May 2014 by New North B2B

3 Overachievers under 30 Young professionals finding reasons to stay close to home

Manufacturers think outside the box to seek broader audience Manufacturing Exploring the global business frontier Global Trade

May 2014 | $3.95

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Business Intelligence for the New North

May Features 18

18 COVER STORY

3 Overachievers Under 30

From quality of life to business opportunities, young professionals finding reasons to stay close to home

24 HUMAN RESOURCES

Increasingly usual dilemma Finding employees high on New North CEOsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; list

26 MANUFACTURING

New North manufacturers think outside the box

From Hollywood films to sponsorships, companies seek broader audiences

30 GLOBAL TRADE

Exploring the global business frontier

Regional organizations enhance resources to help firms enter world market

Departments 4

From the Publisher

5, 37 Professionally Speaking 6

Since We Last Met

11 From the Editor 12 Build Up Pages 36 Firefighters of Northeast Wisconsin Update Cover photo provided by Don Stolley, Stolley Studio in Oshkosh

38 Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News 44 Business Calendar 44 Advertiser Index 46 Key Statistics

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NNB2B | May 2014 | 3

From the Publisher

Celebrating young leaders by Sean Fitzgerald, New North B2B Publisher

Our inaugural 3 Overachievers Under 30 recognition highlights top 20-somethings across the region Young professionals across the region and New North B2B magazine go hand in hand in many respects. My co-founder, Ryan Buck, and I were in our 20s when we started the publication 12 years ago. I personally was involved in starting up both young professional organizations in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh, and Buck served as president of Propel in Oshkosh for a stint during its early years. Our sales manager, Carrie Rule, served on the board of directors of Propel for some time. (In fact, the Professionally Speaking column appearing on page 37 of this issue is written by Michael Scott, the very first president of Propel, and the regularly appearing column on page 5 is from Tony Renning, who wrote most of the bylaws for Propel and was involved in its start up.) We’ve published dozens of articles over the years about the initiatives of Current in Green Bay, Pulse in the Fox Cities, Propel and Young Professionals of Fond du Lac. We’ve written about the value of these group in not only attracting young talent to the region, but in ensuring young professionals more easily connect with one another, with older mentors, and with the community at large. We’re a proud sponsor of Leaderfest coming to Fond du Lac in June, and have supported this gathering of young professionals from across the region many times since its inception. So it’s with a bit of pride that B2B is rolling out the first of its kind recognition honoring top-notch young professionals across the region in our 3 Overachievers Under 30 article featured in this month’s cover story. In its inaugural edition we received more than 30 nominations from across the region, and found ourselves deeply impressed with the crop of young leaders in which we selected from in this year’s field. We’re confident you’ll be equally as impressed with the honorees we’re featuring this year, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing our future is in good hands. There’s a variety of community-wide recognitions of young professionals that occur across the region each year. Green 4 | May 2014 | NNB2B

Bay and the Fox Cities both have Future 15 honors, Fond du Lac has its Future 5, and Oshkosh has Young Professional of the Year Award. But there hasn’t been anything to engender awareness of outstanding young people across the New North region until this recognition. Why 3 Overachievers Under 30? First, I should note the term “overachiever” certainly shouldn’t be taken in the pejorative sense – that is, these fine 20-somethings have accomplished extraordinary feats in their careers and in their communities not at all because it enhances their resumes or because it affords them any prestige, but simply because they’re genuinely driven to make their workplace and their communities better. They’re perhaps too young to have learned the art of saying “no” from time to time, but meet each challenge head on with the enthusiasm and energy many of us recall having at that age. We selected 30 as a cutoff as opposed to an older age because it captures a narrow group who’s off to a fast start. That doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate late bloomers and recognize that many of the world’s business leaders and innovators didn’t start hitting their stride until later in life. But big accomplishments for people under 30 are far fewer and more unique than similar accolades for those under 40 or even under 50. And we selected three because it was a nice manageable number for this article and is a natural multiplication factor with 30. Please enjoy this inaugural recognition of 3 Overachievers Under 30 from northeast Wisconsin appearing on page 18 of this issue. I hope you’ll think about those deserving young professionals you might consider nominating for our 2015 recognition next year.

Wellness deadline fast approaching

A reminder to readers that the deadline for submitting nominations for our 9th annual Alla tua Salute! Corporate Wellness Awards is coming May 9. We’ll announce this year’s winners in our upcoming June issue, highlighting best practices in employer-based wellness programming in northeast Wisconsin. Each year our winners provide a variety of low-cost, often easy-to-implement strategies to improve the health of employees and their families. The result is often fewer illnesses and other chronic medical issues, leading to decreased medical bills and ultimately lower insurance premiums. We’re chasing the Holy Grail of health care reform in the U.S. with this recognition, and for the past eight years we’ve shared some of the leading practices across the region implemented by small and large companies alike, as well as not-for-profit and government employers. For more information or to obtain the nomination form for the 2014 Alla tua Salute! Awards, visit us online at www. newnorthb2b.com. 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.

Documenting Discipline and Discharge by Tony Renning of Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. 920.232.4842 Reader Question: Should we be documenting the reason(s) for discipline/ discharge?

(e.g., unemployment, discrimination, wrongful discharge, etc.). Accordingly, employers should include, at a minimum, the following in any discipline/discharge documents:

Tony Renning: All disciplinary action, including discharge, should be documented and retained in an employee’s personnel file. Additionally, employees should be given copies of all discipline/discharge documents.

• Background information, including specifics as to the facts and circumstances (reasons) giving rise to the discipline/discharge.

Contemporaneous documentation protects against unavailable witnesses and memory loss over time. Additionally, contemporaneous documentation protects against the impression that the reason(s) for discipline/discharge was fabricated post hoc.

• Information as to prior incidents supporting the decision to discipline/ discharge.

Bear in mind that the documentation you create most likely will become a significant part of any dispute

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

• Reference to the rule or policy that was violated.

• Employee acknowledgement of receipt (if the employee refuses to sign the acknowledgement, the employer should note that fact on the discipline/ discharge document itself). Finally, employees have a legal right

to make a written response to any personnel document, including documentation concerning discipline/ discharge. Section 103.13, Wis. Stats. For counsel as to discipline/discharge and the appropriate documentation of same, 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 an attorney in the Oshkosh office of Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. (219 Washington Avenue). 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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Contributing writers Michael Bina Robin Bruecker

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Fox Cities

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Chief Financial Officer Vicky Fitzgerald, CPA Layout design by

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NNB2B | May 2014 | 5

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.

March 24

Gov. Scott Walker signed special session Senate Bill 1, which will use proceeds from the 2013 state budget surplus to provide more than $500 million in tax relief to Wisconsin residents. The legislation offered $406 million in property tax relief, which means a typical homeowner can expect to save $100 on next year’s property tax bill. It also cuts income taxes by $98.6 million and benefits the lowest income tax bracket, which should translate to a savings of about $58 for a family of four making $40,000.

March 24 Village of Allouez Administrator Tracy Flucke tendered her resignation effective May 2 so that she can bike across the country. Flucke, who has held the position for the past four years, plans to travel from Washington to Maine with her husband later this year. The Village Board of Trustees is evaluating options to replace Flucke.

March 24 Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. awarded a $500,000 Community Development Investment grant to the City of Green Bay to assist private developer Frantz Community Investors with a $35 million project to redevelop the historic Hotel Northland later this year. Plans call for the 90-yearold building to be transformed into a 170-room, high-end boutique hotel. Once finished in 2015, the hotel is expected to create 160 jobs and add $12 million to the city’s property tax base.

March 25 The City of Oshkosh Common Council reallocated $100,000 in city funds to create two new positions within its economic development department which will conduct business retention and attraction activity within the community. A majority of the designated funds were initially budgeted for Chamco Inc. – Oshkosh’s industrial development organization – and will be used for new business attraction programs and an estimated 150 business retention visits annually. The city also ceased agreements with Chamco and with the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce to market real estate in its industrial and commercial business parks across the city. * Editor’s note: New North B2B Publisher Sean Fitzgerald is an elected member of the City of Oshkosh Common Council.

6 | May 2014 | NNB2B

March 26 State and federal officials arrived at a proposed $54 million settlement with several Fox Cities paper companies and two municipal utilities for PCB contamination abatement costs in the Fox River. Nearly $46 million will be used toward clean up of natural resource damages to the waterway, while about $8 million will be placed in a fund managed by the state to cover any future costs of supervising ongoing cleanup work. Liability for the charges breaks down as follows: $14.7 million by U.S. Paper Mills Corp.; $13.7 million by Menasha Corp.; $12.2 million by WTMI Company; $5.2 million by City Appleton; $5.2 million by Neenah-Menasha Sewerage Commission; and $3 million by CBC Coating, Inc. The federal Department of Justice indicated the parties settling have already paid about $70 million towards the project, and that this settlement would end their involvement in this lawsuit.

March 26 Saputo Cheese announced it will close its New London plant – along with another in Maryland and two in Canada – in a move it said will help it improve its operational efficiency. The plant closure by the end of August will effectively lay off 67 employees in New London, who will receive severance and outplacement support. Company officials indicated the facility was too outdated and would make any investment in modernizing the plant too expensive to be worthwhile.

April 1 Voters in the Green Bay Area School District approved a referendum to borrow $20.1 million for various capital improvements across the district, including: $6.7 million for renovations and to replace the heating and cooling system and remove asbestos at Washington Middle School; another $7.2 million to update mechanical systems and other projects at Franklin Middle School; and $6.2 million to support various improvements at Fort Howard, Tank, Nicolet and Chappell elementary schools. The borrowing carries an annual tax impact of 35 cents for every $1,000 of equalized property value, or an additional $35 each year on a home valued at $100,000.

April 1 Voters in the Village of Ashwaubenon approved a four-part referendum to borrow $20.9 million for the following capital projects within the community: $3.9 million for a community www.newnorthb2b.com

center; $7.5 million for a swimming pool and $8 million for an auditorium at Ashwaubenon High School; and $1.5 million for a smaller warm-water pool for youth and senior activities. The borrowing carries an annual tax impact of 70 cents for every $1,000 of equalized property value, or an additional $70 on a property valued at $100,000.

April 1 Voters in Oshkosh authorized the school district’s board of education to tax property owners an additional $3.95 million a year beyond state revenue limits for the next seven years in order to cover school operation and maintenance costs, as well as to acquire new technology for students in classrooms. Approving the referendum for additional spending carries an annual tax impact of 56 cents for every $1,000 of equalized property value, or an additional $56 each year on a home valued at $100,000.

April 1 Menasha voters narrowly turned down a referendum which would have authorized the school district to tax property owners an additional $360,000 each year going forward to maintain its elementary school world language program. The measure failed with 53 percent of voters opposing the additional funding.

April 1 Voters in the Howard-Suamico School District approved two separate referenda to borrow a total of $13.4 million for security upgrades to entrances at various schools in the district, interior remodeling at some schools to increase the amount of instructional space in the district, upgrades to the heating and cooling systems in district buildings, and improvements to the swimming pool at Lineville Intermediate School. The additional borrowing carries an annual tax impact of 9 cents for every $1,000 of equalized property value, or an additional $9 each year on a home valued at $100,000.

April 1 State Assembly Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) unseated three-term Neenah Mayor George Scherck by a vote of 2,623 to 1,927. Kaufert has served in the Assembly for 23 years and will not seek re-election for a 13th term this coming fall.

April 1 Voters in the Oakfield School District approved a measure allowing the district to tax property owners an additional $1 million each year for the 2014-17 school years and by an additional $1.2 million for the 2017-2020 school years, all for the purpose of funding the district’s general operations. Five years ago Oakfield voters approved a similar referendum seeking authority to tax property owners an additional

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Since We Last Met $700,000 each year for operational costs, which ended this year. Approving the referendum will have an annual tax impact of about $1.35 for every $1,000 of equalized property value, or an additional $135 each year on a home valued at $100,000.

April 2 Gov. Scott Walker signed Senate Bill 449 allowing businesses earning tax credits through the state’s Economic Development Tax Credit program to transfer those credits for non-cash consideration if the business: has headquarters in Wisconsin and at least 51 percent employees are located in the state; intends to relocate its headquarters to Wisconsin and have at least 51 percent of its employees in the state; plans

2005 May 10 - Carter’s Inc. agreed to buy OshKosh B’ Gosh, Inc. for $26 per share, or about $312 million. The acquisition closed in September 2005. 2006 May 16 – The Fond du Lac Convention & Visitor’s Bureau announced it will purchase the former Pioneer Princess 49-passenger excursion boat, which for years sailed from the former Pioneer Resort in Oshkosh. The vessel will be renamed and docked at Lakeside Park. 2007 May 16 – Appleton and Green Bay were singled out as two of the 25 Best Affordable Suburbs in the Midwest by BusinessWeek magazine, which identified both cities’ low crime rate, cleanliness, quality schools and affordable home prices. The list also included DeForest, Sheboygan, Waukesha and Wausau from Wisconsin. 2011 May 10 – R.R. Donnelly & Sons Co. informed employees it plans to shut down operations at its Ahnaip Street book printing and bindery plant in Menasha by July. About 25 employees who work in book binding will be transferred to the company’s Midway Road plant in Menasha, while 14 employees in printing will be laid off and offered severance packages. Company officials indicated decreasing demand for print copies of books is presenting challenges for the entire printing industry. 2013 May 20 – KPS Capital Partners announced the formation of Expera Specialty Solutions LLC, the new parent company for the specialty paper business interests it’s acquiring from Wausau Paper Corp. as well as from Packaging Dynamics Corp., which includes the two Thilmany paper mills in Kaukauna and De Pere. The combined company will included 1,800 employees at paper mills in Rhinelander, Mosinee, Kaukauna and De Pere. 8 | May 2014 | NNB2B

to expand operations in Wisconsin and increase employment by at least 10 percent of its current fulltime employment in the state; or the business intends to expand operations in Wisconsin by making significant capital investment here.

April 3 Wisconsin Act 185 was signed into law expanding sales and use tax exemptions to all aircraft parts, maintenance and repair conducted in the state. The measure is aimed at improving the competitiveness of Wisconsin’s aviation industry. Similar aircraft service-related sales tax exemptions exist in Michigan, Illinois and Minnesota.

April 4 The U.S. Department of Labor reported 192,000 new jobs were created in March, leaving the national unemployment rate relatively unchanged at 6.7 percent. Employment grew in professional and business services, health care, and in mining and logging.

April 4 The governor signed Act 183 into law allowing large, urban towns to establish tax incremental finance districts if the town has an equalized value of at least $500 million and at least 3,500 residents. Eligible towns from the region include Ledgeview in Brown County; Buchanan, Grand Chute and Greenville in Outagamie County; and Algoma and Menasha in Winnebago County.

April 4 The state Department of Workforce Development launched an accelerated commercial drivers license-training program which will allow up to 300 applicants to enter a Better Business Bureau New Members Businesses accredited through the Northeast Wisconsin office during March 2014 All Phaze Plumbing, Green Bay Bergstrom Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Oshkosh, Oshkosh Eval-Tech, Manitowoc Healthy Living Chiropractic Clinic, Green Bay Heinecke Auto Repair, Allenton Jackson Melchert Enterprises, Fremont Jennerjohn Realty, Auctioneering & Appraising, Appleton Modern Exteriors of Wisconsin, Appleton Novak’s Service Center, Manitowoc Robb Spaulding Electric, Cleveland School Home Improvements, Brillion Steve’s Quality Painting, Princeton Vacuum, Pump & Compressor, Green Bay

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four-week CDL training course. Upon successful completion, those graduates will receive immediate job placement at either Schneider National of Ashwaubenon, WEL of De Pere, or Roehl Transport of Marshfield, which also has a terminal in the Town of Menasha. Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton currently offers the accelerated CDL training course. Those accepted into the new state program who are veterans, dislocated workers or those who receive federal Trade Adjustment Assistance will not personally have to cover the $2,500 cost of training.

April 10 Oshkosh Corp. announced it will eliminate nearly 760 employees beginning in June, including 700 hourly and 60 salaried positions, as a result of defense spending cuts stemming from wrapping up military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Oshkosh Defense similarly laid off about 900 employees during summer 2013 as a number of military contracts were fulfilled.

April 11 April 9 Connecticut-based Cenveo Corp. announced it will close the former National Envelope facility in Appleton June 8, which will eliminate 148 union jobs and 24 salaried positions. Cenveo purchased National Envelope, a maker of envelopes and provider of printing services and specialty packaging, this past September.

Brillion-based Ariens Co., a producer of outdoor snow removal and lawn equipment, hosted a job fair to fill 250 fulltime positions. The company has an assortment of workforce needs from machinists, finishing operators, press brake operators and assemblers. The company said it experienced 53 percent sales growth since 2010.

April 11 April 9 Ohio-based Omya Inc., a maker of industrial minerals, announced it will close its facility in Kimberly, which will affect 21 jobs.

State Sen. Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) indicated he will not seek reelection this fall and will retire from politics, ending a nearly 45-year career in Madison that began while in his late 20s. In doing so, the legislator noted an increasing frustration with the current political climate in the state. Ellis served eight terms in the state Senate since 1982 and previously served five terms in the state Assembly from 1970 to 1980, while also serving on the City of Neenah Common Council from

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Since We Last Met 1969 to 1975. State Assembly Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber (D-Appleton) already indicated last year plans to challenge for Ellis’ seat this November.

April 14

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April 14 Sixth Congressional District Rep. Tom Petri (R-Fond du Lac) announced he will not seek reelection for a 19th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Petri was first elected to Congress in April 1979 in a special election following the unexpected passing of U.S. Rep. Bill Steiger (R-Oshkosh). Petri served as the chairman or ranking member of the House subcommittee on surface transportation for 16 years, and as the chairman or ranking member of the House aviation subcommittee for six years.

April 16 The U.S. Department of Defense granted a $38.4 million contract extension to Dental Health Products of New Franken for dental supplies used by the military.

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April 16 Right on Target Media of Fond du Lac and its owner Eric Weiss are among the 24 entrepreneurs named into the finalist round of the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest. The contest began in late January with 292 entries, and was narrowed to 52 semifinalists in late February. Finalists will submit 15- to 20-page business plans for review by a panel of more than 80 judges. The 2014 Grand Prize Winner will be announced June 4 and will receive more than $50,000 in cash and prizes, as well as significant attention from investors.

April 16 Appleton-based ThedaCare, Ministry Health Care and the Medical College of Wisconsin announced a plan to collaboratively oversee the Fox Valley Family Medicine Residence Program in Appleton beginning in July. The program was under the supervision of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, which established it in 1980. The program now has 18 residents and graduates six annually. n 10 | May 2014 | NNB2B

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From the Editor

Exploring the global marketplace Larry Avila, New North B2B Editor

Investment in business trade missions can result in big returns I think most professionals are familiar with the phrase, “you have to think outside the box.” Complacency is a human trait. We can’t help it. We like routines because they set up a sense of comfort and stability. However, when something happens to change that routine, it can bring uncertainty and anxiety. However, change can be a good thing. Thinking and doing things differently can breathe new life into something stagnant as well as open doors to new opportunities never thought possible. Manufacturing is a large piece of Wisconsin’s economy. Many of the manufacturers I’ve met with over the years not only sell their products around the state, but across the country and some around the world. Wisconsin overall is a player in the global marketplace. Data from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. shows state manufacturers sold more than $23.08 billion in goods around the world in 2013, down slightly from the previous year’s total of $23.1 billion, but overall the number continues to climb. Industrial machinery was the state’s top export, representing $6.8 billion, or roughly 30 percent of all of the state’s exports. Wisconsin’s biggest trading partners are Canada, Mexico, China, Japan and Germany. While $23 billion seems like a big number, most economic development professionals and manufacturing executives likely will say it should and can be much higher. This is where organizations such as the New North Inc., an 18-county economic development organization for northeast Wisconsin, can help. The New North, in partnership with WEDC, organized a global trade venture to South America – which will include visits to Columbia, Peru, and Chile – between Sept. 13 and Sept. 23. The trip is not free. The cost is $11,580 per company, but the cost can be offset up to $10,000 through a grant from the state. Jerry Murphy, executive director of the New North, said there is enough grant funding for at least 10 companies. Participation is geared toward interested businesses that www.newnorthb2b.com

have products in demand in the specified South American counties. Murphy said Columbia, Peru and Chile were targeted for the trip because specific products made around northeast Wisconsin are sought in those countries. Some of those products and services include wood products, prime metals, metal parts fabrication and machine fabrication, he said. According to the state, Chile was the ninth biggest destination for Wisconsin exports totaling $476.1 million in 2013. Peru was 21st at $249.7 million and Columbia was 24th at $167 million. Growth potential is promising in South America, according to state officials. Murphy said companies interested in taking part on the upcoming trade mission will be evaluated to ensure what they offer has a market in the countries that will be visited. If they pass, the WEDC’s international division will arrange meetings with potential customers but companies won’t be committed to go unless a meeting is confirmed. The hope is participants will meet with as many as 18 potential customers during the trip. “If you think about it, making this investment (in this trade venture) in what could become a significant customer is far cheaper than trying to make that call on your own,” Murphy said. “It’s a really well developed strategy because we’re leveraging partnerships to match a company with customers.” Oshkosh Corp., a maker of military and assorted rescue vehicles, sells products in more than 130 countries. It has participated in similar trade missions in the past, said John Daggett, company spokesman. The benefit of a trade mission is it’s the first step at building relationships, Daggett said. “Anytime you’re going into a new country and looking to expand, it’s about opening doors and getting new contacts and being able to use those contacts as a means to generate interest in your products,” he said. Trade missions also can help a business learn about different cultures, Daggett said. “You’re laying the groundwork for doing potential business down the road,” he said. For more information about New North’s South American trade venture later this year, contact the New North office at 920.336.3860. Additional information is available from Dave Thiel, executive director, Waupaca County Economic Development Corp. at wcedc@charter.net or through Mark Rhoda-Reis, market development director-Americas & Europe for WEDC at 608.210.6757. His email is Mark.RhodaReis@ wedc.org. n NNB2B | May 2014 | 11

Build Up Fond du Lac

1 3

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 and fuel canopy.

4 - 1315 S. Main St., Fond du Lac Roberts Homes, a new office building. Project completion expected in June. 5 - 321 Camelot Dr., Fond du Lac Fond du Lac Regional Clinic South, a 50,000-sq. ft. addition to the existing medical clinic. Completion expected in late fall.

3 - 1060 E. Johnson St., Fond du Lac Walgreens, a new retail building and pharmacy. Project completion expected in May.

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6 - 1230 W. College Ave., Appleton Cypress Homes, a new commercial building and showroom.

Fox Cities

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 - 120 N. Mall Dr., town of Grand Chute Kwik Trip, an addition to the existing building for a new convenience store and fuel station. Project completion expected in May. 3 - 3030 W. College Ave., town of Grand Chute Les Stumpf Ford, a 21,226-sq. ft. addition to the existing automotive dealership. 4 - 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. 5 - 1825 N. Bluemound Dr., town of Grand Chute Fox Valley Technical College Student Success Center, a twostory, 96,750-sq. ft. academic building. Project completion expected in the fall.

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 - 900 Randolph Dr., Little Chute Reinders Inc., a 14,340-sq. ft. retail and warehouse building. Project completion expected in May. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna. 9 - 100 County Road KK, Kaukauna Piping Service Inc., a 10,800-sq. ft. addition to the existing industrial building. Project completion expected in spring. General contractor is Frontier Builders & Consultants of Kaukauna. 10 - 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. Projects completed since our April issue: • Aerial Work Platforms, 2380 Holly Road, town of Menasha. • Butte des Morts Country Club, 3600 W. Prospect Ave., Appleton. • The Free Market, 734 W. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton. • Holland Cold Storage, 3600 Electric City Blvd., Kaukauna.

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Stephen Nunn, MBA Student, Graduating ‘14 Operations Manager, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah, Wis.

14 | May 2014 | NNB2B

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Build Up Greater Green Bay area

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Build Up

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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.

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3 - 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. 4 - 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.

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5 - 400 N. Washington St., Green Bay Schreiber Foods Inc., a five-story, 250,000-sq. ft. corporate headquarters. Project completion expected in June. 6 - 2530 S. Hemlock Road, Green Bay Handling & Conveying Systems, a 33,000-sq. ft. manufacturing facility including 6,000 square feet of office space. Project completion expected in May. General contractor is Bayland Buildings. 7 - 3282 Eaton Road, Bellevue Community First Credit Union, a 6,705-sq. ft. financial institution office. Project completion expected in May. 8 - 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. 9 - 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. 10 - 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. 11 - Label Drive, Ashwaubenon Green Bay Packaging Inc., a 240,000-sq. ft. coated products manufacturing facility. Project completion expected in late fall. 12 - 950 Main Ave., De Pere Commercial property, a remodel and addition to the existing retail commercial space. 13 - 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. 14 - 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. 15 - 150 Wisconsin Ave. South, De Pere Walgreens, a new retail store. Project completion expected in June. 16 - 633 Heritage Road, De Pere Belmark, an addition to the existing industrial facility. 17 - 1891 Commerce Dr., De Pere Straubel Company, an addition to the existing manufacturing facility. Project completion expected in May. Projects completed since our April issue: • Oneida Mason Street Casino, 2522 W. Mason St., Green Bay. • Multi-tenant commercial building, 2014 Lime Kiln Road, Bellevue. • Oneida Main Casino, 2020 Airport Dr., Ashwaubenon. • Vibrant Impressions, 3355 Commodity Lane, Ashwaubenon. www.newnorthb2b.com

NNB2B | May 2014 | 17

Cover Story

Photo by Don Stolley, Stolley Studio, Oshkosh Heather Milbach, Zack Pawlosky and Gina Popp along the Fox River in downtown Appleton.

Young professionals finding reasons to stay close to home

From quality of life to business opportunities, region offers what most seek

by Larry Avila, New North B2B editor

Regional leaders have said it on more than one occasion that northeast Wisconsin has to be more proactive at retaining and luring young professionals.

dairy foods producer and distributor; and Zach Pawlosky, 22, founder and owner of Candeo Creative in Oshkosh, a marketing agency. They were selected from a field of more than 30 applicants.

The inaugural honorees of New North B2B magazine’s 3 Overachievers Under 30, which recognizes stand out young professionals from around the northeast Wisconsin, couldn’t agree more. These individuals not only are making an impact on their chosen professions but also in the communities where they reside through the volunteer work they do.

We sat down recently with Popp, Milbach and Pawlosky to discuss a variety of topics including leadership development, young professional retention and recruiting efforts and quality of life. Here’s an excerpt from that conversation.

The 2014 honorees include: Gina Popp, 29, president and CEO of Wisnet.com in Fond du Lac, a marketing and online software applications developer; Heather Milbach, 25, retirement analyst at Schreiber Foods in Green Bay, a 18 | May 2014 | NNB2B

Are there enough initiatives happening around the region to retain and attract young professionals? Popp: This is a good tie in to Forward Fond du Lac. What it’s trying to do is work on retaining and developing talent in the Fond du Lac area. Some business owners and conversations www.newnorthb2b.com

I’ve had with executives at Mercury Marine recognize they’re still part of an old boys club and it’s time to open up the gate and let some young people come in and tell us what the community needs. There needs to be openness and the community can’t be afraid to accept that openness. Pawlosky: When young people network, they do want to be at the table, sitting with those people who are part of those old boys clubs because they want to spend time learning, but they also want to be able to show what they can do. Milbach: When you network, it’s not just about your career opportunities, but I think younger generations are looking for a more holistic approach about how we live and whether or not a region offers opportunities to do things outside work. Is the region doing enough to show there are good opportunities for young professionals? Pawlosky: I think employers and the higher education communities need to be more heavily involved to find ways to form a bridge, so when someone leaves school and they’re looking for an opportunity, they can be ready to move in and be involved with those groups. Milbach: I had an internship with Schreiber. As I got to know the company and get into the culture, I knew I wanted to be there. I could have relocated and was considering going to a much larger area, but as I was considering relocating, I sought out whether those other communities had opportunities for networking and what sort of schools were there if I started a family. I had to consider whether it was the right decision to move and just realized northeast Wisconsin offered everything for me personally and professionally. Popp: I think the sooner you can get someone involved in the community, the more likely they are to stay. As someone builds their network and gets involved, they’re less likely to take off because they see that now they are making an impact through their community involvement. Is there something northeast Wisconsin is missing out on that it can do a better job with? Popp: I think one prominent thing is Lake Winnebago. There doesn’t seem to be a tourism aspect to it at all, at least not one to draw someone to it. When you look at tourism and what a great place this is to live, we know people who live here take advantage of water sports, but we don’t have the big resorts. Pawlosky: I think there could be support for new and emerging companies. Just right here in northeast Wisconsin, we have many universities and technical colleges that are full of talent but many students leave the area. We need to find ways to engage them so they don’t leave. Milbach: With the medical college going into St. Norbert College, I think there will be even more talent coming to the area, but we’re still fighting to hold onto that talent from going to larger markets because they think those bigger areas have more to offer than what’s available here. How we retain talent is a struggle. n

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CEO finds motivation identifying solutions for clients Gina Popp’s career may have started on a traditional path but just after a short time, instead of being among the rank and file, she finds herself in a top executive role. “I was a programmer, so my focus (after college) was different at that time in terms of what I wanted to grow to be, whether that was a network administrator or something else, my target was in a different area,” said Popp, president and CEO of Wisnet.com in Fond du Lac. Her role at Wisnet.com evolved during the eight years she’s been with the company. Popp has been in her present role for a year, a position she wasn’t expecting to have in less than 10 years since graduating from Marian University in Fond du Lac. “I was fortunate enough that (Rick Kolstad, owner of Wisnet) was supportive of me and if I had a direction, he would fully support me,” she said. “When we’d talk, he’d tell me ‘this business can be what I wanted it to be and I could make it that,’ so I took it upon myself to grow the business in areas I wanted to be involved in.” Wisnet is a full-service marketing firm but also develops online software applications, including programs to help businesses automate functions such as allowing workers to punch in through the Internet. NAME: GINA POPP AGE: 29 OCCUPATION: PRESIDENT/CEO, WISNET.COM, FOND DU LAC, MARKETING AND ONLINE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION: MARIAN UNIVERSITY (2005)

Popp said the ability for workers to log work hours remotely was a great benefit for a Wisnet.com client which operated a snow plowing business. “If one of their workers went to a job, they could just log their hours remotely,” she said. Finding solutions to help clients operate more efficiently drives Popp. “Clients throw different challenges in front of us and much of it involves things we’ve never done before so it’s exciting for me to tackle those challenges and find solutions,” she said. Her interests in helping Wisnet succeed spills into her roles outside work. Popp is a board member of the Young Professionals of Fond du Lac and chairs the group’s marketing committee. A Fond du Lac native, Popp also recognizes the importance of the region retaining its young professionals, which led her to get NNB2B | May 2014 | 19

Cover Story involved with Forward Fond du Lac, an initiative designed to retain local talent and bring young professionals to the region. Katie Leist, director of communications for the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, serves on the young professionals board with Popp. She said Popp is dedicated to advancing the organization and finding ways to help the community grow. “She is extremely dedicated to volunteering and going that

extra mile and takes the initiative to get things done,” Leist said. “If there’s any projects that need to get started, she is that go to person you can count on to get things done.” Popp said she hasn’t forgotten her roots. Understanding and having the knowledge of the technology side of the business is useful. “I’m away from the tech side of things and more involved in marketing, but having the knowledge is good because when I sit down with clients, I understand how things work,” she said. n

Desire to help others launches business venture

DATE: June 4 LOCATION: Fond du Lac If you’re interested in meeting and networking with young professionals from around northeast Wisconsin, Leaderfest 2014 is your opportunity. The annual event, presented this year by Young Professionals of Fond du Lac, brings together active young professionals, many of whom either are in top executive roles or successful entrepreneurs, representing all corners of the region. This year’s event will be at the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac on June 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featured presenters include: Craig Culver, CEO of Culver’s restaurants, discussing his company’s history and leadership; Lori Cross, president of Mindspan Consulting and a professor at UW-Madison, who will lead an interactive workshop on initiating strategic change; and Doug Lipp, author and former head of training at Walt Disney, discussing customer service, change management and leadership. The cost to attend is $60 per person and includes lunch. For more information or to register, go online through the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce website at www.fdlac.com, call the office at 920.921.9500 or email at info@ypfdl.org.

20 | May 2014 | NNB2B

Zack Pawlosky hoped one day to run his own business. He just didn’t think he’d become an entrepreneur while still working toward his bachelor’s degree at the University of WisconsinOshkosh. Pawlosky, 22, launched Candeo Creative, an Oshkosh-based integrated marketing agency, about two years ago. While managing a business – which today employs 12 people - Pawlosky expects to graduate this fall then plans to pursue an MBA at UW Oshkosh. His interest in marketing is fueled by a personal passion in helping others succeed. “As far back as I can remember, I just love helping others, whether it’s through stocking shelves or something else, I just like to find ways to lend a hand,” Pawlosky said. Pawlosky said marketing helps businesses and organizations raise awareness and expand their reach. With the Internet and social media continually evolving, Pawlosky began researching how businesses could use those media effectively.

NAME: ZACK PAWLOSKY AGE: 22 OCCUPATION: OWNER, CANDEO CREATIVE, OSHKOSH; INTEGRATED MARKETING AGENCY EDUCATION: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSINOSHKOSH (GRADUATING FALL 2014)

As his knowledge about Internet marketing and social media grew, Pawlosky began speaking to business groups and other professionals on the topic. On more than one occasion, following one of his presentations, Pawlosky said he’d be approached about consulting work. “People would approach me and say, ‘You seem knowledgeable about this. Is there anything you can do to help my business?’” he said. A few requests later and after discussing it with friends and family, Pawlosky decided to launch Candeo Creative. “I saw that there was a local opportunity to help others when it came to helping them reach their goals,” he said. That’s exactly what he did for the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce about two years ago, which today is recognized as one of the most social media-friendly chambers in the nation. “Zach is a high-energy person and he’s here to help create solutions for you,” said John Casper, CEO of the Oshkosh chamber. Casper said the chamber recognized two years ago it needed to be more active with social media to engage members, but didn’t know how to do it effectively. “We thought we were doing well with it, but when we brought Zach in, he developed a solid strategy for us,” Casper said.

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As he was building his business, Pawlosky donated his firm’s services to non-profit organizations and continued speaking on Internet and social media marketing. He found it to be an effective way to raise awareness for his business. Pawlosky still donates services to numerous organizations including Habitat for Humanity in Oshkosh and the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of American Red Cross. Pawlosky’s entrepreneurial spirit comes from his parents, Charlie and Cheryl, who have owned and operated numerous businesses through the years, including the Silk and Art Gallery in Oshkosh. “When I was younger, I can remember my dad being up until 3 a.m., working on strategy and he just loved it,” Pawlosky said. “I just got to experience that at such an early age and that inspires me today.” Pawlosky admits his professional life has accelerated more quickly than he expected but is confident his path is sound. “I never really dreamed that (owning a business) would happen so quickly,” he said. “I can confidently say, where my personal plans are there are more exciting things still to come.” n

Drive comes from helping others reach next level The continuous improvement model has more applications than just helping businesses find ways to run more efficiently. Heather Milbach, a retirement analyst at Schreiber Foods in Green Bay, believes people should be life-long learners. “I draw from other people and I just enjoy helping others see what their potential can be,” Milbach said. “It really motivates me to be a better person.” Milbach landed a job at Schreiber Foods after securing an internship with the company shortly after graduating from St. Norbert College in De Pere in 2009. She initially worked in supply chain management, but then shifted to sales and eventually human resources. “I’d definitely consider myself a people person,” she said. This is where Milbach found she truly could excel. She serves on numerous internal groups at Schreiber, which focuses on an array of services from helping new hires acclimate to NAME: HEATHER MILBACH AGE: 25 OCCUPATION: RETIREMENT ANALYST, SCHREIBER FOODS, GREEN BAY; DAIRY FOODS PRODUCER AND DISTRIBUTOR EDUCATION: ST. NORBERT COLLEGE (2009)

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NNB2B | May 2014 | 21

Cover Story

“I draw from other people and I just enjoy helping others see what their potential can be, it really motivates me to be a better person.” Heather Milbach the company’s operations and culture to offering guidance to retirees of the employee-owned company who need help transitioning to life outside work. Milbach’s enthusiasm brings a fresh perspective to company operations, said Kelvin George, who works in sales for Schreiber in Arkansas, but worked with Milbach when he was in Green Bay.

in Green Bay as well as with Junior Achievement and the American Cancer Society. Milbach also serves on the Brown County Teen Leadership Steering Committee, co-leads a Girl Scout troop, and works with youth programs at the YMCA. Milbach describes what she does as being life driven.

“She has a strong business sense and is constantly looking for ways to help all parties be successful,” George said. “She has a caring spirit and caring heart and effectively manages multiple pieces of a business, which I find refreshing.”

“I’m either helping someone get on a good path or ensuring their career at Schreiber gets off to a good start or helping someone make that transition to post-career life,” she said. “Professionally, it’s one of the most satisfying things to me.”

George said he has been with Schreiber for nearly three decades and working with a young professional helped him see operations from a different perspective.

Milbach said her career path has taken a non-traditional route since graduating from college but is pleased where her professional life stands.

“To bring someone in fairly new in her career and pair that person up with someone who has been here a long time helped me see things through fresh eyes,” he said.

“When someone is just starting out in their career, there is a perceived path and expectation, based on what you studied,” she said. “I started out in supply chain management, but I knew (at some point) I wanted to be in a role where I’d be working with people, so I’m extremely happy where my path has taken me.” n

Milbach’s interest in helping her colleagues goes beyond Schreiber. She’s a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters

22 | May 2014 | NNB2B

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Human Resources

Increasingly usual dilemma Finding employees is high on New North CEOs’ list Story by Michael Bina

For the past ten years, The Nicolet National Bank Business Pulse survey has asked chief executives in the New North to share their top business priorities going into every new year. And every new year, CEOs say sales is their top business challenge.

their number of employees increased in the current quarter compared with 24 percent of service providers.

This year is no different. But in 2014, area CEOs specifically mentioned “Finding Employees” frequently in the survey, causing it to jump all the way up to the second-greatest business challenge for CEOs heading into 2014.

David Wegge of the De Pere-based Strategic Research Institute has conducted the quarterly studies for Nicolet Bank since 2001 and noted the overall Business Pulse is slightly above the average for the past 12 years.

Finding employees is generally always somewhere on the CEOs’ radar screen, but the issue was well down the list last year, and suddenly climbed into the No. 2 spot. As CEO Vince Lombardi famously asked, “What the hell is going on out there?”

“Some CEOs are bullish on employment,” Wegge said. “Thirtyfour percent say employees increased in the last three months and 31 percent expect that to increase in the next three months. With only 12 percent of CEOs saying employees decreased in the last three months, and only 5 percent expecting them to decline in the next three months, signs are that the economy continues improving - albeit not as fast as we would all want.”

Why the change? It’s a good question. Perhaps CEOs are looking to find good sales people to help with their top challenge, but something else must be going on to cause a 14-point jump in concern about finding employees in just one year. Is the economy turning around? In the most recent Nicolet Bank Business Pulse survey conducted in March, New North CEOs indicated there hasn’t been much change in economic conditions over the past three months. CEOs were also not sanguine regarding their net profits, gross revenues or capital spending. The only indicator with a positive slant was on the employment front. The survey’s signature Current Conditions Index showed statistically significant differences between responses from CEOs of goods producing companies and those from CEOs of local service firms: 50 percent of goods producers said

More significantly, looking into the next three months, 48 percent of goods producing CEOs indicated their employment would increase compared with just 21 percent of leaders from service providers.

The most recent Nicolet Bank Business Pulse also asked CEOs how challenging it’s been to find employees that meet the organization’s needs and if it’s become more challenging during the past two years. A total of 30 percent responded it’s been very challenging, with 47 percent indicating it’s become more challenging during the past two years. Digging deeper into the numbers reveals 53 percent of CEOs responding to the Business Pulse survey said they’ve left key positions vacant for extended periods because they could not find a person with the necessary skill set. Perhaps surprisingly, 41 percent said entry-level positions are most difficult to find.

Tales from the trenches Employer Jones Sign in De Pere is a goods producer, manufacturing custom outdoor signs. In the past month Jones debuted the world’s largest video sign at Texas Speedway and the world’s largest high-definition video screen at Churchill Downs in Louisville, home to the Kentucky Derby. The company is growing, and it’s hiring, according to human resource director Diane Bluel. “Many manufacturers are vying for talent,” Bluel said. “I think we’re all struggling to find it.”

The Nicolet Bank Business Pulse remained essentially unchanged from the last quarter. Historically, the index recorded its lowest level at the end of Q4/08 at 63.8; its highest was at the end of Q4/03 at 137.4. The Nicolet Bank Business Pulse measures Current Economic Conditions compared to three months ago, as well as Future Economic Expectations of New North business leaders over the next three months. Both indicies are then combined into the overall Business Pulse Index.

24 | May 2014 | NNB2B

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Part of the problem has been generational, Bluel noted. “People are getting older and we don’t have younger people to replace them,” she said. “Younger people don’t come into our jobs thinking they are going to retire at Jones Sign. It’s just not the way they think, so we need to show them there are longterm opportunities.”

Management Reports Useless?

Michelle Todzy is vice president of human resources at Trudell Holdings – an owner of transportation-related businesses headquartered in De Pere – and she’s also looking for employees.

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“We’re short about a dozen more mechanics, and three to five sales people,” Todzy said. “It’s a big deal for us with just 175 employees overall.” Todzy and Bluel both lament the demographic wave roiling the employment marketplace, but also cite the current educational system and process. “It’s an aging workforce,” Todzy said. “We have people with 25 to 30 to 40 years on the job. Trying to find the next generation has been challenging these last few years. Young people are in college. We’ve taken the glamour out of the labor jobs.

Our custom reporting allows you to: • Track costs for each job to determine proﬁtability. • Record employee time for each job and transfer to payroll processing. • Determine actual versus budgeted costs.

Back to the top challenge: sales The challenge is different, but similar, in a fast-changing world for Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. in Neenah, according to Chris Hartrich, vice president of human resources and organizational development for the service provider.

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“We’re looking for the people who can help us sell in a digital world,” he said. “Some of it is creative, some of it is analytical. Looking for people who are creative and can interpret the data is not an easy find for anyone.” “A lot of organizations are dealing with the broader technology skill set as ecommerce continues to grow and evolve. Companies are looking for analysts, project managers and developers.” Jewelers Mutual is coming off one of its best years ever, but its business plan calls for 10 percent growth in 2014. Hartrich breaks the human resource challenge the company faces into two pieces – finding more customer-facing individuals who understand internet security and privacy regulation, and secondly to increase leadership skills and capacity of its leadership team. Both Trudell and Jones are also looking for sales people. “We have positions open,” Todzy said. “We’d like industry experience, plus all those important relationships, but they’re not easy to find either. Lately, we’ve had some success growing our own talent.” Sales are certainly important, but Bluel focuses first on finding good employees. “I don’t think it’s a big challenge for us finding enough people,” she said. “Finding the right people is more important.” n Michael Bina is a writer, educator and thought leader based in Green Bay. Read his musings about business on his blog at newadventuresofnicolet.blogspot.com. www.newnorthb2b.com

NNB2B | May 2014 | 25

Manufacturing

Submitted photo A Striker fire truck from Oshkosh Corp., similar to one used in the 2012 movie Total Recall

Manufacturers think outside the box to build brands From Hollywood films to sponsorships, companies seek broader audience Story by Larry Avila, New North B2B editor

There are times when a telephone call can lead to a unique opportunity. Oshkosh Corp. can attest to that. The Oshkosh-based maker of military and rescue vehicles as well as an assortment of heavy duty trucks, has some of its unique rolling behemoths appear in major Hollywood films, including a pair released in 2012 Dark Knight Rises, the final installment of a trilogy of movies, staring Christian Bale as comic book superhero Batman, and Total Recall, starring Colin Farrell in a remake of the 1990 science fiction action flick featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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About 40 minutes into Dark Knight Rises, an Oshkosh Defense Tactical Protector Vehicle rolls into the scene during a police emergency. During a sequence near the end of the Total Recall remake, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Striker fire truck clearly is visible in the scene as rescue workers battle a blaze in the background. Those sequences provided just a few seconds of screen time, but with both films being seen by millions of people worldwide, it introduced Oshkosh Corp. to an audience outside its traditional marketplace as well as to people who may not be familiar with the company.

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Both movies included everything from the latest filming technology to today’s best known action stars, but for Oshkosh Corp., both showcased its vehicles in situations how they would be used in real life and it was a chance too good to pass up, company representatives said. “We look at (opportunities to appear in films) as a way to generate visibility with different audiences,” said John Daggett, spokesman for Oshkosh Corp. “We’re especially trying to take advantage of the huge audiences that are drawn to certain kinds of movies.” Action films more than likely will have opportunities to put a vehicle through its paces, even in a make believe environment, he said. “These kinds of product placements mostly are positive for us,” Daggett said. “It does generate visibility that’s just a little bit out of the ordinary.”

Part of branding strategy

Product placement is big business worldwide. Connecticutbased PQ Media reported that global product placement spending totaled $8.25 billion in 2012, up nearly 12 percent from 2011. The company said product placement in movies totaled $1.66 billion in 2012, an 8 percent increase from the previous year. Today’s mobile society and widespread use of social media are among the reasons why companies are devoting resources to get in front of people outside traditional advertising, PQ Media reported. Businesses feel compelled to spend money on ways to engage multi-tasking audiences, who may have a TV on in the background, while using digital technology to consume content. So that’s why companies including tech giant Apple Inc. will pay to have its gear used by actors on a TV show or movie. “If you see someone (in a TV show) using a Mac, it’s essentially similar to buying air time for an ad,” said Diane Penzenstadler, president and owner of 44(degrees) North Advertising & Design, an Oshkosh-based marketing company. “But in addition to that, it adds legitimacy to the brand because it shows a product in use.” When a product is used or seen for a few seconds on air, it can leave a lasting impression, she said. “A viewer could think, ‘Hey, I use a Mac too,’” Penzenstadler said. Or if they don’t use one, it could spur them to research Apple computers and possibly make a purchase. Generating interest to drive sales ultimately is why companies spend money on elaborate marketing campaigns, but there also is strategy involved with product placement, said Dave Willems, president and owner of Appleton-based Willems Marketing. “It’s typically related to brand relevance,” Willems said. “I think when a consumer goods company places a beverage www.newnorthb2b.com

By the numbers Overall global product placement spending (2012): $8.25 billion Increase from 2011 to 2012: 11.7 percent World’s largest product placement market (2012): U.S., $4.75 billion Global spending on brand placements on TV (2012): $5.37 billion Global spending on brand placements in movies (2012): $1.66 billion

Source: PQ Media

into a movie, clearly they want to make a lifestyle association with whatever the premise is, whether the film is a romantic comedy or action, we tend to see different kinds of products associated with those situations.” The idea is to connect a brand with a type of activity. Williams said products such as the soft drink Mountain Dew generally are associated with extreme sporting events, including dirt biking and motocross. “The company is trying to make a connection with a particular audience,” he said. “They want to make a deeper connection to that crowd and with social media, people who associate with a particular brand or product can then share that brand with their connections, so things can spread exponentially.”

Pondering the implications

Being seen on the big screen by millions of people can leave a variety of impressions. Fond du Lac-based Mercury Marine, recognized for its boat engines, also has been approached in the past about having its engines used in movies, said Steve Fleming, company spokesman. Fleming said Mercury doesn’t actively seek that type of exposure. “In nearly all of these situations, a boat engine may have a prominent role, but it may be a scene where the boat blows up or it’s used to run someone down, and we’d rather not have our brand or logo in that kind of situation,” he said. “In the movie opportunities we’ve had, it had some negative aspect in it one way or another, even if it’s not the engine’s fault.” This is why Mercury Marine tends to steer its product and branding toward its target market, including sports fishing, outdoor enthusiasts and tournaments. “When you have a captured audience, they are watching a tournament because either they like to fish or they aspire to be a professional,” Fleming said. Sponsoring a tournament or a well-known pro fisherman is another way to connect with that market, Fleming said. NNB2B | May 2014 | 27

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Submitted photo Randy Howell, who is sponsored by boat engine maker Mercury Marine of Fond du Lac, is the 2014 Bassmaster Classic Champion.

“That type of celebrity endorsement is another strategy,” he said. If a professional sponsored by Mercury wins a major tournament the impression it can make could influence sales, not just to the casual outdoorsman, but to other competitive professionals. “If someone (we sponsor) wins a major tournament, they’ll typically bring their boat up on a trailer on stage with them and on that boat will be a Mercury engine,” Fleming said. “It could influence other professionals if they’re not using a Mercury engine, maybe they should be.”

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Oshkosh Corp. also ventured down another non-traditional route to showcase its products. In 2010, the company took part in the Baja 1000, a globally recognized off road race, which takes place annually in Mexico’s California Peninsula. At that time, it gave the company the opportunity to test a newly developed independent suspension system in a highprofile racing event. “That was a means for us to showcase our concept vehicle and test some things we could use down the road,” Daggett said. He said the company no longer participates in the Baja 1000 but “it was a good proving ground for the company.”

Opportunity knocks

Daggett said his company doesn’t actively seek participation in Hollywood movies but is contacted from time to time, particularly when a film requires vehicles not normally seen or driven by the general public. He said production companies involved with the movie either contact a product’s manufacturer directly or it hires representatives to scout out businesses that have products that would be a good fit for a film.

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Deciding to get involved with a major Hollywood film has some restrictions, Daggett said.

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Submitted photo Oshkosh Corp. LVSR, similar to one used in the 2012 movie, Dark Knight Rises

“In nearly all cases, we’re under strict confidence to not discuss the film with anyone outside the company,” he said. “Sometimes we receive copies of screenplays of films still in production.” In the case of Dark Knight Rises, Oshkosh Corp. did not pay to have its vehicles used in the film, Daggett said. The only cost to the company was shipping vehicles from Oshkosh to Hollywood and back. Fleming said there also was no cost to Mercury when its engines were used in films. In some cases, film makers simply seek donations of products, he said. Another benefit of product placement is potential for sales of equipment as well as clothing or other company-branded memorabilia outside traditional avenues. Appleton-based Miller Electric Mfg., a maker of welding equipment, has been featured on many popular TV shows, including Orange County Chopper and American Restoration, which introduced its products to the do-it-yourself crowd, driving sales outside its commercial base to that market. Daggett said Oshkosh Corp. also sells clothing and other accessories branded with the company’s assorted lines of products but hasn’t noticed a significant impact on sales of those items because of vehicles appearing in movies. n

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NNB2B | May 2014 | 29

Global Trade

Exploring the global business frontier Regional organizations enhancing resources to help firms enter world market

Story by Robin Driessen Bruecker

With the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. reporting big bucks are being made in the state from exports, it makes sense for companies to investigate international markets. Wisconsin exports to Canada, Mexico and China have reached billions of dollars, with Japan and Germany not far behind. Growth has been steady in recent years, but the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reported Wisconsin exports, which totaled $23 billion in 2013, fell just two-tenths of a percent when compared to 2012. Experts say global opportunities are plentiful. But for companies who have never ventured outside the U.S., getting started can be daunting. There are numerous resources around northeast Wisconsin ready to provide guidance.

30 | May 2014 | NNB2B

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Laying the ground work

Global New North, a partnership of De Pere-based New North Inc., as well as regional and state economic development organizations, wants to help. “Global New North came about as a consequence of some critical [Economic Development Administration] funding that purchased some market research that matched our regional market strengths to qualified targeted offshore markets,” explained Jerry Murphy, executive director of New North. Involved in landing the EDA grant was a joint application from East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and Bay Lake Regional Planning Commission – which together cover all New North counties. Together they chose a global trade study as the grant’s activity.

committed to increasing the number of exporters and export trade volume from the region by 50 percent over time. “This will take a few years, but we feel confident that the opportunities in exporting are simply too strong to leave on the table,” he said.

Exporting 101

Developing a comfort level with the technical aspects of offshore markets is important. “With that acquired level of comfort, (exporters) also look for domestic and in-country resources to identify prospective customers, and to build strong relationships with them,” Murphy said. “Export strategies need good intelligence about what the region has to market, and equally good intelligence about offshore markets to pursue. Strategy also needs structure, tactical measures, outcomes and long-term objectives.”

Waupaca County Economic Development Corp., which organized a trade mission to Mexico in 2009 in partnership with the Northeast Wisconsin Regional Economic Partnership, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce, also was actively involved with the grant and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. the subsequent study. inwisconsin.com “WCEDC was looking for opportunities for NEWREP Northeast Wisconsin International Business Network to re-engage in international www.fvtc.edu/NEWIBN business development when the EDA grant opportunity Global New North came to light,” said Dave www.thenewnorth.com/strategic-initiatives/global-new-north Thiel, executive director of the Waupaca County’s EDC Lakeshore International Networking Knowledge Exchange and co-chair of Global New gotoltc.edu/businessIndustry/internationalBusiness.php North.

On the Web

A 2012 global trade study examined how much New North businesses knew about doing business globally. “We found that most of the businesses were concerned that selling their products and/or services abroad would be extremely complicated,” said Thiel. “They were also unfamiliar with the multitude of resources available to help them get started in foreign markets.” He said businesses already exporting generally fell into two categories.

Northeast Wisconsin businesses can get training and advice from the Northeast Wisconsin International Business Network, which was created as a result of the global trade study. Besides networking, NEWIBN offers a speaker series focusing on global commerce themes plus discussions of global business operations, trade issues and markets.

Dean Stewart, dean of corporate training and economic development at NWTC, noted the trade study’s goals included increasing economic development assistance for new exporters; monitoring the global trade initiative’s effectiveness; and creating a clearinghouse of current international market data analysis, trends, and so on. To put the goals into action, the region’s technical colleges banded together to provide networking for local businesses. First came Lakeshore Technical College’s LINKe network, followed by NEW International Business Network at Fox Valley Technical College.

“First, there were the large businesses that had strategic plans in place for international business, as well as dedicated staff to executing those plans,” Thiel said. “Secondly, there were the small- or medium-sized businesses that had been pulled into exporting via their websites or associations with other businesses who did business internationally. The global trade study and subsequent implementation is concentrating on helping (small and medium companies) get into the world of international business, or expand the number of markets they currently sell in.”

“Six months after FVTC started NEWIBN, we at NWTC decided to join forces with FVTC to form a larger, moreencompassing organization to meet the needs of business across the Fox Valley, Green Bay and Shawano, Marinette, Kewaunee, Oconto, Florence and Door counties,” said Stewart. NEWIBN meets twice a year at FVTC and twice at NWTC, with attendance ranging between 40 and 50 people.

Murphy said the partnership working on the initiative is

“This fact alone proves that a huge opportunity exists for

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Stewart said 96 percent of the world’s population lives outside the U.S.

NNB2B | May 2014 | 31

Global Trade manufacturing companies and service organizations to enter emerging markets,” he said. Stewart said the recent recession had a profound impact on everyone, and encouraged companies to consider new groundbreaking ways for expansion of product lines and markets. NWTC provides local companies with assistance through NEWIBN; global business workshops and seminars; technical consulting; and a global business certificate program, he said. NEWIBN’s mission is to be led and driven by the private-sector businesses engaged in exporting and international trade, said Nancy Peters, global training and marketing coordinator for FVTC. “We work closely with the Global New North and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and other agencies and entities – all working collaboratively to organize and promote each other’s events,” Peters said. “The college offers customized corporate training and translation services, plus seminars on topics such as working across cultures; Chinese for business; compliance; logistics; U.S./Wisconsin role in the global economy; and so forth.” Experts say there are plenty of resources to tap if considering exporting but don’t know where to start. “A business from northeast Wisconsin that has never been involved with international business could attend a seminar

sponsored by international business networking groups that have been developed by the four technical colleges throughout the region,” Thiel said. If a business wanted to develop a strategic marketing plan for international business, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. offers a program called ExporTech, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Thiel said. ExporTech is geared toward high-level company executives and the fee is partially covered by the WEDC. Beginning this year, Global New North will partner with the WEDC on annual trade ventures outside the U.S.

Voices of experience

For more than 50 years, FEECO International Inc. in Green Bay has exported American-made bulk-material equipment for waste products to Africa, Australia and Asia, among other areas. “Most recently, we had a Malaysian customer from over 25 years ago place a substantial order of replacement parts for their FEECO plant that was still in operation,” said Brian Madigan, who does process sales and business development for the company. “Simply put, if FEECO did not export we would be sacrificing sales.” The U.S. dollar’s fluctuating value, higher shipping costs, language barriers, and competition from fabricators in developing countries have been some of the challenges that

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FEECO deals with, Madigan noted. “The challenges facing FEECO are constantly evolving, forcing FEECO to not only be reactive but to anticipate upcoming changes,” he explained. “FEECO must always strive to communicate our strengths in innovation, our superior fabrication and design, and our commitment to long-term mutually beneficial relationships with our customers.” FEECO’s business success positively impacts other local companies, which provide sub-components, fasteners, machining and more. “These casual partnerships lead to shared economic success,” said Madigan. Another exporter with decades of international sales is Appvion Inc. in Appleton, which has customers in nearly 70 countries, mainly in Latin America and increasingly in Europe and Asia Pacific. The former Appleton Papers exports thermal and security, carbonless, and specialty coated products. Among the exporting challenges faced by Appvion are the company’s orientation toward North America, limited familiarity with certain international markets, the preference of some international customers for local suppliers, price competition, currency fluctuations, distribution issues in some markets, and political turmoil, said Bill Van Den Brandt, senior manager of corporate communications. “Some of these economic challenges are beyond our control,” he said. “We focus on what we can control and that starts with having a clear understanding of what our customers expect

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from us and then consistently meeting those expectations. That means providing consistent product quality because the cost and time to address errors are magnified in international markets.” Appvion strives to tailor product innovation to specific customers, Van Den Brandt said. “For example, we are one of the world’s leading producers of thermal paper used to produce tickets for lotteries throughout the world,” he said. “While all thermal paper images through the heat produced by thermal printing, we produce lottery products that have different sensitivity, durability and printability features that can be used for specific regional needs.” Van Den Brandt said Appvion has a strong international sales team with local presence and knowledge of specific market needs, culture, language and growth opportunities. “Also contributing to Appvion’s exporting success are a strong distribution network, strong relationships with shipping lines, and a good logistics team,” he said. Appvion saw long ago that demand for its products doesn’t end at the U.S. border. “We see the world as full of business opportunities and capturing those opportunities is a key element of our growth plan,” he said. “A strong and growing Appvion benefits our employees, our customers, our suppliers and the communities in which we have operations.”

NNB2B | May 2014 | 33

Global Trade Don’t be afraid to venture out globally is her advice to other regional businesses.

Navigating export seas

Oshkosh Corp., which has annual export sales of $1.6 billion, exports products such as fire trucks, defense vehicles, and refuse, mixer and maintenance trucks. “Exporting creates diverse markets for our products,” said Nancy Ebben, director of international finance for the Oshkosh-based maker of military vehicles and other heavy duty trucks. “When the U.S. market is down, we can sell into emerging and developed markets across the globe to offset the domestic downturn.” When dealing with the overseas business challenges, Ebben said, “You have to be patient and flexible while trying to increase sales, mitigate risks, and still make money.” Sue Hahn, who works in international sales for EuroPharma Inc. in Green Bay, said the company has expanded into Singapore, the Dutch Antilles and the Channel Islands, and is negotiating elsewhere. EuroPharma has taken advantage of exporting services from NEWIBN, the WEDC and ExporTech. “Within the exporting world, all companies have basic challenges – researching the right country, finding the right partner for the company – one that has the same philosophy and ethics – as well as the time frame of closing the deal and the actual shipment of product,” said Hahn. “The average timeline is 18 to 24 months and possibly longer.”

“Wisconsin is a cornucopia of programs. Utilize them – all of them. One thing to remember, do your homework – on the country, the potential partner and the culture,” Hahn said. Being an international traveler as a young man led Daniel Schwarz, president of Dan’s Fish Inc. in Sturgeon Bay, to partner with a professor in Finland to produce the first commercially-sold caviar from the Great Lakes. Financing was one of his first challenges, and a $35,000 grant from the state helped get the ball rolling. Over a 20-year period other challenges have ranged from export regulations that keep changing, to finding reliable overseas partners, to funding the needs of a growing company. Schwarz credited government export programs and good employees with helping him navigate the export seas. “I would say the greatest success is to produce a quality product that you can be proud of and find it across the ocean being served as a highly valued delicacy in grocery stores, restaurants and in everyday home cuisine,” he said. For companies thinking about getting into exporting, Schwarz said, “Take the leap. Exporting can be challenging but can also be very rewarding. There is a lot of opportunity around the world, so take advantage of it.” n Robin Bruecker (robinbrueck@yahoo.com) has been writing for magazines and marketing departments since 1995.

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Firefighters of Northeast Wisconsin

Firefighters of Northeast Wisconsin Consultants off and running to assist region’s businesses struggling with the next stage of growth Story by Sean Fitzgerald, New North B2B publisher

Small business owners can spend a good deal of time putting out fires in their operations. The class of proprietors from B2B’s 4th annual Firefighters of Northeast Wisconsin initiative is proof. Two of our business owners – Susie Van Ekeren of Appleton-based Wisconsin Swim Academy and David Cihlar of Elite Security Solutions in Oshkosh – were both unable to meet with their respective consultants prior to B2B’s press deadline for this issue due to unexpected other priorities in their businesses. So we’ll provide the first of their updates in June. But the third entrepreneur in this year’s endeavor, Karen Stoehr of 9th Street Wellness Center in Green Bay, has already held two sessions with Jon Wright of Appleton-based Wright Advisor to discuss the marketing challenges she’s facing in promoting healthy lifestyle alternatives.

Marketing guru Wright’s first meeting with Stoehr included Bev Van Lieshout, a close advisor and partner in 9th Street Wellness, about what they hope to accomplish during this six-month business resuscitation initiative. Wright indicated Stoehr passionately wants to expand her organization’s wellness programs and connect more people to the 9th Street Wellness Center. Stoehr is currently renovating the house next to the current location and plans to use it as an education center for group wellness programs. In addition, Stoehr is developing a grassroots nutrition advocacy program for children in the community. “This program will teach children about making the right nutrition choices, and how to grow and prepare their own food,” Wright said. “In turn, they will become nutrition advocates with their family and friends.”

Stoehr has applied for grants to help start up this program, and hopes to launch it early this summer. Company: 9th St. Wellness Center Location: Green Bay Owner: Karen Stoehr Founded: 2011 Employees: None

During the second meeting in midApril, Wright said he and Stoehr defined her six-month objectives and created an action plan with specific tasks and timing milestones for accomplishing those objectives. Stoehr is planning a June open house event for the new educational center and to launch the summer wellness programs, including the nutrition advocate program for children. Wright said upcoming meetings with Stoehr will focus on planning for the open house. n

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.

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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.

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Who’s News

Incorporations

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

Word Of Life Ministries Green Bay Inc., Roger E. Navarre, 510 N. 10th St., Apt. 4, De Pere 54115. Brick Art Design LLC, William Louis Martin, 2858 Oak Stream, De Pere 54115. Diversified Construction & Maintenance LLC, Bruce Joseph Bain, 2922 Noah Road, De Pere 54115. Baeten Concrete LLC, Jeff Baeten, W249 Rueden Road, De Pere 54115. Walleye Mafia Guide And Promotions Service LLC, Jason Robert Seaman, 1329 Franco Ct., De Pere 54115. Second Wind Auto Gallery LLC, William Lewis, 1702 Scheuring Road, De Pere 54115. Bay Pest Solutions - Scott Elsner LLC, Scott Elsner, 1519 O’Keefe Road, De Pere 54115. Baumann Handyman Services LLC, Zachary J. Baumann, 3512 Creekview Road, De Pere 54115. N.E.W. Pallet And Logistics LLC, Juan Gonzalez, 910 3rd St., Green Bay 54304. JS IT Consulting Services LLC, Jeremiah Steven Shrovnal, 4340 Williamsburg Ct., Green Bay 54313. The Dr. Tires LLC, Abdias Velasco, 1014 N. Irwin Ave., Green Bay 54302. Pixelsoft Games LLC, Jeremy A. Voss, 1325 Villa Park Cir., Green Bay 54302. Titletown Homes LLC, Jason Fischer, 1059 Herne Bay Way, Green Bay 54313. Advanced Alternative Health Center LLC, Karl W. Huebner, 3663 Algoma Road, Green Bay 54311. JM Landscaping LLC, Blake R. McMahon, 2955 Lost Valley Ct., Green Bay 54313. Skip’s Equipment Sales LLC, Gary L. Borremans, 1137 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay 54301. Spike’s Barber Shop LLC, James Kloetzke, 335 N. Washington St., Green Bay 54301. Colombo Corner Coin Laundry LLC, Bart J. Colombo, 4348 Forest Ridge Dr., Green Bay 54313. Timber-Doodle Aluminum Carts LLC, Scott Frisque, 1473 Rockwell Road, Green Bay 54313. Feels Like Home - Transitional Living LLC, Denise A. McGinnis, 961 Hillcrest Heights, Green Bay 54313. Creative Stainless Solutions LLC, Nolan Mitchell Hornburg, 2879 Hillcrest Ct., Green Bay 54313.

Wooly Thistle Folk Art LLC, Lorri Kieff, 926 Willard Dr., Ste. 234, Green Bay 54304. Baeten Brothers Buildings LLC, Joseph Bernard Baeten, 3056 Dutchman Road, Green Bay 54311. Jose & Samuel Cleaning LLC, Jose De La Rosa, 852 Irvington St., Green Bay 54304. Perry’s Precision Auto Service Inc., Cherie L. Champine Perry, 1033 9th St., Green Bay 54304. All-Phaze Plumbing LLC, Darrel Milquette, 1706 Bentwood Dr., Green Bay 54303. ROI Energy Investments LLC, Daniel L. Behm, 1267 Kenwood St., Green Bay 54304. AF Table And Chair Rental LLC, Arthur Zingler III, 200 Mather St., Green Bay 54303. Lakeside Quik Stop LLC, Xang Yang, 1390 Waterford Dr., Green Bay 54313. JC’s Cafe LLC, Troye J. Carter, 1599 Western Ave., Green Bay 54303. Iron Range Vapors LLC, Peter Elijah Tinsley, 805 S. Oneida St., Green Bay 54304. Hair Mechanix LLC, Ralph Lyman, 139 S. Buchanan St., Green Bay 54303. JJ Elite Hair Studio LLC, Jessica Joanis, 1562 Manderly Way, Green Bay 54311. Direct Value Appraisal LLC, Jeff Schneider, 1862 Bond St., Green Bay 54303. Grindball Entertainment LLC, Michael L. Howard, 2977 Caravan Ct., Green Bay 54313. Muddy Paws Salon LLC, Colleen L. McAllister-Fritsche, 6705 Blake Road, Greenleaf 54126. Bedrock Custom Concrete LLC, Craig P. King, 3196 Hermans Road, New Franken 54229. The Landscape Lighting Company LLC, Joshua Timothy Brassfield, 2058 Meadow Heights Tr., Suamico 54313.

Calumet County

New Morning Coffee Roasters Inc., Gregory T. Van Zeeland, N7887 Ashbrooke Ct., Sherwood 54169.

Fond du Lac County

Spruce Lake Dairy LLC, Timothy Brian Immel, W1014 Airport Road, Campbellsport 53010. Kevin Goebel Carpentry LLC, Kevin A. Goebel, 304 E. Main St., Eden 53019. Lawson Farms LLC, Gregory J. Lawson, 508 Main St., Fairwater 53931. Midnight Business Management LLC, Ashley Ruth Corning, 440 E. 2nd St., Fond du Lac 54935. Laudolff Septic Services LLC, Nicholas J. Laudolff, N3460 Maple Lane, Fond du Lac 54937. JV Landscapes LLC, Jacob Vogds, 381 Weis Ave., Fond du Lac 54935. Sorensen Auto Sales LLC, Richard Allan Sorensen, 212 Forest Ave., Fond du Lac 54935.

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Trista Holz Studios LLC, Trista Marie Holz, 13 E. First St., Fond du Lac 54935. Jerome Young Hair Studio LLC, Micheal Taylor, 170 W. Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac 54936. Performance And Recovery Massage LLC, Jamie Marie Baumhardt, 952 S. Park Ave., Fond du Lac 54935. Schu Electric LLC, Bradley Schumacher, W4816 Golf Course Dr., Fond du Lac 54935. Technology Install Pros LLC, Bjorn James Haugen, 711 Lakeshore Dr., North Fond du Lac 54937. Perr Electric LLC, John Michael Perr, W12239 Reeds Corners Road, Ripon 54971. Rosendale Auto Service LLC, Jeffery Joe Dingillo, 105 E. Division St., Rosendale 54974. Ketelhut Counseling LLC, Shelly L. Ketelhut, N9599 Van Dyne Road, Van Dyne 54979. J&J Excavating LLC, Jason David Rabe, W8332 County Road N, Van Dyne 54979.

Outagamie County

Revolution Consulting & Engineering LLC, Chad N. Fuhrmann, 530 N. Bateman St., Appleton 54911. Heart-Centered Healing & Holistics LLC, Donna Gay Reynolds, 612 E. Longview Dr., Appleton 54911. Wisconsin Sealcoat And Striping LLC, Alvin Adam Henderson, W5268 Quarry Road, Appleton 54913. Kabelowsky Media LLC, Steven Brian Kabelowsky, 1622 N. Superior St., Appleton 54911. JP Publishing LLC, Jodi Lynn Hausfeld, 1024 W. Taylor St., Appleton 54914. Wisconsin Retirement & Insurance Advisors LLC, Michael Litwin, 1047 N. Lynndale, Appleton 54914.

Relax.

We’ve got you covered.

Cary J. Wilder Insurance Agency LLC, Cary J. Wilder, 2500 N. Richmond St., Appleton 54911. Xavier Youth Baseball Club Inc., Lisa Egan, 5640 Natures Lane, Appleton 54914. Law Office Of Sara Jordan LLC, Sara Elizabeth Jordan, 1005 S. East St., Appleton 54915. Valley Hydraulics LLC, Stacy Peterson, N2714 Alphorn Lane, Appleton 54913. Knaack Custom Cleaning LLC, Chelsea Knaack, 3466 E. Paris Way, Appleton 54913. Cies Hoops Academy LLC, Corey Ciesielczyk, 1540 W. Capitol Dr., Appleton 54914. Evolution Wealth Management Inc., Kevin E. Rust, 100 W. Lawrence St., Appleton 54911. Specialized Freight Solutions LLC, Peter Lynch, 4321 W. College Ave., Appleton 54914. Dispatch Software LLC, Seth Reid, 2999 W. Spencer St., Appleton 54914. 4R Rhode’s Restoration, Remodel & Repair LLC, Eric R. Rhode, 10 Brokaw Pl., Appleton 54911. Wisconsin Historical Fencing Association LLC, Aaron M. Pynenberg, 1628 W. Reeve St., Appleton 54914. Pinnacle Therapy Solutions LLC, Joshua James Dahlke, 2744 Commonwealth Ct., Grand Chute 54914. Black Walnut Designworks LLC, Eric Paul Peterson, W9150 Forevergreen Ct., Hortonville 54944. Shipping Containers Unlimited LLC, Ronald Killam, W9338 Garvey Road, Hortonville 54944. Dale Buck Inn LLC, Cory W. Roesler, N1267 Chantilly Ct., Hortonville 54944. Reliable Powder Coating LLC, Alan Joseph Vanevenhoven, 1010 Blackwell St., Kaukauna 54130. Stylish Vapes LLC, Travis S. Secor, W2673 Northcrest Dr., Kaukauna 54130. Sandyside Trucking LLC, Peter L. Bowers, 313 Golden Glow, Kaukauna 54130.

CONSTRUCTION DELIVERED. Calmes Construction awarded

“Best Remodel” from the Green Bay Historical Preservation Society

For all your commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing needs.

866-799-0530 | N2971 Hwy. 15, Hortonville

www.wiroofer.com

www.newnorthb2b.com

N2193 Bodde Road • Kaukauna, WI 54130 (920) 766-7940 www.JamesJCalmesConstruction.com NNB2B | May 2014 | 39

Who’s News Sky Medical Transportation LLC, Ekin Tongze Yang, 230 W. 12th St., Kaukauna 54130. Flex Technology Group LLC, John Hanson, 1893 Paul Dr., Kaukauna 54130. Jassim Anesthesia LLC, Kari Jassim, 4301 Sawgrass Ct., Oneida 54155. VT Nail Spa LLC, Tuyet Thanh T. Lam, 1023 Orchard Dr., Seymour 54165.

Winnebago County

Butte des Morts Historical Preservation Society Inc., Joseph V. Yana, 5740 Main St., Butte des Morts 53927. Badger State Motorsports & Transport LLC, Shane Lee Kutchenriter, 8719 Umland Road, Larsen 54947. Royal Montessori Academy LLC, Tara Collins, 5472 Brown Road, Little Suamico 54141. Shayd E’s Lawn And Maintenance LLC, Christopher Michael Bucklin, 1393 Linda Ave., Menasha 54952. Trisha’s Hair & Nails LLC, Trisha Marie Berg, 1071 Racine Road, Menasha 54952. Ideas Promocionales LLC, Lorena H. Amack, 813 Whisper Falls Lane, Menasha 54952. Damrow Dental LLC, Michael Damrow, c/o Healthcare Management Cons, Menasha 54952. Riverview Vapors LLC, Garret J. Staszak, 1009 S. Lake St., Neenah 54956. Dynamic Auto Detail LLC, Jorge Carvajal, 912 S. Commercial St., Neenah 54956. Jensen Electrical Service LLC, Patrick W. Jensen, 8196 Galaxy Dr., Neenah 54956. Imagine That Photography LLC, Andrea Kaye Wynen, 930 Sherry St., Neenah 54956. Leisure Time Lawncare LLC, Chris Zuleger, 1757 Millpond Ct., Neenah 54956.

Deux La La Events LLC, Kristy McDaniel, 604 Caroline St., Neenah 54956. High Ridge Storage LLC, Katie Salm, 2830 Larsen Road, Neenah 54956. Belly To Birth Doula Services LLC, Amy Marie Ostrenga, 600 Oak St., Neenah 54956. Jensen Brothers Farm LLC, Thomas J. Jensen, 2334 County Road GG, Neenah 54956. Eagles Lawn Care LLC, Melissa Ann Eaglin, 1582 Whirlaway Ct., Neenah 54956. Baker Pool Spa & Fitness LLC, Benjamin Wayne Krause, 2171 High Meadows Lane, Neenah 54956. Hammer Time Transit LLC, Deborah Ann Haemmerle, 8331 Oak Hill Road, Omro 54963. Vienola Motors Ltd., David Vienola, 1602 Oregon St., Oshkosh 54902. Back To Basics Community Clinic Inc., Kimberly Conn Fletcher, 1810 Arlington Dr., Oshkosh 54904. Linen And Lace Tea Parties LLC, Suzanne Healey, 2149 Carlton Road, Oshkosh 54904. TNT Coatings LLC, Alfonso Antonio Alvarez, 2061 Richards Ave., Oshkosh 54904. Ashcraft Towing & Recovery LLC, Fox Valley Recycling & Torching LLC, 743 Central St., Oshkosh 54901. Concrete Consulting & Training LLC, Eric Richard Palmquist, 3129 Cutter Ct., Oshkosh 54904. TR’s Skin And Hair Studio LLC, Tonya Rae Jackson, 600 Ohio St., Oshkosh 54902. Custom Marine Canvas LLC, Ann Trapp, 4028 Apple Lane, Oshkosh 54902. Matchbook Studio LLC, Cristian Edward Anderson, 219 Market St., Oshkosh 54901. Limitless Fabrication LLC, Mark Runde Gendron, 6902 Wentzel Shore Road, Winneconne 54986. Mud Creek Farm LLC, John Joseph Pruchnofski, 5960 Woodland Road, Winneconne 54986.

Epiphany Law Welcomes Attorney

Daniel Hurst

Epiphany Law is pleased to add Attorney Daniel Hurst. Dan comes to Epiphany with 20 years of experience. He will lead the firm’s litigation practice, representing businesses and individuals who must resort to the courts to enforce or defend their legal rights. Dan currently resides in De Pere with his wife and three daughters. He has been recognized by Wisconsin Super Lawyers as one of the top lawyers in Wisconsin.

920.996.0000

40 | May 2014 | NNB2B

4211 N. Lightning Dr., Appleton, WI

www.epiphanylaw.com

www.newnorthb2b.com

Building permits

B2B includes a monthly list of building permits (not to include residential projects) in excess of $400,000. Amerhart, 2455 Century Road, Green Bay. $600,000 for an interior remodel of the existing warehouse and distribution facility. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna. March. Associated Bank, 1482 W. Mason St., Green Bay. $1,200,000 for a remodel and substantial reconstruction of the existing branch office. General contractor is J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. of Madison. March. No business name listed, 950 Main Ave., De Pere. $400,000 for an addition to the existing retail commercial space. General contractor is Frank O. Zeise Construction Inc. of De Pere. March 21. Conger ToyotaLift, 2290 S. Ashland Ave., Ashwaubenon. $434,000 for an interior remodel of the existing dealership facility. General contractor is Deleers Construction of De Pere. March 28.

You need one to win. Let’s build it together.

Tenor Construction Supply & Rental, 1030 Glory Road, Ashwaubenon. $800,000 for an 18,000-sq. ft. warehouse facility and offices. General contractor is Bayland Buildings of Green Bay. April 1. Cypress Homes, 1230 W. College Ave., Appleton. $580,000 for a new commercial building. General contractor is Cypress Homes of Appleton. April 10. Walmart, 3701 E. Calumet St., Appleton. $537,341 for an interior remodel of the existing retail store. Contractor is Omni Construction. April 16.

New locations Michaels, an arts and crafts specialty retailer, opened a new location in Green Bay at 1616 W. Mason St. The store replaces a location at 801 Green Bay Plaza. The Mason Street store’s phone number is 920.499.1134. Odyssey Advertising and Design opened in the Advance Business & Manufacturing Center in Green Bay, 2701 Larsen Road. For more information call 920.639.6106 or visit odysseyad.com. America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses opened at 1499 W. Mason St. in Green Bay. For more information call 920.965.9113

Successful Journeys Need a Guide™ 920.427.5077 www.guidentbusiness.com

Part Time Faculty Marian University seeks qualified candidates to teach part-time in the day and evening programs beginning August 2014. Specific needs are in the following areas: Accounting, Research Methods, Statistics, Community Corrections (probation and parole), Criminal Justice, Consumer Behavior, Economics, Finance, Health Care Administration, Homeland Security, Information Technology, International Business, Management, Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain Management.

Freeman’s Family Restaurant opened at 113 S. Military Ave. in Green Bay. For more information call 920.496.5901.

Master’s degree required. Prior relevant professional work experience expected. Post-secondary teaching experience preferred. Willingness to support the Mission and Core Values of Marian University.

Adecco Staffing opened at 928 S. Main St. in Fond du Lac. For more information call 920.921.4600.

For consideration, please send a letter of interest, resume, and name, address and telephone number of three references to: muapplicants@marianuniversity.edu.

First National Bank-Fox Valley announced it will build a new branch office in Appleton at 835 W. Northland Ave., across from Northland Mall. Construction is expected to be complete by year’s end.

Mergers/acquisitions Menasha Packaging Co. in Neenah acquired Strine Printing Co. Inc. of York, Pa. Strine employs about 300 people in Pennsylvania where it operates a manufacturing plant and two warehouses.

Transforming lives through academic excellence, innovation and leadership. Marian University is a community committed to learning, dedicated to service and social justice and joined together by spiritual traditions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Strongly Committed to Diversity Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the receipt of criminal background and reference check information; and the determination that the candidate remains eligible and suitable for employment.

www.marianuniversity.edu/employment/ www.newnorthb2b.com

NNB2B | May 2014 | 41

Who’s News

Reiser

Zornow

Knaide

Business honors

Jacobs

Savides

Ellis

Savides focuses on urgent and crisis counseling, as well as suicide and depression assessment. Knaide specializes in attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues and self-abuse.

Borsche Roofing Professionals Inc. in Hortonville was presented with a 2014 Safety Award from Associated Builders and Contractors. Borsche, an industrial, commercial and institutional roofing contractor, received the achievement for no lost-time accidents in 2013.

Anniversaries The Boldt Co. in Appleton, a construction services firm, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

New hires WS Packaging Group Inc. in Green Bay named Fred Tinsey as its CEO. Tinsey, a former WS Packaging director, most recently served as chairman of Canada-based OE Quality Friction Corp. Tinsey also served as president of Murray’s Discount Auto Stores between 1999 and 2005. Gabert, Williams, Konz & Lawrynk LLP, an Appleton-based law firm, hired attorney Caleb Cooper as an associate focusing on landlord/tenant law and civil litigation. The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau in Appleton hired Scott Biggar as director of convention sales. He has 28 years of hospitality industry experience.

The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region in Appleton hired Bob Ellis as vice president, development and donor services. He most recently worked for BMO Harris Bank Appleton as vice president and director of trust and estate services. Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh hired Trish Salomon as administrator of Gabriel’s Villa. She is a registered dietitian and has 30 years of health care industry experience. Affinity Medical Group hired social worker Sarah Danahy and psychologist Dr. Shelly Komondoros into its practice at 1855 S. Koeller St. in Oshkosh. Danahy is a behavioral health care coordinator who provides personalized mental health care to children and adolescents. Komondoros is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides biopsychosocial health care for adults. Dewick & Zuengler S.C., a Green Bay-based law firm, hired Megan Lison as a paralegal. Consolidated Construction Co. Inc. of Appleton hired Kristopher Cieslik as an assistant superintendent. He has eight years of industry experience. Stellar Blue Technologies, an Appleton-based digital marketing agency, hired Shelby Milock as a social media strategist. The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation hired Kate Salter as development and communications assistant.

Prospera Credit Union in Appleton hired Maria Young as business development specialist. She has more than 20 years of financial services experience.

Schenck S.C. hired Sandra Chancio as a human resources consultant at its Green Bay office. She has more than 15 years of industry experience.

The Fox Cities Building for the Arts in Appleton hired Emma Reiser as operations manager and Oliver Zornow as education program and event manager.

J. F. Ahern C0., a Fond du Lac-based construction services company, named TJ Anderson as director of manufacturing and Bob Seidel as director of supply chain. Anderson has 18 years experience in manufacturing, plant management and engineering. Seidel has 20 years experience in supply chain management.

Catalpa Health in Appleton hired mental health therapists Alison Jacobs, Angela Savides and Candy Knaide. Jacobs specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem issues, trauma and cross-cultural adjustment issues.

Danahy

42 | May 2014 | NNB2B

Milock

Salter

Ark Media Group in Menasha hired Greg Madson as vice president. He has

Chancio

Anderson

Seidel

www.newnorthb2b.com

Madson

Pulvermacher

35 years of marketing and advertising experience and is former president of Appleton-based Madson Marketing Inc. ebiz Results LLC of Oshkosh hired Kayla Pulvermacher and Lindsay Walsh as inbound marketing specialists and El Mahdi Bourhram as a computer programmer. Bayland Buildings Inc., a Green Bay-based construction services company, hired Jill Peeters as marketing communications manager and Pete Schmoll as project manager.

Promotions

Walsh

Bourhram

Kafura

Steinert

to director of market creation and culture and Kimberly Larsen to director of client services. Mueller previously served as senior marketing manager for the company. Larsen previously served as manager for client services. Secura Insurance in Appleton promoted Tim Heyroth to vice president of sales. He has been with the company since 1997. Bayland Buildings Inc., a Green Bay-based construction services company, promoted Paul Truttmann from estimator to agriculture sales and Dave Kosky was promoted from carpentry foreman to project superintendent. Truttmann has been with the company since 2009. Kosky has been with the firm since 2007.

Konrad

Lakeside Packaging Plus Inc., with operations in Oshkosh and Neenah, promoted Connie Kafura to chief operating officer. She has been with the company 32 years, starting as an accountant.

Faith Technologies, an electrical and specialty systems contractor based in Menasha, promoted Chris Jansen to group manager - wireless. Jansen previously served as a project manager. He joined Faith Technologies in 2002.

Gabert, Williams, Konz & Lawrynk LLP, an Appletonbased law firm, promoted Erik Fuehrer to partner. He specializes in landlord/tenant law, civil litigation, insurance defense and subrogation.

Individual awards

Steinert Printing in Oshkosh promoted Mark Steinert to president. He has been with the company 37 years, recently serving as vice president of production operations.

Dr. John Toussiant, CEO of ThedaCare Center for Healthcare Value in Appleton, received the American College of Healthcare Executives’ 2014 Dean Conley Award for his article, “A Management, Leadership and Board Road Map to Transforming Care for Patients.”

Affinity Health System named Jennifer Konrad director of patient care for women and families, pediatrics and NICU, a dual site role for St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton and Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. She served as a nurse at Mercy for 18 years.

Denise Martinez, director of student affairs at Fox Valley Technical College, was named by Women in Management-Fox Cities Chapter as its 2014 Fox Cities Woman Leader of the Year Award winner.

Keller Inc., a Kaukauna-based design/build general contractor, promoted Tom Fricke to operations manager and Troy Schwabenlander to material coordinator. Fricke has been with the company for 20 years and will oversee the operations department, which includes purchasing, expediting and material coordination. Schwabenlander has been with Keller for 12 years.

Audiologist Juliette Sterkens, president of Oshkosh-based Fox Valley Hearing Loop, received the 2014 Humanitarian of the Year Award from Arizona School of Health Sciences Alumni Chapter Board. Dr. Sterkens’ advocacy work on behalf of people with hearing loss has resulted in the installation of hearing loops in more than 300 public places in Wisconsin and many more beyond.

Schwabenlander

Fricke

Breakthrough Fuel in Green Bay promoted Heather Mueller Mueller

Heyroth

www.newnorthb2b.com

Jansen

Martinez

Hoeft

De Sieno

Larsen

NNB2B | May 2014 | 43

Business Calendar

Certifications Wendy Hoeft of The Appleton Group, an investment advisor, was awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies. Mike Brennenstuhl with Great Lakes Cheese Seymour Inc. in Seymour was certified as a master cheesemaker for blue cheese and gorgonzola by The Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker program.

Elections/appointments Eric Haas, president of Automated Records Management Systems Inc. in De Pere, was elected to a two-year term on the National Association for Information Destruction Inc. board of directors. Lisa De Sieno, director of patient services at Unity, a Green Bay-based provider of hospice and palliative care, was appointed president of the Hospice Organization and Palliative Experts of Wisconsin board of directors.

Alla tua Salute! 2014

Deadline May 9, 2014

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. May 6 “Education, Communication, Vision,” the annual spring conference for The Labor Management Council of Northeast Wisconsin, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Liberty Hall, 800 Eisenhower Dr. in Kimberly. Cost to attend is $95. For more information go to www. lmcouncil.org or call 920.882.7712. May 6 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. No cost to attend for chamber members. For information, call 920.437.8704 or email members@titletown.org. May 7 Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Coffee Connection, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at US Bank, 55 S. Main St. in Fond du Lac. Cost to attend is $5. For more information or to register, go online to www.fdlac.com or call 920.921.9500. May 7 Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Tundra Lodge, 865 Lombardi Ave. in Green Bay. No cost to attend for chamber members. For information, call 920.437.8704 or email members@titletown.org.

Advertiser Index ASB Fragmental Projects ⎮www.fragmentalart.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Bank First National ⎮www.bankfirstnational.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Bayland Buildings ⎮www.baylandbuildings.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Better Business Bureau ⎮www.wisconsin.bbb.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Borsche Roofing Professionals ⎮www.wiroofer.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Builders Exchange of Wisconsin ⎮www.bxwi.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Capital Credit Union ⎮www.capitalcu.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 CitizensFirst Credit Union ⎮www.citizensfirst.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative ⎮ www.CommonGroundHealthcare.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Competitive Strategies ⎮www.wemakesoftwarework.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. ⎮www.dkattorneys.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Epiphany Law ⎮www.epiphanylaw.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Fast Signs ⎮www.fastsigns.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 First Business Bank ⎮www.firstbusiness.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 First National Bank ~ Fox Valley ⎮www.fnbfoxvalley.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Fox Valley Savings Bank ⎮www.FVSBank.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Guident Business Solutions ⎮www.guidentbusinesssolutions.com. . . . . 41 Horicon Bank ⎮www.horiconbank.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

44 | May 2014 | NNB2B

Business calendar

Independence Financial LLC ⎮www.independencefinancialllc.com. . . . . 37 James J. Calmes & Sons Construction ⎮ www.JamesJCalmesConstruction.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Keller Inc. ⎮www.kellerbuilds.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Marian University ⎮www.marianuniversity.edu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 41 Moraine Park Technical College ⎮www.morainepark.edu. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 National Exchange Bank & Trust ⎮www.nebat.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Network Health ⎮www.networkhealth.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 NEW Building & Construction Trades Council ⎮www.newbt.org . . . . . . . 13 NWTC Corporate Training & Economic Development ⎮ www.corporatetraining.nwtc.edu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Outagamie County Regional Airport ⎮www.atwairport.com. . . . . . . . . . . 33 Pamco Executive Suites ⎮ www.pamcosuites.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 R&R Steel Construction Company Inc. ⎮www.rrsteelconstruction.com. . 10 Sadoff & Rudoy Industries ⎮www.sadoff.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Spark ⎮www.startaspark.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Stolley Studio ⎮www.stolleystudio.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Tri City Glass & Door ⎮www.tricityglass-door.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 UW Oshkosh College of Business ⎮www.mba.uwosh.edu . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Winnebago County Solid Waste Management ⎮ www.co.winnebago.wi.us/solid-waste/container-rental-program. . . . 40 www.newnorthb2b.com

May 8 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. Program is Top Travel Spots in Your Backyard and Beyond. For more information or to register, go online to www.wimiwi.org or email Patty at pshea@sheaelectricllc.com. May 13 Imagination Network of Wisconsin, 5 to 7 p.m. at Elks Club, 33 Sheboygan St. in Fond du Lac. No cost to attend. For more information, visit www.fcedc.com. May 13 Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Sales Club, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the chamber building, 120 Jackson St. in Oshkosh. No cost to attend for chamber members. For information, call 920.303.2266 or go online to www.oshkoshchamber.com. May 14 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. For more information or to register, go online to www.wimiwi.org or email foxcitiesprogram@ wimiwi.org. May 14 Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Connection, 5 to 7 p.m. at Grand Meridian, 2621 N. Oneida St. in Appleton. For more information or to register, call 920.734.7101 or go online to www.foxcitieschamber.com. May 14 Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m. at Frontier Builders, 2204 Crooks Ave. in Kaukauna. For more information or to register, go online to www.heartofthevalleychamber.com.

May 20 Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Business Connection, 5 to 7 p.m. at Advanced Audio and Video, 100 Camelot Dr. in Fond du Lac. Cost to attend is $5. For more information or to register, go online to www.fdlac.com or call 920.921.9500. May 20 A.M. Oshkosh, a networking event from the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, 7:45 to 9 a.m. at Orthopedic & Spine Therapy of Oshkosh, 2100 Omro Road in Oshkosh. Cost to attend is $2. To register or for more information call 920.303.2266 or go online to www.oshkoshchamber.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. No cost to attend for chamber members. For information, call 920.437.8704 or email members@titletown.org. June 4 Leaderfest – A Young Professional Regional Event in Fond du Lac. Speakers include Craig Culver, CEO of Culver’s; Lori Cross, president of Mindspan Consulting; and UW-Madison professor Doug Lipp, previous head of training at Disney. For more information or to register, go online to www.Leaderfest.com, call 920.921.9500 or email info@ypfdl.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. No cost to attend for chamber members. For information, call 920.303.2266 or go online to www.oshkoshchamber.com. n

Let’s Talk. If you speak volumes with fewer words, we think you’re doing the right thing. Your business is about more than paperwork. Get back to what matters with Capital. We’ll help you simplify, answer questions, and explore real financial options. Success begins at capitalcu.com/doing-the-right-thing.

www.newnorthb2b.com

920-731-3195 | 866-731-3195 (toll free)

NNB2B | May 2014 | 45

Key Statistics

If there are indicators you’d like to see in this space, contact our office at 920.237.0254 or email sean@newnorthb2b.com.

local gasoline prices

u.s. retail sales

local unemployment february january feb. ‘13 Appleton . . . . . 7.6% . . . . . 7.3% ....... 8.8% Fond du Lac . . . 7.6% . . . . . . 7.5% . ...... 8.6% Green Bay. . . . . 8.8% . . . . . . 8.5% . ...... 10.1% Neenah . . . . . . . 7.8% . . . . . . 7.6% . ......... 9.1% Oshkosh . . . . . . 7.3% . . . . . . 6.7% . ..........7.9% Wisconsin . . . . 7.0% . . . . . 6.7% . ..........7.9%

march

Per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. April 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.63 April 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.64 April 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.60 march 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.62 april 20, 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.56

$439.9 billion 1.1% from February 3.8% from March 2013

Source: New North B2B observations

housing starts

u.s. industrial production

march

(2007 = 100) march

946,000

103.2

2.8% from February 5.9% from March 2013

1.2% from February 3.8% from March 2013

WI Dept. Revenue Collections

inventories

febrUARY

(Manufacturers and trade) february

$466.3 Million

$1,716 billion

9.8% from February 2013

0.4 % from January 4.2% from February 2013

natural gas prices Prices for small businesses using less than 20,000 therms. Listed price is per therm. april. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.803 march. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.234 april 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.809

Source: Integrys Energy

ism index Numbers above 50 mean expansion. Numbers below 50 mean contraction. march. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53.7 February. . . . . . . . . . . . 53.2

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Becky Towne

Business Loan/ACH Specialist

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46 | May 2014 | NNB2B

www.newnorthb2b.com

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n Safety OSHA Safety training Lead Safe Renovator DOT Compliance

n Business Lean Classes Training Within Industry (TWI) Sales Development Leadership

n And more! For more information on these seminars and to register, go online:

http://www.nwtc.edu/summer-training (920) 498-6971 email: corporatetraining@nwtc.edu