05.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN
upcoming EVENTS \\
IN THIS ISSUE \\
MAXimize Your Membership
GIRLS IN PEARLS BOUTIQUE RECOGNIZED BY BUSINESS COUNCIL (8) SAVE THE DATE FOR JUNE WOMEN IN BUSINESS (3) PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO INCOMING UWSP STUDENTS (3) LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR 2014-15 & APRIL SUMMARY (9) MEMBER OF THE MONTH - DAVE’S TAP CLEANING (4) BUSINESS ON THE GREEN - GOLFERS SIGN UP NOW! (6) LIMITED SPONSORSHIPS FOR BUSINESS ON THE GREEN REMAIN (7) TERRI TAYLOR HONORED AS AMBASSADOR OF THE 1ST QUARTER (1) MANUFACTURING & AGRICULTURE CREDIT VIRTUALLY ELIMINATES TAX ON INCOME FROM MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN (5) SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE (2) BUSINESS BRIEFS (2) BUSINESS AFTER HOURS (3) NEW MEMBERS (4) MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP SESSION (5) REALITY SHOP - A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR LOCAL STUDENTS (9)
Wednesday, May 7, 2014 \\ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Portage County Business Council, Foundation Room 5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482
» REGISTER
Small Business X-Change Wednesday, May 14, 2014 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Portage County Business Council, Foundation Room 5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482
» REGISTER SalesNet
Thursday, May 15, 2014 \\ 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Portage County Business Council, Foundation Room 5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482
» REGISTER
Business After Hours Monday, May 19, 2014 \\ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 340 Divison Street | Stevens Point, WI 54481 (Please note the earlier start time!)
» REGISTER
Business on the Green Monday, June 2, 2014 \\ 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM Shotgun Start 9:30 AM Stevens Point Country Club & Wisconsin River Golf Club
» REGISTER
2014-2015 Leadership Portage County August 22 - 23, 2014, Opening Retreat Meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month through May 21, 2015
» CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION
*If you’re reading this as a pdf online, click an article title above to jump directly to that page.
MEMBER LOGIN AREA UPDATE We’ve updated our Member Login area, located at http://business.portagecountybiz.com/login. Once logged in, you will notice the new features and easy navigation on the dashboard. Update your profile today, to get the most out of your membership and reach more potential customers! Questions or can’t login? Contact Sarah at admin@portagecountybiz.com.
TERRI TAYLOR HONORED AS AMBASSADOR OF THE 1ST QUARTER On a quarterly basis, the Ambassadors Club takes the opportunity to recognize one of its members for outstanding commitment. This commitment is measured by their participation in meetings, events, grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies during a three-month timeframe. During the first quarter of 2014, Terri Taylor was named the Ambassador of the Quarter. Terri works at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as the Associate Director of Alumni Affairs in University Advancement. She has been an Ambassador since 2001. Congratulations Terri on your recent achievement! The Business Council Board of Directors, Ambassadors Club and staff appreciate your efforts on behalf of the organization.
SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE 5.14.14 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM
» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
> Continental Breakfast served > No cost to attend but the value of the information may be priceless!
SPONSOR
ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE Small Business X-Change meets regularly throughout the year at the Portage County Business Council office. A roundtable series of meetings that allows business owners and their employees the opportunity to discuss pertinent topics, learn from local industry leaders and, most importantly, learn from each other.
TOPIC: “PUT YOUR WEBSITE TO WORK” Although you may have a website it doesn’t mean that it is working as hard as it could be. Many small business owners and entrepreneurs are making costly website mistakes that are turning away prospective clients and customers. Simple changes can turn your website into a sales-driving machine. Key points that participants will learn as a result of attending: 1. How to get prospective customers to convert with effective Call to Actions (CTAs). 2. How to improve the overall user experience with basic improvements. 3. How to keep the search engines coming back to rank your site with fresh, new content. 4. How to measure the effectiveness of your website with analytics.
business BRIEFS \\
Katy Bailey is an Internet Marketing Consultant at the Little Online Marketing Company. She graduated with a BBA in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Katy has worked in the online marketing industry for five years and has experience in blogging, copywriting, social media, email marketing and SEO. Her passion is to help small businesses improve their presence online.
Katy Bailey
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.
Recently, TMA+Peritus won 13 American Advertising Awards in the Milwaukee - Madison competition. That was more than any other ad agency. TMA+Peritus’ clients won awards such as: the Silver Medal for Point-of-Purchase to the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers, Silver Medal TV Commercial to Nicolet College, and Silver Medal E-Book - How to Put the ROI in Your URL to TMA+Peritus. \\ Nick Brandl, Ellis Stone Construction assistant project manager, has completed the Associated General Contractors of America Project Manager Development Program. This program is a construction specific training curriculum for contractors. The program covers project management essentials for emerging project managers and provides a solid foundation for long-term career development. Brandl joined Ellis Stone in June 2013 after graduating from UW of Stout and has been involved in several projects including the Great Northern Distillery in Plover, the Health + Fitness Headquarters in Waupaca, and is currently working on the remodel of the Steven Point Fire Station. \\
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PRESENTED BY
Margaret Carroll, a resident of Kimberly, has been named CAP Services’ new Director of Development. Carroll will be based out of CAP’s Appleton office and will be responsible for mobilizing private funds to support CAP programs throughout its service area. Carroll succeeds Naomi Dvorachek who is stepping down after 15 years with CAP. “Naomi has been a wonderful asset to CAP and we are sad to see her go, but we are also very grateful to be able to welcome Margaret to our organization,” said Mary Patoka, CAP’s President and CEO. “Margaret’s experience in nonprofit fund development and belief in CAP’s mission will be critical as the agency moves forward.” Carroll’s previous work includes five years as Development Director for Mount Tabor Center in Menasha. She brings many years of fostering relationships and sales experience for various companies before that. Carroll has a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and Business with an emphasis on Marketing from the University of Northern Iowa. \\
THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
Physical Therapy Associates recently provided a session for the Portage County Business Council employees regarding workplace ergonomics. The session included an informational talk on correct posture and appropriate stretches for those sitting in a desk several hours a day. The session finished with an ergonomic assessment of each employee’s workspace. The PCBC employees report that the suggested changes have been made to their desk areas and that their backs are much less tense at the end of the day! \\ The Samuels Group is accepting registrations and sponsorships for its annual Tees for Kids Golf Scramble, a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network. The event will take place on Monday, June 9 at the Wausau Country Club. \\ The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club is now accepting applications for 2014 Optimist Scholarships, administered by the Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club. Up to $3,000 in scholarship money will be awarded. Scholarships will be presented to winning recipients in the Fall of 2014.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE JUNE WOMEN IN BUSINESS
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
6.26.14 \\ 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM » CLICK HERE TO REGISTER PRESENTED BY
5.19.14 \\ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM » CLICK HERE TO REGISTER » MAP HOST\ ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Pfiffner Building in Pfiffner Park (with Rockman’s Catering) Crosby Avenue, Stevens Point Guest Speaker: Ron Strege,
Ron Strege has been presenting on topics relating to diversity and understanding your story for 25 years. Ron holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater and a Masters in Counselor Education from Western Illinois. He is currently the Director for Diversity and College Access at UW-Stevens Point. He has 23 years of professional management experience and 17 years of working with Inclusivity issues.
MEDIA SPONSOR
Special thanks to Midwest Communications Radio Group.
Ron Strege
What attendees will learn as a result of attending this Women in Business event: • Diversity is not just about being politically correct • An understanding of the role stereotypes play in our world
4:00-7:00pm (Please note earlier start time) The Visitor Information Center is located at 340 Division Street North Stevens Point, WI 54481
Join us for our June Women in Business as guest speaker Ron Strege presents “Telling Our Stories”. In an interactive manner, we will take a look at diversity through our own lenses. The understanding of others starts with an understanding of ourselves.
Join us on Monday, May 19, 2014 to celebrate National Tourism Week and tourism in Portage County at Business After Hours hosted by the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and door prize giveaways. RSVP by Friday, May 16, 2014.
UPCOMING WOMEN IN BUSINESS EVENTS
No Cost to Attend.
Thursday, September 25, 2014 Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center Presenting Sponsor: Ministry Health Care Thursday, December 11, 2014 SentryWorld Sports Center, Grand Hall (formerly known as High Court) Presenting Sponsor: CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO INCOMING UWSP STUDENTS! The Business Council and the Ambassadors Club will sponsor a community information booth at the Dreyfus University Center during UW-Stevens Point’s New Student Orientation Program June 2– June 24, 2014. The booth will be set up from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. The booth provides information from Business Council members and Portage County to new students and their parents. In past years, this booth has been a great success. Over 1,000 people have stopped to pick up information for new students and parents who will visit Portage County during the years that their child attends UWSP. Business Council members interested in displaying their brochures should drop off 800 copies at the Business Council office no later than Friday, May 16, 2014. For questions, contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.
05.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN
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a bit about OUR NEWEST MEMBERS \\ GREAT NORTHERN DISTILLING PEG LEWELLIN
Plover \\ 715-544-6551 \\ http://www.facebook.com/GreatNorthernDistilling
peg@gndwi.com \\ Join Date \\ 4/3/2014 About \\ Great Northern’s spirits are crafted in small batches in our handmade copper still. Our process starts with sourcing the higest quality ingredients from local farmers. Whether it is potatoes for our vodka, grain for our whiskey, or fruit for our brandy, we are committed to sustainable sourcing from within 150 miles of the distillery. We distill, bottle, and sell our spirits on site and will feature tours, tasting, and a mixology bar. Our spacious lounge and bar is also available to rent for private parties or tours. Our products include Potato Vodka, Herbalist Gin, Old Fashion Brandy, Four Grain Whiskey, and Jezynowka (Polish Blackberry Brandy). Availibility will be limited with some products that require barrel aging to achieve the highest quality spirit. Our mission is simple - make great liquor.
STEEL KING INDUSTRIES INC DAN LADD
Stevens Point \\ 715-341-3120 \\ http://www.steelking.com \\ dladd@steelking.com \\ Join Date \\ 4/7/2014
THE MURPHY INSURANCE GROUP, LLC LARS SCHULTZ
Waunakee \\ 608-849-6873 \\ http://www.murphyinsurance.com \\ lars.schultz@murphyinsurance.com \\ Join Date \\ 4/10/2014
LAUTERBACH LEGAL, LLC MICHAEL LAUTERBACH
Stevens Point \\ 715-544-8393 \\ http://www.lauterbach-legal.com \\ mjl@lauterbach-legal.com \\ Join Date \\ 4/15/2014
HO-CHUNK GAMING NEKOOSA LYNETTE LEGARDE Nekoosa \\ 715-886-4560 \\
DO YOU KNOW A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT WOULD BENEFIT FROM MEMBERSHIP? CONTACT Mary Jo Monday 715-344-1940 \\ mmonday@portagecountybiz.com \\
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HO-CHUNK GAMING NEKOOSA, CONTINUED http://www.rbcwin.com \\ Join Date \\ 2/24/2014 About \\ Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa is owned and operated by the Ho-Chunk Nation. It opened on October 14, 1993 and offers 16,650 square feet of gaming. Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa has over 650 slot machines which includes: Progressive, Video Poker, and Area Wide Progressives from 1 cent to $5. It also offers table games, a restaurant, snack bar, lounge, shuttle bus, banquet center, and RV/Camping.
EXPRESS RECYCLING SOLUTIONS TIM ZACHER
Wisconsin Rapids \\ 715-342-9999 \\ http://www.expressrecycling.biz\\ email@expressrecycling.biz \\ Join Date \\ 3/17/2014 About\\ Express Recycling continues as a family owned business. This business was started in Wisconsin Rapids, and in 2008 expanded to Stevens Point. Our goal is to provide a friendly, easy recycling service to residents of the community, while also serving commercial accounts. Express Recycling specializes in nonferrous metals; however we can handle other commercial recycling needs such as paper, plastics, light bulbs, etc.
JUDY RANNOW CONSULTING & DESIGN JUDY RANNOW
Stevens Point \\ 540-414-5168 \\ http://judyrannowconsulting.wordpress.com \\ rannowja@gmail.com \\ Join Date \\ 8/5/2013 About \\ Judy Rannow Consulting & Design recently relocated to Stevens Point from Virginia. While most clients are on the east and west coasts, I am excited to bring my expertise back to Wisconsin. As a Professional Development Specialist, I focus on what individuals and organizations need to improve performance. First, I determine need and then provide appropriate solutions. My goal is to make the complex simple through fast and effective professional development interventions. Interventions include training, coaching, and systems or process improvements. Services include facilitation, workshops and program design/development. A sampling of popular workshop topics will be offered on May 6, 2014 at the PCBC. Businesses can use their website login to: -post job openings* -create, post, and register for events -manage account -view member directory -post hot deals * member job postings are also posted to the PCBC facebook and twitter page, for free.
THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
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.
DAVE’S TAP CLEANING 1203 North Wilshire Drive \\ Stevens Point, WI (715) 341-5898 \\ djway60@yahoo.com \\ Join Date \\ 7/30/97
What they have to say \\ Dave’s Tap Cleaning has been owned and operated by Dave Way of Stevens Point for over 40 years. He bought the established business in 1973 and had a total of about 15 accounts in the Stevens Point, Plover, and Amherst area. The business grew over the years to include clients of Waupaca, Waushara and Marathon counties. Often people don’t realize that if beer lines are not cleaned on a regular basis, a yeast build up causes the beer to taste odd and may even have unwanted materials floating in it. One of the biggest changes Dave has seen over the years, is the number of different types of beers offered in establishments. We live in an age of great beers, which requires more effort in keeping clean lines for quality taste. Dave’s son Eric has taken on more clients as Dave’s Tap will become Point Tap Cleaning. Dave and Eric recently attended a workshop in New Glarus which focused on improved communication with bar and restaurant owners concerning the care of their tap beer systems.
Dave & Eric attend a workshop at New Glarus Brewery
Did you forget your username and/or password to login on our website? Call our office or email us at admin@portagecountybiz.com and we will get it for you! Remember, all of these services are free as part of your membership dues.
MANUFACTURING AND AGRICULTURE CREDIT VIRTUALLY ELIMINATES THE TAX ON INCOME FROM MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN
MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION IS CELEBRATED IN WISCONSIN Wisconsin is well known for our manufacturing leadership. And because innovations in this industry continue to create a competitive advantage for our state, we provide specific incentives to manufacturers to maximize their production here. Chief among them is the Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit, which virtually eliminates the tax on income from manufacturing activity in the state.
HOW IT WORKS The manufacturing and agriculture tax credit is available to individuals and entities for taxable years that begin on or after January 1, 2013, for manufacturing and agricultural activities in Wisconsin. The tax credit is available for income derived from manufacturing or agricultural property located in Wisconsin and will offset a significant share of Wisconsin income taxes.
CLAIMING THE MANUFACTURING AND AGRICULTURE CREDIT The schedule to be used to claim the Wisconsin Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit is available on the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website at www.revenue.wi.gov. For more information about qualifying for the credit, excluded activities, and income reporting requirements, visit the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website listed above.
The credit is a percentage of “eligible qualified production activities income.” It is being phased in as follows:
Tax year 2013 = 1.875% Tax year 2014 = 3.75% Tax year 2015 = 5.526% Tax year 2016 = 7.5%
For a corporation, eligible qualified production activities income is the lesser of:
eligible qualified production activities income, income apportioned to Wisconsin, or income taxable to Wisconsin as determined by combined reporting law, if the corporation is a member of a Wisconsin combined group.
The amount of credit not entirely offset against Wisconsin income or franchise taxes may be carried forward and credited against Wisconsin income or franchise taxes due for up to 15 years.
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05.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN
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BUSINESS ON THE GREEN 6.2.14 \\ 8:30 AM REGISTRATION IS YOUR FOURSOME REGISTERED? » CLICK HERE TO REGISTER The Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council invites you to their 25th Annual Business on the Green golf outing. The event is scheduled for Monday, June 2nd with a shotgun start at 9:30am at the Stevens Point Country Club and Wisconsin River Golf Club. After the golf outing, golfers are invited to join us at the 19th Hole Networking Event taking place at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point beginning at 3:00pm. A plentiful picnic buffet style service featuring BBQ Pulled Pork (with Kaiser buns), Tomato Bruschetta Chicken Breast, Vegetarian Pasta Primavera, Golden American Potato Salad, Fruit Salad and delicious assorted Mini Desserts, raffle prizes, and awards to round out the days events. A special thank you to our Diamond/19th Hole Networking Sponsors: BMO Harris Bank, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Community First Bank, Ministry Health Care and Sentry Insurance. Golfers in this year’s outing have the opportunity to choose from two highly rated Wisconsin courses. The Stevens Point Country Club, a private course built in 1925, is an 18-hole Bent grass course and home of the 2000 Wisconsin State Open. The Wisconsin River Golf Club is a public golf course set amid the picturesque Wisconsin River. The 18-hole course offers rustic river views surrounded by wildlife.
TO REGISTER FOR GOLF: STEVENS POINT COUNTRY CLUB – SORRY, SOLD OUT WISCONSIN RIVER GOLF CLUB - CLICK HERE
$125 Per Golfer and You Receive: • 18 Holes of Golf (includes green fees) • Motorized Cart • Range Balls • Two Beverage Tickets (for domestic beer or soda) • Lunch on Course • Golf Bag • Insulated Lunch Bag • Hole Events • Dinner ticket for 19th Hole Networking Event at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center • Hole-In-One Event at the Wisconsin River Golf Club to win your very own 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT, SE-6 in Pearl White valued at $22,999, compliments of The Portage County Bank .
NOT A GOLFER, BUT WANT TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN? DINNER ONLY PACKAGE: Plan to join us for an afternoon/evening filled with great food, friendly conversation, and an opportunity to win some great door prizes. 3:00 PM Social, Cash Bar, Dinner Buffet and Prize Giveaways Dinner Only Package @ $25 per person
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
19th Hole Dinner 2013 06
THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
• Hole-in-One Event at the Stevens Point Country Club to win a $10,000 Hawaiian Golf Vacation including 8 days / 7 nights at the luxurious RitzCarlton Kapalua. Package includes roundtrip airfare for two, four rounds of golf per person and $1,500 spending cash, compliments of Mark Motors Automotive.
PLUS 19th Hole Networking Event including: • Raffle Drawings • Hole Event Announcements • Golf Team Prizes • Cash Bar • Plus Much More
LIMITED SPONSORSHIPS REMAIN
GOLD LEVEL $850 ONLY 4 REMAIN (EITHER GOLD OR GOLD 2)
With over 280 golfers participating and additional business representatives attending the 19th Hole Networking Event, the 2014 event will be a great environment to expand your contacts.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
You have a great opportunity to be further involved in the event by taking advantage of a Sponsorship…only a few spots remain! Don’t miss this! Contact Karen Schanock at kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com or at 715-344-1940 TODAY for details.
2013 Gold Level - Hole Sponsor
Corporate sponsors of one hole at the golf event on 1 course, includes foursome Anderson O’Brien Bull’s Eye Credit Union Central City Credit Union Clean Power LLC Commercial Roofing Inc Delta Dental of Wisconsin Donaldson Company Inc Element Mobile Ellis Stone Construction Company Inc M3 Insurance Point of Beginning Rettler Corporation Schulist’s Custom Cabinets Inc Sentry Insurance (Double Gold Sponsor – both courses) Skyward Solarus Team Schierl Companies The Murphy Insurance Group The Pineries Bank US Bank
GOLD (2) SPONSORS
Corporate sponsors of one hole at the golf event
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
BUSINESS ON THE GREEN SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES HOLE EVENT PRIZE SPONSORS
Corporate donation of prize(s) for special event games on golf course(s) • Company name on signs during the event at two courses and signage at the 19th Hole Networking Event • Verbal recognition at 19th Hole Networking Event • Buy one get one free golfer pass at 18-hole event if product amount values $1,000 or more - includes green fees, cart, range balls, 4 beverage tickets for domestic beer or soda, 2 lunches and 2 dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event
DITTY BAG GIVEAWAY SPONSORS
Corporate donation of 300 giveaways for golfers • Company name on signs during the event at two courses and signage at the 19th Hole Networking Event • Verbal recognition at 19th Hole Networking Event
WE THANK OUR SPONSORS TO DATE: DIAMOND LEVEL SOLD OUT
Corporate sponsors of 19th Hole Networking Event
ABR Employment Services Altmann Construction Company Inc Del Monte Corporation Figi’s Inc Keller Inc K-tech Kleening Systems Office Enterprises Inc Pat’s CARSTAR Rasmussen College Stevens Point Brewery
HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSORS SOLD OUT
Corporate sponsors of Hole-in-One contest
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Mark Motors Automotive Inc The Portage County Bank
PUTTING CONTEST SPONSORS ONLY 1 REMAINS Corporate sponsors of Putting contest
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Flexible Fitness Solutions / Flexible Nutrition Solutions
BEVERAGE SPONSORS ONLY 1 REMAINS
Corporate Beverage Sponsors of all beverage carts at two courses
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Advanced Disposal Services Midwest Mitchell’s Hilltop Pub & Restaurant Pointe Precision Inc Regnier Consulting Group Inc Stone Innovations Inc
LUNCH SPONSORS ONLY 3 REMAIN
Corporate Beverage Sponsors of all beverage carts at two courses
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Marshfield Clinic Pointe Precision Inc The Boldt Company
05.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN
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MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP SESSION » CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Are you looking for ways to get the most out of your membership? Maybe you know someone who is thinking about joining, but wants to learn more about the benefits of membership. MAXimize Your Membership can help! This quick, yet comprehensive membership orientation is for prospective, new and long-term members who want to get involved and find out how the Business Council can create value, exposure and networking opportunities while marketing your business. Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Location: Portage County Business Council - Foundation Room Cost: No cost to attend
Attendees will: • Introduce themselves and their business • Meet PCBC staff and other attendees • Learn about member programs and events • Take a tour of the PCBC website • Have time for Q&A and more. Don’t forget to have your business cards on hand to share with others in attendance. Members, if you haven’t done so already, please bring along 10-15 business brochures to display in our front lobby information area. For more information call the PCBC office at 715-344-1940.
GIRLS IN PEARLS BOUTIQUE RECOGNIZED BY BUSINESS COUNCIL One Portage County business was singled out for honors Friday, May 2nd at the Portage County Business Councils’ Small Business Breakfast. Over 100 people attended the event at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Girls in Pearls Boutique, located at 1016 Main Street in downtown Stevens Point. Girls in Pearls Boutique was selected from several nominees by the Business Council’s Selection Committee based on their: • Growth and financial stability • Dedication to customer service and community needs • Personal commitment • Innovative efforts to identify a market niche Girls in Pearls Boutique has demonstrated significant growth since opening their doors which can be attributed to customer support, an ongoing goal to provide exceptional levels of customer service, and being 100% locally owned and operated.
Entrepreneur of the Year – Girls in Pearls Boutique (L/R DaughterHannah Grzesiak, Husband-Robert Govett, Margaret O’ConnorGovett and Daughter-Olivia Koepke)
Owner, Margaret O’Connor – Govett always had a dream of opening her own boutique, but put it on hold from several years as she was raising her 3 young daughters, was a part-time student and sole provider for her family. She grew up in a small farming community in Northern Illinois which once had a thriving retail downtown that she visited often. One thing she never wavered from was that she would open her own boutique in a downtown. Margaret moved to Stevens Point in 1991, worked at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point from 1998 to 2012 and instead of slowing down close to retirement age she decided to launch a business. On September 7, 2012 her dream became a reality. Considerable time and effort went into planning her business, along with attention to detail to acquire the look and feel that she wanted for the store. Margaret credits much of her success from the considerable guidance provided by Mary Wescott
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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
Crowd listens on to Master of Ceremonies – Chad London, Hot 96.7FM, NRG Media
from the Small Business Development Center at UWSP. Every two or three months, Margaret goes to market in different cities around the country, using each one to bring a certain edge to her store. She researches product lines, explores new designers, and is always searching for that special something to bring to her customers. She strives to have the goods in her store constantly changing so her customers always have a reason to stop in to see what is new! Her on-going commitment to the community is evident through donations, involvement and support to many organizations including, but not limited to the Portage County Business Council, the Portage County Back to Work Program, the Stevens Point Downtown Business Alliance, Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, Community Industries, the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum, the Humane Society of Portage County, several local churches, and many other fund raising causes. Margaret is a great mentor and advocates for small businesses in Portage County. We are glad she chose Portage County as the place to ‘make a difference’ – because indeed, she has. Congratulations! Representative Katrina Shankland – Guest Speaker presented “Investing in our own: Growing Small Businesses in Portage County”. Her presentation can be viewed by following the link below. Representative Shankland represents Portage County, the 71st Assembly District in Wisconsin.
Representative Katrina Shankland
» CLICK HERE TO SEE REPRESENTATIVE SHANKLAND’S PRESENTATION
REALITY SHOP - A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR LOCAL STUDENTS The 2014 Spring Reality Shop, held at SPASH on April 8th with students from SPASH, Amherst and Rosholt, gave nearly 400 students the opportunity to experience the challenges of balancing a monthly family budget. A special thanks to the 36 business volunteers who took time from their work schedules to staff the “shopping tables”, Team Schierl Companies for providing lunch, and the SPASH kitchen staff for bringing coffee, cinnamon buns, bagels, and cookies for the volunteers. Through the online after-event survey, 92.55% of students said they would try harder in school, 97.68% indicated they would get more education after high school, 99.07% said they would try and make wiser financial decisions and 98.14% said they would start saving more of their money. This is clearly a worthwhile event that makes a difference!
Students engage with local business volunteers to develop a monthly family budget based on a career path the students chose. Volunteers lend their expertise in various areas of a family budget.
2014 PLATINUM PIE INVESTORS
APRIL SESSION OF LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY SUMMARY With a full day of events, the LPC participants were given the opportunity to learn about the value of AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) in Portage County from Michael Curtis, MD, from Ministry Medical and Michael Fraley, a member of the Portage County EMS team. They also engaged in an interactive event simulating the challenges that a school board faces, lead by Kehl Arnson, Tom Owens, Brian Casey and Greg Nyen who are all members of the Stevens Point Area Public School District Leadership Team. UWSP Professor, Dr. Celine Kline discussed the importance of health and wellness for effective leadership. In the afternoon, the class took a tour of Polito’s and talked with Kevin Polito about the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur. The day concluded with a tour of the new Mid-State Technical College campus.
Michael Curtis, MD and Michael Fraley teach the use and value of AEDs.
» CLICK HERE FOR THE 2014-2015 LPC APPLICATION Applications are now being accepted for Leadership Portage County (LPC), a dynamic educational series for 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. Application materials and tuition deposit are due to the PCBC office by June 1, 2014. 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
In small groups, the participants learn some of the challenges facing school boards and districts.
Steve Smith starts the tour of the new MSTC Stevens Point Campus!
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Special offer for Chamber of Commerce Members. • U.S. Cellular® provides national coverage, $0 down Tablet Financing and great deals on the latest Smartphones and Connected Devices. • Switch to U.S. Cellular and we’ll cover your early termination fees (up to $350 per line for up to 10 lines). • Activate a new device on a Shared Connect Plan and we’ll waive your Device Connection Charge for the first month (up to $40 value per device).
To learn more contact: U. S. Cellular 148 Crossroads Drive I-39 and County HH, near Kohl's Plover, Phone: (715) 345-0101 uscellular.com/business Things we want you to know: A new 2-yr. agmt. (subject to a pro-rated $150 early termination fee for modems and hotspot devices and a $350 early termination fee for Smartphones and tablets) and Shared Connect Plan required. Agmt. terms apply as long as you are a cstmr. $35 device act. fee and credit approval may apply. Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee applies (currently $1.57/line/month); this is not a tax or gvmt. required charge. Add. fees, taxes and terms apply and vary by svc. and eqmt. Valid at participating locations only. Special Event Offer: Waived first month of connection fees on shared connect plans ($40 for Smartphones, $20 for connected devices and $10 for tablets/vehicle monitoring). The offer is valid for customer accounts on each line up to 10 lines and business accounts on each line up to 25 lines. Valid only when presenting this coupon. Kansas Customers: In areas in which U.S. Cellular receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning services availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. Offers valid at participating locations only and for a limited time. See store or uscellular.com for details ©2014 U.S. Cellular U.S. Cellular Associates: To redeem, see your leader for details.
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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
2014 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECTORS \\
meetings & other DATES \\
Executive Board
May 2014
Keith Pilger - President, Anderson O’Brien Ken Erler - Vice President, Sentry Insurance David McHone - Past President , Central WI Management Services, LLC Sue Wille - Treasurer, Ligman & Wille CPA LLC 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, Executive Director, Portage County Business Council, Inc.
8 Ambassador Club Meeting, 8:00am, PCBC 14 Executive Committee, 7:30am, Anderson O’Brien 21 Board of Directors, 7:30am, PCBC 26 Office Closed - Holiday
Board of Directors Tom Altmann - Altmann Construction Company Lorraine Avery - Associated Bank Lisa Bourget - Travel Guard, Inc. Patty Dreier - Portage County Executive David Eckmann - University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Jim Firminhac - WoodTrust Bank Scott Glinski - Skyward Andrew Halverson - City of Stevens Point O. Phillip Idsvoog - Portage County Board Lonnie Krogwold - 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 Jim Petersen - Marshfield Clinic Susan Placzek - SentryWorld Sports Center Dan Schlutter - Village of Plover Attila Weninger - Stevens Point Area Public Schools Ward Wolff - First Weber Group Realtors Rob Wyman - River Valley Bank (Ambassador) Gary Wysocki - Paragon Farms Robert Worth - The Worth Company (Director Emeritus)
CONNECT WITH US ON... www.PortageCountyConnects.com The Portage County Business Council reminds you that Portage County Connects is your connection to insights, resources, and economic development news in Portage County.
Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter - @PoCoBiz
advertise with US \\ » CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO For questions, please contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or admin@portagecountybiz.com.
PORTAGE COUNTY GIFT CERTIFICATES
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
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 - Executive Director Mary Jo Monday - Director of Member Relations Karen Schanock - Director of Programs & Events Bill Christiansen - Director of Foundation Kari Thompson - Business & Office Operations Director Sarah Bosshart - Administrative / Marketing Assistant
ldehling@portagecountybiz.com
Questions / Comments:
mmonday@portagecountybiz.com
Sarah Bosshart \\ admin@portagecountybiz.com
kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com fdn@portagecountybiz.com acctg@portagecountybiz.com admin@portagecountybiz.com
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PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL & FOUNDATION \\ 5501 VERN HOLMES DRIVE \\ STEVENS POINT, WI 54482 \\ P 715-344-1940 \\ F 715-344-4473
05.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN
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