02.2012 \\ portage county, wisconsin
upcoming EVENTS \\ Small Business X-Change Wednesday, February 8, 2012 \\ 7:30 am - 8:30 am PCBC - Foundation Room 5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482
» REGISTER igNITE at the Museum
Business Council Honors Area Firms & Individuals 01.24.12
Thursday, February 16, 2012 \\ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Scarabocchio Art Museum (SAM) 800 Main Street | Stevens Point, WI 54481
» REGISTER Business After Hours Monday, February 20, 2012 \\ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Oakridge Senior Living Community 5626 Sandpiper Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481
» REGISTER L3: Lunch, Learn, Lead Thursday, February 23, 2012 \\ 11:45 am - 1:00 pm National Wellness Institute 1300 College Aveune | Stevens Point, WI 54481
» REGISTER American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet Monday, March 12, 2012 \\ 6:00 pm - 8:45 pm UWSP, Dreyfus University Center - Laird Room 1015 Reserve Street | Stevens Point, WI 54481
» REGISTER Business Expo After Hours Monday, March 26, 2012 \\ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 1001 Amber Avenue | Stevens Point, WI 54482
» REGISTER 2012 Business Expo Tuesday, March 27, 2012 \\ 11:00 am - 6:30 pm Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 1001 Amber Avenue | Stevens Point, WI 54482
» REGISTER FOR A BOOTH
Two Portage County businesses and two leaders in the county’s business community were singled out for honors on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at the Portage County Business Council’s Annual Dinner.
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD The Portage County Business Council (PCBC) has named Jeff Ebel Ambassador of the Year.
Jeff has been active in the Ambassador Club since 2007. That many years of dedication alone is an example of what type of leader and volunteer he is. Jeff’s enthusiasm and dedication towards volunteering for the Business Council is outstanding! He has accumulated the most See ANNUAL DINNER/Page 6
“Sell” your goods at the next reality shop 03.06.12 \\ 7:30 am - 12:00 pm SPASH At 16, it’s hard to imagine what your life is going to be like in 15 years… where will you work, will you be married, have children, own a home? Partners in Education will be providing area juniors and seniors at SPASH an opportunity to think about these questions and more at the Reality Shop on March 6th. We are in need of local businesses and volunteers to ‘staff’ and ‘sell’ their services to the students. For example, if you’re a real estate agent you would sell houses, car dealerships sell vehicles and insurance representatives offer insurance coverage. Contact Sarah to learn more about this fun and impactful event and how to get involved at fdn@ portagecountybiz.com or 715.344.1940. \\\\\
Business After Hours 02.20.12 \\ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm » REGISTER » MAP
Career Exploration Day Kicks Off Career Unit
Host \\
01.13.12
5626 Sandpiper Drive | Stevens Point, WI (located near the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center)
On January 13th, over 100 7 th and 8 th grade students participated in the Partners in Education (PIE) Career Exploration Day at St. Peter Middle School. The Career Exploration day featured local professionals in six Career Clusters.
Presenters included \\ Arts & Communication \\ Ann Huntoon, Central WI Symphony Orchestra
Business & Marketing \\ LouAnn Schulfer, Schulfer & Associates LLC, Financial Professionals
Health & Medical \\ Dr. Jacob Peterson, Peterson Family Chiropractic, LLC
Human Services \\ Becky Franz, Rural Audiology Services Industry and Engineering \\ Phil DiSalvo, Grunwaldt & Associates and Lynn DiSalvo, Roundy’s Corporation
Natural Resources \\ Stan Skutek, Retired Refuge Manager, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The 6 Career Clusters are a modified version of the WI Department of Public Instruction’s 16
business BRIEFS \\
Enjoy complimentary hor d’oeuvres, refreshments, and door prize giveaways. No Cost to attend!
Over the next three weeks the 7 th and 8 th graders will be taken through a Career Unit including a Career Cluster Survey, choosing a career they would like to learn more about, and researching that career including education needed, duties and salary ranges. The unit will end with the PIE Jr. Reality Shop, on February 6, where students will be assigned a marital status, dependants and then, using the career they researched and with the assistance of local business volunteers, work to balance a monthly household budget.
Pre-registration is appreciated. Please RSVP by Friday, February 17, 2012. \\\\\
advertise with US \\ Like the new look? Be a part of it, by advertising with us! » CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
To find out more about the Career Exploration Day or PIE please contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or at fdn@portagecountybiz.com. \\\\\
For questions, please contact Heather at 715344-1940 or admin@portagecountybiz.com. \\\\\
The Business Briefs column is an avenue to spotlight noteworthy business and professional accomplishments, recognition and awards among our Business Council members. Submit items of interest, in 100 words or less, to: admin@portagecountybiz.com by the 24th of the month prior to the next newsletter issue.
Dick and Jeremie Pavelski of Heartland Farms were presented with the prestigious 2011 Environmental Stewardship Award at the National Potato Council’s (NPC) 2012 Annual Meeting, held January 6-7, 2012, in Orlando, Florida. The annual award is a component of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, a partnership between NPC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to protect the environment and promote the safe and effective use of pesticides. “Each year, NPC honors those family farms who have demonstrated a commitment to stewardship of their land and protection of our shared environment,” said 2011 NPC President Justin Dagen. “By being good stewards of the land, Heartland Farms is preserving their farm and the neighboring landscape for generations to come.” \\\\\ Madison-based Applied Tech has opened an office serving the greater Milwaukee area in Waukesha, WI. This is Applied Tech’s third office in Wisconsin and will allow them to better serve our growing customer base throughout
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Career Clusters. Each cluster represents a distinct grouping of occupations and industries based on the knowledge and skills they require.
Wisconsin with additional support for customers in the Milwaukee/Madison corridor. Applied Tech is a provider of ICT services and support for a variety of industries and companies. For more information visit appliedtech.us or call them at 855-729-1300. \\\\\ The IMG Safety Award was presented to Lamers Bus Lines on January 10, 2012, at the IMG’s recent Maintenance and Safety Conference in Grapevine, Texas. The award is presented annually to a company within the IMG organization who has demonstrated the highest level of safety throughout their organization.
Solarus announces the addition of Jill Kurszewski to their staff as manager of public relations. Kurszewski joined the team in November. She comes to Solarus with nearly 10 years of experience in communication. At Solarus, Jill is responsible for internal and external communications of the company. She will also coordinate Solarus’ involvement in community events through sponsorships, donations and participation. \\\\\
“Lamers not only meets the highest level of federal, state and location regulations, but goes above and beyond implementing company safety measures that insures their employees and customers experience the safest work and transportation experience”, said IMG’s Director of Member Services and Purchasing, Mike Mattison.
WSAW-TV is pleased to announce the hiring of Tawnya Schilt to their sales staff. Tawnya is recognized throughout the area for being a Marketing & Public Relations professional. She had previously been at Ministry Medical Group for almost eight years as a Public Relations and Community Relations Manager and most recently was the manager of Christian’s Bistro in Plover. Tawnya started her new position with WSAW-TV on January 30 and will be focusing her efforts with businesses in Portage County.
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The active voice \\ Portage county Business Council Newsletter
ignite at the museum
small business x-change
02.16.12 \\ 5:30 pm - 7:30 Pm scarabocchio art museum
02.08.12 \\ 7:30 am - 8:30 am pcbc - foundation room
» REGISTER
» REGISTER TOPIC
Are you a young professional seeking networking, professional development and community involvement opportunities? Join us to learn more about Ignite while networking with other young professionals in our area. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. \\\\\
Leadership Portage County seeks applicants
Leade rs
nty ou
Take your leadership to the next level! Applications are now being accepted for Leadership Portage County (LPC), a dynamic educational series for rt p Po age C hi those ready to commit to greater leadership roles in their organizations and the community. The ten-month LPC program combines interactive monthly sessions, leadership skill development, experiential learning opportunities, community awareness activities, and networking to help participants become more effective leaders. A 2-day retreat in August jump-starts the program and participants then meet once monthly from September through May. Each interactive session is packed with information from local experts, thought-provoking discussions and an opportunity to interact with a variety of area leaders. The interim
assignments and class projects provide a way for participants to apply leadership skills, enhance community awareness and continue networking. More than 450 people have completed the program since it began in 1993. Both LPC participants and their employers have benefited from the skills learned, expanded business contacts and community networks made.
» CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION MATERIALS Application materials and $250 tuition deposit are due to the PCBC office by May 1, 2012. Up to 28 participants are chosen based on their interest in contributing to the community in the future and their leadership potential. Each class includes a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds representing private businesses of all sizes, public institutions and nonprofit organizations. For more information contact Sarah at 715-3441940 or fdn@portagecountybiz.com. \\\\\
How to Market Your Business on the Internet in 2012 & Beyond presented by Gary Reissmann & Andy Scott, Virtual Vision Computing Company
Gary Reissmann
Andy Scott DETAILS Sponsor \\
Backstage Pass Kicks off with O’So 01.19.12 Ignite Leadership Network of Portage County kicked off their inaugural Backstage Pass event on January 19th at O’So Brewing Company & Point Brew Supply. Over 70 young, and sufficiently young at heart, professionals came out for networking and a backstage look at the newly relocated brewery’s operations. Backstage Pass events are scheduled to be held every other month throughout 2012. For more information on Ignite, contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or fdn@portagecountybiz.com \\\\\
The internet has changed, and just a website alone does not work well anymore. At this X-Change we will look at the value of a good website, integrating social media, email campaigns, blogging, plus other components. The audience will hear about the 10 fundamental steps in creating an effective Internet Marketing Plan. Don’t miss out! > Continental Breakfast served > No cost to attend
ABOUT A SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE: A roundtable series of meetings that allows small business owners and their employees the opportunity to discuss pertinent topics, learn from local industry leaders and, most importantly, learn from each other. Small Business X-Change meets regularly throughout the year from 7:30 am - 8:30 am at the Portage County Business Council office.
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02.2012 \\ portage county, wisconsin
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a bit about our newest members \\ BIG MAC MEDIA, LLC \\ Karen glinski
2012 Business Expo 03.26.12 - 03.27.12 Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center Presented by \\
Stevens Point \\ 715-544-0106 \\ karengski@live.com www.bigmacmedia.com Join Date \\ 01.26.2012
CENTRAL WISCONSIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC \\
ITINERARY
DAVID MCHONE
Exposition Set-Up \\ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Exhibitor Set-Up \\ 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Business After Hours \\ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Stevens Point \\ 715-310-3963 \\ dlmchonesr@gmail.com Join Date \\ 01.18.2012
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS \\ jESSIE HLAD Wausau \\ 800-581-0081 \\ jhlad@chartercom.com www.charter.com Join Date \\ 01.10.2012
MEC PARTY RENTALS, INC. \\ DAVID DAHLQUIST Wausau \\ 715-849-5758 \\ mecdave@msn.com www.mecparty.com Join Date \\ 01.06.2012
ABOUT MEC Party Rentals is a party rental store for weddings, expos, private parties, graduations, and you name it. They are here to satisfy all your party needs. They also offer inflatables and other fun events that any kid can enjoy and have a great time.
REDEVELOPMENT RESOURCES \\ KRISTEN FISH Wausau \\ 715-581-4339 \\ kfish@redevelopment-resources.com http://www.redevelopment-resources.com Join Date \\ 01.25.2012
SHERWIN WILLIAMS COMPANY \\ ALEX KETCHUM Stevens Point \\ 715-344-4630 \\ swrep6908@sherwin.com www.sherwin-williams.com Join Date \\ 01.11.2012
Do you know a local Business that would like to become a member? Contact US! Mary Jo Monday 715-344-1940 \\ mmonday@portagecountybiz.com
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03.26.2012 \\
03.27.2012 \\ Keynote Speaker \\ 9:00 am - 10:30 am Show Floor Open to Public \\ 11:00 am - 6:30 pm Exhibitor & Show Tear Down \\ 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
OVERVIEW Where can you network with 500+ prospects, under one roof and all in one day for a fraction of what it would cost to schedule one-on-one appointments with these people? Are you looking to launch a new product or service? Then consider reserving a booth at the Expo.
» CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR BOOTH » CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON SPONSORSHIPS THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS vip Sponsor \\
DETAILS Back by popular demand, the 2012 Business Expo is sporting a new theme…Building A Championship Team. Gather your team together & decide which plays will make you a winner!
Awards \\ Special Teams Award \\
executive Sponsor \\
Premier Sponsor \\
Presented to the Best Booth Staff
1st & Goal \\ Presented for the Most Innovative Booth
Rookie of the Year \\ Awarded to the Best 1st Time Exhibitor
Partner Sponsors \\
MVP Award \\ Presented to the Best of Show
keynote speaker Mr. Wayne Kostroski, Founder of the Taste of the NFL, a nationally recognized organization known for its work to kick hunger in America, raising and distributing over $11 million to local and national hunger organizations. Hear Wayne deliver his keynote presentation “Giving is Good Business – Achieving Super Bowl Results with Personal, Professional and Community Goals”, on Tuesday, March 27 from 9:00 am 10:30 am.
» CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON WAYNE
The active voice \\ Portage county Business Council Newsletter
Keynote Speaker SponsoR \\
Exhibitor Packet SponsoR \\
Newspaper Sponsor \\
RADIO SPONSORS \\
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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. January kicked off with the letter “A”, February features a business that begins with “B”, and so on.
Bushman electric crane & sign, inc. 4925 Coye Drive \\ Stevens Point, WI 715-341-4942 www.bushmanelectric.com Join Date \\ 03.01.1992
What they have to say \\ For over 30 years Bushman Electric has provided quality electrical contracting and services to the community. From farm wiring, electrical upgrades, lighting conversions, and issues from storm damage- both commercial and residential, our experienced crew can tackle your projects big and small. And even more, electrical is not all we do. With a motivated business ideal, we’ve since expanded to a full service sign company
offering all services from design to installation of all your exterior and interior signage needs. We offer illuminated and non-illuminated signage, LED and neon signs, banners, vehicle graphics, logo design, displays and more. Our in house graphics department can help you create a new look for your business and with our fleet of bucket trucks and mobile cranes we’re equipped to get your new sign up and help you get customers through the door. We also provide crane service to the construction and HVAC industries and tree removal services. All divisions of our business share a lot of commonalities, which provides our customers with many conveniences- and can help save large equipment costs and minimum charges to coordinate multiple contractors. In one call you can schedule a re-lamping of your parking lot, and order a banner for an upcoming business conference, and arrange a time to set trusses for the new garage you’re putting up in your backyard. Bushman has been a member of the PCBC since 1992. “We find the PCBC a great organization to help gain leads on new businesses coming to the area that we can offer our services to. We also have made great connections with other businesses that are also a part of the PCBC, which would not have been made without being a part this great organization.
Over the years, we have established many strong relationships in the community and are looking forward to creating more as Portage County continues to grow. Give us a call and we can help you get noticed,” stated Bailey Bushman, Designer & Manager at Bushman Electric. \\\\\
L3: Lunch, Learn, Lead 02.23.12 \\ 11:45 am - 1:00 pm National Wellness institute » REGISTER Join Ignite Leadership Network of Portage County for our February L3 with Brandan DuChateau, Executive Director of the National Wellness Institute, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, serving health and wellness professionals and organizations that promote optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities. In addition, Brandan teaches Health Promotion Marketing at the UW - Stevens Point and online through the University of Wisconsin Extension. DuChateau has a diverse background including time spent in Washington, D.C. as an investigative journalist covering politics, alternative energy, transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration and electronic commerce for Inside Washington. She has also served as the Marketing Director for Paddler, Kayak and The Drake while concurrently serving as Public Relations Director for the American Canoe Association and its 50,000 members. A position as the Marketing Director for a Wisconsin publisher, and the inability to find a parking place in Washington, D.C., eventually moved DuChateau west. DuChateau currently serves on the Portage County United Way’s Communications Committee and volunteers at the Humane Society whenever possible. She is also a proud graduate of Leadership Portage County. This program is designed to be an intimate roundtable discussion over lunch with area business and community leaders and is an opportunity for Ignite members to meet area leaders and hear their personal stories while engaging in a conversation about life, community and leadership. Limited to 25 participants. \\\\\
02.2012 \\ portage county, wisconsin
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Annual Dinner From Page 1 points during the year by attending business events such as ribbon cuttings, grand openings, Business After Hours, registration person at countless events, visits to new and existing businesses, monthly meetings, acted as spokesperson on many occasions, Past President and Chairperson of many committees. He has definitely exceeded the membership requirements of the Ambassador Club! Jeff has been a member of the Central Wisconsin SCORE chapter for over 7 years. SCORE is the volunteer organization that provides face to face counseling and mentoring for small business owners and entrepreneurs. In addition, he is active in four Toastmaster clubs - serving as Area Governor and Division Governor. He received the highest honor in 2009 - The Distinguished Toastmaster Award. Besides his involvement with PCBC, Jeff gives back to the community in many ways. He is involved with the Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club, President of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Board member of Justiceworks and served on the Board of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Architectural Woodwork Institute.
in downtown Stevens Point. They have exhibited continued growth and economic health since opening their doors on April 1, 1985. That’s no April Fool’s joke! Owner, Lee Ayers started the business in downtown with nine jewelry cases that had a lot of space between the pieces and one employee besides himself. He has remained in downtown and now has 13 employees who have worked for the store for twenty plus years, including Wisconsin’s most awarded designer – Thomas Dailing. Ongoing commitment to the community is evident through donations, involvement and support to many organizations including, but not limited to the PCBC, American Cancer Society, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Women’s Fund of Portage County, Saint Michael’s Hospital, Pacelli Panacea, Plover/ Whiting Lions Club, Farm Medicine Center, Empty Bowls, Boys & Girls Club, Ruffed Grouse Society, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and many local churches and schools. In addition, Lee Ayers personally served as a cofounder for the Riverfront Jazz Festival and is involved is the Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club and the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra. Voted as “Best Jewelry Store in Portage County” in 2010 and 2011 – Congratulations to owner Lee Ayers and his team at Lee Ayers Jewelers for receiving the award!
Decree of Excellence Award The Decree of Excellence Award was presented to a business contributing to the economic vitality of Portage County – Blenker Companies, Inc. As you pull into Blenker Building Systems parking lot located in Amherst, you will see a 90,000 square foot, one-stop shopping facility. In the
There are currently 30 active Ambassadors with the Portage County Business Council who recognize and promote business start-ups, business expansions, change in business ownership and relocated business operations that occur within Portage County. If you are interested in joining the Ambassadors Club or just want to hear more about it, contact Karen at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@ portagecountybiz.com.
Small Business of the Year Award Lee Ayers Jewelers received the 2011 Small Business of the Year Award, presented by the Portage County Business Council. Lee Ayers Jewelers has experienced significant growth over 26 years, which can be attributed beginning, Blenker was a general contracting and remodeling business that started in 1974. Through ambition, technology and hard work Blenker became Blenker Building Systems as you see it today. The most important things have remained the same throughout the years – ingenuity, quality and good oldfashioned customer service. In late October 2010, they unveiled their new business – “Envision. Home At Last”. This is a dealer based home builder network system located throughout the Midwest. With this new business they have now grown into 7 states – Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Today Blenker Companies has grown to 65 full-time, plus up to 25 seasonal/temporary contracted, and are hiring more! to aggressive community support and an ongoing goal to provide quality merchandise, custom design and customer appreciation. Lee Ayers Jewelers is a full-service jeweler located at 1044 Main Street
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The active voice \\ Portage county Business Council Newsletter
All of the Blenker Companies owners including Pam Jewell, Peter Blenker, Jason Blenker, Justin Blenker and Kristifer Blenker have a strong commitment to the community and is reflected in the organizations they are involved in. They are strong supporters of the PCBC, United Way of Portage County, UWSP Foundation, Amherst Business Association, Tomorrow River Lions,
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Operation Bootstrap, Iola Old Car Show, Golden Sands Home Builders, Wisconsin Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders to name a few. Pam Jewell herself was recipient of the Wisconsin Builders “Hall of Fame” Award in 2011 and was chosen as “One of 10 Women Who Inspire” for the YOU issue of the Stevens Point Journal. The Blenker Family are cherished leaders that continue reaching out to our community to enhance the quality of life we all enjoy!
Thanks for the support The Business Council extends its appreciation to the many businesses, organizations and individuals for their generous support of the 2012 Annual Dinner.
Presenting Sponsor \\
President’s Award The Portage County Business Council presented Dan Mahoney, Administrator for the Village of Plover, the 2011 President’s Award. Dan was selected by Jeff Peterson, 2011 PCBC President. Dan is someone who through outstanding commitment to volunteerism makes significant improvements and enhancements to the quality of life here in Portage County. He demonstrates a spirit of cooperation and commitment to the PCBC, the Portage County business community and economic development of the area. “Dan has been a key member of the legislative committee. He has helped lead the Council’s assistance with issues related to one of our member’s contract negotiations with the State of Wisconsin. Dan has been very proactive in working with the other municipalities in the community for the betterment of the group as a whole. His involvement has been very integral to the Business Council’s mission,” says Peterson. Dan has made his mark as one of our communities most respected and influential leaders. We are pleased to have Dan choose Portage County as the place to ‘make a difference’... because indeed, he has! \\\\\
Award Sponsors \\
Silent Auction contributors \\ Adventure 212 Fitness, Anderson O’Brien, Andrews Ltd, Barber’s Shoppe, Bev’s Floral & Gifts, Big Apple Bagels, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage County, Blenker Companies, Inc., Brody Designs, LLC, Central City Credit Union, Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum, Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, Community First Bank, Contemporary Photography, Country Inn & Suites, Cutie Pie Photo Studio, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, D&D Automotive Services, Inc., Durclean Specialists, Fazoli’s Restaurant, Figi’s Inc., Frank’s Hardware Co., Inc., General Beer, Grazies Italian Grill, Harmony of Stevens Point, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Iron Cuff, IROW, Lee Ayers Jewelers, Ligman & Wille CPA LLC, Manpower, M&I Bank, Notable Impressions, Pientka Auction Service, The Pineries Bank, The Portage County Bank, Portage County Gazette, Rasmussen College, Rockman’s Catering, Saint Michael’s Hospital, Scott’s Lawn Care, Sentry Insurance, Slumberland Furniture of Stevens Point, Stevens Point Area YMCA, Stevens Point Brewery, Stevens Point Country Club, Studio 2827,
Career Expo 04.10.12 \\ 8:30 am - 12:00 Pm hOLIDAY iNN hOTEL & cONVENTION cENTER » CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM
Team Schierl Companies, UW - Stevens Point, Welling Kitchen & Bath, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Wisconsin River Golf Club, Worzalla Publishing Company
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2011-12 PIE platinum INVESTORS \\
Students are making important career decisions today. Whether considering what courses to take next year or deciding on their post-secondary education plans, input from those who will someday employ them is critical to their success. Join us April 10, 2012 from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, and help us expose students to a wide range of educational opportunities and career paths— right here in Portage County. By participating in Career Expo, you can provide students with the necessary information regarding the skills, qualifications and duties of your career, careers that are available, or that will be coming available, right here in our local economy. Please complete the registration form and return to PCBC by Friday March, 16, 2012 . For more information on Career Expo 2012 or our other Partners in Education programming please contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or fdn@portagecounty.biz. \\\\\
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Seeking Nominations for Awards
American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet 03.12.12 \\ 6:00 pm - 8:45 pm UWSP, Dreyfus University Center - Laird Room
The PCBC invites you to nominate a business or business person for one of the prestigious 2012 Awards. Nominations are being sought for the Friend of Small Business and Entrepreneur of the Year. Both awards will be presented at the Small Business Breakfast on Friday, May 4, 2012.
FRIEND OF SMALL BUSINESS \\ » CLICK HERE FOR the nomination form ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR \\ » CLICK HERE FOR the nomination form Your nominations are due by Friday, March 9, 2012. Self nominations are encouraged.
» REGISTER The Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council invites Business Council members and their guests to the 2012 American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet on Monday, March 12th. The event will be held at the UW - Stevens Point, Dreyfus University Center - Laird Room.
For more information on these awards, please contact Karen at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@ portagecountybiz.com. \\\\\
We will recognize several individuals who have contributed to the success of agri-business in Portage County. Area students will be recognized in the area of both 4-H and FFA, Agri-Business Scholarships and the 2012 Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award will be presented during the program. Be sure to attend!
ITINERARY Social \\ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Dinner & Keynote Presentation \\ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm Awards \\ 8:15 pm - 8:45 pm For reservations register online or contact PCBC at 715-344-1940. \\\\\
Sponsorship Opportunities still AVAILABLE Women in Business Upcoming Events Thursday, March 22, 2012 - presented by the Arts Alliance of Portage County Thursday, June 21, 2012 Thursday, September 27, 2012 Thursday, December 13, 2012 Watch for more information on the March Women in Business Event in the next Active Voice newsletter.
• Recognition as the Presenting Sponsor on all emails to over 1,300 member contacts • Opportunity to provide token gift to all attendees • Registration list of guests • 1 complimentary ticket to event • A company reserved table for preferential seating at Women in Business Luncheon
Tote Bag Donor \\ (1 Remains Available) Provide 150 of your own company gift bags • Verbal recognition at event as gift bag sponsor
An opportunity is available to Business Council members wishing to play a greater role in our Women in Business Luncheons in 2012. Here’s how it works…
• Insertion of promotional piece in bag
PRESENTING SPONSOR \\ (3 Available - 1 per Event) $250
Door Prize Sponsor \\
• Corporate Sponsor of the Event
Provide door prize to be given away at event
• Display space with 8’ table at event
• Verbal recognition at event as door prize sponsor
• Company logo displayed on PCBC - Women in Business webpage (including a “link” to
• Company name in event program
company website) – placed in a prominent location • Opportunity to introduce keynote speaker • Insertion of promotional piece in bag • Pre-event promotion in local print media and radio • Company logo on all event marketing materials including registration flyer, newsletter and event program
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The active voice \\ Portage county Business Council Newsletter
• Display space with 8’ table at event • Company name in event program
All Women in Business events are held from 11:15 am - 1:00 pm. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity at an affordable cost. Act Fast! Contact Karen at 715-344-1940 or at kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com for questions or to secure your sponsorship. \\\\\
Trade & Industry Development Magazine Features Local PORTAGE COUNTY Businesses Did you know that Pointe Precision manufactures aerospace components found in the fuel control systems of major manufacturers’ aircraft engines? Or that they produce components used in the braking systems of NASCAR vehicles? How about Marten Machining’s production of parts for the UW-Madison’s ice core drilling project in Antarctica and for a new infrared device at its South African’s observatory? The January / February 2012 issue of Trade & Industry Development is centered on research and development providing an excellent opportunity to feature these Portage County businesses.
» CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PUBLICATION The article Local-level R&D is Driving Growth in Communities from Coast to Coast (starting on page 24) features a photo provided by Marten Machining on page 30 and, starting on page 33, a section entitled Local Research Drives Business Development in Vicinity continues on page 34 to spotlight Pointe Precision, Marten Machining, and Wisconsin Institute of Sustainable Technology (WIST) at UWSP. In a time of economic challenges, these businesses are thriving and we’re glad they call Portage County home. To further promote economic development in our area, a full page ad was developed and placed in this issue (page 79). The Resource Guide at the back of the publication contains a listing of economic development organizations for site selector use and includes the Portage County Business Council as a contact. The PCBC is also listed on the Trade & Industry Development website. Do you have ideas or know of a business that would like to check out Portage County? Contact Lori Dehlinger at ldehling@portagecountybiz.com today! \\\\\
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2012 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECTORS \\
meetings & other DATES \\
Executive Board
February 2012
Ed Spencer - President, Donaldson Company, Inc. David McHone - President Elect, Central WI Managment Services, LLC Susan Placzek - Vice President, SentryWorld Sports Center Jeff Peterson - Past President, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Sue Wille - Treasurer, Ligman & Wille CPA LLC Sue Wilcox - Member at Large, United Way of Portage County Dave Worth - Member at Large, The Worth Company Lori Dehlinger, Executive Director, Portage County Business Council, Inc.
03 LPC Alumni Annual Meeting - 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm, O’So Brewing Company 09 Ambassador Club Meeting & Visits – 8:00 am, PCBC - Foundation Room 15 Executive Committee Meeting - 7:30 am - 9:00 am, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP 16 SalesNet Meeting - 11:45 am - 1:00 pm, PCBC - Foundation Room 22 Board of Directors Meeting - 7:30 am - 9:00 am, PCBC - Foundation Room 23 Ambassador Club Visits – 3:30 pm & 4:00 pm, Sites TBA
Board of Directors Tom Altmann - Altmann Construction Company Scot Barton - Pointe Precision Dan Beighley - Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Margo Bronk - McCain Foods Lisa Bourget - Travel Guard, Inc. Kris Dragan - M&I Patty Dreier - Portage County Executive Rick Flugaur - Past President, Anderson O’Brien Scott Glinski - Skyward Andrew Halverson - Mayor, City of Stevens Point O. Phillip Idsvoog - Portage County Board Chair Lonnie Krogwold - Portage County Board Finance Chair Nyra Lind - Ambassador Representative, ABR Employment Services Richard O’Sullivan - Mid-State Technical College Mark Patrick - Notable Impressions Bernie Patterson - University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Al Pennebecker - Saint Michael’s Hospital Dan Schlutter - Village of Plover Lisa Sobczak - ABR Employment Services JoAnn Vosz - Community First Bank Attila Weninger - Stevens Point Area Public Schools Ward Wolff - First Weber Group Realtors Mike Williams - Sentry Insurance Gary Wysocki - Paragon Farms Robert Worth - Director Emeritus, The Worth Company
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
March 2012 09 School Board Candidate Forum - 7:30 am - 9:00 am, PCBC - Foundation Room 16 Judicial Candidate Forum - 7:30 am - 9:00 am, PCBC - Foundation Room
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Buy local Purchasing Portage County gift certificates continues to be a successful way to “Buy Local”. Portage County gift certificates makes 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 Portage County Business Council would like to thank everyone who participates for helping make the program successful. We would also like to thank M&I 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 - Executive Director Mary Jo Monday - Director of Member Relations Karen Schanock - Director of Programs & Events Sarah O’Donnell - Director of Foundation Kari Thompson - Business & Office Operations Director Heather Nennig - Administrative / Marketing Assistant
ldehling@portagecountybiz.com
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mmonday@portagecountybiz.com
Heather Nennig \\ admin@portagecountybiz.com
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P 715-344-1940 \\ F 715-344-4473
fdn@portagecountybiz.com acctg@portagecountybiz.com admin@portagecountybiz.com
Portage County Business Council & Foundation \\ 5501 Vern Holmes Drive \\ Stevens Point, WI 54482
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The active voice \\ Portage county Business Council Newsletter
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