The Active Voice - December 2011

DECEMBER 2011

MARK YOUR

CALENDAR g

AMBASSADORS TAKE PART IN

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

Small Business X-Change Wednesday, December 7, 2011 7:30 am - 8:30 am PCBC - Foundation Room 5501 Vern Holmes Drive Stevens Point, WI 54482 CLICK HERE4

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to register.

LPC Alumni Holiday Social Thursday, December 8, 2011 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Kristen’s Riverwalk 1140 Clark Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 CLICK HERE4

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to register.

Business After Hours

Monday, December 12, 2011 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm @1800 1800 Northpoint Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481 CLICK HERE4

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to register.

Night of Caroling - IGNITE Tuesday, December 13, 2011 5:30 pm United Way Offices 1100 CenterPoint Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481 CLICK HERE4

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to register.

Women in Business

Thursday, December 15, 2011 11:15 am - 1:00 pm Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 1001 Amber Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481 CLICK HERE4

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to register.

Family Sledding - IGNITE Saturday, December 17, 2011 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Iverson Park 4201 Highway 66 East Stevens Point, WI 54481 CLICK HERE4

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to register.

Small Business X-Change Tuesday, December 20, 2011 7:30 am - 8:30 am PCBC - Foundation Room 5501 Vern Holmes Drive Stevens Point, WI 54482 CLICK HERE4

to register.

The Ambassadors Club took part in a Ribbon Cutting / New Location Celebration for the Eric Nier Allstate Insurance Agency on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, located at 5733 Windy Drive, Suite D, Stevens Point, WI. Eric's agency specializes in home, life, business, property, boat, RV and auto insurance. For more information visit www.ericnierinsurance.com or call 715-341-3838 or 800-886-8135.

Decree of Excellence Award -

Nominations Sought

A BIT ABOUT OUR NEWEST MEMBER

The Portage County Business Council is seeking nominations for the annual Decree of Excellence Award.

Presented annually to a Portage County business, selection criteria includes making a significant contribution to the county's economic vitality and providing outstanding community service within the last year.

WALMART SUPERCENTER

The Decree of Excellence Award will be presented during the PCBC's Annual Dinner on January 24, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center.

Plover, WI 715- 345-7855

CONTACT: Mike Ph ip ps

Past winners include: 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

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Skyward The Worth Company Anderson, O'Brien, Bertz, Skrenes & Golla Pointe Precision, Inc. Team Schierl Companies Donaldson Company

To nominate your business or another PCBC member, scroll down for the nomination form or CLICK HERE4

for an online nomination form.

All nominations are confidentially reviewed and recipients are selected by the Portage County Business Council Executive Board. Nominations will be taken for the Decree of Excellence Award through Monday, December 26, 2011.

For questions contact Karen Schanock at 715-3441940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

ANNOUNCING A NEW TRAINING & COACHING OPPORTUNITY TO HELP ORGANIZATIONS EXCEL CLASSES WITH DAVE MCHONE CLICK HERE4

for the meeting dates and

contact information

DECEMBER 2011 | 2

BUSINESS

BRIEFS...

The Business Briefs column is an avenue to spotlight noteworthy business & professional accomplishments, recognition & 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.

The owner of a Wisconsin Rapids-based business was recognized at the White House as one of the nation's Top 100 young entrepreneurs.

Zach Vruwink, owner and founder of ZAXX Technology Specialists, recently was named to the Empact100 list of the country's top young entrepreneurs "for his accomplishments and positive influence on the American economy," according to Empact, a New York-based media and education company.

Just in time for the new year, PCBC has decided to revamp the Active Voice Newsletter for better readability! This means that we will be offering new advertising opportunities within the newsletter as well. Please follow the link below to find out more about advertising in the Active Voice for 2012.

CLICK HERE4

for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact: Heather Nennig at admin@portagecountybiz.com or 715-344-1940.

BUSINESS COUNCIL HOLDS

POWER BREAKFAST EVENT

Consider giving the gift of warmth this holiday season to an area family in need. Energy Gift Certificates from Wisconsin Public Service are unique, practical and welcomed by people of all ages. They're perfect for the coming holidays.

Your family, friends and neighbors will remember you warmly, every month.

In an ongoing pursuit of business opportunities for our members, our POWER Breakfast was held on November 17th.

To order yours, visit their website at wisconsinpublicservice.com or call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260. If you'd like your Energy Gift Certificates to arrive in time for Christmas, be sure to order no later than 12/12/11.

Early risers came out for breakfast and the event held at the new BEST WESTERN Plover Hotel & Conference Center, featuring a presentation

by Charles W. Nason, Chairman of the Board of

Jane Wilcox recently joined M3 Insurance as an Employee Benefits Account Manager in the Wausau office. Jane brings 22 years of account management experience to her new role, most recently with River Valley Insurance agency and prior to that at Cottingham & Butler.

Clifton Gunderson and LarsonAllen, ranked as two of the nation's top 20 certified public accounting and consulting firms, announced plans to merge and form one of the top 10 accounting firms in the US. Pending final approvals, the merger will take effect Jan. 2, 2012. The new firm will be named CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA).

Tiffany Broecker of Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group, Stevens Point office recently completed the coursework for the prestigious CRS professional real estate designation.

Element Mobile has continued its tradition again this year of donating 660 turkeys to local food pantries and shelters to help families in need during the holiday season.

With the help of the Opportunity Development Centers, Inc., Element Mobile employees spent Nov. 14 distributing turkeys to local organizations.

Worzalla Publishing Company. Nason gave an overview of his prospective of the "The Pressures From Without", what outside forces are impacting Portage County businesses the most and what can we do about it.

POWER Breakfast provides educational & professional development opportunities to Business Council members & the communities of Portage County. Please contact Karen Schanock at 715344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com if you have ideas or requests for future speakers or topics.

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor of the event - Applied Tech - Stevens Point.

2012

PCBC DUES STRUCTURE The Portage County Business Council & Foundation Board of Directors approved the proposed membership dues structure for 2012 at the October 26, 2011 meeting. Rates reflect a 3% increase across the board with the exception of the per-employee cost for financial institutions.

CLICK HERE4

for the approved dues structure.

For those of you with January and February membership renewals, a request was emailed or mailed to you for your review and changes if necessary. For those members with January renewal dates, invoices will be mailed out the first week in December.

Thank you for your continued partnership with the Portage County Business Council. We look forward to working with you in 2012.

DECEMBER 2011 | 3

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2011 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Hosted by: @1800 1800 Northpoint Drive, Stevens Point, WI

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS & EMERGING LEADERS COMBINE EFFORTS The Young Professionals of Portage County, a program of the PCBC Foundation, is excited to announce its merger with the United Way's Emerging Leaders of Portage County. After reviewing the mission and vision of both groups it became clear that the two could accomplish more by combining resources and talent than if they continued to operate separately. They will be moving forward as a new group, Ignite-Leadership Network of Portage County.

The announcement was made to members at an event in November highlighting work the Emerging Leaders had done last year creating a stage space at the Boys and Girls Club in Plover. Programming will focus on Professional Development, Networking and Volunteer opportunities for the young and young at heart. For more information contact Sarah O'Donnell, fdn@portagecountybiz.com.

JOIN IGNITE-LEADERSHIP NETWORK OF PORTAGE COUNTY IN DECEMBER Ignite will be hosting two social events this holiday season. The first is a Night of Caroling on December 13th. We'll be carpooling from the United Way Offices in Downtown Stevens Point, 1100 CenterPoint Drive, at 5:30 pm and visiting Oakridge Senior Living Community, Harmony Living Community and then singing on the Square in Downtown. All voices welcome.

CLICK HERE4 to register.

The second, Family Sledding at Iverson Park on December 17th from 1:00 pm 3:00 pm. We will have a table reserved in the warming lodge and maybe even a toboggan or two.

CLICK HERE4 to register.

For more information contact Sarah O'Donnell, fdn@portagecountybiz.com.

Parking: Located in Sentry Insurance Headquarters - Use Level 1 or G2 Parking Ramp and follow signs to @1800 Restaurant - near the Theater.

Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, refreshments & door prize giveaways. *NO COST TO ATTEND* Pre-registration REQUIRED. Please RSVP by Friday, December 9, 2011.

Register Early - Accepting First 100 Guests.

CLICK HERE4

to register online.

CLICK HERE4

for map.

2011-12 PIE PLATINUM INVESTORS

DECEMBER 2011 | 4 Have you reserved your booth for the 2012 Business Expo? If not, CLICK HERE4 to view the floor plan & reserve your booth now while the selection is good and the earlybird discount is still available.

The 2012 Business Expo committee has put together an amazing event you will want to be a part of. From the Business After Hours and keynote speaker, Mr. Wayne Kostroski to our amazing sponsors and exhibitors, we've got a first string line-up for you.

DATES

and others; • Transitioned to food and beverage coordinator for the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, MN; • Successfully opened his first restaurant, Figlio's in 1984, then left to open Goodfellows, Tejas and then the Franklin Street Bakery in 1994; • Founded 'The Taste of the NFL', a nationally recognized The organization has raised and distributed $11 million to

Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point

local and national hunger organizations with funds raised

SCHEDULE Monday 8:00 am - Noon 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am - 10:30 am 11:00 am - 6:30 pm 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm

artists such as B.B. King, John Sebastian, Muddy Waters

organization known for its work to kick hunger in America.

March 26 & 27, 2012

LOCATION

• Was a bassist for the rock band Circus, opening for

from hosting the "Party with a Purpose®.." This annual strolling Exposition set-up (pipe & drape) Exhibitor set-up Business After Hours

food and wine event pairs outstanding chefs from each NFL city

Networking & speaker Show floor open to the general public Exhibitor and exposition tear down

• Was named the 2010 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year.

with a current or alumni NFL player to raise money in support of food banks across the United States.

SPONSORSHIPS Are you looking to generate additional exposure for your business? A sponsorship at the 2012 Business Expo is just what you need. Consider participating as an Executive, Premier, Classic or Partner sponsor or as the Lanyard sponsor.

CLICK HERE4 to view the list of sponsorships currently available.

VIP SPONSOR

EXECUTIVE SPONSOR

(1 of 5)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER From rock 'n' roll musician, to eatery extraordinaire, Wayne's accomplishments are amazing to say the least. Wayne:

Wayne inspires colleges, businesses and community organizations across the country with his speech Giving is Good Business - Achieving Super Bowl Results with Personal, Professional and Community Goals

ALL THIS FOR JUST $15 The Taste of the NFL has announced the introduction of its first-ever book titled Bring Out The BEST! As founder of Taste of the NFL, Wayne was a contributing writer and the book's mastermind. Hard cover copies of Bring Out The BEST! are available for purchase at the Portage County Business Council for $15 each. The cost includes a copy of the book (Wayne available to autograph at the Expo), your ticket to hear Wayne's keynote presentation and your ticket into the Expo. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Portage County United Way for distribution.

Amazing!

For more information about the 2012 Business Expo, please call Mary Jo Monday at 715-344-1940 or email to mmonday@portagecountybiz.com.

• Was raised in Stevens Point, graduated from Pacelli in 1969 and was the first to be named the schools Distinguished Alumni in 1999;

BE SURE TO ATTEND THE WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 11:15 am - 1:00 pm Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center (Spruce Room) 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI Sponsored in part by:Team Schierl Companies

11:15 am | Registration & Networking 11:30 am | Welcome 11:45 am | Lunch - Consisting of Oven Baked Lasagna, Garden Salad, Fresh Breadsticks, Coffee & Milk and Delicious Pie for Dessert

12:15 pm | Guest Speaker, Jody DeVere 1:00 pm | Door Prize Giveaways & Closing CLICK HERE4

to register online.

You can also call the Business Council office at 715-344-1940. Cost is $22/person for members and $30/person for prospective-members. This event is co-sponsored by Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Central Wisconsin's Listen at Work Station Mix 96.7, and Notable Impressions.

Our guest speaker is Jody DeVere, CEO of AskPatty.com, Inc, marketing to women expert, journalist, car care & safety spokesperson and has more than twenty-five years of achievement as a successful entrepreneur.

Come hear her presentation entitled: "WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO SUCCEED?" Don't miss your chance to listen and learn from her at our December event. This event will provide an opportunity for women in the Central Wisconsin area to network, talk about issues that affect their daily professional lives, learn something new and have fun doing it.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor - Team Schierl Companies.

SAVE THE DATES & MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE 2012 WOMEN IN BUSINESS EVENTS: Thursday, Thursday, Thursday, Thursday,

March 22, 2012 June 21, 2012 September 27, 2012 December 13, 2012

DECEMBER 2011 | 5

Save the Date for the

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012 Presented by AT&T Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center | 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point Silent Auction, Music & Hors d' oeuvres - 5:30 pm | Dinner - 7:00 pm | Recognition & Awards - 8:30 pm Opportunities are available for our members wishing to play a greater role in our Annual Dinner.

Here is how it works:

Presenting Sponsor - $2,500 SOLD OUT - Special Thanks to AT&T

Reception Sponsor

(Commitment Needed by December 9th)

4 available @ $600 BENEFITS: • • • • • •

Award Sponsor

(Commitment Needed by December 9th)

1 available @ $800 (one each for Small Business, Decree of Excellence & Ambassador of the Year) Special Thanks to Clifton Gunderson & Delta Dental of Wisconsin - 2 of 3 Award Sponsors

BENEFITS: • Opportunity to introduce sponsored award on stage.

• Logo and Award Sponsor recognition in event marketing including event program, newsletter, & PCBC web site.

• Logo & Award Sponsor recognition during event award video presentation.

• Recognition as Award Sponsor on all emails to over 1,200 member contacts.

• Verbal recognition at dinner.

• Four (4) complimentary dinner tickets to event with reserved seating.

Recognition in event program, newsletter, & PCBC web site.

Logo & Reception Sponsor recognition during event award video presentation.

Recognition as Reception Sponsor on all emails to over 1,200 member contacts.

Verbal recognition at dinner.

Two (2) complimentary dinner tickets to event.

Four (4) complimentary drink tickets.

Silent Auction Donor (Commitment Needed by December 30th)

OPPORTUNITIES: • Recognition in Silent Auction program and newsletter.

• Logo and Silent Auction Donor recognition during Reception.

• Recognized with a creative display during the Reception promoting both your business & the merchandise and/or service.

Sponsorships are limited and handled on a first come, first served basis.

Please contact Karen Schanock with your commitment at 715-3441940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com. Thank you for your support.

Watch for your Annual Dinner invitation in the mail soon.

You can also register online by CLICKING HERE4

DECEMBER 2011 | 6

Don’t Miss Our Two X-Changes This Month WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

7:30 am - 8:30 am PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL - FOUNDATION ROOM Continental Breakfast served. | No cost to attend.

"THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS THAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD AVOID: OVERCOMING AN EMPLOYER'S WORST INSTINCTS IN EMPLOYEE RELATIONS" Presenter: Attorney Brian G. Formella, Anderson, O'Brien, Bertz, Skrenes & Golla Law Firm This X-Change Program, moderated by Attorney Brian Formella, will be a fast-paced discussion concerning legal and practical missteps that employers tend to make. Mr. Formella's presentation will include an overview of the latest employment decisions from the Wisconsin and U.S. Supreme Court concerning discrimination and the Fair Labor Standards Act, with suggestions about how employers may integrate those decisions into their business practices with employees.

CLICK HERE4

to register online or call our office at 715-344-1940.

-------------------------------------------------

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2011

A special THANK YOU to the Anderson, O'Brien, Bertz, Skrenes & Golla Law Firm for their sponsorship of both programs.

7:30 am - 8:30 am PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL - FOUNDATION ROOM Continental Breakfast served. | No cost to attend.

"WISCONSIN'S NEW CONCEALED WEAPONS LAW: A CLOSER LOOK AT THE IMPLICATIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS OR MUNICIPALITY" Presenters: Attorney Brian G. Formella, Attorney David M. James, & Attorney Daniel F. Schmeeckle, Anderson, O'Brien, Bertz, Skrenes & Golla Law Firm The Wisconsin Attorney General's office issued emergency rules for the new law on October 20th. The law actually took effect on November 1, 2011. The purpose of the law - to allow individuals to carry concealed weapons in certain locations under certain conditions - requires that businesses and municipalities learn about the law and how it affects them.

Individuals attending this X-Change will learn about: -

Impact of the Department of Justice Rules What the law allows Certain exemptions Options concerning implementation of the law Employer-employee issues Immunity from liability in certain situations

This is an update from the X-Change given on October 12, 2011.

CLICK HERE4

to register online or call our office at 715-344-1940.

Attorney Brian G. Formella Attorney Brian Formella graduated from Marquette University with B.A. Degrees in English and Economics and from Marquette University Law School with honors in 1985.

After graduating, he was a Law Clerk to Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Lewis J. Ceci. His areas of practice include employment and labor law, municipal law, environmental law, real estate and general business law. Brian has a strong legal background in employment, labor and municipal law. He works with employers to establish sound employment practices. He has also aggressively defended employers against discrimination accusations.

Attorney David M. James Attorney David James graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 2001.

He went on to graduate with honors from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2005.

His practice is concentrated in estate planning, business formations, business succession planning, tax and real estate.

When working with clients on their estate planning needs, Dave works to protect the client's assets with careful tax planning, while helping to ensure that their wishes are carried out. Business clients can count on Dave at all stages of their business ventures from formation, through operations to sale or family succession.

Attorney Daniel F. Schmeeckle Attorney Dan Schmeeckle graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a B.S. in Organizational Administration. He then went on to graduate with honors from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2010. His areas of practice are employment law, business litigation and personal injury. Dan states that "finding a solution to a client's problem is very rewarding." He enjoys meeting face to face with clients to discuss solutions to their problems and is committed to helping them receive the best possible outcome.

DECEMBER 2011 | 7

A MESSAGE FROM CHUCK...

The following is an excerpt from Chuck Nason's presentation on "The Pressures from Without" at the November 17 Power Breakfast (shared with his permission). Mr. Nason is Chairman of the Board for Worzalla Publishing Company.

This is not a new idea … but I believe it is the right idea. Let's buy American and spend our money at home for a change. We can turn the "pressures from without" this Christmas into the "pleasures from without" … without the piles of cheaply made goods and merchandise produced abroad at the expense of American manufacturers.

As an e-mail that has been circulating on the internet says, "It's time to think outside box."

Who says a gift needs to be a Japanese or Korean gadget wrapped in Chineseproduced wrapping paper?

Look… everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates for a barber or beauty salon? Or how about a spa massage or

pedicure and manicure? Or a gym membership? Or getting someone's car detailed or a car wash? Or an oil change from a local provider? Or how about dinner out locally… and it doesn't need to be the Hilltop! (Editor's note: The Hilltop is Chuck's favorite stop) There are countless ways that you can buy American and, more importantly, buy locally.

I am suggesting a new tradition… Get creative and spend your money right here in Portage County. Christmas shouldn't be about emptying our pockets and watching our hard-earned wages go overseas. This may be the season to give our local merchants and business people a pat on the back and a boost to their wallets. We really can do without… without all that foreign merchandise. So check the tags; check the labels. And try to make sure you are buying

locally and buying "Made in the U.S.A." If everyone in this country spent just $3.33 to buy U.S. goods this Christmas, it would create 10,000 new jobs. It is obvious that the government hasn't been able to create jobs with the billions it has spent with nothing to show for their efforts except more debt. I think it is high time we all got together and did something to get the ball rolling and put America back to work. Let's buy American moving forward. Look for the "made in the U.S.A." labels. You may have to pay a bit more to stand up to the pressures from without. It is a small price to pay to get our jobs back… our plants back… and our economy rolling once again. Then on Election Day in 2012… we can work on electing better officials.

Thank you very much and Happy Holidays.

SUPPORT BUSINESS EDUCATION IN PORTAGE COUNTY

The Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) are seeking business support for their February 4, 2012 Regional Leadership Conference. The event will host over 800 students from 25 school districts at Ben Franklin Junior High School in Stevens Point. Here's how you can help: business professionals needed to assist with competitions, monetary support and/or sponsorships, publicity of event.

CLICK HERE4

for more information.

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FOR UPDATES from your regional economic development alliance

The Portage County Business Council reminds you that Portage County Connects is your connection to current events, insights and resources in economic development news in Portage County.

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2011 PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL / FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DECEMBER 2011 | 8

EXECUTIVE BOARD Jeff Peterson - President, Clifton Gunderson LLP Ed Spencer - President Elect, Donaldson Company, Inc. David McHone - Vice President, Central WI Managment Services, LLC Rick Flugaur - Past President, Anderson Law Firm 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 Co. Business Council BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tom Altmann - Altmann Construction Company Scot Barton - Pointe Precision Dan Beighley - Wisconsin Public Service Margo Bronk - McCain Foods Kris Dragan - M&I Patty Dreier - Portage County Executive Jeff Ebel - SCORE Scott Glinski - Skyward Andrew Halverson - Mayor, City of Stevens Point O. Phillip Idsvoog - Portage County Board Chair Pam Jewell - Blenker Companies Lonnie Krogwold - Portage County Board Finance Chair Richard O’Sullivan - Mid-State Technical College Bernie Patterson - UWSP Mark Patrick - Notable Impressions Al Pennebecker - Saint Michael’s Hospital Susan Placzek - SentryWorld Sports Center Dan Schlutter - Village of Plover Lisa Sobczak - ABR Employment Services JoAnn Vosz - Community First Bank Attila Weninger - Stevens Point Area Public Schools Mike Williams - Sentry Insurance Gary Wysocki - Paragon Farms Robert Worth (Director Emeritus) - The Worth Company BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADVISORS Sara Brish - Stevens Point Area CVB Dan Mahoney - Village of Plover Michael Ostrowski - City of Stevens Point Steve Smith - Mid-State Technical College

PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL / FOUNDATION

MEETING EVENTS & CALENDAR DECEMBER 2011 07 Executive Committee Meeting - 7:30 am, Clifton Gunderson 07 Small Business X-Change - 7:30 am - 8:30 am, PCBC 08 Ambassador Club Meeting/Visits - 8:00 am, PCBC 08 LPC Alumni Holiday Social - 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm, Kristen’s Riverwalk 09 Legislative Committee Meeting - 7:30 am, PCBC 12 Business After Hours - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, @1800 13 Night of Caroling - IGNITE - 5:30 pm, United Way Offices 14 Board of Directors Meeting - 7:30 am, PCBC 15 Women in Business - 11:15 am - 1:00 pm, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 17 Family Sledding - IGNITE - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Iverson Park 20 Small Business X-Change - 7:30 am - 8:30 am, PCBC 23 PCBC Office Closed - Christmas Holiday 26 PCBC Office Closed - Christmas Holiday

JANUARY 2012 02 PCBC Office Closed - Public Holiday, New Year’s

BUY LOCAL WITH PORTAGE COUNTY

GIFT CERTIFICATES! Purchasing Portage County gift certificates continues to be a successful way to "BUY LOCAL".

Portage County gift certificates make great graduation or birthday gifts. Gift certificates can be purchased at area banks, credit unions, the Portage County Business Council and the Convention and Visitors' Bureau. They can be used at any business with a Portage County address and are available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $25, $50 and $100.

The Portage County Business Council would like to thank everyone who participates for helping make the gift certificate program successful and we would like to thank M&I for their financial support of the gift certificate program.

THE TEAM THAT MAKES THINGS HAPPEN! Business Council Staff Lori Dehlinger - Executive Director Mary Jo Monday - Director of Member Relations Sarah O’Donnell - Director of Foundation Karen Schanock - Director of Programs & Events Kari Thompson - Business & Office Operations Director Heather Nennig - Administrative/Marketing Assistant

Staff Email Addresses ldehling@portagecountybiz.com mmonday@portagecountybiz.com fdn@portagecountybiz.com kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com acctg@portagecountybiz.com admin@portagecountybiz.com

The Active Voice Design/Layout by: Heather Nennig admin@portagecountybiz.com Phone: 715-344-1940 Fax: 715-344-4473

Portage County Business Council / Foundation • 5501 Vern Holmes Drive • Stevens Point, WI 54482

Decree of Excellence Award 2011 Nomination Form The award ceremony will be held at the Annual Dinner on January 24, 2012.

FEEL FREE TO ENTER YOUR BUSINESS OR ANOTHER BUSINESS COUNCIL MEMBER THAT YOU FEEL IS DESERVING OF THIS AWARD Nominations forms are confidentially reviewed and recipients are selected by the Portage County Business Council Executive Board.

Nominations due by Monday, December 26, 2011 Business Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person __________________________________________________Email________________________________________ Business Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone________________________________ Fax___________________________________ Number of Employees_____________

Award Criteria • Business is a member of the Portage County Business Council • Business is an established Portage County business for at least 1 year • Business has made significant contributions to Portage County’s economic vitality and community service efforts (i.e. capital improvements; an increased number of employees; special marketing campaigns, employee involvement; sponsorship of events and activities; and beautification efforts) • Information submitted is based on the calendar year • Business has not been a recipient of the Decree of Excellence Award in the past three years.

Previous Recipients • 2010 – Skyward • 2009 – The Worth Company • 2008 – Anderson, O'Brien, Bertz, Skrenes & Golla • 2007 – Pointe Precision • 2006 – Team Schierl Companies • 2005 – Donaldson Company • 2004 – CAP Services

Please consider_______________________________________ for the Decree of Excellence Award for the following reasons.

1. The growth and/or development which has been experienced includes:

2. The community involvement by our organization includes:

Return nomination form to the Portage County Business Council • 5501 Vern Holmes Drive • Stevens Point, WI 54481

Fax: 715-344-4473 • Phone: 715-344-1940 • Email: kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com

EXECUTIVE BOARD & BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SCHEDULE - 2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DATES – 7:30 am Wednesday, January 11 Wednesday, February 15 Wednesday, March 21 Wednesday, April 18 Wednesday, May 16 Wednesday, June 20 Wednesday, July 18 Wednesday, August 15 Wednesday, September 19 Wednesday, October 17 Wednesday, November 14 Wednesday, December 12

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATES – 7:30 am – PCBC Wednesday, January 18 Wednesday, February 22 Wednesday, March 28 Wednesday, April 25 Wednesday, May 23 Wednesday, June 27 Wednesday, July 25 Wednesday, August 22 Wednesday, September 26 Wednesday, October 24 Wednesday, November 28 Wednesday, December 19

N:\PCBC Corporate Operations\Full Board\Meeting Schedules\2012 Board Meeting Schedule.docx Last saved 11/17/2011 9:46:00 AM