05 2015 The Active Voice Newsletter by Portage County Business Council, Inc.

05.2015 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

upcoming EVENTS \\

CROSSFIT STEVENS POINT AND CIC RECOGNIZED BY BUSINESS COUNCIL

SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE Wednesday, May 13, 2015 \\ 7:30 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. Portage County Business Council | Foundation Room 5501 Vern Holmes Dr | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Monday, May 18, 2015 \\ 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) 7558 Deer Road | Custer, WI 54423

» REGISTER

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY Thursday, May 21, 2015 \\ 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Various locations throughout the year.

» ABOUT LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY » APPLY FOR THE CLASS OF 2015 / 16 PCBC OFFICE CLOSED-HOLIDAY Monday, May 25, 2015 \\ All Day Memorial Day

BUSINESS ON THE GREEN Monday, June 1, 2015 \\ 8:30 A.M. Registration SentryWorld Golf Course & Stevens Point Country Club 19th Hole Dinner 3:00pm at Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

» REGISTER

WOMEN IN BUSINESS Thursday, June 25, 2015 \\ 11:15 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. SentryWorld Sports Center in the Grand Hall (upper level) 601 N. Michigan Ave | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

2015 Entrepreneur of the Year – Owner Scott Keyser, CrossFit Stevens Point One Portage County business and one nonprofit organization were honored Friday, May 1st at the PCBC’s Small Business Breakfast. Over 100 people attended the event held at the Stevens Point Country Club. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to CrossFit Stevens Point, owner Scott Keyser located at 1400 Contractors Boulevard. CrossFit Stevens Point 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 CrossFit’s on-going commitment to the community is evident through donations, involvement, and support to many organizations. In May 2014, CrossFit Stevens Point raised $3,800 for the Lone Survivor Foundation to benefit wounded veterans. In October 2014, they raised more than $3,000 for the Saint Michael’s Angel Fund to help uninsured women receive mammograms. In February 2015, they held an event called Love Gone Bad which raised more than $5,000 for the Saint Michael’s Heart Fund which helps place AEDs in public places around Portage County.

2015 Portage County Charitable Community Award Winner – Community Industries Corporation (CIC) An equally exciting part of the program was the presentation of our NEW award – the Portage County Charitable Community Award. Community Industries Corporation (CIC) was awarded for their work in enriching the lives of Portage County residents. CIC provides services to adults with disabilities. They currently work with over 80 businesses throughout Portage County. They also connect individual abilities to the community through programs such as their Transportation Program which provides transportation for rural residents to receive services and go to work. CIC is proud to be celebrating 50 years of enriching lives of community members by fostering community integration, self-determination, and independent decision making by the people they serve. Sheriff Mike Lukas was our guest speaker at the event. His presentation “The Role of Sheriff in Portage County and How It Impacts Small Businesses” was enjoyed by all. Thank you to our sponsors of the event: Anderson O’Brien, BMO Harris Bank, CliftonLarsonAllen, Community First Bank, First Law Group, Regnier Consulting Group and US Bank. Special thanks to NRG Media – Hot 96-7 and Big Cheese 107.9 for their sponsorship and to Kurt Luchs, General Manager of NRG Media ,our Master of Ceremonies.

Farewell from Lori

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Executive Director at the Portage County Business Council and Foundation. It has been an honor to work with you and for you to grow Portage County. The past ten years have been a great experience and it’s time to move on to new adventures. I wish you every success and hope our paths cross again in the future. -Lori Dehlinger Van Alstine

An LGBTQ+ Diversity in the Workplace Conference will be held June 12th at the University of Stevens Point starting at 8 a.m. The conference is for top management, HR managers, managers, supervisors, teachers, employees and anyone who is interested in diversity in the workplace. Sponsored by the University of Stevens Point and CWIP (Central WI Pride Resource Network). For any questions and to register, contact: cwipnetwork@gmail.com.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 05.18.15 \\ 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER » MAP Held at: MREA - Midwest Renewable Energy Association 7558 Deer Road Custer, WI 54423 Directions from Stevens Point: Take US Hwy 10E toward Waupaca, WI,5.5 miles to the east of Stevens Point, turn left onto North Lane. Immediate right onto Deer Road, turn left into driveway at 7558 Deer Road.

Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and door prize giveaways.

RSVP by Friday, May 15, 2015 No Cost to Attend A social event designed for and hosted by Business Council members to give business professionals an opportunity to network, share ideas, and have their facility seen by other members. The member host furnishes refreshments and hors d’oeuvres for the evening. A different Business Council member hosts Business After Hours every month. Members are welcome to co-host the event with another Business Council member. Members should call Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 to book the month they are interested in hosting as early as possible.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

HOSTED BY:

SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE 05.13.15 \\ 7:30 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. \\ PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS: Tim Solinger is a writer, editor, and owner of Tim Solinger Copywriting & Consulting, LLC, with a background in developing and editing manuscripts NO COST TO ATTEND. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED. for business and technical books as well as long-form content projects such as white papers, case studies, Small Business X-Change programs are held monthly throughout the and articles. In assisting clients with their year at the Portage County Business Council office. It is a roundtable publishing needs, he also provides marketing and series of meetings that allows business owners and their employees the publicity services. He is a graduate of the Tim Solinger, Writer, Editor opportunity to discuss pertinent topics, learn from local industry leaders University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in and Owner of Tim Solinger and, most importantly, learn from each other. Copywriting & Consulting, English and a writing emphasis.

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

LLC

7:30 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. in the Portage County Business Council Foundation Room

TOPIC: “Publishing a Business Book-Insights, Tips, Trends & More” Participants will come away with a better understanding of what is involved in publishing a business book, including the different avenues to publication that are available, the steps that are involved in developing a manuscript, and the factors that need to be considered regarding layout, design, and printing. Key Points at this X-Change: 1. Reasons for Publishing a Business Book 2. Developing a Concept and Manuscript 3. What it means to Self-Publish a Book 4. Stages of Self-Publishing 5. Marketing and Publicity

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Rodger Beyer is a Sales Representative for Worzalla. He has been with Worzalla for 32 years, starting in estimating and then moving into customer service. He spent time in manufacturing prior to getting into sales. He attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI and received degrees in Graphic Arts and Graphic Arts Management.

Special THANK YOU to Tim Solinger Copywriting & Consulting, LLC & Worzalla Publishing for their sponsorship of this program.

Rodger Beyer, Sales Representative for Worzalla

business BRIEFS \\ 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. Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group is pleased to announce their Stevens Point office’s March 2015 Chairman’s Circle list. Team Northwood Point Realty Group: Todd Reilly, Tiffany Broecker, Mike Burns, Betty Garski, Laura Trzebiatowski, Bob Plucker, Pete Meinholz, Robin Novak-Nelson. Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group is the number one real estate company in northeast Wisconsin and has 18 offices with over 450 sales professionals. Locally, the Stevens Point office is located at 5725 Windy Dr., Suite E in Stevens Point. They can be reached at 715-2955005. More information on The Real Estate Group can be found at www.ColdwellHomes. com. ----------------------------------------------------------

DAN BLUMENSTEIN 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 time frame. During the first quarter of 2015, Dan Blumenstein was named the Ambassador of the Quarter. Dan is Lead Systems Engineer for Younger Enterprise Systems, LLC – IT Managed Services and IT Support for small to mid-sized companies throughout Wisconsin. He has been an Ambassador since December, 2014. Congratulations Dan on your recent achievement. The Business Council Board of Directors, Ambassadors Club, and staff appreciate your efforts!

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 First-Year Orientation Program June 1– June 24, 2015. 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.

Investors Community Bank in Stevens Point recently welcomed Chris Cox as Senior Business Banking Officer. Cox, who has more than 12 years of banking experience, will proactively assist local business owners with achieving their financial objectives. Prior to joining ICB, Cox served as VP of Commercial Banking at another area bank. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix, a BS from UW Madison, and graduated from the UW Madison Graduate School of Banking.

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.

An active community volunteer, Cox serves on the Board of Directors of Northern Valley Industries, Inc. and Junior Achievement of WI – North Central District; is a Community Quest Committee Member – Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin; and is a member of the Rotary Club of Wausau. Cox and his wife Erica reside in Kronenwetter with their son Ethan. Investors Community Bank is a whollyowned subsidiary of County Bancorp Inc. and is committed to offering customized financial solutions to Wisconsin’s agriculture sector, agri-business and closely-held businesses. Founded in 1997, Investors has become one of the most successful bank startups in Wisconsin’s history. County Bancorp Inc.’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ market under the symbol ICBK. ----------------------------------------------------------

Business Council members interested in displaying their brochures should drop off 800 copies at the Business Council office no later than Friday, May 15, 2015. For questions, contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

AMBASSADORS TAKE PART IN GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF PORTAGE COUNTY On April 21, 2015 members of our Ambassadors Club attended the ground breaking ceremony for the future home of the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County located at 2442 Sims Avenue in Stevens Point. .

KELLER, Inc., a Design/Build General Contractor with offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau announces the promotion of Adam Cohen to Expeditor. Cohen has been with Keller for the past ten years working in the Finish Carpentry Division as a Craftsman and most recently a Leadman since 2011. As an Expeditor, he is responsible for the coordination of all subcontractors and material ordering. continue on page 5

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

business BRIEFS \\ Continued Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group office agents presented a check to the Boys and Girls Club for $425 to send kids to the Henry Vilas Museum and Zoo in Madison. Just last week, the Boys and Girls Club of Stevens Point broke ground for a new facility! Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group is proud to be a part of such a worthy organization of the youth of our city. The agents wrote personal checks to Boys and Girls Club for this event. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CAP Services’ recently launched a new program focused on family and educational literacy for Hmong families in Portage County. Hmong UPLIFT (Unleashing Potential: Learning Involves Families Together) launched in January. The program is free and there is no income limit for participants. Requirements for participation include having students in the Stevens Point School District with at least one child age 4-8. Parents must believe education is important in their children’s lives and want to gain skills to advance in life. The UPLIFT group currently meets on Tuesday evenings at the YMCA in Stevens Point. The meetings generally include a guest speaker with an educational emphasis followed by supervised play time for the kids and instruction for parents. Parents and kids end the meetings by reading to each other from special bilingual Hmong/English books. Nine families are currently enrolled. The program can accommodate up to 20 families. People interested in participating in the program – or volunteering or donating – can contact Vang for additional information at 715-343-7139 or pvang@capmail.org. CAP Services is a private, nonprofit community action agency that has been helping low-income people in Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties attain economic and emotional self-sufficiency since 1966.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SURVEY What communication skills are most vital to your new hires? In an effort to ensure UWSP School of Business & Economics communication curriculum is aligned with the expectations and needs of students, faculty, and central Wisconsin businesses, Mary Jae Kleckner, Assistant Professor of Business Communication, is conducting an electronic survey to find out which communication skills you perceive to be most vital to new hires' career success. As part of this research project, 233 students and faculty/academic staff from UW-Stevens Point's School of Business and Economics (SBE) have already completed similar surveys. This survey should take no more than 20 minutes of your time to complete. Faculty respondents reported taking around 15-20 minutes. The project is explained in greater detail in the consent agreement on the first page of the survey. Data will be used to help ensure that the learning outcomes for SBE's oral and written communication courses are consistent with employer needs, student interests, and faculty expectations; for this reason, your anonymous responses are highly valued and your participation is very much appreciated. The survey will open until midnight on Friday May 15, 2015.

»CLICK HERE TO BEGIN THE SURVEY Thank you for your participation. If you have any questions , please contact: Mary Jae Kleckner at 715.346.2578 or mary.kleckner@uwsp.edu <mailto:mary.kleckner@mstc.edu>

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

PCBC WELCOMES TONYA KOWALSKI The next time you stop in or call the Business Council, please welcome Tonya Kowalski to her new position as Administrative / Marketing Assistant. She is responsible for customer service at the front desk as well as providing support to staff for administrative and marketing duties. A familiar face to many, Tonya recently served as the Advising Coordinator for the UWSP School of Business and Economics where she provided internal and external customer service to students, staff, and faculty across campus. She was also the Education Director for the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum in Stevens Point for nine years. Tonya completes her B.S. Degree at UWSP in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication in May. She has been an active volunteer in the Portage County community and is a great addition to our staff.

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.

OFFICE DIRECT INTERIORS 2933 Hoover Road Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715) 204-1640 http://www.officedirectinit.com

It has been a thrillingly fast paced and busy year. We opened Office Direct Interior’s showroom at 2933 Hoover Road and also became members of the Portage County Business Council this year. Office Direct is all about; service, quality, efficiency, and affordability. We enjoy paying attention to every detail to ensure our customers will be more than satisfied with their purchase. Whether your needs are large or small Office Direct Interior’s is happy to help you plan your new space. Plain and simple it is all about the customer. Here are some of the services we offer that make us stand out in the office interiors business. • You will have a great experience with our Business Development Managers at Office Direct Interiors. They will guide you through your project from concept to completion. • Office Direct will help you with space planning. We offer design services at no additional charge. • Office Direct will show you a 3-D Simulation of your space, so you can see your furniture with finishes before the project starts. • Office Direct’s design team along with your Customer Relationship Manager can assist you with space planning, color scheme and finish selection. • Efficiency is the key to getting your project done on time. We here at Office Direct work with reliable manufactures that can provide quality, customized products for our customers in 4 weeks or less.

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

• The Office Direct Project Management Team will take care of every aspect of coordination with you or your facilities management and the installation team for a well-organized and efficient completion of your project. Office Direct is dedicated to a safe, efficient, and timely installation. Great news! Office Direct will be offering a new service. Starting in May, you will be able to order all your office supplies from Office Direct. We are committed to serving you!

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

REGISTRATION & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 06.01.15 \\ 8:30 A.M. REGISTRATION

IS YOUR FOURSOME REGISTERED?

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW FOR THE STEVENS POINT COUNTRY CLUB FOR $130 PER PERSON SORRY, REGISTRATION FOR SENTRYWORLD IS FULL The Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council invites you their 26th Annual Golf Outing, Business on the Green. The event is on Monday, June 1, 2015 with a shotgun start at 9:30am, at two highly rated Wisconsin courses—the Stevens Point Country Club and the NEW SentryWorld Golf Course. With over 280 golfers participating and additional business representatives attending the 19th Hole Networking Event, the 2015 event will be a great environment to expand your contacts. Our 19th Hole Networking Event will be taking place at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, beginning at 3:00 P.M., with a Hawaiian themed plentiful buffet style service featuring Pulled Pork Sliders, Chicken Filet with Pineapple Sliders (with rolls & condiments), Vegetable Crudité, Golden American Potato Salad, Fruit Salad and delicious assorted mini Desserts, raffle prizes, and awards to entertain those attending. $130 Per Golfer at the Stevens Point Country Club and You Receive: •

18 Holes of Golf (includes green fees)

•

Motorized Cart

•

Range Balls

Hole-In-One Event at

•

Two Beverage Tickets (for domestic beer or soda)

SentryWorld to win your very

•

Lunch on Course

own 2015 Commander XT

•

Golf Bag

valued at $15,100 or any new

•

Insulated Lunch Bag

power-sport equipment at

•

Hole Events

Donahue Sports, compliments

•

Dinner ticket for 19th Hole Networking Event at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

of The Portage County Bank

19th Hole Networking Event includes: •

Raffle Drawings

Hole-in-One Event at the

•

Hole Event Announcements

Stevens Point Country Club to

•

Golf Team Prizes

win a $10,000 Hawaiian Golf

•

Cash Bar

Vacation including 8 days / 7

•

Complimentary Wisconsin Artisan Cheeses & Sausages from Ski’s Meat Market

nights at the luxurious Ritz-

Not a Golfer, but want to join in on the fun…

Carlton Kapalua. Package

Dinner Only Package @ $25 per person:

includes roundtrip airfare for

Plan to join us for an afternoon/evening filled with great food, friendly conversation,

two, four rounds of golf per

and an opportunity to win some great door prizes.

person and $1,500 spending

•

3:00 P.M. Social

cash, compliments of Mark

•

Cash Bar

Motors Automotive.

•

Dinner Buffet and Prize Giveaways

»Cick here to Register 7

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS TO DATE: DIAMOND SPONSORS: SOLD OUT Corporate sponsors of 19th Hole Networking Event BMO Harris Bank CH Robinson Worldwide Inc CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Ministry Health Care Sentry Insurance Solarus

GOLD SPONSORS: ONLY 4 REMAIN (EITHER GOLD OR GOLD 2) Corporate sponsors of one hole at golf event with foursome package Advanced Disposal Services Midwest Altmann Construction Company Inc Anderson O’Brien Bull’s Eye Credit Union Central City Credit Union Community First Bank Del Monte Corporation Delta Dental of Wisconsin

Donaldson Company Inc Ellis Stone Construction Company Inc Figi’s Inc FirstMerit Bank K-tech Kleening Systems Point of Beginning Rettler Corporation Schulist’s Custom Cabinets Inc Sentry Insurance (3 Gold Sponsorships) Skyward The Pineries Bank The Murphy Insurance Group LLC

DOUBLE GOLD (2) SPONSOR:

LUNCH BAG SPONSOR: SOLD OUT

Corporate sponsor of one hole at both courses

Corporate Sponsor of lunch bags at both courses Comfort Suites

Office Enterprises Inc

GOLD (2) SPONSORS: Corporate sponsors of one hole at the golf event ABR Employment Services AT &T Keller Inc Klasinski Clinic Pat’s CARSTAR Stevens Point Brewery Team Schierl Companies The Samuels Group

LUNCH SPONSORS: ONLY 2 REMAIN Corporate Sponsor of lunch bags at both courses First Weber Realtors-Steve Lane & Seth Hornung Marshfield Clinic Members’ Advantage Credit Union Pointe Precision Inc.

BEVERAGE SPONSORS: ONLY 2 REMAIN

SILVER SPONSORS: SOLD OUT Exclusive Corporate Sponsor of 2 Runner Carts (2 carts / course)

Corporate Beverage Sponsors of all beverage carts at two courses

Commercial Roofing, Inc

Mitchell’s Hilltop Pub & Restaurant Inc Stone Innovations Inc

WoodTrust Bank

Regnier Consulting Group Inc US Bank

HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSORS: SOLD OUT

PUTTING CONTEST SPONSOR: SOLD OUT

Corporate sponsors of Hole-in-One contest Mark Motors Automotive Inc

Corporate Sponsor of Putting Contest Associated Bank

The Portage County Bank

Wysocki Family of Companies

This opportunity for sponsorship is on a first come, first served basis. To confirm our sponsorship, please contact Karen Schanock at 715/344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com. We appreciate your consideration and support of this event.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 06.25.15 \\ 11:15 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. \\ SENTRYWORLD SPORTS CENTER IN THE GRAND HALL (UPPER LEVEL)

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Mark Your Calendars…

Thursday, June 25, 2015 Presented by Sentry Insurance & SentryWorld Special thanks to our Media Sponsor – Midwest Communications Radio Group Stephanie Smith, Assistant Vice President of Marketing of Sentry Insurance

11:15 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. SentryWorld Sports Center in the Grand Hall 601 N Michigan Avenue, Stevens Point

Join us for our June Women in Business as guest speaker Stephanie Smith presents “Advice I’d Give My Daughter”.

Stephanie will walk through her life and tell the audience her story. She, like most single mothers, worked hard to support her children and to be a rolemodel to her daughter. She encourages her daughter to be her best in order

For questions contact : Karen Schanock 715/344-1940 kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

to get the best out of life. What attendees will learn as a result of attending this Women in Business event: •

Find a mentor

•

No limitations

•

Society’s perception

•

No victims allowed

About our Speaker: Stephanie Smith was born and raised in the state of Washington. She is a graduate of Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow School of Communication with a major in public relations. She moved to Wisconsin to accept a position as PR Specialist with Wisconsin

Now introducing R-Store’s new app!

Assembly Republican Caucus. Stephanie joined Governor Tommy Thompson’s staff as Deputy Press Secretary, was promoted to Press Secretary and at the age of 26, she was the

Visit www.riiser.com, your app store, or scan this QR code!

youngest gubernatorial press secretary in the nation. Stephanie then moved to Central Wisconsin, working for the United Way of Marathon County as Communication Director and then as Campaign/ Communication director. After staying home for a year with three children under the age of three, Stephanie returned to work as Executive Director of the Northcentral Technical College Foundation. While working full time and as single parent, she then returned to school and earned an MBA through the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s executive MBA program. Stephanie started her career with Sentry Insurance in July, 2013 as Director of Corporate Communications and was named Assistant Vice President of

FREE item just for downloading! ~Weekly Deals~ ~Random Rewards~

Marketing in March 2014.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Now

THANK YOU FOR EATING WINGS FOR PIE! Thank you for Eating Wings for PIE on April 20th. On Monday, April 20, 2015 between 11:00 AM and midnight community members ate at Buffalo Wild Wings to help PIE raise funds to offer career exploration and employability skill development programs to our six partner school districts. A total of $75.09 was raised for Partners In Education programs. Thank you!

UPCOMING PIE EVENTS Mark your calendars for upcoming PIE Events: • Business-Education Forum Follow-up (May 12, 2015 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) Location: PCBC Office •

Business-Education Summit (June 16, 2015 from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM) Location: TBA

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION COMMITTEE: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ray Ackerlund, Skyward Brigitta Altmann, Stevens Point Area Public School District Kehl Arnson, Stevens Point Area Public School District Lisa Bellavin, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Concierge LLC Suzanne Campbell, Central City Credit Union Sam Dinga, UWSP Jessica Huggenvik, Donaldson Company Inc. Cheri Karch, Worzalla Publishing Company Sandra Litchfield, St. Peter Middle School Dave Lockett, Stevens Point Area Public School District Ellen Lopas, St. Peter Middle School Alan Marten, Marten Machining Inc. Mary Mortell-Ferrone, Rosholt School District Kathleen Cibaric, Pacelli High School Volker Gaul, MSTC Larry Theiss, Pacelli High School Lorry Walters, UWSP Kelly Wisniewski, Sentry Insurance

APRIL REALITY SHOPS UPCOMING PIE EVENTS

On April 7th at SPASH and April 14th at Rosholt High School, students were given a “life” with spouses, children and debt after selecting a potential future career. Students then interacted with volunteers to purchase items and contract in an effort to balance their monthly budget. Over 300 students participated in the two events. The most common complaints from students were about the cost of food, daycare and other expenses related to children. Thank you to the volunteers that helped make the two events successful: Bob Bergmann, Matt Blankenburg, Kathy Brandl, Shelley Brillowski, Steve Chizzo, Sherry Daniels, Jeff Ebel, Michael Faeth, John Ferrone, Mary Hansen, Wendy Heisel, Nicki Hintz, Dawn Klesmith, Stacey Lawry, Trudy Peters, Leah Reineccius, Jennifer Rudnick, Nathan Sandwick, Janice Schneider, Kendra Schiefelbein, Noall Silvester, Lisa Slowinski, Azaelia Torres, Max Trzebiatowski, and Vicki Yenter.

PLATINUM PIE INVESTORS

Give back to the community while connecting with your future workforce through upcoming PIE Events. To volunteer contact Judy Rannow at fdn@portagecountybiz.com or 715-344-1940.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

APRIL LPC SESSION FOCUSES ON HEALTH & WELLNESS On April 16, 2015 LPC participants met at UWSP for the Health and Wellness session. The session began with the participants talking about music and how music impacts mood or mood impacts the music we listen to. The day focused on eight dimensions of wellness and Sally Scovill provided an overview of the eight dimensions. Sessions on physical, social, intellectual, and emotional wellness were covered in the morning. Before lunch, participants practiced their creativity and problem solving abilities. After lunch, the participants learned about spiritual wellness and practiced Tae Chi outside by Old Main followed by sessions on career, fiscal and environmental wellness. The day ended with delegation, boardsmanship and service. A great big thank you to the following community members for their help during the March session: Deb Adams, Paula Cummings, Julie Hayes, Corey Huck, Mary Loy, Sally Scovill, Robert Tabor, and Carie Winn. .

NOW ACCEPTING 2015-2016 LPC PROGRAM APPLICATIONS Âť CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

If you would like to learn more about Portage County, network with others and give back to the community while enhancing your leadership skills apply to be a participant in the Leadership Portage County program. For more information about the LPC program and to access the electronic application visit our website at: http://portagecountybiz.com/leadership-portage-county/.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS Mark your calendar for upcoming LPC Alumni Events: LPC Program Recruitment (May 12, 2014 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, PCBC Office) Join us for a couple of hours while we work to actively recruit participants for the 2015-2016 LPC program LPC Alumni Empty Bowls Bowl Painting Challenge + LPC Alumni Involvement Drive (June 24, 2015 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) Drop by the Portage County Business Council any time between 9-4 to paint a bowl (or two) for Empty Bowls while discussing ways to increase LPC Alumni involvement. We will see who paints the most bowls, who is the most creative and how many bowls total the LPC Alumni paint. Join us for this fun challenge while giving back to the community. LPC Alumni On the Road (July 23, 2015 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) Have you missed the LPC experience? Are you interested in visiting a neighboring community to learn about their strengths? If so, contact Judy Rannow to let her know you are interested in participating in LPC Alumni On the Road. Fall Picnic (October 2, 2015 from TBD) Holiday Social (December 17, 2015 from 5-7) Annual Meeting & Professional Development (February 2, 2016 from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

SUPPORTING PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL FOUNDATION PROGRAMS

Donation and Sponsorship opportunities available. All donations and sponsorships are tax-deductible as the PCBCF is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. Contact Judy Rannow at: fdn@portagecountybiz.com or 715344-1940 for more information.

Leadership Portage County April 2015

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

2015 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECTORS \\

meetings & other DATES \\

Executive Board

MAY 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.

6 Staff Devlopment & Operations Committee- 7:30am MSTC 8 Membership/Marketing Committee – 7:30 A.M., PCBC Office 13 Small Business X–Change 7:30-8:30 A.M., PCBC Office 14 Ambassadors Club Meeting – 8:00 A.M., PCBC Office 18 Business After Hours- 5:00-7:00 P.M., MREA (Midwest Renewable Energy Association) 20 Executive Committee – 7:30 A.M., Anderson O’Brien 21 SalesNet Meeting – 11:45 A.M., PCBC office 25 Office Closed- Memorial Day Holiday 27 Board of Directors- 7:30 A.M., PCBC Office

JUNE 2015

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 Tom Davies - Village of Plover Dawn Thrun - International Bank of Amherst Attila Weninger - Stevens Point Area Public Schools Mike Wiza - 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 Volker Gaul - Mid-State Technical College Dan Mahoney - Village of Plover Michael Ostrowski - City of Stevens Point

1 Business on the Green- 9:30 A.M. Shotgun Start, Stevens Point Country Club & SentryWorld

CONNECT WITH US ON... www.PortageCountyBiz.com

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter - @PoCoBiz

advertise with US \\ » CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO For questions, please contact Tonya at 715-344-1940 or admin@portagecountybiz.com.

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 Tonya Kowalski - Administrative / Marketing Assistant

ldehling@portagecountybiz.com

Questions / Comments:

mmonday@portagecountybiz.com

Tonya Kowalski \\ admin@portagecountybiz.com

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

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter - @PoCoBiz Follow us on LinkedIn

PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL & FOUNDATION \\ 5501 VERN HOLMES DRIVE \\ STEVENS POINT, WI 54482 \\ P 715-344-1940 \\ F 715-344-4473

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER