his unique ability to be an ambassador for the IMPBA, that makes him a deserving addition to the IMPBA Hall of Fame,” the article stated.

Zaborowski, 53, who also is active in the Western Wisconsin Modelers Association, called it an “incredible honor” to be named to the Hall of Fame for his longtime hobby in which he has raced in multiple size, hull and power classes. The boats he prefers to operate typically peak at about 60 mph as they speed clockwise around buoys in one-mile races.

“The biggest thing is that RC boating is as much a driver’s game as it is a tuner’s game. You really have to do your homework in all aspects of the sport if you expect to have success,” he said. “For me, being a mechanical person, it’s a great fit.”

Work-play balance

Zaborowski is one of those fortunate few who is able to pursue a hobby and career that complement each other perfectly.

As a mechanical engineering technician for Eau Claire-based Realityworks, Zaborowski uses many of the same skills at work that have propelled him to the front of the pack in model boat racing.

He noted that he follows a similar process when designing

boats as when he designed the company’s RealCareer Weld Defects Pursuing his passion Kit, which is used to train welding students about the most common Despite his success, Zaborowski’s model boating journey has defects that can occur when welding and how to correct them. The taken a few unexpected turns. process begins with building a prototype to a set of specifications The biggest came in 1988 when the 1982 graduate of Owenand then progresses to making molds, building prototypes from the Withee High School moved his family to Eau Claire and temporarily molds and adding labels, instructions and packaging. left his hobby in his wake.

“Most of it has to do with being driven to design and driven to But four years later, while he was working in the former Hobby understand — the want to know and need to know,” Zaborowski Master shop on Eau Claire’s north side, a group of enthusiasts said. visited the store and started talking up As a result of the obvious model boat racing, reigniting Zaborowski’s crossover between avocation and passion for the hobby. Before long he was vocation, Zaborowski said Realityworks back on the water, diving fully into racing president Tim Boettcher has been and the IMPBA. incredibly supportive of his modeling Zaborowski estimates he has built habit. several hundred model boats — about 25 “I think he knows that what drives me of which still hang on his garage wall — in during the evenings will help me during his “career.” He also has sold the rights to the day,” said Zaborowski, who also is some of his designs. involved with remote-controlled airplanes From 2005 to 2015, he even took a job and helicopters. designing model boats for a company in Boettcher said Zaborowski, who he Illinois before returning to Realityworks, called both a “cool dude” and a “product One of Michael Zaborowski’s boats, a sport 40 hydroplane, where he had worked for eight years sits on the water recently at Half Moon Lake. Model racing before trying the full-time plunge into his designer at heart,” is responsible for the boats typically range from about 28 to 50 inches long. mechanical designs of all Realityworks hobby. products, including parts of the company’s While Zaborowski first was drawn to well-known infant simulators. the technical side of model boat racing, he has learned to relish the “He has the uncanny ability to take a simple thought and turn opportunity to meet and learn from other enthusiasts. that into something you can actually touch, feel and experience,” “Now I have friends from all over the country and the world from Boettcher said. “Realityworks is all about bringing reality to life, and model boating,” he said. “It’s an amazing sport.”

Mike helps us do that in numerous ways.”

Contact: 715-833-9209, eric.lindquist@ecpc.com, @ealscoop on Twitter

BUSINESS LOANS & SERVICES 814888 9-26-16

F O U N D AT I O N

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 11 HOME LOANS

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Kuss Filtration’s 110,000-square-foot plant is located on the west side of U.S. 53 in Bloomer.

Photos by Chris Vetter.

Pure production Kuss Filtration’s Bloomer plant lauded for upgrading machinery, growing workforce

K

By Chris Vetter, Leader-Telegram staff BLOOMER

uss Filtration has seen its business expand after the filter-manufacturing firm integrated computer software systems into its production line, speeding up production while also improving the finished units.

Plant manager Jay Govardhan said the company now produces 20 million filters annually in the Bloomer plant.

The filters are for all types of machines with engines, ranging from cars (GM, Ford and Chrysler), motorcycles (Harley-Davidson), boats (Mercury Marine), agricultural (John Deere) and construction (Caterpillar) equipment, lawn mowers (Briggs & Stratton) and snowmobiles (Polaris).

“Nine out of 10 cars in the U.S. and four of five in Europe have a filter made by Kuss,” Govardhan said.

12 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

Govardhan became plant manager three years ago.

Since then, the company has invested $1.5 million into the factory, including a new $450,000 filtration testing system, a new roof valued at $350,000 and several pieces of equipment with sensors and data management technology.

While the company has added the new machines, Govardhan is quick to add they did not eliminate jobs.

Rather, the company’s workforce has increased 15 percent in the past three years, now sitting at 220 employees.

Integration of the computers and a faster production line was a Govardhan necessity, he said.

“High-speed manufacturing is the only way the U.S. manufacturer can beat the rest of their competition,” he said.

Ben Rubenzer, technical business manager, shows off the manufacturing line at in the Bloomer factory that produces 20 million filters annually.

Lynn Woodruff works on a nano clipper machine, which makes filters at Kuss Filtration.

As Govardhan walked through the plant, he showed off the variety of large and small filters, pointing out all the different pieces and materials that go into making each unit. In all, the company makes 900 different filters at the Bloomer site.

In May, the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation honored Kuss Filtration as the county’s “business of the year” because of its increased workload, capital investment and growing workforce.

“They are leading the edge in manufacturing, in how

they are using robotics and automation to improve their company,” said CCEDC executive director Charlie Walker. “You are seeing the movement toward smart manufacturing. We were impressed with their huge capital investment.”

The 110,000-square-foot plant, located on the west side of U.S. 53 in Bloomer, was constructed in 1965, and opened as Nelson Industries. Cummins Inc./Fleetguard purchased it in 1996. In 2011, the company was spun off See page 14 September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 13

Kuss Filtration

from Page 13

● 110,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Bloomer, opened in 1965. ● 220 workers, up 15 percent in the past three years. ● Produces 20 million filters annually. ● About 900 different filters manufactured in Bloomer. ● Clients include GM, Ford, Chrysler, HarleyDavidson, Caterpillar, Polaris, Mercury Marine, Briggs & Stratton.

It’s a celebration!

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30 Beer. Brats. Cake.

WE ARE TURNING

Music by Troppo Big Band Jazz Orchestra.

5:00–8:00 pm

Schneider Hall, UW-Eau Claire.

All are invited.

RSVP facebook.com/uweccob/events

and became part of Ohio-based Kuss Filtration, which traces its roots to 1949. Along with the Kuss Filtration plant in Findlay, Ohio, there are three facilities in Europe and one each in Asia and South America.

“This is the biggest location and the highest revenue generator,” Govardhan said.

Govardhan, 36, is a native of Bombay, India. He moved to the United States and earned his master’s degree in industrial engineering at Oklahoma State.

He joined Cummins Inc./Fleetguard, working there for more than 10 years. After working in plants in Nashville, Tenn., and Fridley, Minn., he became part of Kuss Filtration when it spun off.

Walker said the changes under Govardhan’s leadership are noticeable, saying the company ramped up quality as it integrated the computer systems.

Walker added the company has seen a reduction in turnover — a good indicator that workers are happy.

Govardhan said one reason for the improved production is he is a visible manager, walking the production floor daily and making sure the employees’ needs and concerns are addressed.

Contact: 715-723-0303, chris.vetter@ecpc.com

815346 9-26-16

For businesses that just need to get down to business.

You need to stay on top of your goals. We want to help. Our business banking experts will prepare you for what’s ahead.

Bremer.com 800-908-BANK (2265) Member FDIC. ©2016 Bremer Financial Corporation.

All rights reserved.

814471 • 9-26-16

14 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

- Guest Article -

HUEBSCH SERVICES CELEBRATING

Gratitude is both large and sincere It’s a very exciting time at Huebsch Services in Eau Claire, WI. “We are thrilled to be celebrating 125 years of service at Huebsch.

We could not have done it without our dedicated employees and loyal customers”, says Jim Vaudreuil, great-grandson of founder John Huebsch and current CEO of Huebsch. Huebsch spent the months of August and September hosting special 125-year anniversary celebrations for its dedicated employees and loyal customer base. The events focused on the company’s rich history and shared its vision for the future. Mary Steinke, Huebsch General Manager says, “I was thrilled to organize the 125 year employee anniversary celebration.

This gave us a great opportunity to show our employees how much we appreciate all they do. We hosted a BBQ lunch with games and prizes while the kids enjoyed the bounce house. Everyone had a great time and it was fun meeting our employees’ families.”

Huebsch business has continued to evolve Huebsch Services, a multigenerational family owned business, was established in 1891 to meet the needs of a growing lumber community in West Central Wisconsin.

Huebsch brothers started a tradition out of necessity that when a shareholder leaves the company or retires, he sells his shares to the other owners and carries a note receivable.

This allowed the company to remain closely held which means that the company and owner goals and objectives are parallel. Jim

Vaudreuil says, “Of course, the business that we are in changes and it is the ability to adapt that allows this company to continue. My 92 year old father still comes in and asks me what I am working on that might be our next future business.“ For more than 12 decades, Huebsch has consistently placed client interests above their own, whether it is for laundry service or cleaning supplies. It’s not only about first impressions, it’s also about lasting relationships – relationships built upon a rare legacy of trust, caringly achieved over 125 years within the laundry service industry.

Jim says, “We are fortunate to have fantastic long time employees who are loyal to the company and really care about each other and our customers. The values established when the company was founded are the values we still live and work by.”

Sustainability is a priority on many levels Today Huebsch serves over 6,000 customers in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, La Crosse, Rice Lake, Winona, Minneapolis, Saint Paul and surrounding areas. Since their humble beginning, they have been deeply committed to innovative and sustainable business practices. As a Clean Green Certified company, Huebsch pursues all avenues of water, chemical, and energy reduction options. Huebsch even has a formal system they learned from their Swedish friend Gunnar Andreen called, WECO (Water, Electricity, Chemicals, Oil) initiative. It is a methodology for tracking progress they are making to reduce their consumption of natural resources.

Most recently, Huebsch made the decision to invest in a large scale Solar Photovoltaic System. The investment made today will set up the company for the next generation.

This fall, a 100 KW solar system consisting of 350 panels was installed on the roof of the Wisconsin facility. It is estimated to provide 20-30% of all electricity they consume.

Optimistic about the future Huebsch is excited to build on its rich history with continuous improvement and innovation. They see a bright future ahead with many special services. Huebsch is pleased to start offering Red Carpet Service to help its customers create that WOW factor for their customers. Beautiful custom red floor carpets and stantions can be rented for grand openings and other special events.

In addition, Huebsch will be offering Floor Safety Consulting to ensure its customer’s floors are safe for their employees and customers limiting liability from expensive slips and falls. Huebsch also offers patent pending ”Customer Focused Production” (CFP) a production process utilizing UHF radio frequency tags ensuring uniform accuracy upon delivery. Another new addition is Filter-Aire TM Hand Dryers, which are a great way to eliminate paper waste and go green at the same time. The Filter Aire delivers speed and filtered air at up to one-third the cost. Huebsch’s business continues to evolve as they look forward to creating a remarkable future through innovation and strong relationships with customers and its dedicated team of employees.

Article submitted by Huebsch Services

814723 9-26-16

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 15

COMMUNITY PROFILE Menomonie Market Food Co-op general manager Crystal Halvorson enjoys working to help people get healthy, sustainable food that also supports local producers. Since she began leading the co-op 2004, it has moved to a new location and experienced a massive increase in revenue.

Photo by Pamela Powers

Organic growth

Manager oversees turnaround at Menomonie co-op, which opened larger store last year

By Pamela Powers, Leader-Telegram staff MENOMONIE

A

scoop of fat-free ice cream forgotten in a dish when she was in college changed Crystal Halvorson’s view of food.

“It didn’t melt into a liquid,” she said. “That was my ‘aha’ moment to start thinking about what I was eating and what was in my food.”

Halvorson, 42, who lives in rural Elk Mound with her husband, Bill Hogseth, and their two sons, ages 5 and 3, is the general manager of the Menomonie Market Food Co-op, a position she has held since 2004.

The Memorial High School graduate earned degrees at UW-Madison in genetics and bacteriology. She was accepted as a premedicine student, but instead opted to go work on a farm raising vegetables in the Mount Horeb area, working nights as a sleep researcher at the University of Wisconsin Medical School to pay the bills.

“My experience in college is you don’t have to have a prestigious career to help people,” Halvorson said. “I 16 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

really learned quickly how hard it is to farm.”

While in college during the early 1990s, she was an HIV test counselor and would travel to taverns frequented by high-risk populations. She would encourage people to get anonymous testing to help prevent the spread of the disease that causes AIDS. When she was in her mid-20s Halvorson returned to her hometown of Eau Claire and managed Mike’s Smokehouse, which her parents, Richard and Kathleen Halvorson, owned at the time.

In 2004, she was hired as the Menomonie Market Food Co-op’s general manager. At the time the co-op had 500 members and about $700,000 in sales, Halvorson said.

“We were bleeding money,” she said. “The co-op was in debt and not even close to being profitable.”

Still, joining the co-op felt like the perfect fit for her matching her interest in managing and a retail environment committed to healthy foods, Halvorson said.

“It has these values I love: being cooperative and

r

Some things people may not know about her: ● In the 1990s, Crystal Halvorson was an HIV test counselor encouraging people to get tested for the virus that causes AIDS. It taught her to look people in the eye to connect with them and be in the moment. ● She is the daughter of a butcher. “I have mad knife skills,” Halvorson said, laughing. “I can quarter a chicken in no time flat.” ● In college she worked at a paper mill in Eau Claire and learned to drive a forklift. providing education and supporting the local economy,” she said.

But she also had to change the mindset of the co-op so it could survive financially.

“The first few years were a challenge,” Halvorson said.

“We had to learn to act like a business even though we were a cooperative. We had to learn profits aren’t bad. They are a tool to do good work we want in the community.”

The co-op now has 2,100 members and sales that will top $5 million this year, Halvorson said.

Last year the co-op opened a new store, 814 Main St. E., with 6,500 square feet of retail space and roughly 13,300 square feet total, which includes space for community education. The site was 4½ times the space the co-op had at its former site, 521 E. Second St. “It is awesome,” said Halvorson, who was one of the cofounders of the Eau Claire cooperative Just Local Food in 2003. “It is really about the community wanting to support something that feeds them back.”

Halvorson said members make the Menomonie Market Food Co-op. When raising money for the new building, $1 million was raised in six weeks selling $500 shares to support the co-op.

Becca Kleist, the co-op’s outreach and education coordinator, said Halvorson is great to work with.

“She is very organized and approachable,” Kleist said.

“You can just tell her heart and soul has been poured into this place.”

Patrick Pesek-Herriges, who serves on the co-op’s board of directors, said Halvorson is a tremendous asset to the co-op.

“She is extraordinarily efficient,” he said. “She is very smart, quick witted. She is great at leading people. People like her. She is one of the most empathetic people I have every met.”

For the future, Halvorson believes the co-op could look at more locations in the Chippewa Valley and provide even more community education, but she said those decisions are ultimately up to the co-op’s board of directors.

Started in 1974 the co-op began as a food buying club for those who wanted specialty or organic foods. The food co-op was the first Menomonie grocery store to carry organic foods, gluten-free foods and locally produced food.

The co-op employs 43 people.

Contact: 715-556-9018, pamela.powers@ecpc.com, @MenomonieBureau on Twitter

100+ Trucks, all Makes, Available at all Times!

Sales Service Parts Lease/Rental Finance Towing

$32,900

$44,199

NEW 2015 Isuzu NPR Box Van 6.0 Gas / 297HP, Aisin Auto, Spring Susp., Hydraulic Brakes, 16’x91”x91” “Morgan Body w/Liftgate Stk# 3171-15

2008 Freightliner M2 106 Cummins ISC / 285HP, Allison 3000 6-Spd. Trans., A/R Susp., 12,000lbs.

FA, 40,000lbs. RA, 100 Gal. Tank 187,700mi........Stk# 486A-15

$45,900

$94,900

2007 Sterling LT9500 QA MBE/450HP, 8LL Trans., Spring Susp., (2) 60 Gal Tanks, Full Lockers! NEW 18.5’ Box, Elec. Tarp, Roller, Vibrator & Rims! 233,796mi.....Stk# 833A-16

2006 Freightliner M2 Mercedes 900 / 330HP, 10-Spd. Trans., A/R Susp., Dual 150 Gal. Tanks, NEW Cam & Clutch Installed!

343,163mi........Stk# 3008A-16

814730 9-26-16 R

Crystal Halvorson

Contact Our Truck Experts Today!

Abbotsford, WI 715-223-6361

Chippewa Falls, WI 715-835-6138

Marshfield, WI 715-406-4266

Plover, WI 715-344-2931

Wausau, WI 715-845-2244

Your Premier Solutions Provider in the Transportation Industry!

Heat and cool your institution affordably commercial plumbing, heating & cooling • Heating & Air-Conditioning Installation, Inspection & Repair • Plumbing Installation & Service 814884 9-26-16

ask us for a quote 1710 Truax Blvd | Eau Claire | 715-839-0707 September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 17

BOOK REVIEW

E

Mid-grade fill-up Solid advice, good format are high points in average inspirational guide dragged down by repetition and filler

D s

Title: “The Full Tank Life.”

Author: Ben Tankard.

Pages: 208.

Publisher: FaithWords/ Hachette (c. 2016).

By Terri Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm

A

t the end of the day, you’re out of gas.

There’s nothing left in your reserves, not a drop. You’re done, wondering if this is as far as you’ll ever go but somehow open to new suggestions. So read “The Full Tank Life” by Ben Tankard. It might just rev your engine again.

Imagine this: You’re driving down the highway on your way to somewhere important, when you glance at the gas gauge and, oh boy, it’s almost on “E.” That’s what your life may be like but Tankard says you can boost your inner fuel with his “Full Tank Life” method. Since it’s easy to do, you can start now.

It’s all about D-E-S-T-I-N-Y, he says.

Begin by discovering your Dream. Get personal; this is your dream, not what someone else wants for you.

Imagine it. Write it down.

See yourself in your dream, then take steps to be in the right Environment to achieve that dream.

Tell yourself every day that you’ll have what you want.

Say it aloud and make it positive. That will help train your Subconscious to see your path as a decision, not a The Bookworm is Terri choice.

Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been Learn to see Time in a reading since she was 3 years different way. Don’t waste it, old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a of course, but don’t rush to use hill in Wisconsin with two dogs it, either. Haste, impatience, and 12,000 books. not prioritizing, and a lack of 18 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

attention to detail can make time slip out of your fingers faster than you might realize.

Try to keep Inspiration in your life. Find people who can support you, and put yourself in their company as much as possible. Find a mentor, and then be a mentor to someone else.

Take advantage of Networks to maintain your outlook and to boost your business and personal life.

Finally, remember the most important part of the Full Tank Life: You! Always be genuine. Do your best with whatever you have at the moment. Work around any roadblock you might find. And above all, don’t listen to naysayers: if your tank is full, you can do this.

As faith-based business/inspirational books go, “The Full Tank Life” is OK. Not sterling, not great, but not horrible either; just OK. Author, pastor and “Renaissance man” Tankard has a good premise here, but – though his advice is solid – it is similar to a lot of other books.

He offers personal anecdotes to illustrate his points, but those tales often seem to be elevated, which could smack of boasting.

There’s a good amount of repetition here too, and the lengthy Bible teachings sometimes feel like filler.

To the good, however, the information offered is rock solid. The book is written in an easy step-by-step format (although Tankard says you don’t have to read it that way). And there are helpful worksheets included with each chapter, which allow readers to sort through their thoughts and ideas.

The audience for this book, I think, is the reader with a totally blank slate or the businessperson who’s hit pause for just a minute. If you are neither, though, “The Full Tank Life” may only leave you empty.

”

GUEST COLUMN

Election economics Democratic president, split Congress showed best returns for stock index

By Adam Mohr River Prairie Wealth Partners

E

very four years I am asked by clients to comment on how their investments will perform if (fill in the blank) is elected.

This year has proved no exception.

While I have as little insight on this as I do in predicting who will win the Super Bowl, I can offer a lesson in history that has provided us some interesting facts on what happens when finance and power collide.

With that said, I believe some historical context can be useful if taken with a healthy degree of skepticism. If nothing else, feel free to use as entertaining water cooler discussion.

Perhaps the most common belief is that Republican presidents have a more positive influence on the stock market. Begrudgingly to many, this myth is not entirely true.

Looking at total returns for the S&P 500 during presidencies since 1945, it is clear that U.S. stocks have performed better overall when a Democrat was the president. The average annual gain between Democratic and Republican presidents is 9.7 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively.

However, it would be a mistake to conclude that stock returns were higher simply because a Democrat held the presidency.

To muddy the waters, the statistics change depending on the party makeup of the presidency and Senate.

Consider the following: • In the years 1901 to 2016, the S&P 500 Index was up 8.6 percent per year (total return on average) under Democratic presidents and Republican-led Congresses, more than three times the 2.4 percent annual return achieved under Republican presidents when both houses of Congress were controlled by Democrats.

• When both the White House and Congress were run by the same political party, the S&P 500 gained about 7 percent per year.

• When Congress was split — one party controlling the House and the other leading the Senate — the S&P 500 gained 10.4 percent under Democratic presidents and

Adam Mohr is a managing partner of River Prairie Wealth Partners, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services. He specializes in building and protecting multi-generational wealth as well as helping clients recreate their paycheck at retirement. His office and home are in Altoona.

lost 4.3 percent under Republican presidents.

If you’re holding your breath until it’s all over before making any moves within your portfolio, consider that the S&P 500 historically posts its weakest returns in the first year of the four-year election cycle.

Since 1929, the S&P 500 has achieved on average a mere 1.58 percent gain in a president’s first year in office. In the third year in office and after the midterm elections is where the markets start to really improve. Interestingly, since 1939 there has never been a down year in the third year of a fouryear term, with the S&P 500 up, on average, by 5.5 percent.

Going back to 1933, when a sitting president is up for re-election, the S&P 500 has averaged a 13.7 percent election year return. This can generally be attributed to more clarity about the policies already in place and the likelihood those policies will remain in place.

Finally, it turns out the stock market has an uncanny ability to predict who will win the presidency.

Historically, if the stock market posts positive returns in the three months leading up to the election, there is an 86 percent likelihood that the incumbent or incumbent party will take the White House.

For instance, in the 22 presidential elections since 1928, 14 were preceded by gains in the three months prior. In 12 of those 14 instances, the incumbent (or the incumbent party) won the White House.

In seven of eight elections that followed three months of stock market losses, incumbents were ousted.

The bottom line is that uncertainty creates volatility.

Whether it’s wars, terrorist attacks, pandemics, or yes, election years, investors have proven throughout history to be spooked by the unknown.

The simple truth is that U.S. presidents can’t legislate bull and bear markets, and policy decisions made by the Senate aren’t always directly correlated to market performance.

However, as the long-term market average return indicates, stocks have performed positively when time and perspective are brought into consideration.

Election cycles will come and go — but fundamentals still rule the day and will carry investments over the long haul.

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 19

- Guest Article -

Take the Hacker’s Bullseye off Your Back — Outsource with a Managed Security Service Provider If you’re a hacker do you choose a Fortune 500 company with a team of IT security engineers or a small business with no IT protection?

Hackers have created breaches in high profile companies like Home Depot, Target and J.P. Morgan — but the headline grabber for small to midsize companies is this from Wired.com, “71% of cyberattacks occur at businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The average data breach for those businesses is $36,000.”

Are you feeling the pressure to secure your network?

You have good reason for that uneasy feeling tapping at your subconscious. According to CSOonline, “The reality is that small and midsize enterprises are more attractive targets because they tend to be less secure and because automation allows modern cybercriminals to mass produce attacks for little investment.”

Hackers can no longer be regarded as basement dwellers. Today they’re far more organized and are often connected to crime groups. Breaches damage business brands, customer relationships and cost thousands of dollars to fix.

No matter what your size, closing the security gap is critical — not just for your company but the vendors, contractors and business partners who could be breached through your system. The shortage of IT security specialists in the pipeline make hiring difficult.

Most gravitate to larger companies that can pay bigger salaries.

General IT and IT Security Engineers are not the same.

Most generalists in IT are not trained to handle today’s complex security issues. Hackers can break through firewalls, infect machines and use phishing schemes to access passwords and Social Security numbers. They can also gather up personal customer information in databases or infect systems with ransomware and lock all files, rendering them unusable until the ransom is paid.

Like doctors who specialize in medicine, IT security engineers are “specialists” trained to prevent and

protect from security breaches. Outsourcing with a managed security service provider (MSSP) offers the benefit of tapping into an entire team of security engineers dedicated to securing your network and anticipating threats before they happen.

• Capacity foresight to protect against under or overestimated investment in IT infrastructure.

Choosing an MSSP — who can you trust?

• A strong knowledge of, and experience dealing with, real-world security trends.

Industries like banking, healthcare and other, nonregulated, businesses are asking questions like: Who can I trust to accurately assess the current status of my security? Where are the holes? What’s missing?

If compromised, where do I go from here?

A quality managed security service provider should perform two basic services: 1. Device security management.

2. Continuous monitoring.

Security analytics, threat intelligence, security remediation, incident response, compliance services and loss prevention are other services that may be provided. A good MSSP will ask many questions and make no recommendations until an in-depth analysis of your business model is done — making sure they have a clear picture of your organization and customer needs.

MSSPs are not equal.

Look for a partner that offers: • Flexibility to make adjustments based on your budget situation.

• Adaptability to take into account as much existing IT infrastructure as possible.

• Scalability expertise to plan for growth or reduction in your organization’s size.

20 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

• Robust internal compliance, backed by an annual audit provided to current and prospective clients for review.

Choose an MSSP that shares information. They should be your go-to experts on all things security. Expect implementation only after you fully understand all the details of their security recommendations.

Take the hacker bullseye off your back.

The good news is — you are not powerless against the “bad actors” and you can mount a substantial defense. Expertly skilled, managed security professionals now have the innovation required to offer high-performance, cost-effective security that can adapt to changing risk environments, even when unexpected traffic occurs.

Choosing a security partner is worth considering.

You’ll breathe easier knowing you’re minimizing threats, saving on costs that you would incur in the event of a breach and getting reliable, flexible and scalable benefits that meet the needs of your business now and into the future. by: Peter Kujawa, President/COO – Locknet® – EO Johnson Business Technologies & Kris Kilgard, Locknet® Sales Manager – EO Johnson Business Technologies

814734 9-26-16

What matters to your business?

Streamlining Security Service

Streamlining helps things flow smoother and faster, while improving efficiency — it’s all about economizing and optimizing. EO Johnson helps businesses streamline by providing seven key business technology solutions from one business relationship.

Q Managed Print Services

Q Document Scanning & Conversion

Q Locknet®Managed IT Services

Q Production Print Systems/Wide Format

Q Secure Document Management

Q Multifunction Copiers/Printers

Q Business Process Improvement

814731 9-26-16

844.365.4968 | eojohnson.com September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 21

FEATURE STORY In its early years, the Department of Accountancy was taught entirely by men and its students also mostly male. By 1980, the College of Business had 62 faculty members and 48 percent were female. Forty-three percent of business students were female in the 2015-16 academic year, according to university statistics.

Taking care of business for 50 years Early students, longtime teachers reflect on golden anniversary of college that prepares Blugolds for the corporate world

By Andrew Dowd, Leader-Telegram staff

Just 23 years old and right out of grad school, Roger Selin had a case of stage fright he wanted to overcome while embarking on a career as an accounting teacher at UW-Eau Claire.

The stage fright never totally went away, he said, but he found a love of teaching at the university that lasted for decades.

“I thought I would last one year and I ended up teaching 50 years,” said the professor emeritus.

After a lengthy career of teaching thousands of students, Selin retired in December and the 74-yearold now splits time between Recently retired Professor Roger Selin stands next to a photo of himself in his home in Eau Claire and a his younger years teaching cabin in Minnesota. accounting. Selin taught accounting Reflecting on his 1966 move for 50 years at UW-Eau Claire, winning to Eau Claire, Selin said “it’s the university’s Excellence in Teaching the best life decision I’ve ever Award in 1974 and 2005. made.”

He had arrived at a precipitous time for teaching business classes as the university was on the cusp of starting its College of Business, an institution celebrating its 50th anniversary this year as the university marks its centennial.

••• 22 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

The College of Business traces its roots back to a letter written in 1955 by William R. Davies, president of what was then called the Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire.

He’d written to the Board of Regents of the Wisconsin State Colleges that there is a need for “many commercial graduates with more education than can be secured in a vocational school.”

In the following years, the university added more business-centric classes and majors that fell under the Department of Economics. The university formed the School of Business in 1966 (renamed College of Business in 1994), offering bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business administration. Around the same time, the university was constructing several new buildings, including Schneider Social Science Hall, which opened in 1967 and became home to the School of Business.

Majors offered at the school included comprehensive public accounting, industrial and government accounting, Students walk in front of Schneider Social Science Hall in the year it finance, management, marketing, risk management opened, 1967. That academic building has been home to UW-Eau Claire’s and insurance, business College of Business since then. administration and office administration in 1969.

While it still occupies the same building, the students in UW-Eau Claire’s business programs, technology found in the classroom and methods for teaching have changed through the decades.

••• Dennis Knutson graduated from UW-Eau Claire as an accounting major in 1966 and remembers his classmates were all men.

“One big change was in my class there were no women in 1966,” he said of accounting courses he took.

Returning to teach at UW-Eau Claire during a few stints in the 1970s and the latter part of his career from 1987 until his retirement last spring, he noticed the gender mix change dramatically. In the 1960s, women still gravitated toward becoming teachers, secretaries and nurses, but Knutson said that’s changed as more women have entered the workforce, gone to college and taken an interest in accounting and business.

He’s noticed women have been the majority of some classes he’s taught and the faculty is more evenly mixed by gender.

By 1980, nearly half of the School of Business faculty members were female. And 43 percent of College of Business students were female last year.

•••

He taught the bedrock of accounting — a mathematical model about a half-millennium old — to students without incorporating technology.

Knutson agreed that the mechanics of accounting have shifted from pencil and paper to computers and barcodes. But a computer is simply a tool, he said, and cannot teach accounting.

“The nuts and bolts of learning the accounting process are really no different,” he said.

••• Other business classes have changed their methods for teaching to foster a team approach among students, apparent in the way several classrooms were remodeled in Schneider Hall.

“Where traditionally you would see rows of desks, these are more clusters of students sitting at a table,” Vaughan said.

Tom Hilton teaches his information systems class in the Cargill Collaboration Center, an active-learning classroom opened in 2007 at the College of Business.

Instead of traditional rows of seats, the classroom features movable furniture so students can organize themselves in groups to solve problems.

Interim Dean Timothy Vaughan welcomes the newest class of freshmen on Sept. 2 to the College of Business.

Technology’s influence on the business world also found its way into the curriculum and classroom.

By 1984, the dramatic effect that computers and technology have on businesses was reflected by a change of departments within the School of Business to include management information systems.

The internet was fairly new when Timothy Vaughan arrived at Eau Claire in 1997 as an assistant professor, but it has since become integral to how business is taught and its curriculum.

The College of Business started offering distance learning classes in 1998 via two-way video. Online classes have since multiplied, enabling students to take classes at a time and place that fit their lives. The entire program to get a master’s degree in business administration can be taken via online courses.

And starting in 2009, the college instituted a requirement that undergraduate business students bring laptop computers with them to campus.

Although technology seeped into many business classes, there were some stalwarts who relied on the traditional tools to teach fundamentals.

“You give me a blackboard and white piece of chalk and I’m in heaven,” Selin said.

The College of Business pioneered active-learning spaces at UW-Eau Claire in 2002 by creating the Hormel Team Lab, a classroom where students are seated at tables where they can work together on projects instead of listening to a standard lecture.

“Students need a teacher to guide them, but the best kind of teaching is when you learn to figure things out,” Vaughan said.

He added that the ability to problem-solve teaches them how to think, as opposed to memorizing the answer to problems that could become obsolete over time.

“In real life it’s not always the way the textbook is presented,” he said.

Faculty also keep up on current events involving businesses, Vaughan said, so they can incorporate them into lessons on ethics, decision-making, regulation and other topics in the curriculum.

“Everyone tries to keep their classes current,” he said.

For him, that meant illustrating supply chain issues for businesses by referencing recent problems Samsung has had with its smartphone batteries.

Vaughan is teaching one class this fall while he’s also serving as the College of Business’ interim dean for a year. He took on the leadership role on July 1 and expects most of his time leading the college will be devoted to re-accreditation to keep a distinction the College of Business has held since 1980.

UW-Eau Claire is among only 5 percent of business schools that are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Vaughan noted. Standards set by the association require that accredited colleges have high-quality, cutting-edge

See page 24 September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 23

UW-Eau Claire’s College of Business traces its beginning to a letter that led to the in W.R. Davies, president of the Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire, writes to the Board of Regents about the need for commercial graduates with more education than they could get at a vocational school.

The university’s Department of Economics becomes the Department of Economics and Business. Courses in accounting, business law, economics and finance are taught there.

Regents allow two new majors at Eau Claire — a teaching major in business education and a liberal arts major in business administration.

School of Business moves from Schofield Hall into a new building, Schneider Social Science Hall.

School of Business established under Norman Olson. Bachelor’s degrees programs in accounting or business administration become available.

Master’s program developed for business administration with first graduates in December 1976.

Business programs now include public accounting, business finance, management, marketing, risk management and insurance, business administration, industrial and governmental accounting, and office administration.

Business Advisory Council formed to improve contacts between the school and the business community.

Signaling the importance of computers and technology in business, the School of Business creates a department named Management and Information Systems.

School of Business celebrates 25th anniversary.

International business emphasis created along with exchange programs so Eau Claire students can study in Denmark, England, Wales and Japan.

from Page 23 curriculum; faculty members that are current in their fields; and assessment of student outcomes.

Vaughan, who has previously taught at four other universities, said he noticed a difference in students and faculty that not only kept him here, but also convinced three of his four children to become Blugolds after they tried out other schools.

“For whatever reason, the students at Eau Claire have a tremendous work ethic,” he said.

Along with that is faculty’s focus on helping students, Vaughn said, adding that professors are good about keeping their office doors open on Schneider Hall’s fourth floor.

••• Alumni are welcomed back to the university on Sept. 30 for the College of Business’ golden anniversary bash.

It’s a party that alum Steve Senn of Eau Claire is excited to attend.

“The college of business has always been a wonderful institution,” he said.

Nearing 70 years old, Senn recently retired from the family business, Senn Blacktop, and handed duties down to his nephew Darrin.

The lessons he learned at UW-Eau Claire in the late 1960s are too many to count, Steve Senn said, and it laid the foundation for his career as CEO of the family business he ran with brother Greg.

“You build a base and something you work from,” he said.

Steve Senn also served as an example his former accounting professor used to illustrate how leaders need to be hands-on when it comes to their business.

Senn recalled working on a construction project in the 1980s around Zorn Arena on campus. In a small family company, even 24 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

Bill Mitchell teaches a shorthand class at the university.

the owner pitches in and he was using a level to check drainage.

From his classroom window, Selin saw his former student and told his class “now that’s business.”

Through the years, Steve Senn kept up with the college by serving on its panel of local industry advisors.

A longtime member of the Business Advisory Council for the College of Business, Steve Senn recently stepped aside from his post on that board to let younger entrepreneurs including JAMF Software co-founder Zach Halmstad serve on that panel.

In addition to the Sept. 30 celebration, there also is a 50th anniversary fund drive for the College of Business to solicit donations for scholarships, general operations and programs that alums would like to give to.

Contact: 715-833-9204, andrew.dowd@ecpc.com, @ADowd_LT on Twitter

Bu an ad ma

he institution that has been educating students and adapting to the times for 50 years.

ness

School of Business renamed to the College of Business.

Business education and secretarial administration majors discontinued.

Hormel Team Lab — the first active learning classroom at the university — is created in Schneider Hall as group work plays an increasing role within the college.

First distance learning classes via two-way video are developed.

College implements laptop computer requirement for undergraduates.

ROTC program becomes part of the College of Business.

First Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up collegiate sales competition hosted by UW-Eau Claire. Health Care Administration program becomes part of the College of Business.

Blugold Sales Team wins first place at Florida State University’s International Collegiate Sales Competition.

Major in international business added to college’s degree offerings.

College of Business celebrates its 50th anniversary as UW-Eau Claire observes its centennial.

Blugold Sales Team takes first place at National Collegiate Sales Competition.

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT

BUSINESS BANK? The right bank: • Offers personalized business loans.

• Is part of your trusted team of advisors.

• Has experienced bankers you can trust.

• Isn’t afraid to say “no” when you’re not ready and shows you what you need to do it right.

The Right Bank for Your Business. Discover the Difference.

Larry Accola, President 814448 9-26-16

Subject to approval.

2728 Mall Drive • Eau Claire, WI 54701 • (715) 838-2404 • www.merchantsbank.com

Follow us on: Member FDIC

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 25

The Ellefson Group, LLC

Confidential Business & Commercial Brokerage Visit www.ellefsongroup.com for more property data Rich Ellefson

888-683-8001 Emily E-mail: Rich E-mail:

Emily Fisher

Broker 715-235-8001

Emily@egvaluation.com Rich@egvaluation.com

There is a difference between a residential broker and commercial broker!

Call us to find out this important difference.

Agent 715-235-8001

Listings 403 Gabriel Ct Menomonie

1230 N Broadway St Menomonie

1120 Broadway St, #3 Menomonie

Beautiful 3 unit building income producing, corner lot on Broadway Street. High traffic count!

Multi-purpose pre-engineered steel building located within 1 mile of inter- Storefront retail space with great state access. visibility on a high traffic street.

Bldg Size: Site Size:

Bldg Size Site Size:

12,128 sf 23,087 sf

Established Tavern and Restaurant for Sale On Beautiful Lake Wapogasset

Turnkey business opportunity, located in Amery, including all personal property and equipment.

13,100 sf 43,982 sf

Unit Size

1,637 sf

E4583 County Rd C Downsville

Did you know…

When selling a business you want to get the right broker. Confidentiality is the key to this process, sellers don’t always want customers and/or competitors to know their business is for sale because it could potentially hurt sales. Not all brokers have the training and experience to understand the steps involved in successfully selling a business.

Health and Fitness Business Opportunity Located in West Central Wisconsin

Industrial heated shop space with 2 restrooms, office, storage mezzanine and overhead doors.

Bldg Size:

2,880 sf

For Lease: 2707 Wilson Street Menomonie

Coming Soon! Medical Office Space For Lease.

Design Your Own Suite Size, Floor Plan, & Finishes.

Multiple use building suitable for commercial, industrial, warehouse or automotive service. The building has a large service/ manufacturing area with a 19' ceiling height. The finished office section is 1,921 sf.

Bldg Size: 11,129 sf

20,600 sf Building with exposure from highway 12/29 across from Mayo Medical Center in the Menomonie Technology Park.

221 Bridge Street Cornell

For Lease: 1700 Tainter Street Menomonie

Versatile property located on high Two retail/ office spaces available visibility corner lot. Great for office for lease and immediate occupancy or retail space. in professional building.

Unit C Size: 994 sf Bldg Size: 1,920 sf Unit F Size: 867 sf

26 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

Land for Sale– Bordering Golf Course 71 Acres bordering city of Menomonie Potential residential and multiple family development opportunity.

814820 9-26-16

Honoring Businesses in the Chippewa Valley for over 130 years.

Welcome to the

H

2016

onor Roll of Business The businesses listed on the following pages are proud of the history they’ve formed with the Chippewa Valley and they want to share it with you. They know first hand how difficult it is to open and operate a successful business year after year.

We salute these businesses for their years of service to the Chippewa Valley.

Some have been here a very long time and others are just beginning.

Congratulations to them all!

Years in business are provided by the businesses represented.

158 YEARS

Connell’s Family Orchard Est. 1858

HONEYCRISP - Apples, Pumpkins & Squash, Apple Donuts & Bakery, Jams, Jellies and Pure Local Honey. Live, working observation bee hive.

Raspberries, pick your own.

WEEKEND

WAGON RIDES

715-723-5889 Open Daily 9-6 19372 Cty Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls 815233 9-26-16

144 141YEARS YEARS

137 YEARS

Providing information and marketing services to Chippewa Valley readers and businesses.

(1872-2015) (1872-2013)

U.S. Bank 65 area locations 715.839.6318

Leader-Telegram • Leader Printing The Country Today

usbank.com Member FDIC

135 YEARS

815118 9-26-16

715-833-9200 800-236-8808

leadertelegram.com 814490 9-26-16

815231 9-26-16

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER 815202 | 27

Honor Roll 131 YEARS of caring for our community.

Specializing in what matters most.

of Business 129 YEARS

112 Railway • Augusta, WI 54722

128 YEARS Eau Claire has been the home of McDonough Manufacturing Co. since 1888, producing quality sawmill machinery for sawmills in Eau Claire and the world over.

Bus: 715-286-2271 stjoeschipfalls.com

126

www.LampertLumber.com

814258 9-26-16

127 YEARS YEARS

2320 Melby St. Eau Claire, WI 54703 815116 9-26-16

815225 9-26-16

125 YEARS

118 YEARS

128 YEARS

My Place Bar

406-408 Galloway St Downtown Eau Claire 815114 9-26-16

114 YEARS

It all began on

Keeping Your Image Neat and Clean Since 1891 3605 White Ave (715) 835-3101 1-800-666-3101 www.huebsch-services.com

112 YEARS

Your Locally Owned Community Bank Chippewa Falls 715-723-4461 Eau Claire 715-839-8642 northwesternbank.com Member FDIC

815108 9-26-16

96 YEARS

106 YEARS Established 1910

HVAC, Plumbing, Temp Controls

Mill & Lathe Work Builders of Special Machinery Gears-Belts-Pulleys-Chain Bearings-Sprockets-Couplings

INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & CASTERS 613 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire

A Family Tradition in fine diamonds since 1915

Eau Claire

3rd Generation Downtown Menomonie 715-235-2220

95 YEARS

715-835-8314

815283 9-26-16

28 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

815333 9-26-16

President/Owner

Ray A. Larson Jr. Past Owner - Retired

19 1 6 - 2 0 1 6

815102 9-26-16

94 YEARS AUTO TOP SHOP LLC

3703 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 715.832.3407 wipfli.com

Chris R. Larson

100 years in wisconsin

9-26-16

Serving Northwestern Wisconsin Since 1920

Repair Specialists Production ManufacturingGrinding Large CNC

100 YEARS

www.bartingalemechanical.com 815105

www.pedersonvolker.com

101 YEARS

715-835-3169

CLIFF INDUSTRIAL GENERAL MACHINISTS

715-723-4649 815110 9-26-16

815112 9-26-16

814257 9-26-16

815190 9-26-16

October 7, 1889 when the first two HOSPITAL SISTERS came to Eau Claire.

815042_9-26-16

94 YEARS

“Serving the Eau Claire area since 1922”

Automobile Upholstery, Automobile Carpeting, Truck Cushions Rebuilt, Truck Accessories, Zippers-Sales, Repairs, Burn Damage Repairs, Convertible Tops, Boat Covers, Canvas Repairs

Leather Interiors Seat Heaters Eau Claire

715-835-3388 815040 9-26-16

10954 E. Melby St Chippewa Falls

715.832.1691 715.723.7592 www.hovlands-inc.com

815038 9-26-16

815203

82 YEARS

Honor Roll

81 YEARS

78 YEARS

77 YEARS

815186 9-26-16

Serving Eau Claire Since 1934

of Business

Conveniently located in Putnam Heights.

Family owned & operated – Four generations and counting!

LIQUOR MART 301 E. Clairemont

1003 Harlem St, Altoona

24-HOUR SERVICE

715-835-8737

715-834-3191 1-800-944-3604

www.kurthheatingandcooling.com

715-723-2211

815036 9-26-16

74 YEARS

815028 9-26-16

72 YEARS

FURNITURE

2 MILES EAST OF CHIPPEWA FALLS ON HWY J

715-723-1444

ECONOMYFURNITURE.US 815285 9-26-16

67 YEARS

72

Durand

Eau Claire

70 YEARS

815171 9-26-16

68 YEARS

to local communities.

300 W Prospect St

“Innovative Construction Solutions, Since 1948”

(715) 672-8300 3014 Mall Dr

Offices in Eau Claire, La Crosse and Oakdale MN

(715) 834-4106

Red Wing 1511 W Main St (651) 388-1141

WWW.MARTEN.COM

815147 9-26-16

815026 9-26-16

65 YEARS

www.muldoons.com

715-834-9431 (800) 444-9431

1506 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire

www.culliganh2o.com

Quality Clothing Since 1950

62 YEARS

(715) 839-5116

Tires & Services

Thank you Western Wisconsin for making our 65 years so successful.

815141 9-26-16

3339 Fehr Road

Eau Claire, WI 54701

Years of providing

Big, Tall, Short or Small...

WE FIT THEM ALL

Sterling Water, Inc.

Proudly Serving the Eau Claire Area Since 1939

Serving the Chippewa Valley for over 68 years.

66 YEARS

better water. pure & simple.

www.benedictrefrigeration.com

STUDENT TRANSIT ● EAU CLAIRE, INC.

715-832-3502 1-800-942-0783

814804 9-26-16

61 YEARS

715-834-1213 www.market-johnson.com

814806 9-26-16

65 65 YEARS YEARS

Plumbing - Water Systems Thank you to the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls areas for your patronage

BOHL & PROULX PLUMBING INC. 715-832-4795 715-723-9655

An Eau Claire Business Since 1951 596 Cameron Street (715) 832-6638

815138 9-26-16

www.1supply.com

815145 9-26-16

Celebrating 60 Years!

60 YEARS

60 YEARS THREE GENERATIONS OF CONTINUOUS CARING SERVICES

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1955

We’re honored to have served communities in the Chippewa Valley for 60 years!

John & Steve Thaler

Office: 715-723-2822 Or 1-800-472-0019 Cell: 715-829-5510

310 Main St Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

814802 9-26-16

815328 9-26-16

LP Gas • Tanks • Gasoline Fuel Oil • Bulk Lubricants

814799 9-26-16

ALTOONA 715.832.1400 CHIPPEWA FALLS 715.723.8514 CVOSM.COM

FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORY

Est. 1956 • Funeral Director Erin Smith

Offering Onsite Cremation & Pre-Planning Services 715-832-1141 • SMITHFUNERALEC.com 815455 9-26-16

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER 815204 | 29

59 YEARS PUB

2812 London Road

715.831.1300 More than pizza.

We serve traditions.

814797 9-26-16

56 YEARS

1498 S. Hastings Way Eau Claire, WI

715-832-1185

GovinsBarberSalon.com

815287 9-26-16

52 YEARS 1225 Truax Blvd Eau Claire, WI 54703

of Business 58 YEARS

58 YEARS

We have been doing commercial painting and wall covering for the past 57 years.

We appreciate your continued support.

HAGEN

DECORATORS, INC. Pleasant St. 715-835-4321 www.hagendecorators.com

815131 9-26-16

56 YEARS Prairie Pointe Rehab Suites River Pines Long Term Concierge Care Syverson Rehab and Health Edgewood Assisted Living Willowbrook Assisted Living Woodlands Memory Care School-Age Childcare Adult Day Services Independent Living Apartments

815019 9-26-16

Honor Roll

3410 Sky Park Blvd., P.O. Box 287 Eau Claire, WI 54702 715.832.3003 www.graceluthfound.com

52 YEARS

BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE. . . .

BUILD WITH WALTERS BUILDINGS

Since 1958

800-225-2591

715-834-3362

www.waltersbuildings.com

1913 Skeels Avenue Eau Claire, WI 54701

814794 9-26-16

55 YEARS

52 YEARS

Practice est. 1961 Second Generation

2625 Morningside Drive Eau Claire

Steven B. Mahler, D.D.S. 605 E. Clairemont Ave. Eau Claire

715.832.5085 www.brotoloc.com

(715) 834-2174

814790 9-26-16

814788 9-26-16

48 YEARS L.L.C.

Jim & Steve Julson

Nick Gardow is proud to continue the Sparkle Wash franchise serving Eau Claire for 38 years.

Sparkle Wash is your leader in asset protection & property appeal since 1965 715-832-4270 sparklewash.com/eauclaire

815017 9-26-16

• 1.800.472.8838

815129 9-26-16

815303 9-26-16

Julson’s Auto Service

52 Years

“Because we care, our customers become our friends”

Wilbert Statz Home Builder LLC Custom Builder • Remodeling

Agricultural • Equestrian Suburban • Commercial

Proudly serving Our Members for

• 715.836.8360

48 YEARS

There’s no home like the one you own

51 YEARS

www.ervsmith.com

Your Independent

58 YEARS

Free Estimates • Fully Insured 814785 9-26-16

SINCE 1968 Complete Auto and LT. Truck Service 1505 Western Ave. Eau Claire, WI 54703

(715) 834-5832 815015 9-26-16

48 YEARS

47 YEARS

47 YEARS

Thank you to our clients & their pets for letting us serve you for the last 47 years.

An Experience That Will Leave You Smiling

Ruth E. Harris M.S., Director

Dealer

Ray’s Metal Work LLC

814783 9-26-16

30 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

715-834-2754

or call 1-800-773-2605 2600 Stein Blvd., Eau Claire, WI northwestreadingcliniclimited.com

815270 9-26-16

24-hr Service & Free Estimates

Hillsidedental.com William Hutchinson, DDS Tom Breneman, DDS Lonnette Breneman, DDS Christopher Johnson, DDS

814780 9-26-16

715-962-3601

Heating & Air Conditioning

Pam Hansen, DVM Nate Meyer, DVM Duane Vollendorf, DVM Kathleen Nowak, DVM Karen Trott, DVM

715.834.6603 815458 9-26-16

2135 N. Clairemont Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-834-7538

CHILDREN • ADOLESCENTS • ADULTS One-on-One Educational Services for Reading, Learning Disabilities & Attention Deficit Disorders

815205

47 YEARS

Honor Roll

45 YEARS

45 YEARS

Tilden Auto & Towing

FAST & RELIABLE Service and Sales

Owned & Operated Since 1971

by LaVerne “Bud” Schreiner

301 N. Farwell St. Eau Claire 715-834-7707

Plumbing - Heating Air Conditioning

814777 9-26-16

715-839-0707 or 1-800-307-9000 www.wiersgalla.com 814273 9-26-16

42 YEARS

11988 County Hwy. B Chippewa Falls 715-288-6421

of Business 42 YEARS

Building Lasting Relationships, One Customer at a Time VISIT OUR SHOWROOM! 2309 W Cameron St, Eau Claire

1915 Talen St. Menomonie 715-235-3468 www.superiorautobodyinc.com

Not affiliated with Tilden Towing or Awesome Towing

41 YEARS

40 YEARS

See Me for Your Used Car & Towing Needs!

814942 9-26-16

888.GoAsher www.GoAsher.com 814792 9-26-16

40 YEARS

WESTERN WISCONSIN UROLOGY CELEBRATES 41 Years SERVING THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY Full Service Tire & Mechanic Facility.

Tires, Brakes, Oil Changes Alignments & Wheel Polishing Commercial & Consumer Vehicles

617 W. Clairemont Ave. Eau Claire, WI 54701 715-839-5175 uwhealth.org

3 2 1 7 S T E I N B LV D , EAU CLAIRE 715.835.6548

815120 9-26-16

WWW.EAUCLAIREUROLOGY.COM

1102 Menomonie Street Eau Claire, WI 54703

715-835-7555

814516 9-26-16

814271_9-26-16

0000814271_9-26-16_WesternWIUrology_HR1x2-25_AM

39 YEARS

39 YEARS

1018 E. Prospect St. Durand, WI 54736 715-672-5659 Open April - mid September 815324 9-26-16

39 YEARS

38 YEARS

Enriching people’s lives with meaningful employment and development opportunities.

Specializing in Lawn, Landscape, Lighting, Irrigation Solutions, Pest Control & Window Cleaning

“The Newspaper That Cares About Rural Life”

1-800-236-4004

www.thecountrytoday.com 785945 9-28-15

36 YEARS

814254 9-26-16

35 YEARS

manpower.com

35 YEARS

BRENIZER, REALTORS®

Owner

Thanks to all of OUR Customers, Clients & Family for making us West Central Wisconsin’s

Website: pmsleepcenter.com 814963 9-26-16

815291 9-26-16

814512 9-26-16

• Mattresses • Bedroom Furniture • Futons • • Airbeds • Dining/Living Room •

Phone: 715.839.0466

814269 9-26-16

33 YEARS

Michael J. Bloss

901 W. Clairemont Ave Eau Claire, WI 54701

Since 1978 www.greenoasis.co

#1 Homeseller Coldwell Banker Brenizer, Realtors 715-835-4344 715-723-5521 715-235-8443

814267 9-26-16

St. Joseph’s Hospital Chippewa Falls, WI

814514_9-26-16

THE COUNTRY TODAY

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER 815206 | 31

Honor Roll 33 YEARS

of Business 32 YEARS

32 YEARS

32 YEARS

Commercial, Industrial & Residential, electrical work, and control work.

24 Hour Service • Landscape Management • Design & Installation • Irrigation Services

• Siding: Vinyl, Steel, Seamless Steel & LP Smartside • Soffit & Fascia • Seamless Gutters • Steel Roofing • Window Replacement & Trim • Fabric Awnings • Decks & Room Additions • 3- or 4-Season Sunrooms 855 Industrial Drive, Mondovi, WI

715.832.6062

www.libertyexteriors.com

www.ever-greenservices.com

www.bandbelectric.com 1303 Western Avenue Eau Claire, WI

814265 9-26-16

31 YEARS

ECONOLAWN

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1984

715-832-1676 832-1676

Mark J. Deutschlander - Owner

31 YEARS

29 YEARS

Serving the Chippewa Valley

John’s Sewing Center Sewing Machine Sales & Service Service & Parts - All Makes

419 E. Madison St. Eau Claire

814252 9-26-16

northsidepethosp.com

814771 9-26-16

28 YEARS

28 YEARS

Family owned since 1988 Quality Workmanship Guaranteed

JOHN MOLDENHAUER ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC

815319 2-26-16

28 YEARS

www.jaenkeconcrete.com

814708 9-26-16

715-644-2777

28 YEARS NORTHSIDE SERVICE

• Septic Systems • Custom Skidsteer & Backhoe Projects • Total Site Dev. • Demolition • Poured & Block Walls • Floating Slabs • Retaining Walls • Garage & Basement Floors • Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks & Stoops • Snow Removal

chwalasconstruction.com

814745 9-26-16

Professional Automobile Repairs EST. 1988

113 Industrial Park Road Stanley, WI 54768

1727 Western Ave. Eau Claire

715-835-0761

715-834-5252 888-834-5252

28 YEARS

29 YEARS

John L. Webber

715.726.3485 715.717.7485 1.800.726.3485

814261 9-26-16

814263 9-26-16

814934 9-16-16

814510 9-26-16

ST. JOSEPH’S Home Health

Serving the Chippewa Valley Since 1985.

We offer a full line of lawn maintenance & snow removal services.

Let us do the work while you enjoy your leisure time.

Call us at 715-533-8155 for a free estimate today.

Quality lawn care at affordable prices.

Friendly, Dependable Service 2749 Alpine Rd. • Eau Claire 715-834-6044 or Toll Free 1-888-834-6044 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5 Sat. By Appointment

James A. Klug, D.C.

2130 Brackett Ave. Eau Claire, WI 54701 715-832-2292 814250 9-26-16

26 YEARS

25 YEARS

Carpet Cleaning Air Duct Cleaning Fire & Water Damage Restoration

1849 County Hwy. OO Chippewa Falls Offering Quality Home Furniture for Over 25 Years

GREAT SERVICE KNOWLEDGEABLE MECHANICS 804 Bartlett • East side of Altoona, WI

804 Bartlett East side of Altoona, WI

832-3349 814248 9-26-16

20 YEARS

THE ART OF TEPPANYAKI

Enjoy steak, chicken, Vegetables, fish, shrimp, lobster, scallops.

2426 London Rd. Eau claire, WI reservations: 834-0313 www.tokyoEauClaire.com

814769 9-26-16

Experience Authentic Japanese cooking at its finest, prepared at your table.

www.steamaticwwi.com

715-834-8822

32 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

814503 9-26-16

Steve Odegard • Owner

715-832-2539 Wednesday • 10am - 4pm Thursday • 10am - 6pm Fri. & Sat. • 10am - 4pm

814765 9-26-16

207 W. Lincoln St., Ste. 1 Augusta, WI 54722 715-286-2270 uwhealth.org 815122 9-26-16

815207

H

onor Roll of Business

18 YEARS

16 YEARS NEED STEEL?

By the Inch or by the Pound Call

• On-Site Document Destruction • Affordable and Confidential

Elk Mound 715-879-5559 River Falls 715-425-1138

www.shredawayusa.com

Daily Deliveries Small or Large Quantities

715-835-0811 814497 9-26-16

We’re honored to have served communities in the Chippewa Valley for 15 years!

1000 OakLeaf Way • Altoona

814242 9-26-16

Celebrating 15 Years!

15 YEARS

800.635.6197 • oakleafsurgical.com

www.steeltowne.com

814245 9-26-16

15 YEARS

GENERAL CONTRACTOR • BUILDER

715-829-0875

814237 9-26-16

12 YEARS

General Contracting • Commercial • Industrial

715-514-4172

www.rhomconstruction.com 814239 9-26-16

10 YEARS

Eau Claire Ace Hardware 2618 Birch Street Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-836-7788

Want to include your successful business next year?

Call Edie 715-833-9239 or Heather 715-830-5840 to find out how!

Regional Business Fund makes growth loan program to address financing gap

The Regional Business Fund created a new loan program for companies that have established themselves for at least two years and need additional financing to grow.

Companies with at least $250,000 in annual sales and plans to grow can now apply for up to $60,000 at 4 percent interest to ramp up inventory, purchase equipment or many other uses, according to a news release from the fund, which is available to west-central Wisconsin businesses.

“The applicants must have a detailed business plan outlining a clear growth strategy,” fund manager Beth Waldhart said in the news release.

The new growth loan program is in response to financial institutions and businesses that say there is a gap in financing for companies that “have a few years under their belts,” she said.

The new loan program fits between the Regional Business Fund’s existing microloan program used by startup companies and its revolving loan fund, which provides significantly larger financing packages.

Businesses in Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk and St. Croix counties are eligible to apply for help from the nonprofit Regional Business Fund.

For more information go online to rbfinc.org.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise deal pending for $275M acquisition of SGI

815331 9-26-16

13 YEARS

BRIEFCASE

Business technology company Hewlett Packard Enterprise announced Aug. 11 that it will buy SGI — a supercomputer maker with a manufacturing facility in Chippewa Falls — for about $275 million.

Palo Alto, Calif.-based Hewlett Packard Enterprise views the deal as a way to strengthen its spot in the growth markets of highperformance computing and data analytics, according to a news release.

“Together, HPE and SGI will offer one of the most comprehensive suites of solutions in the industry, which can be brought to market more effectively through HPE’s global reach,” Jorge Titinger, SGI CEO and president, said in the news release.

SGI employs 1,100 people worldwide between its corporate headquarters in Milpitas, Calif., the Chippewa Falls facility at 100 N. Cashman Drive and offices in Tokyo, Paris and Winnersh, England, according to the company’s website.

Pending regulatory approval, the deal is expected to close between November and January — HPE’s first quarter of its 2017 fiscal year — according to the news release.

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites opens in downtown Chippewa Falls

The 45-room Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, 100 N. Bridge St., opened in mid-September at a location that previously was the Plaza building in downtown Chippewa Falls.

Owner Brian Wogernese, president of Neenah-based Cobblestone Hotels, said the hotel’s first floor features a restaurant, bar, exercise room and pool. The building’s three other floors each have 15 guest rooms.

A state Department of Tourism analysis estimates the hotel will have a $2.4 million annual economic impact on the city between money spent on lodging and visiting local businesses.

See page 36

814235 9-26-16

815208

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 33

CROSSWORD

1

2 3

4

5 6

7

8

9

10

11

12 13

14

15

16

17 18

19

20 21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

Answers on Page 38

30

EclipseCrossword.com

ACROSS

4. Wisconsin fund facing shortfall of nearly $1 billion.

5. A contract that provides a death benefit but no cash build-up or investment component.

6. Independence-based community action agency celebrating a half century.

7. Retiring chamber of commerce president/CEO. 8. Larson Cos. hotel under construction in Rice Lake.

10. Recently shuttered for-profit college chain.

11. Programs director at CF chamber of commerce.

14. Current Malcolm Gladwell bestseller.

18. Two-day contest approaching for local entrepreneurs.

19. Sparta-based ag company planning new location in Chippewa Falls.

22. EC provider of print, IT services that’s expanding this fall with building addition.

25. “If you’re not a __ __, you should get the hell out of business,” Ray Kroc, McDonald’s founder.

26. President of WEDC’s board of directors.

28. Work uniform supplier that’s celebrating 125 years in business.

29. Top sellers for Chippewa Falls-based Leinenkugel’s brewery.

30. Atlanta airport that’s the world’s busiest.

34 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

DOWN

1. Recent $250,000 donor to the Confluence Project.

2. Dunn County EDC chairman.

3. Altoona-based bank closing four Walmart branches in mid-November.

9. Location of Dunn County’s first commercial solar farm.

12. Newly opened residential design studio at 2403 London Road.

13. New executive director of the Dunn County Historical Society.

15. New WEDC program for technology-based startups and early-stage businesses.

16. New southwest-style restaurant coming to Eau Claire.

17. World’s 25th-most valuable sports franchise, according to Forbes.

20. Data startup co-founded by UW-Eau Claire alumni sold to NBC Sports Group.

21. Local loan program, frozen for most of 2015, that’s off to banner year in 2016.

23. Minnesota-based company closing a plant in Augusta with 50 workers.

24. Oshkosh event that drew a crowd of 563,000 this year.

27. No. 20-ranked school in the world for the number of millionaire alumni it produces.

DIRECT RY 815211 9-26-16

CATERING

PRECIOUS COINS

REALTORS

Christmas Cookie Platter 60 cookies selected from 12 varieties arranged on a platter.

Call to order. Let us do the baking for you!

Buy • Sell • Trade • Appraisals 515 South Barstow St. Eau Claire • WI • 54701 (715) 834-7697

Helping to Build Your Communities One Home at a Time

Open M•T•TH•F 801773 4-4-16

Chris Becker

BOOKKEEPING

REALTOR ®, BROKER ASSOCIATE

PRESSURE WASHING 814757 9-26-16

715.308.4722

18220 Cty Hwy X Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

715-861-7654

Your bookkeeping partner • Business startup questions answered • Quickbooks setup and training • Bookkeeping services • Payroll processing and reporting

S imple O ffice S olutions

Get the answers and the help you need

Evlyn Carlile 715-379-0116 eauclairebookkeeping.com

Chris@CandMRealEstate.com

814827 9-26-16

715-832-4270

FOREIGN CURRENCY

www.sparklewash.com/eauclaire

)25(,*1 &855(1&,(6 We buy and sell Easy - Convenient (XURV Â&#x2021; 3RXQGV Â&#x2021; <HQ

Store Fronts Sidewalks Dumpster Areas Awnings Graffiti Complete Exteriors Fleets

814443 â&#x20AC;¢ 9-26-16

SIGNAGE

Free Estimates Fully Insured 2514 Golf Road â&#x20AC;¢ Eau Claire

814880 9-26-16

814247 â&#x20AC;¢ 9-26-16

814886 9-26-16

September 26, 2016 â&#x2122;¦ BUSINESS LEADER | 35

BRIEFCASE From page 33 The hotel is expected to produce 20 to 25 permanent jobs.

The city of Chippewa Falls sold the land to Wogernese’s company, WHG Cos., for $500,000 in October 2015. The Plaza building was demolished in March 2015.

Startup 48 contest is Oct. 14-16 in Eau Claire

A 48-hour contest that will give aspiring local entrepreneurs a chance to create a startup company will be Oct. 14 to 16 at JAMF Software, 215 Riverfront Terrace.

Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas for products — primarily tech-based — and form teams interested in developing their ideas.

Over the two days, those teams will create a product ready to be introduced to market and present them to a panel of judges, including business owners, experienced entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

Check-in for Startup 48 starts at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, and the weekend-long event will culminate on the evening of Sunday, Oct. 16, with a panel of judges picking the team that developed the best product.

With the short window to create a product, most ideas will likely center around Web services, apps and technology, according to Startup 48’s website. The winning team will get a prize package intended to help further their idea.

Participants of all backgrounds are welcome, including developers, software coders, designers, marketers, financiers and business owners.

Early-bird ticket prices are $75 for the general public or $35 for students until Sept. 30. Prices then increase to $95 for the general public and $45 for students. For more information or to register, go to startup48.co.

Wisconsin gets B+ on industrial report card

Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector got a B+ grade from an annual report that issues report cards for every state in several areas impacting the health of their industries.

The Manufacturing and Logistics Report prepared by Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research measured manufacturing health by income reported by employees, how those wages compare to other sectors and the portion of the state’s workforce that is in manufacturing.

The report created by the Muncie, Ind., university also gave Wisconsin a B+ in its human capital. In logistics, the state earned a B and then a B- in sector diversification.

Wisconsin got C grades for its fiscal liability gap, global reach, productivity and innovation.

Lowest marks came in tax climate and worker benefit costs, where the state got Ds on its report card.

For more on the report, go online to conexus.cberdata.org.

City hires business specialist

The city of Eau Claire hired Ray French in June as the new business assistance specialist in its Economic Development Division.

French previously worked as a management analyst in the city administrator’s office in River Falls.

French is a UW-Eau Claire graduate and he served as student body president in 2007-08. He has a law degree and master’s degree in public administration from Hamline University (St. Paul).

French can be reached by phone at 715-839-4914 or by email at ray. french@eauclairewi.gov.

www.signartusa.com 800-235-5178

Dream it..... Believe it..... Achieve it.

The Chippewa Valleys leading sign source since 1975

815060 • 9-26-16

36 | BUSINESS LEADER ♦ September 26, 2016

October - December Oct. 4-6: Wisconsin Economic Development Association Fall Conference, The Lismore Hotel, 333 Gibson St. Info/registration: tinyurl.com/h9ra3ds.

Oct. 6-7: Building Leadership Skills Through Communication and Listening, a UW-Eau Claire seminar for the Supervisory Management Certificate Program, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. both days, Holiday Inn South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court. Cost: $600. Info/ registration: tinyurl.com/h98p9y6.

Oct. 11: Business Plan Basics, 6-9 p.m., Western Dairyland Business Center, 418 Wisconsin St. Cost: $29, scholarships available for income-eligible individuals. Info/registration: SuccessfulBusiness.org.

Oct. 13: Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Candidates Forum, 6:30-8 p.m., Casper Conference Center, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. Oct. 13: Microsoft Outlook: Effective Email Management course, 8 a.m.-noon, room 27, CVTC, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. Cost: $49.

Info/registration: tinyurl.com/j56vcoa.

Oct: 13-14: Supervisor Training: Orientation, Time Management and Delegation, a seminar in UW-Eau Claire’s Supervisory Management Certificate Program, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. both days, Holiday Inn South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court. Class also will be taught Oct. 20-21 at Citizens State Bank, 375 Stageline Road, Hudson. Cost: $600. Info/registration: tinyurl.com/z5upqjg.

Oct. 18: 2016 Business Expo & Job Fair, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road.

Oct. 25: Food Entrepreneur Roundtable Discussion with Forage founder Tricia Cummins, noon-1 p.m., Suite 212, Building 13, Banbury Place, 930 Galloway St. Cost: $15. Info/registration: SuccessfulBusiness.org.

Oct. 25: Microsoft Access: Nuts & Bolts class, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., room 103, CVTC, 770 Scheidler Road, Chippewa Falls. Cost: $104.

Info/registration: tinyurl.com/j56vcoa.

Oct. 26: ISO 9001: 2015 Transition Strategies for Your Organization, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Northwoods Room, UW-Stout Memorial Student Center, Menomonie. Cost: $219 by Oct. 5, $269 after, discount for three or more people from same organization.

Info/registration: tinyurl.com/z2xcp5d.

Oct. 28: Microsoft Excel Intermediate class, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., room 149, CVTC, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. Cost: $104. Info/ registration: tinyurl.com/j56vcoa.

Nov. 3: Business Quickbooks class, 6-9 p.m., Western Dairyland, 418 Wisconsin St. Cost: $99, scholarships available for incomeeligible individuals. Info/registration: SuccesfulBusiness.org.

CALENDAR

Nov. 3-4: How to Influence Without Direct Authority, a seminar in UW-Eau Claire’s Supervisory Management Certificate Program, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. both days, Holiday Inn South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court. Cost: $600. Info/registration: tinyurl.com/ h7hjnrt.

Nov. 9: iPad Tips and Tricks class, 8 a.m.-noon, room 227, CVTC, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. Cost: $59. Info/registration: tinyurl.com/ j56vcoa.

Nov. 10: Secure and Cost Effective Credit and Debit Card Payment Processing class, noon-1 p.m., Western Dairyland, 418 Wisconsin St. Cost: $15. Info/registration: SuccessfulBusiness.org.

Nov. 12: Start a Small Business in Eight Steps, 9 a.m.-noon, Western Dairyland, 418 Wisconsin St. Cost: $29, scholarships available for income-eligible individuals. Info/registration: SuccessfulBusiness.org.

Nov. 17: Microsoft Outlook: Integrated Time Management class, 8 a.m.-noon, room 27, CVTC, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. Cost: $49.

Info/registration: tinyurl.com/j56vcoa.

Nov. 17-18: Supervisor Training: Employee Evaluation and Performance Management, a seminar in UW-Eau Claire’s Supervisory Management Certificate Program, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. both days, Holiday Inn South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court. Class also will be taught Dec. 8-9 at Citizens State Bank, 375 Stageline Road, Hudson. Cost: $600. Info/registration: tinyurl.com/j2sywyo.

Dec. 1-2: Basic Project Management: Implementing Initiatives, a seminar in UW-Eau Claire’s Supervisory Management Certificate Program, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. both days, Citizens State Bank, 375 Stageline Road, Hudson. Cost: $600. Info/registration: tinyurl. com/hphwoox.

Dec. 6: LinkedIn 101, 8 a.m.-noon, room 103, CVTC, 770 Scheidler Road, Chippewa Falls. Cost: $59. Info/registration: tinyurl.com/j56vcoa.

Dec. 8: Microsoft Excel Advanced class, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., room 103, CVTC, 770 Scheidler Road, Chippewa Falls. Cost: $104.

Info/registration: tinyurl.com/j56vcoa.

Dec: 8: Mechanics of Starting a Small Business, 1-3 p.m., Western Dairyland, 418 Wisconsin St. Cost: $29, scholarships available for income-eligible individuals. Info/registration: SuccessfulBusiness.org.

Jan. 11: Microsoft Excel Basic class, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., room 103, CVTC, 770 Scheidler Road, Chippewa Falls. Cost: $104. Info/ registration: tinyurl.com/j56vcoa.

northwesternbank.com Your Business Banking Resource Member FDIC

Member FDIC

Eau Claire 715-839-8642 • Chippewa Falls 715-723-4461

814469 • 9-26-16

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 37

CLIFF IND NDUSTRIAL DUSTRIAL EXPANDS MA MACHINE ACH CHIN INE IN SHOP TO INCLUDE SMALL COMPO ONENT ON EN N COMPONENT MANUFACTURING: • Precision Sw Swiss wis i s Machining M Wi W rree M achiningg • EDM Wire Machining

814835 9-26-16

offer machine build and repair, We also of ffe f r mach hin ine b bu uil uild ild aan il nd repa paair i , industrial al supplies, tooli ingg aand nd n d ffixturing. ixtu ix urriing ng. tooling uss a call aatt 715715-835-8314 Give u -8335-8314 more Ask about for mo ore info. o A sk abo b ut our Eau Claire, WI Pickup Delivery!

FREE FR EE P icku ic kup p & De Deli live very ry!!

814240 • 9-26-16

1

ANSWERS

2

A D

3

A

ML

E R

I

L

Z

F

E

E

N

D

S

D

C

E

O

R

M

L

Y T R A N S P

9

Y

T

M

O

U

W N

14

N I

E I

N S

O U T L D

F

U

E

N

D

N

E R A

EclipseCrossword.com

I S T

W E

E R N D A I

R Y

L A N D

U I

T E

I B O B M C C O Y H

8

E H O L

10

I

I

D A Y

I

N N E

X P

R E

S S

A N D S

C H N I

T T

T E

H E

C K S E

C A L I

N S

T I

T U T E H

C O L E I

E

R S

T H E S

T O R Y

O F

A R T U P F 19

S

O R T Y

E I

N D S

U

N

T

A

S

O

T

E

N

A

B

R

M

K

U

L

S

H

E

S

M

O

T

P

O

M

O G I

E

T

S

R

R

E O J O H N S O N B U S

I

N E S

20

P

21

N

22

R

Y

E

E T A R B L E

A

S

15

G H T

S T

W

13

F

S U C C E S

G

S T

12

S

L

17 18

S

L

E C H N O L

16

R

A C

S

L

A

G

N

R

B

Y

I

E

T

N

P

O

U

N

N

O

A

N

R

G

K

R

C

A

S

T

K

L

H

E

E

B

I

C

R

U

P

R

Q

H

S

S

S

V

U

S

I

U

U

E

I

Y

N

P

W

N

L

C E S

P

M

T

L

S

O

A

U

A

S

R

D

R

M

F

T

I

E

S

U

23

28

H U E

B S T E

38 | BUSINESS LEADER

6

7

A

Questions on Page 34

U R A N C E

I Y

O N

L F

11

F

O R T A T I C

T

I T

4

C I

N 5

M

30

C H S E 29

S

R V

I

H A N D I

H A R T S

E

25

R I

E L

D J

S

24

S

N

K T 26

L

27

E

A

A

N

A K E R

D

A

T

I

S

A M A U E R

S O

N F I

O

A C K S

O N I

N T E

R N A T

I

O N A

L

STAY A NIGHT, A WEEK, A MONTH, OR A YEAR

By the NUMBERS

$813

million

was the Eau Claire metropolitan area’s record level of exports last year, according to the federal Department of Commerce. The total was a $15 million increase over 2014. Merchandise export categories included computer and electronic products, machinery, rubber and plastics.

13.6%

more construction projects started in Wisconsin — not including homes — in the first six months of this year when compared to the same time in 2015, according to the state chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America.

22.5

million

salaried workers are exempt from overtime in the U.S., but 19 percent of them will gain overtime eligibility on Dec. 1, according to Department of Labor estimates.

80% 25%

of area businesses responding to Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s July survey rated the local economy between “moderately strong” and “very strong.”

Fully-Equipped Kitchen • Complimentary Buffet Style Breakfast and Self-Service Laundry Room • Pet Friendly • “The Social” Evening Reception • The Pantry • Fitness Center • Pool and Whirlpool • Courtyard with Backyard Seating Area, Fireplace and Fire Pit

1515 Bluestem Blvd, Altoona, WI 54720 staybridgesuites.com/altoonawi (715) 830-0800

814740 9-26-16

LOCAL COMMERCIAL SERVICE! Boxx Sanitation can take care of your company’s trash and recycling services in a cost-concious, customer focused way that is tailored too meet the demands of a small start-up or a large business.

of area employers that replied to the Chamber’s July survey said workforce shortage is a concern to them — a considerable increase from previous years.

815085 9-26-16

September 26, 2016 ♦ BUSINESS LEADER | 39

Around here this is a more common problem than you’d think. Our Trust & Estates team deals with this type of thing and many other family matters like “who gets the summer cabin up north.” These aren’t easy decisions to make and they’re not ones you should be making alone. We’ve been around since 1920 and have learned a thing or two, so contact us today and we’ll help you make the right decisions for you and your loved ones.

eau claire | wausau ruderware.com visit our blogs at blueinklaw.com

814738 • 9-26-16