June 2014 by New North B2B

Business Intelligence for the New North

Alla tua Salute!

v9.0

9th Annual Corporate Wellness Awards recognize three employers from the region driving down health care cost increases Bustling Defense Economic Development Realizing a vision Finance

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STRONG & CONSISTENT so you can be too. We focus exclusively on businesses and individuals with sophisticated needs. We help our clients achieve success, which in return leads to our success. In fact, First Business reported record net income of $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Visit firstbusiness.com for details or call us today to see how we can help you.

(L-R) Mickey Noone, President Will Deppiesse, Vice President First Business Bank - Northeast

Y O U R S U C C E S S C O M E S F I R S T. Member FDIC

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Commercial Lending : Treasury Management : Equipment Finance : Specialized Lending : Trust & Investments : Private Banking

Fox Cities: 920-734-1800 Oshkosh: 920-231-2400 Green Bay: 920-435-5442

Business Intelligence for the New North

June Features 20 COVER STORY

9th Annual Alla tua Salute!

2014 awards recognize three employers driving down health care costs

26 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Bustling Defense

Defense contractor resources realign as military build up slows

30 FINANCE

Realizing a vision

Successful ventures launched through non-traditional financing

Departments 4

From the Publisher

5, 36 Professionally Speaking

Since We Last Met

10 Corporate Earnings 13 Tourism 14 Build Up Pages 34 Firefighters of Northeast Wisconsin Update 38 Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News 43 Business Calendar 44 Advertiser Index 45 From the Editor

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46 Key Statistics

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NNB2B | June 2014 | 3

From the Publisher

Seeking compassionate employers by Sean Fitzgerald, New North B2B Publisher

First-of-its-kind award will recognize region’s businesses who extend extraordinary support to employees enduring a medical crisis Bad accidents or unexpected medical crises are among the most unfortunate incidents that no amount of preparation can avoid or make easy. Insurance makes the financial bleeding less difficult to manage, but the pain, the mental and emotional struggles, and the limited ability to work or be productive can make these lowest moments in life almost unbearable. Such life changing accidents or diagnoses don’t just affect that individual, either. Families’ lives are interrupted as well. Often so is the workplace. A number of employers in northeast Wisconsin not only go out of their way to demonstrate compassion for an employee – or the family member of an employee – going through a medical crisis, but also rally together co-workers and use company resources to support that individual in their time of need. When Tony Van Hammond was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last year, his co-workers at the Appleton engineering and consulting firm Poyry created a charitable fund through Community Benefit Tree to help minimize his family’s financial hardship. During its 10 years in existence, Kaukauna-based Community Benefit Tree has worked to help hundreds of northeast Wisconsin residents suffering from an unexpected medical crisis, and in nearly every case it’s heard stories from people of how they were treated by their employer. Some stories show there are clearly employers with high levels of compassion, care, empathy and generosity. In an effort to recognize those employers who have gone above and beyond normal policies and demonstrated extra care and compassion to employees struggling with a medical crisis, Community Benefit Tree has partnered together with New North B2B magazine to present a first-of-its-kind Compassionate Employer Award this September. This inaugural Compassionate Employer Award aims to demonstrate best workplace practices in dealing with a 4 | June 2014 | NNB2B

medical crisis situation, to encourage the adoption of these practices in other workplaces, and to educate businesses and the community about the impacts a medical crisis can have on an individual, their family and their co-workers. We genuinely hope this recognition inspires and encourages employers to review their current policies and provide the best possible support in the workplace for employees and their families dealing with a medical crisis.

Beginning in June, B2B and Community Benefit Tree are seeking nominations for compassionate employers to consider for this first-time award. Perhaps a company worked with an employee on time off, or creative ways for the employee to work from home or another location. Maybe it provided monetary assistance, or just kind words and encouragement. If you know of a northeast Wisconsin employer who has offered tremendous compassion to an employee facing a medical crisis during the past 10 years, please nominate it for the 2014 Compassionate Employer Award. Simply write a short essay describing the support the employer provided, how they made you feel and how it helped your family. Submit your nomination essay to Community Benefit Tree by July 28 by email (info@ communitybenefittree.org) or send a paper copy to 2204 Crooks Ave., Ste. C in Kaukauna 54130. The winner will be profiled in an article in the September 2014 edition of New North B2B, and will be recognized during Community Benefit Tree’s annual LIFE Celebration Night at Grand Meridian in Appleton on Nov. 11. For information and specific details about the Compassionate Employer Award, go online to www.communitybenefittree.org.

Attn: HR managers

Do you think you help manage a unique workplace? Do you implement initiatives in your workplace that break from the norms of a traditional office or plant environment? Do you allow employees to have fun at work in an effort to make them more productive than they might be otherwise? If you answer positively to boasting some unique characteristics within your workplace, B2B wants to hear about your human resources ingenuity. Our August 2014 cover story will feature a handful of employers across northeast Wisconsin who’ve found success changing normal workplace expectations in an effort to better accommodate the contemporary needs of employees and generate greater productivity.

To be considered for this upcoming feature, simply send an email with a paragraph or two explaining some of the out-thebox human resource practices your organization employs by July 10 to sean@newnorthb2b.com. Keep an eye out for this exciting feature article in our August 2014 edition. You may just find a few best practices you can easily implement as well. n www.newnorthb2b.com

Professionally Speaking If you have a particular labor/employment law question, forward it to Mr. Renning at info@newnorthb2b.com. If he responds to your email in a future issue, your name and company will be withheld to preserve your privacy. Professionally Speaking is a paid promotional spot in B2B.

Avoid Fair Credit Reporting Act Claims by Tony Renning of Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. 920.232.4842 Reader Question: I utilize background checks (criminal background checks as well as credit checks) as part of the employment process – Do I have anything to be concerned about? Tony Renning: The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) applies to employers when they hire an outside third party, known as a “consumer reporting agency,” to perform background checks (e.g., credit and background checks) on employees and prospective employees. On the other hand, where an employer conducts background checks on its own without a consumer reporting agency’s assistance, the FCRA is not implicated. First, before ever ordering a background check, the employer must notify the employee that the employer might order the background check. The notice must be clear and conspicuous and should be separate from an application for employment. The employer must also

Sean Fitzgerald Publisher & President sean@newnorthb2b.com Larry Avila Editor larry@newnorthb2b.com

obtain the employee’s written consent. Second, the employer must provide the employee or prospective employee with a summary of his or her rights under the FCRA. Effective Jan. 1, 2013, the use of new forms outlining the rights of employees and prospective employees under the FCRA are required. Third, employers are required to provide employees and prospective employees with notice. If, after conducting the background check, the employer intends to take an adverse action based on information in the background check, the employer must first provide notice, permitting the employee or prospective employee to clarify information contained in the background check. The newly created, but aggressive, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has replaced the Federal Trade Commission as the agency charged with enforcing the FCRA. The CFPB is increasingly investigating claims employers are failing to comply with the intricacies of the FCRA. Additionally, the failure to comply with the FCRA is resulting in

a growing number of civil and criminal lawsuits against employers. When an employer negligently fails to comply with the FCRA, the employer is liable to the employee for any actual damages caused by the employer’s negligence, as well as the employee’s attorneys’ fees. If willful non-compliance is involved, the employer faces punitive damages as well. For advice and counsel concerning the legal pitfalls associated with the FCRA, contact Tony Renning at (920) 232-4842 or trenning@dkattorneys.com or any other member of the Davis & Kuelthau Labor and Employment Team. Tony Renning is a shareholder with Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. Mr. Renning provides counsel to private and public sector employers on a wide variety of labor and employment law matters. This article is intended to provide information only, not legal advice. For advice regarding a particular employment situation, please contact a member of the Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. Labor and Employment Team.

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Since We Last Met

Since We Last Met is a digest of business related news occurring in the Greater Green Bay, Fox Cities, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac areas in the one month since the previous issue of New North B2B.

April 21 Wisconsin’s Family Care program was expanded into seven northeast Wisconsin counties, including Brown County. Family Care provides access to long-term care services, offering independence and a greater quality of life by allowing people to stay in their own homes. Family Care already exists in Fond du Lac, Outagamie and Winnebago counties. The state estimates expansion of the program could reduce long-term care costs by $34.7 million over 10 years.

April 21 The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau awarded a $7,605 Tourism Development grant to install wayfinding signs in the Village of Hortonville. The village joined the bureau’s service area in 2012 and was not included in the initial Fox Cities wayfinding sign program in 2008. The signs should be installed by August.

April 23 Suppliers and vendors affected by recent spending cuts at military vehicle maker Oshkosh Corp. may be eligible for loans up to $250,000 through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The pilot Special Project Loan Fund Program will provide loans or loan guarantees to companies for expenses that may not be eligible for traditional financing.

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Oshkosh Corp. recently announced it will eliminate 760 jobs in Oshkosh as a result of defense spending cuts, which will also affect suppliers to Oshkosh Corp. This pilot financing program includes loans with a 6 percent interest rate and requires a 50 percent match by the recipient. April 28 Time Warner Cable subscribers in northeast Wisconsin will be transitioned to Charter Communications as part of the conditions of a $45.2 billion merger between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, which is expected to close by year’s end. Charter will purchase 1.4 million Time Warner subscribers from Comcast as part of a regulatory negotiation to manage Comcast’s marketshare below Federal Trade Commission limits.

April 28 The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region approved a $5 million mission-related investment in bonds to support the Fox Cities Exhibition Center. The proposed 62,000-sq. ft. facility will be built connected to the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton. The foundation said the funds are not a grant, referring to it instead as an investment to be repaid from revenue generated by a dedicated room tax paid by visitors to Fox Cities hotels. Officials estimate the exhibition center would have a $6.5 million annual economic impact.

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April 30 Petra Roter, vice chancellor of student affairs at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, was named interim chancellor at the university, taking over for Chancellor Richard Wells who is retiring this summer. Roter has been responsible for the administration and leadership of student affairs since 2005, which has more than 230 employees. She currently oversees a division budget of $44 million. Roter also served as interim associate vice president for academic and student affairs with UW System Administration from July 2011 to May 2012.

an educational video theater and interactive exhibits and displays. It also will serve as a rest area with restrooms for paddlers, boaters, hikers and bicyclists. May 2 Grede Foundry in Berlin announced it would lay off 80 workers beginning July 1. The company blamed a declining market for its products. The plant will remain open and employ 136 workers after the job cuts. Grede has 14 U.S. foundries, including four in Wisconsin.

May 2 May 1 Land O’Lakes Inc. announced it will close its plant in Denmark which makes semi-soft Italian cheese, which will effectively eliminate 92 jobs. The company said it plans to expand its facility in Kiel, where it products cheddar and Monterey jack cheese.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported 288,000 jobs were created in April, dropping the national unemployment rate from 6.7 to 6.3 percent in April. Job growth occurred in professional and business services, retail trade, food services and drinking places, and construction.

May 1 The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau awarded a $100,000 tourism development grant for the Fox River Navigational System Authority to build a visitor interpretive center at Lock No. 3 in Appleton. The center will tell the story of the Fox River Locks System, which will feature

2003 June 30 - Fond du Lac Area Transit made its last bus run to North Fond du Lac after the village decided to discontinue the service due to low use. Approximately 20 passengers were using the service into North Fond du Lac per day. 2005 June 16 - Promoters for Country USA music festival held each year at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds said they plan to move the event to a 270-acre site on the southwest side of Oshkosh. The permanent festival grounds will have a large main stage, campgrounds and parking. 2006 June 9 - Kimberly-Clark Corp. laid off 105 employees from the Lakeview Diaper plant, the first wave of the 510 jobs that will eventually be eliminated before the company closes the plant during the next 12 months.

Without execution, they’re just numbers. Let us do the math.

2009 June 5 - American Transmission Co. announced it completed construction of a 75-mile, 345-kilovolt power line connecting New London to Weston in central Wisconsin. As one of the highestcapacity lines in the state, it’s expected to bring greater electric reliability to the Fox Valley area by supporting the new generator at the Weston Power Plant that went into service last year.

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2011 June 14 - The Outagamie County Board voted to consider selling property near its downtown Appleton Justice Center for a proposed new convention center. The proposed Fox Cities Exhibition Center Inc. would be a roughly 30,000-sq. ft. facility attached by skywalk over Lawrence Street to the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.

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Since We Last Met May 14

May 8 Generac held a job fair in Oshkosh to hire 100 employees for its manufacturing facilities in Oshkosh and Berlin. The manufacturer of mobile industrial generators hired for a variety of positions including production, engineering and lab technicians. Generac’s subsidiary Magnum in Berlin manufactures smaller mobile generators and light towers.

May 8 Chief Executive Officer magazine ranked Wisconsin 14th on its Best/Worst States for Business 2014 survey. It was the fourth consecutive year Wisconsin’s position improved. The state ranked 17th last year and 20th in 2012. Wisconsin was 24th in 2011. The ranking measures several metrics including gross domestic product growth, unemployment rate, state debt per capita, number of state and local government employees per 10,000 residents, and state and local tax burden.

May 10 Greg Matson and Cristina Danforth emerged from the primary for chairperson of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, eliminating incumbent Chairman Edward Delgado. The general election for all tribal offices will be held July 12.

The Advance Microloan Program through the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce received a grant of $100,000 in matching funds from Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. after raising an additional $100,000 from a consortium of financial institutions in the region. The 3-year-old program provides financial support ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 for startup and early-stage companies throughout the region. The loan program is aimed at business ventures that might not otherwise qualify for conventional financing. The new funding from the state’s Capital Catalyst Program will be targeted specifically for technology-based businesses in the Greater Green Bay area. Since its inception, the Advance Microloan Program has approved 28 loans totaling more than $900,000.

May 19 An advisory committee of the Green Bay City Council voted 4-3 to recommend the entire council approve a plan for a 154,000-sq. ft. Walmart superstore in the city’s downtown Broadway district. Walmart filed a revised plan with the city on May 8 to build the retail center on the Larsen Green industrial site following the city plan commission’s rejection of Walmart’s initial proposal earlier this year. That proposal included a different façade and a larger store that left less space for other mixed-use development in the area. n

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Corporate Earnings

Once each quarter, New North B2B runs a digest of quarterly financial reports from local publicly traded companies, or from out-of-the-area parent companies with significant operations in our northeast Wisconsin coverage area.

Associated Banc Corp. Income EPS

1Q 2014 $43.9 million 27 cents

1Q 2013 $46.1 million t 5% 27 cents unch.

The Green Bay-based financial institution reported average loans grew $416 million or about 3 percent during its first quarter compared with its fourth quarter 2013. The company reported it repurchased $39 million in stock, or roughly 2.3 million shares at $17.20 per share.

Kimberly-Clark Corp. Revenue Income EPS

1Q 2014 $5.3 Billion $538 million $1.41

1Q 2013 $5.3 Billion t <1% $531 million s 1% $1.36 s 4%

The manufacturer of consumer paper and tissue products with significant operations in the Fox Cities reported its North American sales were even when compared to the same quarter last year. The company said its adult care sales, which includes the Depend brand, saw some gains. Its Huggies baby wipes and diaper volumes also increased. The company said its international sales increased 3 percent.

VF Corp. Revenue Income EPS

1Q 2014 $2.8 Billion $297 million 67 cents

4Q 2013 $2.6 Billion s 6% $270 million s 10% 60 cents s 12%

The parent company of Jansport operations in the Fox Cities recorded 14 percent growth in its outdoor and action sports line. The company said its The North Face brand sales rose 14

10 | June 2014 | NNB2B

percent globally driven by nearly 30 percent growth in directto-consumer sales and an increase in the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wholesale business.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. Revenue Income EPS

1Q 2014 $3.6 Billion $473 million $1.11

1Q 2013 $3.4 Billion s 6% $354 million s 34% 78 cents s 42%

The parent company of Miller Electric Manufacturing operations across the Fox Cities said its international sales grew 6 percent during its first quarter compared to last year. It also reported a 1 percent increase in North American sales for the quarter.

Plexus Corp. Revenue Income EPS

2Q 2014 $558 million $18.5 million 53 cents

2Q 2013 $533 million s 5% $17.7 million s 5% 51 cents s 4%

The Neenah-based contract electronics manufacturer said new business secured during its second quarter will generate $159 million in annualized revenue when in full production. The company projects third quarter revenues ranging between $600 to $630 million.

Bemis Company Inc. Revenue Income EPS

1Q 2014 $1.2 Billion $49.2 million 48 cents

1Q 2013 $1.3 Billion t 2% $49.3 million t <1% 47 cents s 2%

The Neenah-based supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials reported its U.S. packaging business had net sales of $738 million for its first quarter, down 1 percent when compared to the same period last year. The company blamed its overall drop in sales on the harsh winter weather and a slowdown in customer demand.

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Brunswick Corp. 1Q 2014 1Q 2013 Revenue $969 million $995 million t 3% Income $57 million $49.8 million s 14% EPS 60 cents 53 cents s 11% The parent company of Mercury Marine operations in Fond du Lac blamed bad weather during the first three months of the year for a sales drop in its marine and bowling and billiards businesses. The company said it saw some sales growth in fitness equipment.

Humana Inc. Revenue Income EPS

1Q 2014 $11.7 Billion $368 million $2.35

1Q 2013 $10.5 Billion s 12% $473 million t 22% $2.95 t 20%

The dairy-based foods company with extensive operations in Wisconsin, including the Green Bay area, reported revenues were affected by rising prices for raw milk. The company also blamed the harsh winter for a $4 million drop in milk sales to schools during its first quarter.

Bank First Income EPS

1Q 2014 $3.2 million 50 cents

1Q 2013 $3.0 million s 6% 46 cents s 9%

The Manitowoc-based financial institution with significant operations across northeast Wisconsin reported 9.6 percent loan growth during its first quarter when compared to the same quarter a year ago.

Neenah Paper

The health and benefits company with extensive operations in the Green Bay area reported it had received 700,000 applications for health insurance through the exchanges established through the Affordable Care Act since enrollment opened Oct. 1.

Revenue Income EPS

Oshkosh Corp.

The papermaker with significant operations in the Fox Cities reported operational efficiencies saved the company more than $2.5 million in energy costs. It also saw a 2 percent increase in fine paper sales.

Revenue Income EPS

2Q 2014 $1.7 Billion $119 million 83 cents

2Q 2013 $2.0 Billion t 15% $135 million t 11% 97 cents t 14%

The manufacturer of specialty vehicles blamed a decline in its defense segment for its drop in revenue. The company announced it would lay off 760 workers at its Oshkosh operations because of government spending cuts.

Dean Foods Revenue Income EPS

1Q 2014 $2.3 Billion $7.0 million (5 cents)

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1Q 2013 $2.3 Billion t <1% $74 million t 91% 31 cents t116%

1Q 2014 $225 million $23.3 million 79 cents

1Q 2013 $213 million s 6% $22.4 million s 4% 74 cents s 7%

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. Revenue Income EPS

1Q 2014 $2.7 Billion ($29 million) (15 cents)

1Q 2013 $2.5 Billion s 5% $27.1 million t207% 15 cents t200%

The printing company with significant operations in the Fox Cities reported its loss during the quarter was attributed to $148 million of various adjustments, primarily for restructuring and impairment. The company said its publishing and retail services business saw revenues fall 3 percent to $643 million when compared to the same quarter last year.

NNB2B | June 2014 | 11

Corporate Earnings

Integrys Energy Group Inc.

Blyth Inc.

1Q 2014 1Q 2013 Revenue $2.9 Billion $1.7 Billion s 71% Income $253 million $293 million t14% EPS $1.89 $2.37 t 20% The parent company of Wisconsin Public Service Corp. operations across northeast and northcentral Wisconsin reported harsh weather contributed to its revenue increase during its first quarter. Income was affected by higher natural gas costs, the company said.

Revenue Income EPS

Appvion

First Business

Revenue Income

1Q 2014 $204 million $14.5 million

3Q 2013 $211 million t 3% $17.9 million t 19%

The employee-owned producer of thermal papers – formerly known as Appleton Papers – reported strong performance from its Encapsys division, recording a sales increase of 11 percent and shipments increasing 5 percent. The company expects sales to continue improving for its Encapsys business unit.

1Q 2014 $176 million ($2.8 million) (20 cents)

1Q 2013 $233 million t25% $2.6 million t208% 16 cents t225%

The parent company of Silver Star Brands operations in Oshkosh – formerly known as Miles Kimball Co. – reported its catalog and Internet segment benefitted from strong growth in health, wellness and beauty products and higher sales driven by the Silver Star Brands credit program.

Financial Services Inc. Income EPS

1Q 2014 $3.3 million 84 cents

1Q 2013 $3.2 million s 3% 83 cents s 1%

The commercial-oriented financial institution serving Madison, Milwaukee and northeast Wisconsin reported deposit balances for the quarter at $736 million, up 2 percent from $723 reported during its first quarter last year. n

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Tourism

Traveler spending continues upswing

Story by B2B Staff For the millions of travelers visiting Wisconsin, it’s all about the fun and memories, but for the state’s taxpayers and residents, it’s all about the jobs and tax revenue those travelers support. In 2013, a 4 percent growth in the tourism economy statewide translated to an increase in tourismrelated employment and personal income, according to a statewide economic impact study conducted by Tourism Economics, a research firm commissioned by the state Department of Tourism. Tourism had a total economic impact of $17.5 billion on Wisconsin last year compared to $16.8 billion in 2012. Since 2010, the state’s tourism economy has experienced an 18 percent growth from $14.8 billion. Other industry indicators included strong day traveler growth pushing recreational and entertainment spending up 6 percent. International travel to Wisconsin totaled $700 million, up $100 million from the previous year. Tourism supports nearly 185,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in personal income across the state. In total, visitor spending generated nearly $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenue and $1 billion in federal taxes in 2013.

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Local tourism figures continue to be increasing in northeast Wisconsin as well. Q Visitor spending in the Fox Cities increased 5 percent to $411 million in 2013. This direct spending is estimated to have sustained 5,557 jobs in the tourism industry and provided $90.2 million in income for Fox Cities residents. Q In Brown County, visitor spending climbed 1 percent to nearly $558 million in 2013, ultimately supporting an estimated 11,195 jobs in the tourism industry and provided $401 million in income for local residents. Total visitor spending generated $83 million in state and local taxes last year. Q Visitor spending in Winnebago County jumped nearly 6 percent to more than $219 million in 2013. This direct spending supported an estimated 4,761 jobs across the county and provided $116 million in income for Winnebago County residents. Visitor spending generated an estimated $29 million in state and local taxes during 2012.

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Q Rounding out the region, visitor spending in Fond du Lac County grew by almost 8 percent to more than $119 million in 2013, sustaining an estimated 2,477 jobs in the tourism industry and provided $53 million in payroll for Fond du Lac County residents. Total visitor spending generated more than $15 million in state and local taxes in Fond du Lac County last year. n NNB2B | June 2014 | 13

Build Up Fond du Lac

3 2

4 5 Build Up

Fond du Lac

1 - 102 E. Division St., Rosendale Bluemke’s, an addition to the existing convenience store to expand its food services. Project completion expected in June. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna. 2 - 158 N. Main St., Fond du Lac Kwik Trip, a new convenience store, fuel station and car wash. 3 - 235 N. National Ave., Fond du Lac Moraine Park Technical College, a 5,212-sq. ft. addition to the existing educational institution to improve the main entrance and the veteran’s affairs office. Project completion expected in November.

4 - 980 S. Hickory St., Fond du Lac Kwik Trip, a new convenience store and fuel station. 5 - 1315 S. Main St., Fond du Lac Roberts Homes, a new office building. Project completion expected in June. 6 - 305 & 321 Camelot Dr., Fond du Lac Fond du Lac Regional Clinic South, a 50,000-sq. ft. addition to the existing medical clinic, as well as a separate 50,000sq. ft. building for an Agnesian Healthcare dialysis center. Completion of both projects expected in late 2014. Indicates a new listing

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Oshkosh

7 - 639 Witzel Ave., Oshkosh City of Oshkosh Public Works Building, a municipal operations facility and yard. Projects completed since our May issue: â&#x20AC;˘ Walgreens, 1060 E. Johnson St., Fond du Lac.

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Build Up Fox Cities Build Up

Fox Cities

Indicates a new listing

1 - W6400 County Road BB, town of Greenville Fox Valley Technical College Public Safety Training Center, a 93,000-sq. ft. training facility for fire protection and law enforcement personnel. Project completion expected in December. 2 - 3030 W. College Ave., town of Grand Chute Les Stumpf Ford, a 21,226-sq. ft. addition to the existing automotive dealership. 3 - 2445 W. College Ave., Appleton Kolosso Automotive, a 49,000-sq. ft. dealership facility. Project completion expected in June. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna. 4 - 1825 N. Bluemound Dr., town of Grand Chute Fox Valley Technical College Student Success Center, a two-story, 96,750-sq. ft. academic building. Project completion expected in August. 5 - 1230 W. College Ave., Appleton Cypress Homes, a new commercial building and showroom. 6 - 835 W. Northland Ave., town of Grand Chute First National Bank - Fox Valley, a new financial institution branch office. Project completion expected in November. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna. 7 - 710 W. Evergreen Dr., town of Grand Chute Kwik Trip, a 7,041-sq. ft. convenience store and a 1,736-sq. ft. car wash facility. 8 - 2121 Freedom Road, Little Chute Culver’s Restaurant, a 4,500-sq. ft. restaurant building. Project completion expected in August. General contractor is Bayland Buildings of Green Bay. 9 - 311 Oak Grove Road, Kaukauna PolyFlex Inc., a 60,000-sq. ft. manufacturing facility. Project completion expected in October. 10 - 1200 Maloney Road, Kaukauna Team Industries, a 26,020-sq. ft. expansion to the existing pipe fabrication facility. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna. 11 - 100 County Road KK, Kaukauna Piping Service Inc., a 10,800-sq. ft. addition to the existing industrial building. Project completion expected in June. General contractor is Frontier Builders & Consultants of Kaukauna. 12 - 1506 S. Oneida St., Appleton St. Elizabeth Hospital, a five-story, 90-bed patient tower, as well as renovations to the cancer center and behavioral health. 13 - 425 N. Tullar Road, Neenah Country View Animal Hospital, a 12,000-sq. ft. animal care facility and offices. Project completion expected in November. General contractor is Bayland Buildings of Green Bay. Projects completed since our May issue: • Kwik Trip, 120 N. Mall Dr., town of Grand Chute. • Reinders Inc., 900 Randolph Dr., Little Chute. 16 | June 2014 | NNB2B

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Build Up Greater Green Bay area

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15 & 16

Build Up

Indicates a new listing

Greater Green Bay area 1 - 1010, 1109 & 1112 S. Military Ave., Green Bay Broadway Pre-Owned, Broadway Hyundai and Broadway Ford, three separate dealership facilities. 2 - 1482 W. Mason St., Green Bay Associated Bank, a remodel and substantial reconstruction of the existing branch office. Project completion expected in July.

18 | June 2014 | NNB2B

3 - 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay Lambeau Field, renovations to the atrium area of the stadium. 4 - 301 E. Main St., Green Bay KI Convention Center, a 30,000-sq. ft. addition to the existing convention center facility. Project completion expected in spring 2015.

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5 - 100 E. Main St., Green Bay CityDeck Landing, a six-story, mixed-use development to include 76 residential units and 7,000 square feet of retail space on the first floor. 6 - 400 N. Washington St., Green Bay Schreiber Foods Inc., a five-story, 250,000-sq. ft. corporate headquarters. Project completion expected in June. 7 - 1921 Airport Dr., Ashwaubenon Jet Air Group, a 32,375-sq. ft. storage hangar with additional office space and a repair center. Project completion expected in June. General contractor is Bayland Buildings Inc. of Green Bay. 8 - 3101 S. Ridge Road, Ashwaubenon Sherwin Williams, a 7,525-sq. ft. retail paint store for contractors. Project completion expected in summer. General contractor is Bayland Buildings of Green Bay.

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9 - 1030 Glory Road, Ashwaubenon Tenor Construction Supply & Rental, an 18,000-sq. ft. warehouse facility and office. Project completion expected in late summer. General contractor is Bayland Buildings of Green Bay. 10 - Label Drive, Ashwaubenon Green Bay Packaging Inc., a 240,000-sq. ft. coated products manufacturing facility. Project completion expected in late fall.

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11 - 950 Main Ave., De Pere Dunkin’ Donuts, a remodel and addition to the existing commercial retail building. 12 - 2246 Mid Valley Dr., town of Lawrence Tytler’s Cycle, a 12,000-sq. ft. addition and renovation of the motorcycle dealership. Project completion expected in June. 13 - 100 Grant St., De Pere St. Norbert College Gehl-Mulva Science Center, a 150,000-sq. ft. education and research facility to house the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Green Bay campus. Project completion expected in spring 2015. 14 - 150 Wisconsin Ave. South, De Pere Walgreens, a new retail store. Project completion expected in June. 15 - 633 Heritage Road, De Pere Belmark, an addition to the existing industrial facility. 16 - 750 Millennium Ct., De Pere Gandrud Detail Shop, a new automotive maintenance facility. General contractor is Bayland Buildings of Green Bay. Projects completed since our May issue: • Handling & Conveying Systems, 2530 S. Hemlock Road, Green Bay. • Community First Credit Union, 3282 Eaton Road, Green Bay. • Straubel Company, 1891 Commerce Dr., De Pere.

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Committed to building and measuring a culture of wellness among our employees Appvion, Inc. www.appvion.com

NNB2B | June 2014 | 19

Cover Story

9th Annual

sponsored by

Alla tua Salute!

Our 2014 corporate wellness honors feature three firms heavily invested in improving employee health

Submitted photo Employees work out in the onsite fitness center at Appvion Inc. in Appleton.

Story by Sean Fitzgerald, New North B2B publisher

In 2014, employer-based wellness programs are fortunately more common than they are uncommon. That wasn’t the case nearly a decade ago when New North B2B launched our annual Alla tua Salute! Awards. Such initiatives to improve employee health were rare, and B2B set out with a mission of recognizing those employers whose best practices in wellness programming led to improved health, lower use of health insurance for chronic issues, and ultimately resulted in lower premium increases to the group health insurance plan. 2014 Alla tua Salute Honorees Large company:

Appvion

Appleton

Mid-sized company: Society Fond du Lac

Insurance

Small company: SparkNet De Pere

20 | June 2014 | NNB2B

Alla tua Salute! – Italian for “to your health” – has recognized more than two dozen northeast Wisconsin employers during the last nine years for their efforts to reduce skyrocketing health care costs. The 2014 Alla tua Salute! Awards, sponsored by Network Health, features two new honorees – as well as a previous two-time winner – sharing ideas your company can often implement to improve employees’ health as well as cut back on burdensome health care expenses. Here’s how they do it. www.newnorthb2b.com

Large company: Appvion

The manufacturer of thermal and specialty papers, formerly known as Appleton Inc. and Appleton Papers, is already a gold level Well Workplace recognized by Wellness Council of America. The 1,700-employee company also received B2B’s Alla tua Salute! Award in 2010 and in 2012. Appvion clearly has an articulately designed wellness program targeting health improvement in the areas of exercise, nutrition and stress management. In early 2013, Appvion opened a clinic across the street from its Appleton headquarters and production facility, which was used by 45 percent of eligible employees during its first year, according to Kerry Arent, vice president of human resources for Appvion. The clinic provides lifestyle medicine and wellness consults for chronic disease management, acute care for illness and nonwork related injuries and immunizations at no charge. Health professionals are able to spend more time with patients, ultimately providing a more holistic approach to the care they’re delivering. While Arent said financial data isn’t yet available from the clinic’s inaugural year to illustrate its early return on investment, she indicated the real value comes in the form of healthier employees using it more readily because it’s close and convenient. “They probably wouldn’t go to the doctor otherwise,” she said. Appvion’s large on-site fitness center is open 365 days to all employees, spouses and retirees, and includes a cardio room, a classroom for fitness classes, and a full circuit weight room. It offers no-cost personal training and has two health coaches available onsite to create individual plans to help employees, spouses and retirees meet their weight and nutrition goals. Staffing is provided through a partnership with YMCA of the Fox Cities. Appvion’s onsite cafeteria provides at least two healthy meals per week in addition to its daily salad bar which includes a cost subsidy provided by the company. “Salads are one of the best sellers in our cafeteria thanks to that subsidy,” said Heather Bogard, health and wellness coordinator for Appvion. Perhaps most impressively, Appvion’ stress management efforts include heavy promotion of its employee assistance program, which last year recorded double the use compared with the national average for employer-sponsored EAP programs. What is the evidence all these efforts are working? Biometric scores from health risk assessments taken by employees have remained stable over the last several years after increasing regularly during the early years of the company’s wellness program. Ultimately, the company reported its health care costs have been trending downward www.newnorthb2b.com

NNB2B | June 2014 | 21

Cover Story Wellness awards panel

over the last few years. “They are the poster child of wellness programming,” said Chris Hanson, president of Appleton-based Hanson Benefits and a longtime panelist judging the nominees of B2B’s Alla tua Salute! Awards. “They should be teaching us.”

Mid-sized Company: Society Insurance David Brand

employee benefits specialist with Valley Insurance Associates, Oshkosh

Chris Hanson

president Hanson Benefits Inc., Appleton

Imagine structuring your own individual health insurance policy so that you pay next to nothing in premiums. Sound too good to be true? It’s possible at Society Insurance in Fond du Lac, a 278-employee carrier for various lines of business insurance. Employees selecting the company’s highest deductible plan available while scoring high on their annual wellness scorecard can enjoy such a perk, said Amy Collett, vice president of human resources for Society Insurance.

Sean Fitzgerald publisher New North B2B magazine

Larry Avila

editor New North B2B magazine

Proactive about wellness and lifestyle improvement, Society’s wellness committee begins each wellness fiscal year creating and building an operational plan for the 12 months ahead. The plan is developed based upon the performance of the company’s cumulative health risk assessment results, and changes from year to year as HRA results improve or reveal areas of wellness in greater need of attention. “One of the things I really like is that they lay out a wellness plan every year,”

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22 | June 2014 | NNB2B

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said David Brand, an employee benefits consultant with the Oshkosh office of Valley Insurance Associates. “I think that’s important.” Each year’s plan addresses weight management and diet programs. In that regard, the company offers a salad bar in its lunch room on Tuesdays and Thursdays, allowing employees to purchase salad through payroll deduction. Society Insurance also has adopted community-supported agriculture into its employee culture, Collett said, and the workplace has become a dropoff site for one of the local CSA farms near Fond du Lac. Roughly 30 employees are members in the local CSA organization, and Society helps reimburse a portion of the cost for its employees CSA share. The insurance company offers its employees free memberships to nearby Club Olympia Fitness in Fond du Lac, or employees can choose a gym membership reimbursement for facilities other than Club Olympia. Between the two options, more than 100 employees take advantage of this benefit, Collett said. In 2014 Society Insurance began providing reimbursement of registration fees for runs, walks and other organized community events involving exercise. Although the employer’s annual health risk assessments are not mandatory, about 80 percent of employees take the HRA now after seven years of it being offered. Without it, employees aren’t eligible for the fitness club benefit or the

reimbursement for event registrations. Tied to an employee’s performance on their HRA and overall wellness scorecard is a “wellness credit” which amounts to actual cash back on their regular payroll check toward the premium they’d otherwise contribute toward health insurance. Similarly, the HRA program is also offered to spouses and they too can receive wellness credits, Collett said. Other wellness initiatives include quarterly blood pressure checks, monthly onsite massages, and the “Don’t Gain – Maintain” program it promotes during the busy holiday season the past four years. The latter captured the attention of panelist Chris Hanson. “It makes sense, rather than focusing on what (weight) they’re going to lose,” said Hanson, recognizing even the best of us make poorer food choices and may exercise less consistently during the holidays. “It’s connecting the dots.” The impact for Society Insurance would make many employers envious. “The last 2 years I have been able to hold premiums flat in some areas, even decrease them (in other areas),” Collett said. Society is a member company of Fond du Lac Area Businesses on Health and uses its resources regularly. It recently submitted a Well Workplace application with WELCOA.

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NNB2B | June 2014 | 23

Cover Story Small Company: SparkNet It’s hard to expect a lot of wellness program muscle from a company with just 37 employees. But then again, SparkNet in De Pere is anything but a typical employer in northeast Wisconsin. The Internet and mobile app development firm makes wellness part of its culture and literally built wellness into its newer four-story, 69,000-sq. ft. office building. An onsite fitness center features floor to ceiling mirrors looking out over the Green Bay skyline. Available to employees and significant others at no charge, the facility is used regularly Monday through Friday. There’s a separate Yoga room, and both the men’s and women’s locker rooms include infrared sauna, hot tubs and steam rooms. This past year the company purchased diagnostic test equipment such as calipers to measure body fat, scales and a handheld

Alla tua Emeritus 2014 With more than three decades of combined wellness initiatives in the workplace between them, both Silver Star Brands of Oshkosh and Neenah-based J. J. Keller & Associates have become mentors for other employers in northeast Wisconsin beginning their own wellness programs from the ground up. Both organizations are past multiple-time winners of B2B’s Alla tua Salute! Awards, and in 2011 we recognized their history of exceptional wellness programming with Emeritus Wellness Program status. Appletonbased Appvion Inc. will join their ranks following this year’s honor. Catalog and Internet retailer Silver Star – formerly known as Miles Kimball – is in its 14th year of providing wellness programming. The company received B2B’s inaugural Alla tua Salute! Award in 2005, as well as winning the recognition again in 2008 and 2009. Starting in 2014, the company rolled out its Healthy Rewards program to part-time employees and spouses, allowing them to earn premium discounts on their health insurance as well as fulltime employees. Additionally, Healthy Rewards had been revamped to make health coaching an integral part of the program. The company’s cigarette smoking cessation efforts continue to produce results, with seven people quitting tobacco use between the 2012 and 2013 HRA screenings. Already in 2014, Silver Star had six participants complete the Call It Quits program through Affinity Health and another seven enrolled for the next session.

24 | June 2014 | NNB2B

Silver Star Brands earned the Wellness Council’s Gold Level Well Workplace Award for the second time in 2013. J. J. Keller is in the 19th year of its wellness program, and received B2B’s Alla tua Salute! Award in 2010 and again in 2011. The provider of safety and regulatory compliance products and services was awarded the coveted Platinum Well Workplace Award from the Wellness Council in 2013, and it’s the only company in Wisconsin to ever achieve a perfect score. In the fall 2013, the company expanded its wellness program to include spouses, who can participate in its K-Life Wellness Points health insurance incentive program. Coaching has proven effective in improving the health of J. J. Keller employees, and the company increased its health coaching staff to 40 hours per week in 2014, as well as added a new medical assistant in its onsite clinic. With 286 employees participating in health coaching from 2012 to 2013, the average health assessment BioScore improved by 46 points in one year among that cohort. Speaking of health assessment metrics, 78 percent of the company’s 1,267 HRA participants in both 2012 and 2013 remained at the same risk level, while another 14 percent improved their risk level. As a result, overall health claims remained relatively flat between 2012 and 2013. – by Sean Fitzgerald

www.newnorthb2b.com

body fat monitor for the locker rooms. Surprisingly, this equipment is well used.

“What really impressed me is that they were able to take a step back from HRAs and try to determine what would give them the best return on investment,” said Brand of Valley Insurance Associates, who has been beating the drum of health risk assessments for more than a decade. “One of the problems smaller employers have is how to address specific problems (identified from group HRA results) because of HIPPA.”

“We love data. We make data-driven decisions all the time,” said SparkNet founder and CEO Chris Knight, noting employees use results from these body fat tests to chart their diet and fitness progress. A healthy lunch is served daily at no cost to all employees by the company’s in-house chef. For each meal the chef serves employees appropriate portion sizes and explains the dietary value. “He writes down the calories and all the nutritional information for all of the food employees are eating,” said Loretta Bauer, human resources manager for SparkNet. There’s no dessert after lunch, though. The chef avoids sugar in the meals he prepares. SparkNet had been using health risk assessments since 2011, but discontinued HRAs this past year as a result of changing health care insurance carriers and the renewal period falling at a time different from when it was traditionally held. Bauer noted most employees didn’t use the data from the HRAs anyway, so the company retreated to analyze how it might best find value in such data for its staff. Such a decision hardly deterred our panelists.

rned into tu n io is v r u yo t n a W

In addition to weekly visits from a massage therapist and a personal trainer who comes to the fitness studio four times each week – both of which are expenses carried by the employee at a reduced price – SparkNet allows employees stress-free play time during the work day with billiards, foosball, Ping-Pong and video games scattered throughout its facility. Although relatively new to wellness compared to a number of other northeast Wisconsin employers, SparkNet has come a long way developing positive healthy behaviors in its culture on a day-to-day basis. “The culture (of wellness) really comes from the top. It all starts with the CEO,” said Hanson, indicating it was evident Knight fully buys into the wellness initiatives his firm supports. As a result, employees are losing weight and living happier, healthier and more productive lives. n

a reality?

s r e n w O e e y o Empl of Keller Keller’s on-staff Architects provide complete design services for our clients and are hands-on in determining floor layouts and building designs. Our team has the expertise necessary to personally create a space that is not only unique but completely functional and built to stand the test of time. Keller, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned construction company. This means that our clients work with an owner of Keller each and every day. Our employees have a vested interest in the success of our company, working diligently to ensure that our clients are more than satisfied with the entire building process by performing the highest quality of work.

Steve Architect wner Keller Employee-O

1.800.236.2534 l www.kellerbuilds.com Offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee & Wausau www.newnorthb2b.com

Before You Buy The Land

Before You Draw The Plans Call Keller. NNB2B | June 2014 | 25

Economic Development

Bustling Defense Manufacturing resources realign for area defense contractors as military build up slows Story by Jeffrey Decker

Wars end. So do the jobs that defied a recession by building machines of war. Peace has a price, too. Businesses and families don’t necessarily want to pay it. Short and long-term help for workers and companies aims to diversify local industry while finding new work for the 760 employees Oshkosh Corp. plans to lay off in June and July. Attrition and retirement will lower that number, but cutbacks along the supply chain lead to more layoffs. “Suppliers and others have realized that it’s coming to an end,” said John Daggett, spokesman for Oshkosh Corp., recalling how almost 1,000 jobs were added in 2008 to meet a U.S. military order for Mine-Resistant All-Terrain Vehicles.

26 | June 2014 | NNB2B

Oshkosh Defense’s 2011 revenues reached $4.3 billion. “In 2012 it went down to $3.9 billion and last year, in 2013 it went down to $3 billion,” explained Daggett. “Our sales to the government for fiscal 2014 will be somewhere between $1.725 billion and $1.75 billion.” The story isn’t as dire for Marinette Marine Corp., which is building littoral combat ships, those which operate in shallow water, for the U.S Navy. The company has built two ships and four more are under construction, which has the company hiring at its busy shipyard. “We currently employ 1,400 employees, and are in the process of hiring an additional 200,” said Bethany Skorik, a company spokeswoman. www.newnorthb2b.comwww.newnorthb2b.com

She said normal attrition means between 100 and 150 new employees will be hired each year. “With a mix of employees, contractors, visitors and suppliers, we estimate that roughly 2,000 individuals enter our gates daily,” she added. Marinette Marine in 2012 had 1,146 employees but is projected to increase its workforce 36 percent to 1,560 by 2020, said Ann Hartnell, executive director for the Marinette County Association for Business & Industry Inc. “The average wage is $65,224 at MMC,” she said. “The impact of the Marinette Marine portion of the LCS program on the local economy is projected to be $4.3 billion.” Hartnell said the total for goods and services purchased by Fincantieri Marine Group shipyards from businesses based in Wisconsin increased from approximately $45 million in 2008 to $60 million in 2012. Fincantieri also owns Bay Shipbuilding Co. in Sturgeon Bay, where construction has begun on an order for three oil and chemical barges announced in April. That Moran Towing Co. order is steady work for two years and has applications leading to jobs today.

“We have several hundred defense contractors in the Fox Valley region and around 400 in the state of Wisconsin,” Daggett said. Bulletproof glass and steel armor isn’t made in Wisconsin, Littoral combat ship under construction at and it’s hard for him to Marinette Marine. foresee which suppliers will be hit hardest because a single order sends tires and sparkplugs to all four divisions to snow plows and concrete mixers as well as personnel carriers. “At its height we buy $1 billion worth of goods and services from Wisconsin suppliers annually,” he said. How much less this year isn’t known and isn’t likely to be shared.

Far-reaching community impact

Suppliers weren’t eager to talk about what seems to be bad news at Oshkosh Corp.

Oshkosh Corp. continues building medium and heavy trucks and trailers in 22 varieties after the 750th M-ATV was delivered five months ago, ending that model’s production until a new order is placed by Congress or a U.S. ally. Of the 760 planned layoffs, 60 may be office staff.

In fact, all of the requests for interviews to Oshkosh Corp. vendors for this article were respectfully denied.

Daggett said the company’s defense business will retain around 1,850 employees in Oshkosh following the layoffs, and more than 12,000 worldwide.

“I think that’ll be one of our challenges as well, because a lot of this information is proprietary,” said Katherine Ahlquist, economic development planner with the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.

“Last year we saw $7.6 billion in sales for the company as a whole,” he said. “People forget how big we are.” But suppliers don’t.

Small and mid-size manufacturers who share too much information about their customers put themselves at risk.

The Defense Industry Supply Chain Mapping & Web Portal is one of six projects under the Oshkosh Region Defense Industry Diversification Initiative made possible by an

Oshkosh Corp. M-ATV trucks on a test track.

www.newnorthb2b.com

NNB2B | June 2014 | 27

Economic Development

Attn:

HR Managers Is your workplace unique?

Do you actively steer away from the traditional office environment?

Is your workplace fun, and yet more productive than without the fun?

$837,000 U.S. Defense Department Grant the regional planning commission was granted. New North Inc. is leading creation of the portal which, Ahlquist said, will map out the defense contractors within the region with “very general information about the company, like their basic certifications, that the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership can use to figure out who’s in a supply chain, who’s most impacted, and what kind of skills they already have.” The portal will be a resource for economic development professionals and employers who need to know the current landscape as they plan for the future. As many as 20 people will join the supply chain advisory committee before its kick off meeting in June. “August 2015 is when we’re expecting all this work to be done,” Ahlquist said. “It’s really more of a long-term tool and we don’t expect that it will assist the companies in need right away.” Immediate help from that grant comes through the Defense Industry Supply Chain Direct Assistance program. At least 10 suppliers will receive diagnostic and change readiness assessments as part of a larger package to expand capabilities and find new opportunities. More help comes from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., which Alan Davis, City of Oshkosh community cevelopment cirector, credits with taking the lead under a program that lends up to $250,000 to companies for projects or expenditures that may not be eligible for traditional financing.

Let B2B know what you’re up to and we may feature your human resources ingenuity in our August 2014 cover story on employers changing workplace norms in northeast Wisconsin. Send an email by July 10 with a paragraph or two explaining your company’s unique HR characteristics to sean@newnorthb2b.com

28 | June 2014 | NNB2B

WEDC originally had a July 1 launch date, but on April 23 its board of directors announced an earlier start as a pilot program framed around Oshkosh Defense suppliers. “It’s imperative for Wisconsin companies that have relied primarily on defense contracts to diversify,” said Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of WEDC. Loan amounts range from $50,000 to $250,000, with a 6 percent interest rate. Loans require a 50 percent match by the recipient and optional loan guarantees require a 20 percent match.

Help for workers

Affected Oshkosh Corp. workers seeking a job will fill the Oshkosh Corp. Resource Fair June 11. Fox Valley Technical College will be one of many community partners offering resources and options. Denise Martinez , director of student affairs at FVTC, said the college will take notes on what workers want before deciding what special classes or programs to offer. “We try to meet the workers where their needs are,” she said. “We’re pretty nimble. Our response is generally based on need. Are they thinking about retraining or looking for new employment?” Steve Straub, dean of manufacturing and agriculture technologies at FVTC, points to its Automated Manufacturing Systems program, which “offers a 12-credit certificate targeted toward people who have been working in industry as an engineer and want training on the latest technology.” Last year, Oshkosh Corp. held a job fair at the Oshkosh Convention Center. Daggett said that job fair had as many as 16 businesses with 550 available jobs. In October 2012 and in April 2013, Oshkosh Corp. announced layoffs of more than 1,200 defense employees. Daggett said by July attrition, retirements and transfers led the planned 900 layoffs to total only 540. He added that recall rights under the current union contract gives laid off employees a significant advantage over new applicants for any jobs that re-open within three years. Rob Kleman, senior vice president of economic development at the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, said impacts are far-reaching and compounding. Disposable incomes and discretionary dollars will circulate less. “We were probably a little spoiled having Oshkosh Corp. here through the recession,” he said. “Thankfully we have a diverse economy in the Fox Valley and the New North region.” A recently completed targeted industry analysis for the Oshkosh region www.newnorthb2b.com

recommended economic development efforts focus on information technology, advanced manufacturing, aviation and second-stage growth companies.

Moving forward

Aviation infrastructure is front and center under a $2 million grant awarded in September by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The 34,212 people working in the city of Oshkosh as of March 31 are 449 more than a year earlier. The current 6.8 percent unemployment rate was 7.7 percent then. Now it’s going to increase at least a little, and Kleman is taking calls from colleagues in Fond du Lac, Door County and the Lake Michigan lakeshore. Industries there are hiring. Ariens in Brillion just had a job fair to help find 200 workers who can build lawn mowers, he added. The good times were great, remembers Daggett, but business has always been cyclical over the 97 years the company has been making trucks. “In the depths of the 2008-2009 recession when everyone was laying off, our Defense Division was actually very robust. We were hiring new employees where other big name companies like Mercury Marine were laying off folks,” he said. It’s hard to expect an M-ATV order equal to that in 2008, but smaller orders are always being sought internationally and

could be signed any day. Hiring would get an immediate jump if Oshkosh Defense wins the contract to build Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. “We are one of three finalists who are battling for the only major contract on the horizon,” Daggett said. “It’s ourselves, along with Lockheed Martin and AM General.” AM General is the original manufacturer of Humvees. The manufacturer that wins the JLTV contract could begin production in 2016 and reach full production in 2018. John Petek, president of Marvel Manufacturing Co. Inc. in Oshkosh, is monitoring that deal. His firm rarely does business with Oshkosh Corp. and it doesn’t compete with the defense contractor, except when it comes to hiring workers. “I never have to make a decision about health insurance,” he said. “I have 90 employees. Oshkosh Corp. has about 2,000. I have to compete with them. Whatever they offer, I have to offer to get the good employees.” Petek said his firm benefits from the layoffs because many skilled workers are suddenly for hire. “You kind of do (get the pick of the litter), but a lot of times it’s temporary because they go back at the nearest opportunity,” he said. “The economy is so strong. Most of these people should probably get absorbed in - if they’re quality people.” n Jeffrey Decker is a business journalist and father based in Oshkosh.

CONGRATULATIONS TO

OUR EMPLOYEES

We want to thank and congratulate our employees for engaging in our wellness programs and taking control of their health. While this award technically recognizes healthy employers, it’s our employees who deserve the credit for participating in our weight management programs, physical activity challenges, on-site salad bar and chair massages, community-supported agriculture, and health club and race reimbursement programs. They have helped reduce costs for our company and, much more importantly, created a company of healthy people making healthy choices. And that’s the greatest reward of all.

www.newnorthb2b.com

You’re In Charge

societyinsurance.com 888-576-2438 NNB2B | June 2014 | 29

Finance

Realizing a VISION Successful ventures launched through non-traditional financing

Story by Larry Avila, New North B2B editor

For some people, the thought of cooking is frightening especially when paired with lack of know-how and time spent in a kitchen is limited to tossing frozen meals into a microwave. This was the case for Matt Howard of Larsen, Eric Martell of Whitefish Bay and Alex Wyler of Mequon. When the trio was attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, none had great cooking skills and like most college students, often turned to take out to eat. Martell said he and his friends tried to place orders online but at the time, about five years ago, many didn’t offer that service. That inspired the then-students to develop software to help restaurants offer online ordering. “We partnered with some local restaurants (and) launched Badgerbites.com,” Martell said. The business, launched in 30 | June 2014 | NNB2B

2010, evolved into EatStreet.com, which today partners with restaurants across more than two dozen states. EatStreet.com didn’t get to where it is today without help. The company received some funding from angel investors, typically high-wealth individuals who receive an ownership stake but also provide business expertise and guidance to a fledgling business with growth potential. The assistance was welcome, Martell said. “As young entrepreneurs with limited credit, this was a natural route to go,” he said. “Moreover, when you take an angel investment, you not only gain the capital, you also gain the insight of a successful individual.” Martell said he and his partners were introduced to Oshkoshbased Angels on the Water through Joe Kirgues, an early investor in the company, and the law firm Michael Best & Friedrich. www.newnorthb2b.com

Aid for start-ups Angels on the Water formed in April 2011 and began investing in 2012, said Elizabeth Hartman, fund administrator for the angel investment group. She said Angels on the Water invests in early stage companies with high-growth potential. The organization also provides management assistance and advice to entrepreneurs. An attraction for investors to companies like EatStreet.com is the growth potential. Elizabeth Hartman said Angels on the Water must see the potential upside of a return of 10 times an investment to compensate for the high risk. The group usually invests between $20,000 and $100,000 in a business and today has a portfolio of 19 companies. Angels on the Water prefers to invest in businesses based in northeast Wisconsin, but has provided funding to firms around the state. Venture capital investors take a different approach than angel firms. Venture capitalists also seek high-growth businesses, but seek investments that meet specific criteria established by the firm’s investors and management. In the case of Little Chute-based NEW Capital Fund, launched in 2006, it wants to invest in businesses involved in advanced manufacturing and information technology as well as material and biological sciences. Charlie Goff, president of NEW Capital Fund, said many deals are referred to his firm but some don’t fit with its investment criteria. “We do seek out advanced manufacturing opportunities, something that has intellectual property or a proprietary advantage,” he said. A business with something proven and original that it developed, which has potential markets, can lead to a good return on investment.

Cash infusion Aurizon Ultrasonics in Kimberly, which produces equipment that utilizes high-power ultrasonics or sound waves to perform industrial processes, was spun off out of consumer products giant Kimberly-Clark Corp. in August 2009, said Greg Benrud, president of Aurizon. That would not have happened without access to venture capital from NEW Capital Fund. “Without access to venture capital, Aurizon’s ultrasonic technology and know-how would likely still be resident within and exclusive to Kimberly-Clark,” Benrud said. K-C now outsources its bonding equipment supply and support to Aurizon.

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“The funding provided by NEW Capital Fund made the spin-out from Kimberly-Clark a reality,” Benrud said. “In addition, we were able to leverage (Goff’s) experience with local resources to create the infrastructure necessary to get the business up and running as an independent business unit.” Business investment from angel and venture capital firms is rising in Wisconsin. The 2012 edition of the Wisconsin Portfolio, an annual publication of the Wisconsin Technology Council through its Wisconsin Angel Network, reported angel groups invested more than $61.1 million in state companies during 2011, up from $50.2 million the previous year. Venture capital investments totaled $91.7 million in 2011, down from $130.7 million in 2010, according to the Wisconsin Portfolio.

Another funding alternative Jessica Dennis, an entrepreneur who co-founded Red Shoes PR in Appleton, in 2012 launched Charitabli, a website which uses social media to raise money for non-profit organizations through crowd funding. She describes what Charitabli does as collecting smaller donations from large groups of people. Since Charitabli launched, it has raised about $40,000 cumulatively for about

Great relationships start with the right people. Bill Bradley has joined the Bank First team, with a focus on the bank’s Appleton expansion. Bill joins Bank First with more than 15 years of high quality Wisconsin-based community banking service. You can reach Bill at (920) 609-3401 or email bbradley@ bankfirstnational.com.

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NNB2B | June 2014 | 31

Finance 25 non-profit organizations. Crowd funding was used by Brian Davis of Appleton to raise capital to make his idea reality. He developed Fix-ItSticks, a portable tool kit designed for bicyclists to carry. Davis used a crowd-sourcing site called Kickstarter to help spread the word about his invention and to raise money to mass produce it. Neenah-based Charitabli takes a similar approach but instead provides another fund raising vehicle for nonprofit groups. “We started Charitabli because we felt a lot of non-profits in the Valley weren’t utilizing (crowd funding) like others were around the country,” Dennis said. “It’s growing in awareness and we just wanted to educate people on crowd funding and how they could utilize it as another source of donations.”

Awaiting the payoff Investors seek a return on investment. Hartman said the objective of Angels on the Water is to make money.

“If we successfully execute on these three goals, we’re confident that our investors will get a great return,” he said.

Awareness rising Goff said there is better awareness of funding resources for businesses outside traditional lenders than when the venture capital group launched eight years ago. “We see plenty of deal flow and there are people looking for equity but with that said, a lot of those deals that come to us don’t meet our investment criteria,” he said. Goff often refers business to organizations like Angels on the Water. Hartman said Angels on the Water has attracted investors from around the Fox Valley including some from the Milwaukee and Madison areas.

“Many of our investors also enjoy being involved with entrepreneurs and helping new business grow,” she said.

She said her group also receives leads from other investment firms as well as business startup and accelerator programs including Gener8tor, which has offices in Milwaukee and Madison.

Martell said Eatstreet.com’s revenues are generated by collecting 10 percent of an order as commission from a participating restaurant.

Hartman said Angels on the Water does not advertise but networking with organizations including Gener8tor helps raise awareness.

“If someone orders on Eatstreet, it costs them the same as it would to order over the phone or in person at the restaurant,” he said.

“We do not engage in any active marketing because we typically have no trouble getting quality deal flow,” she said. “Those opportunities come to us through (our) website, word of mouth, relationship networks and Gener8tor.”

Martell said any company with investors needs to find a liquidity event for its shareholders. “For us, this would more likely be the sale of the company (and) less likely be an IPO,” he said. “Because of our rapid growth, our investors have been very patient and supportive in our expansion efforts.”

32 | June 2014 | NNB2B

Martell said Eatstreet.com’s focus is to grow its restaurant base, which added 4,000 restaurants so far this year, as well as expand its consumer base and grow revenues.

Hartman said the state’s climate for angel and venture capital investing appears to be improving. “By investing in entrepreneurs, you’re growing your own while strengthening our entrepreneurial ecosystem, which in turn will attract more entrepreneurs and capital to our state,” she said. n www.newnorthb2b.com

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NNB2B | June 2014 | 33

Firefighters of Northeast Wisconsin

Firefighters

of Northeast Wisconsin One falls by the wayside as two others forge ahead Story by Sean Fitzgerald, New North B2B publisher Two months into the 2014 installment of our Firefighters of Northeast Wisconsin initiative and a couple of committed-to-improve business owners are off and running. Susie Van Ekeren of Appleton-based Wisconsin Swim Academy LLC has now held several meetings with veteran consultant Gary Vaughan of Guident Business Solutions to help develop a strategy to manage the extraordinary growth she’s experienced and is planning for in the year ahead. In the short term, Vaughan has Van Ekeren fully using QuickBooks to understand what the numbers are telling her about her business performance. He’s also taught her to post all revenues and expenses in the proper months they’re accrued. “This will allow her to make the best business decisions with the numbers her business is generating,” Vaughan said. Vaughan also suggested a bit of reading

for Van Ekeren, including Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs by Karen Berman and Joe Knight. Additionally, Van Ekeren is working on writing an operational budget for her swim instruction business, and will begin comparing her actual financial data to the budget numbers.

Company: Wisconsin Swim Academy LLC Location: Appleton Owner: Susie Van Ekeren Founded: 2010 Employees: Nine part time Web: none

For the long term, Vaughan is guiding Wisconsin Swim Academy to develop a plan, establish a timeline for that plan, and set milestones that are achievable along the way. In one of our other endeavors to help small business owners put out the fires within their companies, Karen Stoehr of 9th St. Wellness Center in Green Bay has been working along with Jon Wright of Appleton-based Wright Advisor to refine her brand and improve the efficacy of her marketing. Together the two have clarified the wellness center’s overall core strategy,

developed a mission statement of its purpose, and identified four values that support Stoehr’s vision: uplifting people, smart health, enriching environment and empowering advocates. To help Stoehr with this endeavor, Wright invited R.J. Foster of Wordsmithing by Foster to assist 9th St. Wellness Center in developing a meaningful “elevator pitch” to describe the organization efficiently and effectively. Foster’s focus in on messaging, and he’s working with 9th St. Wellness Center to create a script for its upcoming radio promotions, a press release, and as a new introduction for

Methodology New North B2B magazine kicked off its 4th annual Firefighters of Northeast Wisconsin initiative in April 2014, aimed at assisting those northeast Wisconsin small business owners who feel as if they’re constantly burning the candle at both ends, putting out fires, spinning their wheels, but intent on finding a way to improve. We put out a call for nominations back in January. In the end, our staff selected three area businesses for this endeavor: Wisconsin Swim Academy LLC of Appleton, 9th Street Wellness Center in Green Bay and Elite Security Solutions of Oshkosh. Guident Business Solutions LLC www.guidentbusinesssolutions.com 34 | June 2014 | NNB2B

Through the generous help of Barbara Jordan of Green Bay-based AdvantEdge Success Coaching, Jon Wright of Wright Advisor in Appleton and Gary Vaughan of Guident Business Solutions in Appleton, the three dedicated-to-improve businesses are receiving five month’s worth of consulting at no cost to help their owners work on the strategy of growing their business rather than regularly attending to problems. B2B is providing a monthly update on the progress of their efforts in each issue leading up to a capstone article in the September 2014 issue of New North B2B magazine.

Wright Advisor www.wrightadvisor.com

AdvantEdge Success Coaching www.advantedgesuccesscoaching.com www.newnorthb2b.com

sharing with individuals and area groups. Stoehr is excited about the refined direction of her marketing efforts, and said clearer language – words like education, experience and empowerment – will be used in her branding initiative going forward. Company: 9th St. Wellness Center Location: Green Bay Owner: Karen Stoehr Founded: 2011 Employees: None

Lastly, and unfortunately, our Firefighters initiative lost one of its three participating businesses in May when David Cihlar of Elite Security Solutions in Oshkosh dropped out of the program.

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Cihlar was lined up to meet with Barbara Jordan of AdvantEdge Success Coaching in Green Bay, but the two never had the chance to meet for an initial consultation. Cihlar said he’s making changes to his business to scale back on the products and services it offers. He said Elite will remain focused on its core services of statewide event security and retailing pepper spray, but will discontinue its sales and service of electronic security systems and camera systems. “The market is too tight and there are way too many competitors willing to sell for next to nothing,” Cihlar said. He’s also looking to sell the company’s existing security alarm accounts, and his Oshkosh office building has since been put on the market. n

Better Business Bureau New Members Businesses accredited through the Northeast Wisconsin office during April 2014 Angell Legal, Menasha Auto One, Manitowoc Bring It! Errands and Delivery, Lena Custer Street Towing and Auto Repair, Manitowoc Custom Security Technologies, Oshkosh Digital-X Media & Design, Appleton DJS Auto, Appleton Gary’s Auto Repair, Forestville Homan Ford, Ripon Kyle Kluck Trucking and Excavating, Stevens Point Professional Landscaping, Oostburg Rebath of Central Wisconsin, Oshkosh Schuh-Less Flooring and Remodeling, Little Chute Spiegl Construction, Appleton Valley VNA Senior Services, Neenah Waite’s Tree Service, Little Chute Wisconsin Land Surveying, New Franken

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NNB2B | June 2014 | 35

Professionally Speaking

Professionally Speaking is a paid promotional spot in B2B.

What is an ASC?

By Amanda Sosnosky of Bellin Orthopedic Surgery Center 920.569.4300 Why should businesses and consumers care about an ASC? Now more than ever, businesses and consumers are conscientious about where they spend their health care dollars. Gone are the days of showing up for an appointment, paying a $20 copay, and never having to think about the remainder of the bill. ASCs, or Ambulatory Surgery Centers, provide consumers with an alternative for high quality health care with a lower price tag. Just like when purchasing a car, if you have two dealerships that offer the exact same car but one is priced lower, which one will you purchase? The same scenario comes in play for ASCs and hospitals. Both provide exceptional care and service, but ASCs are able to deliver

that care at a much lower cost. ASCs have been around for over four decades. There are currently over 5,200 across the country and it is anticipated that the number of ASCs will surpass the number of the hospitals in the U.S. This is due to the ability of ASCs to deliver efficient quality care, convenience and patient satisfaction. ASCs are able to deliver the same care at a lower cost because they focus on a small number of processes in an efficient environment, unlike a hospital that has large-scale demands for space, resources and management. At an ASC you get exactly what you pay for, a surgical procedure. Your bill is not helping fund the management of an emergency room or the multitude of other services that a hospital offers. Businesses also benefit from ASCs when

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their employees choose an ASC over a hospital. The health care dollars spent by their employees can be decreased by as much as 40 percent when an employee uses an ASC. This can have a huge impact for a business when it comes time to renew contracts for employee health insurance. When insurance companies see the overall health care dollars spent by a company and their employees has decreased, the savings can be passed on to the employer and employee in the form of lower premiums. Bellin Orthopedic Surgery Center (BOSC) provides a variety of outpatient orthopedic surgeries such as knee arthroscopy, rotator cuff repairs, carpal tunnel releases, and ACL reconstruction. Amanda Sosnosky is a RN, BSN at Bellin Orthopedic Surgery Center. To learn more about BOSC, visit www.bellinosc.com.

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Oshkosh Tourism cracks Top 10 in WI

By Wendy Hielsberg of Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau There has been a noticeable shift in how people think about the Oshkosh community when it comes to tourism. Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s Event City, has gotten too big to be ignored. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism recently released economic impact data in regard to tourism in the state for 2013. Oshkosh and Winnebago County saw one of the largest increases at nearly 6 percent and for the first time jumped into the top ten (out of 72 counties in the state) for traveler spending. In 2013 visitors spent an estimated $219 million in our community. They came for events like EAA’s AirVenture and the Tough Mudder; music festivals like Country USA and Lifest; and visitors kept coming back for

920.303.9200

weekly staples like our farmers market, concerts at the Leach Amphitheater and to simply enjoy our outdoor recreational opportunities. Through great local partnerships we once again cemented our reputation as an affordable, flexible and family destination. From the attractions and accommodations to event organizers and city officials, each plays an important role in creating and sustaining Oshkosh as a tourist destination. For a city our size, it is remarkable that we host more than 1,000 events each year and welcome more than 1 million visitors. That doesn’t happen exclusively because of the sales and marketing efforts of the Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau. It happens because of the thousands of dedicated volunteers and hundreds of unpaid event organizers who have embraced the Event City brand and continue to drive our tourism numbers

higher each season. To each and everyone one of you who helped organize, execute or even simply clean up after an event, we say “Thank You!” It is because of you that Oshkosh continues to be a world class tourist destination. To keep this momentum going we need everyone’s help. If you are not already, become a tourism partner with the OCVB. It’s easy and free and comes with a host of benefits. If you are already a tourism partner, make sure you understand everything we can do to help make your business, your event, and our community more successful. Let’s work together to make 2014 another banner year for tourism in Oshkosh. Wendy Hielsberg is the Executive Director of the Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau. To learn more about tourism in Winnebago County, go to www.VisitOshkosh.com or call (920) 303-9200.

Benefit Packages for Business By Kate Thome of Thome Benefit Solutions 920.215.3262 Benefits can come in many different shapes and sizes. A popular benefit today is an executive benefit program. This type of program allows business owners to choose who is eligible for the benefits. Meaning that they can choose not to provide the same coverage for all employees. In fact, business owners can cover only themselves if they wish. Below are overviews of the various types of programs available: Pre-Retirement Death Benefit – This is typically the most basic fringe benefit an employer provides. If a key person dies before reaching retirement age, a cash payment is made to his or her beneficiary. The cash payment may be used to provide support for the employee’s family or for payment of outstanding debts. Post-Retirement Death Benefit – Group term life insurance coverage generally stops at retirement. Sometimes the term insurance can be converted to permanent coverage, but the

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cost associated with older ages is high. Many times an employee has a need for insurance protection after retirement. Post-Retirement Income Benefit– Will you and your key employees have adequate incomes during your retirement years? Tax law changes have limited the benefits allowed to highly compensated employees on a taxdeductible basis. Your business can fund an additional nonqualified retirement benefit, which supplements existing retirement plans. Income Deferral – If you have an employersponsored 401(k) plan, you’re already aware that the amount you can defer is restricted by law. Many highly paid employees want to defer more income than allowed under an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan. In a deferred compensation program, you and your key employees can voluntarily defer current income. Disability Benefit – Statistically, executives have a significant risk of disability prior to retirement. The economic cost of disability to the executive’s family may be substantially higher than the cost of death due to extensive medical bills. You can help your employees protect their most valuable asset – their ability

to earn an income. Executive benefit programs are flexible. Any one or all five of the benefits mentioned above can be provided through several different programs. These programs have advantages for the business, as well as the select employees. For more information about this and other financial topics, contact me. Kate Thome is a Financial Representative of Principal National Life Insurance Company and Principal Life Insurance Company, Principal National (except in New York) and Principal Life are issuing insurance companies of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. www.thomebenefitsolutions.com While this communication may be used to promote or market a transaction or an idea that is discussed in the publication, it is intended to provide general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that The Principal is not rendering legal, accounting, or tax advice. It is not a marketed opinion and may not be used to avoid penalties under the Internal Revenue Code. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax, or accounting obligations and requirements.

#6522072010 Professionally Speaking is a paid promotional spot in B2B.

NNB2B | June 2014 | 37

Who’s News

Incorporations

New North B2B publishes monthly new business incorporations filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Brown County

The Trusted Mechanic LLC, Matthew A. Gaede, 1663 W. Marhill Road, Ashwaubenon 54313. Walleye Mafia LLC, Troy Allen Krause, 1327 Franco Ct., De Pere 54115. Maus Custom Framing LLC, Jesse Wade Maus, 1996 Fox Meadow Dr., De Pere 54115. Town Line Recycling LLC, Kyle A. Goffard, De Pere 54115. Standing Stone Farm LLC, Bryan Van Stippen, N6667 County Road U, De Pere 54115. North East Cattle Company LLC, Richard J. Craanen, Jr., 4634 Church Road, Denmark 54208. Kira Covach Designs LLC, Kira Lynne Covach, 811 Marquette Ave., Green Bay 54304. Meyer Flooring LLC, Nickolas Meyer, 1856 Neal Ct., Green Bay 54302. Advanced Arbor Work LLC, Wesley Alan Malott, 121 S. Irwin St., Green Bay 54301. The Public Haus LLC, Greg Ness, 813 S. Broadway St., Green Bay 54304. The Vaping Experience LLC, Robert J. Deer, 2545 Meadow Breeze Ct., Green Bay 54311. Meridian Dental LLC, Dale A. Dycus, 3121 Clarence Ct., Green Bay 54313. Fine Line Tattoo Studio LLC, Karen Marie Weihbrecht, 1009 W. Mason St., Green Bay 54303. Procon Contracting And Construction LLC, David Andrew Mortlock, 2684 Sherry Lane, Green Bay 54302. Big Bear Custom Rods LLC, Kevin Landry, 1727 Woodberry Terr., Green Bay 54313. Desi Body Scrubs LLC, Desislava T. Saeva-Johnson, 880 Liebman Ct., Unit A2, Green Bay 54302. Monarch Landscaping Inc., Chris Bilotto, 2592 E. River Dr., Green Bay 54301. Asana Biogenics LLC, Charity Menning, 1168 Roland Lane, Apt. 7, Green Bay 54303. Mine Cleaning Service LLC, Minerva Pena De Castro, 1331 Bellevue St., Lot 102, Green Bay 54302. Yeti Anesthesia LLC, Elizabeth A. Cavil, 724 S. Quincy St., Green Bay 54301. Rodriguez Commercial Cleaning LLC, Maria L. Rodriguez, 1754 Chateau Dr., Green Bay 54304. Ron’s Affordable Auto Repair LLC, Ronald Gillis, 985 Centennial St., 3B, Green Bay 54304. Concrete Concepts LLC, Timothy James Steffen, 1486 Farlin Ave., Green Bay 54302. Teri’s Tidy-Up LLC, Theresa Wertel, 1583 Edison St., Green Bay 54302. Harbor Health And Wellness LLC, Michelle R. Eddy, 2701 Larsen Road, Ste. 216, Green Bay 54303. A Bella Nail Studio LLC, Amneris Sepulveda, 140 S. Fisk St., Apt. 10, Green Bay 54303. T. Bacon’s BBQ LLC, Jennifer M. Van Stechelman, 1136 S. Oakland Ave., Green Bay 54304. Title Town Inspections LLC, Lawrence A. Wight II, 995 Richborough Road, Green Bay 54313. Hardy Wood Products LLC, Joseph Darrell Hardy, 2229 Townhall Road, Green Bay 54311. Pocket Watch Videos LLC, Debra Lynn Vande Voort, 1126 Jaymar St., Green Bay 54313. Infinity Inspection Services LLC, Eric Baumann, 1640 Emerald Dr., Green Bay 54311.

38 | June 2014 | NNB2B

Studio K Nine Grooming LLC, Peter Albers, 1399 S. Michiels Road, Green Bay 54311. Dan’s Custom Metal Works LLC, Daniel R. Johnson, 4955 Pine Lane, Green Bay 54313. County/Metro EMS Systems LLC, Timothy J. Nowak, 2956 Belle Plane Road, Green Bay 54313. Abundiz Home Improvement LLC, Guillermo F. Abundiz, 1433 S. Norwood Ave., Green Bay 54304. Faith Land Dairy LLC, Shane Reetz, 7893 Morrison Road, Greenleaf 54126. Allow Me Concierge And Errands LLC, Michele M. Brock, 4639 Bayside Road, Suamico 54173. 3 In 1 Cleaning LLC, Daijana Carrasco, 411 Prairie Way, Wrightstown 54180.

Fond du Lac County

Summit Gourmet Sandwiches LLC, Julie Bronkhorst, W11455 Longview Road, Brandon 53919. Silver Mask Event Management LLC, Michael Otten, W3205 Country Aire Dr., Campbellsport 53010. Industrial On-Site Network LLC, Jennifer Taylor, 845 S. Main St., Ste. 120, Fond du Lac 54935. Gateway Care LLC, Paul Schultz, 458 Ruggles St., Fond du Lac 54935. RTD Auto Services LLC, Thomas A. Treffert, 14 5th St., Fond du Lac 54935. Nhianeng Ginseng Farm LLC, Nhianeng Xiong, 46 S. Gould St., Fond du Lac 54935. Fond du Lac Glass And Framing LLC, Sara Oughton, 824A S. Main St., Fond du Lac 54935. Lakeside Business Networking Inc., Kendra Ruplinger, 976 E. Johnson St., Ste. 900, Fond du Lac 54935. Lehman’s Liquor Inc., Todd Lehman, 128 E. Bank St., Fond du Lac 54935. Hi-Tone Audio LLC, Joseph W. Shaffer, 406 W. Scott St., Fond du Lac 54937. Quality Distributing LLC, James Joseph Backhaus, N6403 Pit Road, Mt. Calvary 53057. Northwoods NDT Inspection Services LLC, Teresa Jean Walton, 1707 Thurke Ave., North Fond du Lac 54937. Floyd’s Temp Solutions Heating & A/C LLC, Ehren David Floyd, 127 W. Waupun St., Oakfield 53065. Gearhead Clothing LLC, Kevin Lieske, W13117 Cork St., Ripon 54971. Flooring The World LLC, Eugene Sanders, 568 E. Main St., Waupun 53963. Providence Hard Surface Cleaning & Restoration LLC, John Michael Groenewold, 904 W. Lincoln St., Waupun 53963.

Green Lake County

Keje Builders LLC, Joel Thomas Johansen, 475 Maple Ridge Road, Berlin 54923. Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home LLC, John E. Skipchak, 116 S. Adams St., Berlin 54923.

Outagamie County

JDS Auto & Recovery Specialist LLC, Janine J. Ketchel, 2700 E. Plank Road, Apt. 1, Appleton 54915. Wisconsin Bandmasters’ Association Inc., Jon C. Meyer, 1711 Harriman St., Appleton 54911. Paz Landscaping Services LLC, Ernesto Paz, 2975 W. Lawrence St., C12, Appleton 54914. Planet of The Vapes LLC, Terry Giesler, 2711 S. Walden Ave., Appleton 54915. 1 Touch Organizing LLC, Sara Campana, 2233 W. Barley Way, Appleton 54913. Cancer Specialists Of Northeast Wisconsin LLC, Kevin J. Bradford, 900 E. Grant St., Appleton 54911. Le Grand Kaukaulin Law Firm LLC, Gary J. Schmidt, 1033 W. College Ave., Ste. B, Appleton 54914. Lacrosse Computer Services LLC, Michael Jeffrey LaCrosse, 1401 S. Nicolet Road, Apt. 14, Appleton 54914. Kathyoga LLC, Kathleen L. Davis, 3216 S. Solitude Lane, Appleton 54915. Amazing Clean LLC, Ayodele Adenekan, 2200 E. Newberry St., Appleton 54915. Hickory Syrups LLC, Mark David Scheibe, 2012 W. 2nd St., Appleton 54914.

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High School Hotdogs LLC, John Watermolen, 1822 E. Randall Ave., Appleton 54911. Thai Massage Corp., Hua Huang, 1918 E. Calumet St., #B, Appleton 54915. Fitness That Fits LLC, Christina Christensen, 408 1/2 W. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton 54911. Sunfire Yoga LLC, Cathy Goehler, 316 E. James St., Appleton 54915. Shear Addiction LLC, Cassandra Lee Molenda, 1118 W. Taylor St., Appleton 54914. Sweet Creations LLC, Green Tomato Artisan Market & Kitchen LLC, 3402 N. Richmond St., Appleton 54915. Performance Restoration of Wisconsin Inc., Jason Price, 534. E Murray Ave., Appleton 54915. BMB Equipment Repairs LLC, Bruce M. Brunet, 1812 Robin Way, Appleton 54915. Fox Cities Curling Inc., Chad P. Wade, 307 N. Westhill Blvd., Appleton 54914. Xor Data Solutions LLC, Shiva Arava, 219 E. Morningsun Dr., Appleton 54913. T.A.K. Construction LLC, Troy Micheal Koehnke, 1324 W. Rogers Ave., Appleton 54914. St. Gianna Molla Clinic Inc., Robin Goldsmith, 20 Pinewild Ct., Appleton 54913. All American Buffet LLC, Natasha M. Banks, 2731 N. Meade St., Appleton 54911. Mill Town Still & Grill LLC, Angie M. Olson, 29 Rainbow Ct., Appleton 54915. Zhou Japanese Steakhouse LLC, Yao M. Zhou, 4025 E. Lorna Lane, Appleton 54915. Little Falls Orchard LLC, Bradley K. Mullins, W7076 Rockdale Lane, Greenville 54942. Neighborhood Pizza Garden LLC, Lisa Lynn Radcliff, 832 Michael Ritger St., Hortonville 54944. Neat Freaks LLC, Danielle Marie Samp, 805 Grignon St., Kaukauna 54130. Two Women And A Broom LLC, Vickie Lea Verstegen, 1200 Thelen Ave., Kaukauna 54130. Riverside Construction And Management Services LLC, William Edward Arts, 815 Renee Ct., Kaukauna 54130. Trettin Drywall LLC, David Lee Trettin, 14 Woodhaven Lane, Kaukauna 54130. Fox Valley Home Preservation LLC, Robert H. Shadduck, 1445 W. Fourth St., Kimberly 54136. Legacy Door Systems LLC, Ryan Metoxen, 1138 Hietpas, Little Chute 54140. ECOM Management Services LLC, Steven Michael Garvey, 3220 S. Pine Tree Road, Oneida 54155. Seymour Veterinary Hospital LLC, Jammie L. Verstoppen, W1424 County Road VV, Seymour 54165. Envy Portrait And Design Studio LLC, Nicolle Vande Hei, N8322 County Road Y, Seymour 54165.

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Electrical Contracting Plus LLC, Joseph Emil Kletschka, 4894 Fairview Road, Larsen 54947. Precision Electrical Services LLC, David A. Fietzer, 8535 Oak Lane, Larsen 54947. Tile Shower Specialists LLC, Neil Raymond Green, 836 Broad St., Menasha 54952. Dr. Randy J. Wild LLC, Randy J. Wild, 1111 Maple St., Neenah 54956. Classic Lanes Fox Valley Inc., Michael T. Sadlak, 934 Byrd Ave., Neenah 54956. Hoffmann Custom Carpentry LLC, Thomas Lee Hoffmann, 3015 Shady Lane, Neenah 54956. Jill Trotter Law LLC, Jill Trotter, 778 Copperhead Dr., Neenah 54956. Charmful Clothing LLC, Holly Fitzgerald, 691 S. Green Bay Road, No. 148, Neenah 54956. Oshkosh Bombers Football Inc., Ronell D. Hubanks, 916 McKinley Ct., Omro 54963.

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NNB2B | June 2014 | 39

Who’s News

Class A Office Building

For Sale by Owner

501 S. Nicolet Road, Appleton $850,000

12,000 SF: 8,000 SF on main level and 4,000 SF. of

finished off and furnished lower level offices & storage space. Prime location: 2 blocks from Hwy #41 & the Fox River Mall, & 6 blocks from the Airport. Built in 1991. Brick & Stucco. Includes: Reception & Conf. rooms furnished plus 40% of the 30 offices. Comes with large copy machine, office equipment, 30 Phones, & Internet System. Building on 1 beautifully landscaped Acre. Plenty of parking.

Call Pam at 920-968-4600

Fox River Tile LLC, Michael Joe Hibsch, 4422 Vande St., Omro 54963. Duran’s Lawn Care Services LLC, Francisco Duran, 632 Jefferson St, Oshkosh 54901. General Contracting Services LLC, Matthew Reid Vienola, 1658 Minnesota St., Oshkosh 54902. Adaptive Counseling LLC, Paula Harry, 1720 Hazel St., Oshkosh 54901. La Playita Restaurant LLC, Rosalinda Ornelas De Dominguez, 826 Central St., Oshkosh 54963. Wisconsin Superior Painting & Coating LLC, Candi Lynn Nielsen, 5771 Saint Ives Road, Oshkosh 54904. RJ Kienast Excavating LLC, Jason C. Kienast, 4961 Sherman Road, Oshkosh 54901. Elite Motors LLC, Mai Vue Yang, 5536 County Road S, Oshkosh 54904. Clean Edge Landscapes LLC, Brayden Thomas Davis, 6914 County Road R, Oshkosh 54902.

Building permits

B2B includes a monthly list of building permits (not to include residential projects) in excess of $400,000. Peterson Brothers Siding Contractors, 1740 Cornell Road, Howard. $456,021 for interior alterations to the existing industrial facility. General contractor is Fox Cities Builders of Seymour. March 27. Agnesian Healthcare, 305 Camelot Dr., Fond du Lac. $7,221,000 for a 50,000-sq. ft. dialysis center. General contractor is C.D. Smith Construction of Fond du Lac. April 7. Georgia-Pacific Corp., 1919 S. Broadway, Green Bay. $400,000 for interior alterations to the existing industrial facility. General contractor is C.R. Meyer & Sons of Oshkosh. April. Team Industries, 1200 Maloney Road, Kaukauna. Building cost not listed, a 26,020-sq. ft. expansion to the existing pipe fabrication facility. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna. April 14.

DESIGN/BUILD AND GENERAL CONTRATORS 5521 COUNTY ROAD BB • APPLETON, WI 54914 920-739-6521 • 800-331-6521 PRE-ENGINEERED METAL • MASONRY • PRECAST • CONVENTIONAL

Gandrud Detail Shop, 750 Millennium Ct., De Pere. $850,000 for a new automotive maintenance facility. General contractor is Bayland Buldings of Green Bay. April 15. Lambeau Field, 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay. $3,700,000 for renovations to the atrium area of the stadium. General contractor is Miron Construction Co. of Neenah. April. Kwik Trip, 980 S. Hickory St., Fond du Lac. $1,880,000 for a new convenience store, fuel station and car wash. Contractor listed as self. April 22. Curwood Inc., 2621 W. Everett St., Appleton. $870,603 for an interior remodel of the existing industrial facility. General contractor is C.R. Meyer & Sons of Oshkosh. May 1.

Manufacturing x Industrial x Warehousing 3 year warranty on workmanship and subcontractors Family owned business over 50 years

New business Player Alumni Resources opened in Green Bay. The firm makes arrangements for former Green Bay Packers players and Wisconsin sports celebrities to appear at special events including golf outings, charter fishing excursions, speaking engagements, corporate and other custom events. It was developed by former Packers kicker Chris Jacke, who played for the team from 1989 to 1996. For more information visit www.playeralumniresources.com or call 920.737.4769.

RRSTEELCONSTRUCTION.COM 40 | June 2014 | NNB2B

www.newnorthb2b.com

Express Employment Professionals, a staffing and recruitment services firm, opened at 2740 S. Oneida St. in Green Bay. For more information call 920.940.6000.

Business anniversaries Crane Engineering in Kimberly is celebrating 75 years in business. It was founded in 1939 by Herbert Crane as a pump supplier to the paper industry. His son, Jim, joined the business in 1962 and became second generation owner in 1968. Herbert Crane’s grandson, Lance, serves as president and CEO today.

Wisconsin-based full service marketing and web solution provider

Business awards Thrivent Financial was presented with a bronze Bicycle Friendly Business award from the League of American Bicyclists. More than 650 businesses and government agencies across the country are recognized as bicycle friendly by the organization. Bicycle friendly organizations provide an array of amenities including free lockers, showers and sheltered bicycle parking and incentives such as a shared bicycle program and a corporately sponsored annual bicycling fundraiser.

WEBSITES

BRANDING

A P P L I C AT I O N DEVELOPMENT

SEARCH ENGINE O P T I M I Z AT I O N

EMAIL HOSTING

SO MUCH MORE

Northern Electric Inc. in Green Bay received a platinum award for zero recordable accidents from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin. The company received the designation nine out of the last 10 years. Keller Inc., a Kaukauna-based construction services firm, received a Silver Award in the commercial construction category from Associated Builders & Contractors of Wisconsin for its work on the West Prairie Dental building in Sun Prairie.

Call for Free Consultation

920-322-9522

987 S. Main St., Fond du Lac, WI

Visit

wisnet.com

For More Information

New locations Sawyer Creek Orthodontics of Oshkosh opened a new location at 322B2B-ad.indd Broadway St. in Berlin. The practice also has a location in Wautoma.

5/19/14 9:21 AM

Prevea Washington Street Health Center opened at 102 N. Washington St. in Green Bay. The center will offer a variety of medical services including walk-in, urgent care for minor illnesses and injuries, earaches, sprains, minor fractures, cuts, infections and asthma. The health center will also provide lab and X-ray services.

New hires Candeo Creative in Oshkosh hired Kristopher Ulrich as business development manager. Ulrich most recently served as a project coordinator for Affinity Medical Group. Achieve Brown County, a cradle-to-career initiative launched by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Brown County United Way, hired Adam Hardy as executive director. Hardy served as communications director at the Brown County United Way. The ABC initiative seeks to drive a world-class education system to ensure youth in Brown County succeed from birth through college or career training. The Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh named Kathryn Nichols director of development. Nichols most recently served as director of the Bethel Foundation in Oshkosh and also served as CEO of the American Red Cross of East Central Wisconsin. Directions Marketing in Neenah hired Dan Podell as digital marketing communications specialist; Kathleen Schnettler as director of finance/administration; and Lindsay Kraemer as administrative specialist. Podell brings more than eight www.newnorthb2b.com

May 31 September 7, 2014 It’s the Science of

What’s Biting You! Hands-on and interactive for a family audience, this skin-crawling exhibition will help you understand why bloodsuckers are important to the ecosystem - and provides helpful hints on how to keep them out of your system!

1331 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, Wi 54901 Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-4:30pm • Sun 1-4:30pm

OshkoshMuseum.org NNB2B | June 2014 | 41

Who’s News years of experience to the position with a background that includes web marketing, development and design. Podell worked for Parts Now in Madison. Schnettler has more than 15 years in accounting and financial management and previously worked for Engberg Anderson Inc. in Milwaukee as financial administrator. Kraemer previously worked for Scheels All Sports in Appleton in sales and merchandising.

Promotions BriMark Builders of Neenah promoted Brad Beckman, project manager, to president. He joined the company in May 2012 and has 17 years experience as a commercial project manager. He also operated his own construction business.

Aurora Health Care added Drs. James Avery and Donald Van Beek as general surgeons at Aurora Health Center in Fond du Lac. They will perform general surgery along with outpatient surgery and endoscopy.

ThedaCare named Brian Burmeister senior vice president of Appleton Medical Center and Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah. Burmeister previously was ThedaCare’s senior vice president for primary care, behavioral health and rural hospitals. He will continue to oversee the rural hospitals, as well as oversee the affiliation of Community Health Network in Berlin and Wild Rose Memorial Hospital. Burmeister joined ThedaCare in 1989 as manager of physical rehabilitation at Appleton Medical Center.

Affinity Medical Group in Oshkosh added Dr. Angie Katsma at the Koeller Street clinic in Oshkosh. Katsma is a pediatrician with special interests in asthma and sports medicine.

Podell

Fox Valley Technical College announced the following hires: William Behnke, custodian; Janet Braun, applied engineering technologies instructor; Julie Coenen, scholarship and community relations manager; Chris Dragosh, electrical apprenticeship instructor; Linda Ensley, administrative assistant, Waupaca Regional Center; Barbara Evensen, early childhood instructor; Andrea Huntoon, science instructor; Jeanette Leitner, project specialist, criminal justice; Jackie Maas-Montour, food program specialist; Wendy Osburn, general studies instructor; Anne Peregrine, science instructor; Tyler Plog, software engineer technician; Philip Schaefer, project specialist, criminal justice; See Song, enrollment facilitator; Michelle Vang, administrative assistant, business and service division; Cary Waubanascum, project specialist, criminal justice; David Yang, test center assistant.

Stellar Blue Technologies, a Neenah-based digital marketing agency, promoted Sam Oldenburg to web programmer. Oldenburg joined Stellar Blue in August 2013 as production assistant. Plexus Corp. in Neenah named Patrick Jermain chief financial officer. Jermain joined Plexus in 2010, most recently serving as treasurer and vice president of finance and previously was corporate controller. Jermain also served as corporate controller, assistant treasurer and principal accounting officer at the former Appleton Papers Inc., now Appvion Inc. Brunswick Corp., parent of Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, named Mark Schwabero president and chief operating officer, for Brunswick Corp., and named John Pfeifer, president of Mercury Marine’s engine segment. Schwabero, most recently served as president of Mercury Marine.

WS Packaging Group Inc. in Green Bay named Jeff Hayenga chief financial officer. He has more than 20 years of industry experience. Agnesian HealthCare in Fond du Lac hired psychiatrist Dr. Anne Miller to St. Agnes Hospital Behavioral Health Services. Miller sees patients ages 13 and older. She has special interest in co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues, and psychopharmacology. Schnettler

The Twin City Catholic Educational System in Neenah named Michael Zuleger assistant principal for St. Mary Central High School and Adam Bates athletic and activities director.

Individual awards

The Fox Cities Regional Partnership hired Manuel Vasquez as director of existing industry services. Vasquez served as regional director for the office of U.S. Senator Ron Johnson since 2011.

The Brown County Home Builders Association presented the following awards during its recent annual banquet: Mark Kwaterski, Kwaterski Construction Inc., lifetime achievement; Scott Puyleart, Puyleart Brothers Construction, outstanding builder volunteer of the year; Kim Reed, Bank Mutual, outstanding associate volunteer of the year; Steve Kassner, Steven Kassner Construction Inc., Impact Award; LEAP recipients Karl Kaufman, Kaufman Residential Design LLC and Kristen Kirsten, Cornerstone Mortgage.

The Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce hired Missy Steffek as director of membership retention. Steffek most recently served as an account specialist for Owens & Minor Inc., selling medical/surgical products to hospitals and clinics.

Kraemer

Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. in Neenah hired Dylan Place as vice president of actuarial services. Place has nearly 20 years experience as an actuary.

Katsma

42 | June 2014 | NNB2B

Miller

Oldenburg

Steffak

Beckman

Burmeister

www.newnorthb2b.com

Business Calendar Ascher’s Janitorial Service LLC in Abrams received a 2014 Silver Eclipse Triumph Award from National Women Business Owners Corp., a national certifying organization. Tricia Ascher, president of Ascher’s Janitorial Service, accepted the award which recognizes woman business owners for outstanding leadership, ingenuity, and perseverance in successfully navigating a challenge, barrier or obstacle.

Inventory Out Of Control? Competitive Strategies’ customized inventory management gives you reliable and dependable systems to maximize your business’s productivity.

Certifications Emmett Long, senior agent and financial advisor the Principal Financial Group in Neenah and Kate Thome, president of the Thome Benefit Solutions in Neenah, both earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation from The American College. The RICP is an advanced designation for individuals working in the retirement income planning field and for those with a general background in financial services.

Appointments Sherry Coley, an attorney with the law firm Godfrey & Kahn, was elected to a two-year term as secretary of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Coley is a member of the firm’s litigation practice group in the Green Bay office.

Our custom inventory controls allow you to: • Manage your supply chain. • Analyze inventory turns. • Use lot tracking and serial number tracking. • Utilize barcoding and handheld devices.

Business calendar New North B2B encourages businesses and organizations looking to attract interested persons to upcoming events to email larry@newnorthb2b.com. For more events, log on to www.thenewnorthevents.com. June 3 Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Power Networking Breakfast, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the chamber offices, 300 N. Broadway in Green Bay. Free for chamber members. For information, call 920.437.8704 or email members@titletown.org. June 4 Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce annual business awards luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, 333 W. College Ave., Appleton. To register or for more information visit www.foxcitieschamber.com or call 920.734.7101.

(920) 993-1077 · www.wemakesoftwarework.com

Leach Amphitheater • Oshkosh, WI

June 19

Summer Solstice Party Vic Ferrari • Sam Llanas Cool Waters Band

Gates open 6 pm 2 for 1 admission before 6 pm

June 26

June 5 Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce annual business recognition awards luncheon; 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. KI Convention Center, 333 Main St., Green Bay. Cost is $26 for members and $36 for non-members. For information, call 920.437.8704 or email members@titletown.org.

Los Lonely Boys Copper Box Paul Sanchez & Minimum Rage Tin Sandwich

Gates open 5 pm 2 for 1 admission before 6 pm

GENERAL ADMISSION:

EW!

PRE

$12 before 7pm • $15 after 7pm

COMING July 17! Under The Sun Tour

Smash Mouth • Sugar Ray Blues Traveler • Uncle Kracker

Gates open 6 pm • General Admission: $20 Reserved Special Patio Access available in advance $30

Long

www.newnorthb2b.com

Thome

Coley

Visit www.waterfest.org for all concert information. info@waterfest.org ❘ 920.303.2265 ext. 22 NNB2B | June 2014 | 43

Business Calendar June 9 Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Let’s Wrap: “Recruit and Train Employees Without Spending a Dime”; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Riverside Ballroom, 1560 Main St., Green Bay. For information, call 920.437.8704 or email members@titletown.org. June 10 Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Sales Club, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the chamber building, 120 Jackson St. in Oshkosh. Free for chamber members. For information, call 920.303.2266 or go online to www.oshkoshchamber.com. June 10 Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce, N.E.W. Emerging Leaders, young professionals event, 5 to 7 p.m., Royal St. Patrick’s Golf Links, 201 Royal St. Pat’s Drive, Wrightstown. Cost is $20 per person. For more information call 920.766.1616 or email info@heartofthevalleychamber.com. June 10 Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce business after hours; 5 to 7 p.m.; UWO Alumni Welcome and Conference Center, 625 Pearl Ave., Oshkosh; Cost is $6 for members and $20 for non-members. For information, call 920.303.2266 or go online to www. oshkoshchamber.com. June 10 Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce business before hours; 8 to 9 a.m.; chamber office, 101 E. Wisconsin Ave., Kaukauna. Cost is $5 for members and $20 for non members. For more information call 920.766.1616 or email info@ heartofthevalleychamber.com. June 11 Women in Management – Fox Cities Chapter monthly meeting, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fox Banquets & Rivertyme Catering, 111 E. Kimball St. in Appleton. Cost is $15 for members and $17 for non-members. For more information or to register, go online to www.wimiwi.org or email foxcitiesprogram@wimiwi.org. June 11 A.M. Oshkosh, a networking event from the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce,

Advertiser Index Appvion ⎮www.appvion.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Aurora Health Care ⎮www.aurora.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bank First National ⎮www.bankfirstnational.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bayland Buildings ⎮www.baylandbuildings.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bellin Orthopedic Surgery Center ⎮www.bellinosc.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Borsche Roofing Professionals ⎮www.wiroofer.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Builders Exchange of Wisconsin ⎮www.bxwi.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Capital Credit Union ⎮www.capitalcu.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 CitizensFirst Credit Union ⎮www.citizensfirst.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative ⎮ www.CommonGroundHealthcare.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Competitive Strategies ⎮www.wemakesoftwarework.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. ⎮www.dkattorneys.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 First Business Bank ⎮www.firstbusiness.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 First National Bank ~ Fox Valley ⎮www.fnbfoxvalley.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Fox Communities Credit Union ⎮www.foxcu.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Fox Valley Savings Bank ⎮www.FVSBank.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Fox Valley Technical College ⎮www.fvtc.edu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Guident Business Solutions ⎮www.guidentbusinesssolutions.com. . . . . . 7 Hanson Benefits ⎮www.hansonbenefitsinc.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 J. F. Ahern Co. ⎮www.jfahern.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 44 | June 2014 | NNB2B

7:45 to 9 a.m.; eBiz Results, 3475 Omro Road, Ste. 100, Oshkosh. Cost to attend is $2. To register or for more information call 920.303.2266 or go online to www. oshkoshchamber.com. June 12 Women in Management – Oshkosh Chapter monthly meeting, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at La Sure’s Banquet Hall, 3125 S. Washburn St. in Oshkosh. Cost is $11 for members. Program is negotiating skills, presented by Dale Feinauer, University of WisconsinOshkosh. For more information or to register, go online to www.wimiwi.org or call Marcia Teal at 920.230.2322. June 17 Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Business Connection, 5 to 7 p.m. at Thelma Sadoff Center For the Arts, 51 Sheboygan St., Fond du Lac. Cost is $5. For more information or to register, go online to www.fdlac.com or call 920.921.9500. June 18 Propel, young professionals group of the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, leadership breakfast; 7:30 to 9 a.m., 4imprint, 101 Commerce St., Oshkosh. Cost is free to Propel members. To register or for more information call 920.303.2266 or go online to www. oshkoshchamber.com. June 25 Family Business First Awards, presented by First Business Bank, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at F.K. Bemis Conference Center at St. Norbert College in De Pere. To register email kschwersinske@firstbusiness.com or visit www.familybusinessfirst.com. June 25 Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce business between hours; 11 a.m. to noon; chamber office, 101 E. Wisconsin Ave., Kaukauna. Cost is $5 for members and $20 for non members. For more information call 920.766.1616 or email info@ heartofthevalleychamber.com. June 26 YPF Hot Topic, young professionals group of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce; 7:30 to 9 a.m., Fox Valley Savings Bank, 51 E. 1st St., Fond du Lac. Cost is free to members and $10 general admission. For more information or to register, go online to www.fdlac.com or call 920.921.9500. n

Keller Inc. ⎮www.kellerbuilds.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Marian University ⎮www.marianuniversity.edu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Network Health ⎮www.networkhealth.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 NEW Building & Construction Trades Council ⎮www.newbt.org . . . . . . . 15 NWTC Corporate Training & Economic Development ⎮ www.corporatetraining.nwtc.edu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau ⎮www.visitoshkosh.com. . . . . . . 37 Oshkosh Public Museum ⎮www.oshkoshmuseum.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Outagamie County Regional Airport ⎮www.atwairport.com. . . . . . . . . . . 33 Pamco Executive Suites ⎮ www.pamcosuites.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Pioneer Credit Union ⎮www.pioneercu.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 R&R Steel Construction Company Inc. ⎮www.rrsteelconstruction.com. . 40 Sadoff & Rudoy Industries ⎮www.sadoff.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Society Insurance ⎮www.societyinsurance.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Spark ⎮www.startaspark.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 TEC ⎮www.tecmidwest.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Thome Benefit Solutions ⎮www.thomebenefitsolutions.com. . . . . . . . . . 37 Waterfest ⎮www.waterfest.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Winnebago County Solid Waste Management ⎮ www.co.winnebago.wi.us/solid-waste/container-rental-program. . . . 21 Wisnet.com ⎮www.wisnet.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 YMCA ⎮www.ymcasofnewis.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

www.newnorthb2b.com

From the Editor

Economy as good as it’s going to get Larry Avila, New North B2B Editor

Tepid but steady growth likely for second half year Unemployment is down, businesses are hiring and just driving around the Fox Valley, construction projects from road improvements to houses and commercial buildings seem to be happening everywhere. So why does it still feel the economy isn’t doing that great? Maybe it has something to do with the slew of layoff news announced in recent weeks including more than 170 positions at National Envelope in Grand Chute, 21 at Omya Inc. in Kimberly or the 760 cuts coming at Oshkosh Corp. However even as companies close facilities around the Valley, some are growing and need workers. Generac in Oshkosh recently held a job fair to fill 100 positions and Ariens Co. in Brillion also is in the midst of expansion and conducted a job fair of its own to fill 250 positions. Workforce expansion and contraction is a never-ending cycle. Simply put, as demand rises, businesses need more workers to produce goods and services, but as demand declines, companies must re-evaluate workforce needs to keep costs in check. Since the recession ended in mid 2009, the economy has slowly been digging itself out. Annual rate of growth hasn’t been that spectacular for the U.S. economy. The economy grew 2.5 percent in 2013 and government estimates for 2014 weren’t much better, ranging between 2.5 percent and 3 percent. The way things have shaking out thus far it appears growth for 2014 will be closer to the low end projection, according to Brian Jacobsen, a Fox Cities native, economist and chief portfolio strategist for the investments group at Wells Fargo Funds Management. “First quarter GDP growth came in a bit lower than I was expecting,” he said. Most people were forecasting that the rapid pace of growth in the third quarter of 2013 was going to lead to a slowdown.” Jacobsen said the nation’s businesses built up inventories in 2013, which the country is paying for now. This has translated to slowing in some business sectors. He said the recent winter was worse than expected, so that slowed activity even more. It was reflected in many first quarter earnings reports, with many companies blaming bad www.newnorthb2b.com

weather for sales drops during the first three months of the year. “However, we’re seeing some resurgence in growth,” Jacobsen said. “With oil prices staying high, we’re probably going to see 2.5 percent growth for 2014 rather than 3.5 percent growth like many were expecting.” When asked about recent business layoffs around the Fox Valley, Jacobsen said companies have been reducing workforce for a while. “The problems seem to be specific to companies that are trying to get more agile to respond to a changing marketplace,” he said. “The paper industry is in a particularly difficult spot with having to fight a secular trend towards more competition and dwindling demand for the old bread and butter products.” But overall the economy appears to be moving forward. “We’re getting a bounce back from a rather miserable winter,” Jacobsen said. “The housing market is slowing, but to a sustainable pace of activity.” He said exports are growing at a decent, but not spectacular rate. “Employment gains are still meager, but at least they are gains,” Jacobsen said. “From cold to hot, this is a tepid economy.” Jacobsen said there may be some concern about the housing market as rising mortgage rates may have turned off some buyers. Historically, the nation’s economy sees annual rates of growth of between 3 percent and 3.5 percent. Some economists have referred to annual rates of growth below 3 percent as the new normal, but Jacobsen disagrees. “There is no such thing as a new normal as what’s normal is always changing and that’s nothing new,” he said. “I think there have been so many policy changes in terms of taxes, spending, monetary policy, bank regulations, and other regulations that it’s really taking a while for business owners to get confident that any growth we are seeing is more than temporary.” Jacobsen added, “if we can make it a year without major legislative changes, with less drama from D.C., and just a bit more clarity as to what policies will look like, we could get a decent burst of growth.” Certainly the U.S. economy isn’t growing at a pace everyone wants to see, but it is growing and some growth is better than talk of a recession on the horizon. Here’s to hoping at least as far as the economy goes, things stay the course, or better yet, improve. n

NNB2B | June 2014 | 45

Key Statistics local gasoline prices Per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. may 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.63 may 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.63 may 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.63 april 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.64 may 18, 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.82

If there are indicators youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see in this space, contact our office at 920.237.0254 or email sean@newnorthb2b.com.

u.s. retail sales april

$434.6 billion 0.1% from March 4.0% from April 2013

Source: New North B2B observations

housing starts

u.s. industrial production

april

(2007 = 100) april

1,072,000 13.6% from March 26.4% from April 2013

102.7

0.6% from March 3.5% from April 2013

WI Dept. Revenue Collections

inventories

march

(Manufacturers and trade) march

$760 billion 3.2% from March 2013

$1,717.2 billion 1.0 % from February 4.3% from March 2013

At Northeast Wisconsin Technical College For more information about the center and room rental rates, contact: Leslie Ward at leslie.ward@nwtc.edu, 920-498-6373 or 800-422-NWTC, ext. 6373.

local unemployment march february mar. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 Appleton . . . . . 7.4% . . . . . 7.7% . ...... 8.7% Fond du Lac . . . 7.4% . . . . . . 7.7% . ....... 8.2% Green Bay. . . . . 8.5% . . . . . . 8.8% ........ 9.8% Neenah . . . . . . . 7.7% . . . . . . 7.8% .......... 9.1% Oshkosh . . . . . . 6.8% . . . . . . 7.3% ...........7.7% Wisconsin . . . . 5.9% . . . . . 6.1% . ......... 6.9% natural gas prices Prices for small businesses using less than 20,000 therms. Listed price is per therm. may. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.01 april. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.80 may 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.66

Source: Integrys Energy

ism index Numbers above 50 mean expansion. Numbers below 50 mean contraction. april. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.9 march. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53.7

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46 | June 2014 | NNB2B

www.newnorthb2b.com

ENSURING YOUR HEALTH

AT NETWORK HEALTH, WELLNESS IS THE GOAL. By engaging our customers and listening to what they want, we can design unique programs that empower and reward. The results? Better health and lower costs. Maybe that’s why most Network Health customers actually use our wellness programs. That’s what a health insurance plan should do, help ensure your health.

networkhealth.com 800-826-0940 HMO plans underwritten by Network Health Plan. POS plans underwritten by Network Health Insurance Corporation, or Network Health Insurance Corporation and Network Health Plan. Self-funded HMO and POS plans administered by Network Health Plan.

SAL-171-01-5/13

S T R AT E G Y

C R E AT I V E

TECHNOLOGY

strategic chiselers

Craftsmen of old knew implicitly how to measure twice, cut once. Something similar is at work at Spark. We measure, talk to folks, think, think some more, and then execute. See, modern messaging isn’t only about good ideas. It’s about pairing market-driven research with good ideas that help sell your good ideas. It’s a subtle process but rendered with diligence and a kind of strategic spark.

I G N I T E Y O U R S T R A T E G Y. I G N I T E Y O U R B U S I N E S S

ray@startaspark.com