01.2015 The Active Voice Newsletter by Portage County Business Council, Inc.

OUSE

01.2015 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

upcoming EVENTS \\

ANDREW HALVERSON TO RECEIVE PRESIDENT’S AWARD The Portage County Business Council will present Andrew Halverson from Ellis Stone Construction Company, Inc., the 2014 President’s Award.

Partners in Education Career & Technical Showcase Friday, January 9, 2015 \\ 4:30 PM - 6:00PM

Portage County Business Council | Foundation Room 5501 Vern Holmes Dr | Stevens Point, WI 54482

He was selected by 2014 PCBC Board President, Keith Pilger, due to his dedication to the Portage County Business Council. “Andrew Halverson has provided this community with unparalleled leadership and vision during his time as Mayor of the City of Stevens Point. He has been a vocal member of the Board of Directors of the Portage County Business Council and has provided valuable insight as both an entrepreneur and public official. Andrew’s record with respect to promoting economic development in Portage County speaks for itself. He has been a dynamic partner for the Portage County Business Council in this regard and it has been a pleasure working with him.” says Pilger.

Leadership Portage County

Andrew Halverson will receive the President’s Award at the Business Council Annual Dinner on January 27th -- a celebration and recognition of current and past accomplishments of the Portage County Business Council.

Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH) 1201 Northpoint Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

Small Business X-Change Wednesday, January 14, 2015 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30AM

» REGISTER

Thursday, January 15, 2015 \\ 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Various locations throughout the year.

» ABOUT LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY » APPLY FOR THE CLASS OF 2015 / 16 2015 Annual Dinner Tuesday, January 27, 2015 \\ 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM SentryWorld Sports Center In the NEW Atrium & Fieldhouse 601 N Michigan Avenue | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

PIE REALITY SHOP Friday, February 20, 2015 \\ 8:20 AM - 11:30 PM St. Peter Middle School 708 1st St | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» VOLUNTEER

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION SHOWCASE >> CLICK HERE TO REGISTER One of the goals of the Career & Technical Education Department throughout the Stevens Point School District is for all students to leave SPASH understanding the opportunities that are available to them as they begin to embark on their post-secondary planning. The first annual Career & Technical Education Showcase on January 9th from 4:30-6:00pm at SPASH will provide an opportunity for 9th graders and their parents to learn about local careers and SPASH elective opportunities in the following areas: • • • •

Agriscience & Natural Resources Business & Marketing Management Family & Consumer Sciences Technology & Engineering

Partners In Education is looking for businesses to highlight careers tied to Career and Technical Education electives at SPASH. This is a great opportunity to showcase your business to the local future workforce and their parents. Participating businesses will be provided a display table located in the corridor near a related elective classroom. This event will be held prior to the SPASH girls and boys varsity basketball games that begin at 6:00pm in the field house. Students will be provided a passport upon arrival to have stamped as they tour the various areas and will drop their filled passport into a drawing for an iPad Mini to be given away at half time during both the girls and boys varsity games that night. They will also have the opportunity to pick up giveaways at different classrooms and booths.

2015 ANNUAL DINNER & SILENT AUCTION 01.27.15 \\ 5:30PM – 8:30PM SENTRYWORLD IN THE NEW ATRIUM & FIELDHOUSE » CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (Reservations due by Wednesday, January 21, 2015)

PRESENTED BY MINISTRY HEALTH CARE Mushrooms tossed with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce

PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Entrees also include a garden salad with honeypoppy seed dressing, freshly baked rolls, a delicious black forest chocolate cake layered Winners of the Decree of Excellence Award, with chocolate cream frosting and cherries for You have a unique opportunity to promote Ambassador of the Year Award, Small Business of the dessert, coffee, tea and milk. your business at the 21st Annual Silent Auction Year and the President’s Award will all be recognized fundraiser event. The Business Council is currently during the Portage County Business Council’s Annual Awards Dinner and Silent Auction on Tuesday, January 27. seeking unique products and services to be 8:00-8:30PM auctioned at the Annual Dinner and Silent Auction Held at SentryWorld in the NEW Atrium & Fieldhouse, Presentation of Ambassador of the Year, on Tuesday, January 27th. Proceeds from the the evening extravaganza promises to be exciting with Small Business of the Year Decree of Excellence Award and the event benefit member programs and new Business a social hour with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and 2014 President’s Award Recipient – Council initiatives. cash bar. Andrew Halverson, Those in attendance will also have the opportunity Vice President of Business Development As a Silent Auction donor, the Business Council to bid on an endless list of Silent Auction items. The at Ellis Stone Construction Company, Inc promotes both your business and the merchandise Business Council wishes to thank all businesses who and/or service in all printed promotional material. have contributed. Master of Ceremonies Your business and donated item will also be WSAW NewsChannel 7 Anchor Jeff Thelen The Business Council extends an invitation to all promoted during the Annual Dinner to over 350 Business Council members and their guests to attend business people. Each donation will be recognized Special thanks to our Award Sponsors AT&T, the Annual Dinner. with a display at the Silent Auction, highlighting CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, and Delta Dental of your business name. Wisconsin Be Sure to Attend! Contribution ideas could be a specialty product and/or a service your business offers. Ideas might include a monthly floral delivery, one year hair care or drycleaning, oil changes, consulting services, golf lessons, artwork, jewelry, clothing or cellular phone services. Need more ideas? How about a weekend get-away package, home/office cleaning, a photography session or dining out certificates.

SentryWorld – New Atrium & Fieldhouse 601 North Michigan Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481 Social 5:30-6:50PM Complimentary Hors d’ oeuvres, Cash Bar & 50/50 Raffle Silent Auction 5:30-6:50PM A spectacular array of jewelry, artwork, travel, sports and entertainment packages Dinner & Program 6:50-8:00PM Choose from three mouth-watering entrees: 1. Chef-Carved Shoulder Tenderloin: Sherried Mushroom Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Asparagus 2. Chicken Oscar: Pan-Fried Chicken Breast and Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus topped with a Tangy Bearnaise Sauce 3. Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli: Artichoke Hearts, Kalamata Olives, Roasted Red Peppers and

Be creative…Don’t miss this chance to promote your business to the business community. For more information, or to register a Silent And thanks to our Reception Sponsor Marshfield Auction contribution contact Karen Schanock at the Business Council Office: 715/344-1940 or Clinic kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

Opportunities are available for our members wishing to play a greater role in our Annual Dinner. Please contact Karen Schanock for sponsorship information at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@ portagecountybiz.com. Thank you for your support.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

ROUNDTABLE GROUPS FORMING NOW » CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE » CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

The following Roundtable groups are being formed: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE Participants are responsible for overall business/client development efforts for their company. CEO ROUNDTABLE Owners of small, mid-size, and large companies placed with owners of similarly sized companies.

Are you looking for a peer group of non-competitors to brainstorm ideas and solve business related issues? Join a PCBC roundtable group.

COO / CFO ROUNDTABLE Top-level operations executives who are responsible for profit and loss, but do not have ownership of their organizations.

Roundtable groups bring together professionals with a wide range of skills and expertise. Small, self-led groups of eight to 10 business owners and executives meet monthly for 90 minutes to share concerns and insights. These dynamic groups plan their own meeting schedules and agendas, coordinated by a group facilitator. Discussions are confidential allowing for greater candor, sharing, and learning opportunities. As a roundtable member, you will: • Receive advice from other business owners and executives facing the same challenges as you; fellow leaders who have “been there, done that” will offer support and share the benefits about lessons they learned along the way • Share your insights and successful strategies with your peers • Engage with others in an exclusive and private environment • Test your ideas with your group and get instant feedback to avoid costly mistakes and build encouragement and confidence to move forward. Roundtable groups are open to Portage County Business Council members for an annual fee of $75.

HUMAN RESOURCES ROUNDTABLE Senior level managers who are responsible for overseeing all HR responsibilities for their companies. NON-PROFIT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROUNDTABLE Executive directors of not-for-profit (501 (c) (3)). SALES MANAGER ROUNDTABLE Manager of a sales team who directly assists the company’s executive management. SMALL BUSINESS OWNER ROUNDTABLE Owner of a small business; typically sole proprietors. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Groups will launch in January 2015. To learn more about how participation in a roundtable can benefit you and your business, contact Mary Jo Monday at 715-344-1940 or email mmonday@portagecountybiz.com.

2015 MEMBERSHIP DUES AND RENEWALS » CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2015 DUES The Portage County Business Council & Foundation Board of Directors approved the proposed membership dues structure for 2015 at the November 19, 2014 meeting. Base rates as well as dues for additional professionals and locations increase slightly. However, the per-employee costs for full and part-time employees and # of Rooms > 25 for hotel/motel costs remain the same. A request was emailed to members with January renewals, urging members to review and update your business and contact information online using your member login and password. Not only is this information important to us to have on file, the following information can be found on the Portage County Business Council website, membership directory where current data is key: • Company name • Address • Phone • Primary Contact name • Additional Professionals (additional cost) If provided by the member, the following information can also be included in the online directory: • Business hours • Business description • Map to location • Key words If you haven’t reviewed your current business information recently, please take a few minutes to do so. Adding the additional information to the website is quick and easy to do, yet can provide great value as people search the site. If you don’t know your member login name and password, feel free to contact the Business Council and we can provide that information to you. Thank you for your continued partnership with the Portage County Business Council. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships with you in 2015.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Business Briefs column is an avenue to spotlight noteworthy business and professional business BRIEFS \\ The accomplishments, recognition and awards among our Business Council members. Submit items of interest, in 100 words or less, to: admin@portagecountybiz.com by the 24 of the month prior to the next newsletter issue. th

Seven of the state’s leading health care systems – Aspirus, Aurora Health Care, Bellin Health, Gundersen Health System, ProHealth Care, ThedaCare and UW Health – today announced that their recently-formed partnership is named abouthealth™. The name makes a simple and clear statement about why these organizations have come together – to improve overall population health for the communities they serve while working together to advance clinical quality, efficiency and the customer experience. \\ Keller Planners, Architects and Builders has been ranked the number three, “Top Metal Builder” in the Nation in 2013 according to Metal Construction News’ annual ranking for tons of steel purchases. Keller purchased 8,182 tons of steel for construction in 2013. Keller was also ranked number eight in the Nation and number one in Wisconsin by the same publication based on square footage. Keller construction projects in 2013 included 1,069,785 square feet of steel. \\ CAP Services recently received an $8,545 grant from the American Dental Association Foundation (ADAF) to expand the Ministry Dental Center’s (MDC) Smiles Forever program in Portage and Waupaca counties. Started in 2010, Smiles Forever is an education and advocacy program designed to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of regular dental care for infants and toddlers ages 0-3. MDC first began targeting infants/ toddlers after noticing a significant number of young children with extensive decay. Of the patients MDC saw, approximately 90% had chronic decay at 2 years or age or older. \\ Michael Copas, senior agronomist at RPE Inc., has been named as a 2014 honoree of Vance Publishing’s 40 Under 40 in Agriculture Awards. The 40 Under 40 program recognizes leaders in agriculture who are under the age of 40 and making a significant contribution to America’s food system. \\ CAP Services’ Children’s Discovery Center in Stevens Point earned a five-star rating in Wisconsin’s YoungStar program for a third straight year. YoungStar is a program of Wisconsin’s Department of Children and Families created to improve the quality of child care for Wisconsin children. \\ The Green Bay Packers Foundation awarded $3,500 to CAP Services’ Family Crisis

Center (FCC) last week, part of $600,000 the Foundation awarded to 223 civic and charitable groups throughout Wisconsin in its annual distribution of grants. \\ CliftonLarsonAllen is pleased to announce career milestones for 2 of their professionals in their Stevens Point office. The following individuals have been promoted and have new titles: Cassie Kurek, Senior Associate, Assurance agribusiness & cooperatives, manufacturing & distribution, employee benefit plans, nonprofit entities, state & local governments. Derek Nest, CPA, Accounting Manager & Controller - commercial services. \\ SPASH Students place 4th in Throwdown Competition. Seniors Parker Sedlak and Gus Zakrzewski recently competed in Appleton at the Fox Valley Technical College Culinary Throwdown event. Each team had to prepare an entree consisting of a protein, a vegetable and a starch. In addition to showcasing their cooking skills, students also had to cost each individual serving and prepare a nutritional analysis of each dish they made. This was the first time these students and culinary instructor, Mrs. Pernsteiner, had ever competed in a competition and all were excited at their fourth place finish. \\ Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group is pleased to announce their Stevens Point office’s November Chairman’s Circle list. Todd Reilly Betty Garski \\ Pat’s CARSTAR of Plover donated a 2005 Kia Sedona minivan on Monday, December 15, extending the business’s Recycled Rides tradition into its seventh year. “Everybody here looks forward to this every year,” said Tony Kempen, who owns the auto body repair business with his wife Sharon. “Our crew and our partners appreciate how important reliable transportation is. We’re glad we were able to be a part of providing it for the Greene’s and are glad to welcome them to the CARSTAR family.” To find a family in need of a vehicle, Pat’s CARSTAR partners with CAP Services, a local private, nonprofit organization, to identify the family. Ten families applied for the opportunity to get the vehicle – a subcommittee of CAP’s Board of Directors made the final selection. \\

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

AGRI-BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIPS TO AWARD $1,000 » CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE The Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council will award up to $1,000 in scholarships at the American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet on Monday, March 9, 2015. Application forms and a list of scholarship criteria are available at the Business Council office and on our web site by clicking the link above. Forms are also available at any Portage County High School Guidance office. 2014 Agri-Business Scholarship Recipients were: Wyatt Adams – Plover, son of Larry and Lisa Adams Mike Sankey – Amherst, son of Lonnie and Tammy Sankey Applications are due by Friday, February 20, 2015. Contact Karen Schanock at 715-3441940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com for additional scholarship information.

\\ The Little Online Marketing Company is now the Little Online Agency. Katy Bailey is proud to announce that the marketing firm has become a full service digital agency, offering affordable web design, online marketing and analytics services for small businesses. Learn more at the newly redesigned website: http://littleonlineagency.com. As always, consultations are free and no obligation is necessary. \\ Ki Mobility will build its global headquarters in Stevens Point and add 170 employees over the next three to four years. The wheelchair manufacturer currently leases a building and employs 85. The Stevens Point City Council approved a development agreement for Ki Mobility to build the facility in the city’s Tax Incremental District 8. Construction could begin as early as this spring and the facility could be operational by the end of 2015. \\

AMERICAN AGRICULTURE APPRECIATION BANQUET 03.09.15 \\ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM NO COST TO ATTEND >> CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR CALL THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OFFICE AT 715-344-1940. WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS IN THE FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER.

2014 event held at the Best Western Plover Hotel & Conference Center

2015 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SCHEDULE The Business Council is pleased to announce the following 2015 Business After Hours hosts: February 16 – Stevens Point Curling Club & USA Curling March 16 – S.C. Swiderski LLC April 20 – Boys & Girls Club of Portage County May 18 – Midwest Renewable Energy Association & International Bank of Amherst June 15 – Community Insurance & Associates July 20 – FirstMerit Bank – Stevens Point August 17 – Thrivent Financial September 21 – CIC (Community Industries Corporation) October 19 – Central Wisconsin Center for Non-Profits November 16 – Adventure 212 Fitness December 14 – CAP Services If Business After Hours is not in your planner yet, now is the time to pencil it in! Would you like to promote your business, share ideas and make important business contacts? You can do this and more, by sponsoring a Business After Hours. It’s not too early to book for 2016. Host businesses can promote their facility, staff and/or new products or services to over 80 area business people. Small businesses may wish to host this event at a member restaurant, larger facility, or co-sponsor the event with another Business Council member. A host business provides the location, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres during the Business After Hours. In addition, the host business may choose to sponsor a door prize for the evening. The Business Council will assist in the invitation, marketing, registration and door prize drawing.

Wysocki Family of Companies receives 2014 Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award

For more information on hosting a Business After Hours call Karen Schanock at the Business Council Office, 715-344-1940 or email at kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO AGRICULTURE AWARD » CLICK FOR AN ONLINE NOMINATION FORM The Portage County Business Council is seeking nominations for the 2015 Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award to be presented at the American Agriculture Banquet on March 9, 2015. The award is presented to an individual or organization that excels in the agriculture field. Nominee Award Criteria: *May include farmers, marketers, processors, or individuals involved in related areas of education, government or allied industry segments of agriculture. *Individual has furthered agriculture’s interest or development in production or marketing. *Individual has made significant contributions in agriculture related organizations. *Individual/organization has not received the award in the past three years.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Past Winners Include: 2014 Wysocki Family of Companies 2013 Paul Clasen, Retired, Rural Insurance 2012 Ken Schroeder, Portage County UW-Extension 2011 Dale Bowe, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation 2010 Wayne Ganser, Retired, Jay-Mar, Inc.

SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:

Tom Marks is the President of Madison-based TMA+Pertitus, a 31 year old communications company that specializes in website design and » CLICK HERE TO REGISTER development, content marketing and digital Small Business X-Change meets regularly throughout branding. Tom’s agency has won more American the year at the Portage County Business Council Advertising Awards for website design and website office. A roundtable series of meetings that allows writing than any other company in Wisconsin. Tom business owners and their employees the opportunity has worked on major national brands including to discuss pertinent topics, learn from local industry McDonald’s, Foot Locker, Honeywell, American leaders and, most importantly, learn from each other. Family Insurance, CUNA Mutual and the National Mango Board, and has also worked with Stevens Point area organizations including The Worth Company, Marten Machining and the Portage County Business Council. At this X-Change, Tom will walk attendees through his secret tips for making websites lead generating, THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND AND A CONTINENTAL prospect nurturing and transaction converting sales BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED. machines. Tom will show us the strategies that need to be implemented in order to develop a website that SPONSOR: will be your most profitable sales representative.

01.14.15 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM \\ PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM

TOPIC: “HOW TO PUT THE ROI IN YOUR URL”

Tom Marks President of TMA+Peritus

ARE YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE FROM YOUR BUSINESS INTERESTED IN SPEAKING AT ONE OF OUR UPCOMING X-CHANGES? Business Council members are invited to submit workshop proposals to be considered for presentation at our monthly 2015 Small Business X-Change Programs. This is a great opportunity to share new initiatives and proven practices with others in the Central Wisconsin business community. It allows you to highlight your business and the work you do. All workshops are offered free-of-charge to Portage County Business Council members; no honorariums are paid. Proposals must include the following: • Workshop title • Workshop description (a brief outline of what will be covered during the presentation) • Three or four key points that the participant will learn as a result of attending • Presenter name, title and relevant background • Relevant training experience Benefits of Presentation and Sponsorship: • Company recognition as Presenting Sponsor of X-Change • Company name, program outline and logo in Business Council newsletter • Company logo displayed on Small Business X-Change webpage (including a “link” to company website) – prominent location • Company name and logo in emails to over 1500 member contacts announcing event

• Electronic registration list of attendees • Net result of better awareness of what you and your company could do for a potential client • Survey results after the presentation Expectations: • $50 Sponsorship fee • 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. workshop should be one hour in length (includes introduction and Q&A) • Speaking topics could include any myriad of topics especially relevant to a small business that will facilitate improving management, coping with the economic environment, etc. It’s really a wide open field. Presenters are advised not to use their presentation as a platform or commercial for promotion of their products and services or for monetary gain. Handouts, copies of Power Points, etc. are expected and are the responsibility of the presenter/company sponsor. Equipment/Office Supplies available for use include: Projector, Overhead Screen, Podium, Dry Erase Board/markers and Flip Cart/Paper. WiFi is also available. Please note, laptops are not provided. A light morning snack will be available including coffee, juice, water, fresh fruits, some danish, etc. All Small Business X-Change programs are held at the Portage County Business Council office conference room. The current available dates are noted:

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

February 11th - RESERVED by LouAnn Schulfer of Schuler & Associates LLC Financial Professionals March 11th – RESERVED by Gary Wysocki of Paragon Farms April 8th – RESERVED by Nick Abts of Lummis Lloyd & Barkley LLC May 13th – RESERVED by Tim Solinger of Tim Solinger Copywriting & Consulting, LLC and Rodger Beyer of Worzalla June 10th - AVAILABLE July 8th - AVAILABLE August 12th – RESERVED by Cindy Piotrowski and Tonia Simmons of Aging & Disability Center of Portage County September 9th - AVAILABLE October 14th – RESERVED by Kelly Zagrzebski of Wisconsin Public Service November 11th - AVAILABLE December 9th - AVAILABLE Written proposals are due by January 30, 2015. Email preferred. If approved, the presentation will be reviewed in advance. The usual attendance is 20-25; an estimated number of attendees will be provided at least 24-hours prior to the date of the presentation. Please submit proposals in writing to: Karen Schanock, Portage County Business Council, 5501 Vern Holmes Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482. FAX: 715-344-4473. E-mail: kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com, Ph: 715344-1940. Thank you for your consideration.

welcome to OUR NEWEST MEMBERS \\ LAKELAND OVERHEAD DOOR CORPORATION TROY TORGERSON 4925 Coye Drive Suite C Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715)341-7222 http://www.lakelanddoor.com Join Date \\ 11/01/2014

LAMAR ADVERTISING ERIC PETERSON 1426 Treder Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54482 (715) 570-9418 http://www.lamar.com Join Date \\ 12/12/2014

member of the MONTH \\

Each month the Active Voice features a PCBC “Member of the Month” selected from a list of members that begins with the same letter of the alphabet.

KELLER, INC

5605 Lilac Avenue Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 849-3141 http://www.kellerbuilds.com

Our Story: Like many great companies, Keller, Inc. started with a vision and, of course, a visionary in 1960. The result is a 100% Employee-Owned Construction Firm with a strong mission to “Build every building as if it were our own”. Keller, Inc. was founded in April 1960 by Walter Keller. Keller then focused on agricultural buildings until the commercial market began to skyrocket in the 1980’s. Keller now specializes in all types of commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings. Keller’s design/build process remains the tried and true method, eliminating confusion in the building process, unnecessary change orders and timely mistakes. Led today by President, Wayne Stellmacher, Keller is still following Walter’s founding principles to treat all employees, subcontractors and customers the way they would like to be treated, to do business with integrity and honesty and especially, “To build every building as if it were our own”.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP? • • • • • •

Your business representatives are invited to educational and networking events List your own business’s events, jobs, and deals on portagecountybiz.com Receive referrals from other PCBC members Become a special event sponsor to promote your business Display your marketing materials in the PCBC lobby and on the PCBC website Participate in your local community

Keller, Inc. now has offices in Wausau, Madison, Milwaukee and the Fox Cities and consists of 220 Employee-Owners. For more information and complete listing of our services please visit our website at www.kellerbuilds.com.

DO YOU KNOW A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT WOULD BENEFIT FROM MEMBERSHIP? CONTACT Mary Jo Monday 715-344-1940 \\ mmonday@portagecountybiz.com \\ Vern Nystrom, Keller Regional Manager

Founder, Walter Keller

Photo of a Keller Project, Davies Dental

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

President, Wayne Stellmacher

Pete, Keller Employee-Owner

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Agriscience & Natural Resources Business & Marketing Management Family & Consumer Sciences Technology & Engineering

AMBASSADORS GIVE BACK IN MANY WAYS Volunteers, they are the lifeblood of any non-profit organization! For us, one of the most active and visible group of volunteers are part of the Ambassadors Club, which consists of 28 people. Our Ambassadors attend many ribbon cutting ceremonies, grand opening celebrations, ground breakings, many meetings and Business Council and Foundation events. Members of this enthusiastic group generally lend a hand whenever they see something that needs doing! Last year alone they gave back over 1,500 hours of volunteer time. That is truly amazing! Many thanks to our terrific goodwill Ambassadors! If you are interested in joining the Ambassadors Club, please contact Karen Schanock at kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com or at 715-344-1940 for more information.

Presented by:

BUSINESS DAY IN MADISON MARCH 4 » PROGRAM DETAIL » PROGRAM FLYER Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) has announced Business Day in Madison 2015 will take place at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center on Wednesday, March 4. Featured speakers include: • John Stossel, host of his own show on Fox Business Network and formerly of ABC’s 20/20 • KT McFarland, Fox News National Security Analyst and host of FoxNews.com’s “DefCon 3” • Ed Goeas, Political Pollster and President of The Tarrance Group In addition, Governor Scott Walker and U.S. Senator Ron Johnson have been invited to speak. For more information, please see the above links.

John Stossel, KT McFarland, and Ed Goeas

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION (PIE) PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS » REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER » VIEW PIE PROGRAMS

PIE Fundraising

Partners In Education offers 22 career exploration and employability skill development programs for students (K-college), educators, parents, and community members. Offering twenty-two programs to six school districts takes a lot of volunteers. Partners In Education is building their volunteer database and needs your help. If you are interested in volunteering, please take a couple of minutes to complete our PIE Volunteer Survey. Upcoming PIE Programs: ETIQUETTE SMETIQUETTE • Spring 2015 @ Rosholt High School EXPLORING CAREER CLUSTERS • January TBD, 2015 @ Rosholt Middle School

Partners In Education is currently fundraising for the 2014-2015 academic year. Thank you to our current sponsors: Platinum Investors: See below. Bronze Investors: The Boldt Company, Ministry Medical Group & Wisconsin Public Service Copper Investors: Altmann Construction Company, Gamber-Johnson, HO Wolding, Paragon Farms & Regnier Consulting Group Partner School Districts: Rosholt, Stevens Point Areas Catholic, Stevens Point Christian Academy, Stevens Point Area Public, Tomorrow River, & Tri-County

HERE’S WHAT I DO • Spring 2015 @ Ben Franklin Jr. High School • Spring 2015 @ Rosholt Elementary • Spring 2015 @ Rosholt Middle School REALITY SHOP • February 20, 2015 @ St. Peter Middle School • April 7, 2015 @ SPASH SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS • Spring 2015 @ Rosholt High School

REALITY SHOP Over 160 students attended the SPASH Reality Shop on December 2, 2014. The Reality Shop provides an interactive way to experience balancing a monthly budget. Students select a career they are interested in and then are given a “life” including number of children, student loan debt, and credit card debt. Volunteers interact with students as real estate agents, banking institutions, social services, and retail stores to sell products and services.

Thank you to the staff at SPASH and all the volunteers that helped out to make the event successful. Melissa Blenker, Shelly Brillowski, Shari Brunes, Steve Chizzo, Dan Demers, Daniel Diebitz, Jeff Ebel, Mariann Ferrin, Jenny Genskow, Mary Hansen, Mark Kitowski, Nathan Sandwick, Janice Schneider, Emily Stewart, Max Trzebiatowksi, Tony Walter, and Nicole Williams

PLATINUM PIE INVESTORS

For more information regarding Leadership Portage County, Partners In Education or Workforce Development contact Judy Rannow, Director of Workforce Development, at 715-344-1940 or fdn@portagecountybiz.com.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY On December 18, 2014 the LPC participants learned about the legal system in Portage County. The day started off at the PC Annex where session leaders Ron Carlson and Tom Eagon welcomed the current class. Participants Kassi Czahor, Amy Peterson and Ariel Welling gave their speeches and it was off to the Courthouse to learn about the legal system with Judge Finn, Branch II and Patricia Baker, Portage County Clerk of Courts. Participants then went back to the PC Annex and discussed values, ethics, credibility and their interim assignments. Next came lunch at the PC jail and tour of the facility led by Rocky Bolder, Juvenile Detention Administrator. Back at the PC Annex, Ron Carlson and Curt Helminiak presented on various Justiceworks programs. The day wrapped up with a session on managing and resolving conflict.

SUPPORTING PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL FOUNDATION PROGRAMS » PIE INVESTMENT FORM Did you know that if you support the Portage County Business Council Foundation by sponsoring Partners In Education or our new workforce development efforts you can earn two-hours of training or consultation for every $500 donated on top of the other sponsor benefits? Not only that, but your donation is tax deductible. Organizations will be provided 2-hours of PCBCF staff or volunteer time for every $500 invested. Time can be used in the following areas after consulting with PCBCF staff to ensure appropriate fit: • • • •

Professional Development Consulting & Plan Development – Providing guidance/support for creating and implementing workforce development plans Professional Development Coaching – Providing one-on-one or team coaching Organizational Development Consulting & Plan Development – Providing guidance/support for creating and implementing organizational development plans Professional and Organizational Development Workshops – Providing “soft-skill” and organizational development workshops for members

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

2015 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECTORS \\

meetings & other DATES \\

Executive Board

JANUARY 2015

Keith Pilger - President, Anderson O’Brien Ken Erler - Vice President, Sentry Insurance Sue Wille - Treasurer, Ligman & Wille CPA LLC Scott Glinski - Member at Large, Skyward Erik Carlson - Member at Large, Ellis Stone Construction Company Lisa Sobczak - Member at Large, ABR Employment Services Doug Ballweg - Member at Large, Delta Dental of Wisconsin Lori Dehlinger Van Alstine - Executive Director, Portage County Business Council, Inc.

8 12 14 14 21 27

Ambassadors Club Meeting, 8:00 am, PCBC Membership / Marketing Committee, 8:00 am, PCBC Executive Committee, 7:30 am, Anderson O’Brien Small Business X-Change, 7:30-8:30 am, PCBC Board of Directors, 7:30 am, PCBC Annual Dinner, 5:30-8:30 pm, SentryWorld

Board of Directors Tom Altmann - Altmann Construction Company Lorraine Avery - Associated Bank Dan Beighley - Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Patty Dreier - Portage County Executive David Eckmann - University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Jim Firminhac - WoodTrust Bank James Gifford - Portage County Board O. Phillip Idsvoog - Portage County Board Todd Kuckkahn - Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools Deb Marten - Marten Machining Cherrie Marti - Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital Richard O’Sullivan - Mid-State Technical College Jeremie Pavelski - Heartland Farms Inc. Susan Placzek - SentryWorld Sports Center Dan Schlutter - Village of Plover Dawn Thrun - International Bank of Amherst Attila Weninger - Stevens Point Area Public Schools Gary Wescott - City of Stevens Point Ward Wolff - First Weber Group Realtors Robert Worth - The Worth Company (Director Emeritus)

Board Advisors Sara Brish - Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Dan Mahoney - Village of Plover Michael Ostrowski - City of Stevens Point Steve Smith - Mid-State Technical College

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PORTAGE COUNTY GIFT CERTIFICATES Purchasing Portage County gift certificates continues to be a successful way to “Buy Local”. Portage County gift certificates make great gifts. Gift certificates can be purchased at area banks, credit unions, the Convention and Visitors Bureau or at our office. They can be used at any business with a Portage County address and are available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $25, $50 & $100. The PCBC would like to thank everyone who participates for helping make the program successful. We would also like to thank BMO Harris Bank for their financial support of the gift certificate program.

the TEAM \\ they make things happen! PCBC / Foundation Staff

Email Addresses

The Active Voice

Lori Dehlinger Van Alstine - Executive Director Mary Jo Monday - Director of Member Relations Karen Schanock - Director of Programs & Events Judy Rannow - Director of Workfoce Development Kari Thompson - Business & Office Operations Director Amelia Ruzek - Administrative / Marketing Assistant

ldehling@portagecountybiz.com

Questions / Comments:

mmonday@portagecountybiz.com

Amelia Ruzek \\ admin@portagecountybiz.com

kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com fdn@portagecountybiz.com acctg@portagecountybiz.com admin@portagecountybiz.com

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