12.2014 The Active Voice Newsletter by Portage County Business Council, Inc.

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12.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

upcoming EVENTS \\ PIE REALITY SHOP Wednesday, December 2, 2014 \\ 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH) 1201 Northpoint Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» VOLUNTEER

Small Business X-Change

PRESENTED MINISTRY HEALTHAUCTION CARE 2015 ANNUALBYDINNER & SILENT 01.27.15 \\ 5:30PM – 8:30PM SENTRYWORLD IN THE NEW ATRIUM & FIELDHOUSE

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30AM Portage County Business Council | Foundation Room 5501 Vern Holmes Dr | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

Women in Business Thursday, December 11, 2014 \\ 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM SentryWorld Sports Center in the NEW Grand Hall (formerly known as High Court) 601 N Michigan Avenue | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

Business After Hours Monday, December 15, 2014 \\ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CPS Cafe of UWSP | First floor of the College of Professional Studies Building #11 Free Parking (Courtesy of CPS Cafe) in Lot E off of Isadore Street Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER » MAP

Leadership Portage County Thursday, December 18, 2014 \\ 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Various locations throughout the year.

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

» REGISTER

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Winners of the Decree of Excellence Award, Ambassador of the Year Award, Small Business of the Year and the President’s Award will all be recognized during the Portage County Business Council’s Annual Dinner and Silent Auction on Tuesday, January 27th. Held at SentryWorld, 601 North Michigan Avenue, Stevens Point, the evening extravaganza promises to be exciting with a social hour with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to bid on an endless list of Silent Auction items. The Business Council extends an invitation to all Business Council members and their guests to attend the Annual Dinner. Reservations are due by Wednesday, January 21, 2015.

Entrees also include a garden salad with honey poppyseed dressing, freshly baked rolls, Black Forest Chocolate Cake for dessert, coffee, tea and milk. Awards 8:00-8:30PM Presentation of Ambassador of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Decree of Excellence, And the 2014 President’s Award Recipient – Andrew Halverson Special thanks to our Award Sponsors AT&T, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, and Delta Dental of Wisconsin

Be Sure to Attend! Social 5:30-6:50PM Complimentary Hors d’ oeuvres, Cash Bar Silent Auction 5:30-6:50PM A spectacular array of jewelry, artwork, travel, sports and entertainment packages Dinner & Program 6:50-8:00PM Choose from three mouth-watering entrees: 1. Chef-Carved Shoulder Tenderloin: Sherried Mushroom Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Asparagus 2. Chicken Oscar: Pan-Fried Chicken Breast and Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus topped with a Tangy Bearnaise Sauce 3. Spinach & Ricotto Ravioli: Artichoke Hearts, Kalamata Olives, Roasted Red Peppers and Mushrooms tossed with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce

And thanks to our Reception Sponsor Marshfield Clinic

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

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

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

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

THE FUTURE WISCONSIN PROJECT AND ECONOMIC SUMMIT 12.03.14 \\ Wisconsin Center \\ Milwaukee » CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE » CLICK HERE TO REGISTER For the past 18-months, the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) Foundation has been building a new initiative called The Future Wisconsin Project. The project is looking at Wisconsin’s long-term economic health and asking questions like: What will Wisconsin look like in 20 years? What will our workforce look like? What sort of businesses will thrive in our economy? How will our tech colleges and universities stack up to those in other states? What sort of jobs will be available? Will we be able to grow our economy if we can’t find the labor to fill the jobs? In partnership with WMC, the UW System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Department of Workforce Development have embarked on a process to help identify, answer and be prepared for the outcome of questions mentioned above. To date, nearly 60 Chambers statewide, including the Portage County Business Council, have signed on as a Future Wisconsin Community in support of the project. The project focuses on (6) Competitive Quality Indicators that affect Wisconsin communities: Talent Development, Attraction and Retention Business Competitiveness Global Engagement Government Effectiveness Life Quality Entrepreneurial Spirit

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

For more information on The Future Wisconsin Project and the Economic Summit, please check out and share the following: • The Future Wisconsin Economic Summit Brochure (December 3 in Milwaukee): Registration is also available online. • wmc.org/wp-content/uploads/Dec3SummitBrochure1.pdf • Social Media: Jim Morgan, President of WMC Foundation will be tweeting about the event every day. If you want to follow him @JimMorgan1960 or @WisconsinMC, feel free to re-tweet. He will use #FutureWI. • “Forward Thinkers” video series: wmc.org/programs/the-future-wisconsinproject

Members of PCBC can register as a Project Partner ($100)

Thank you

Over 350 people gathered on Friday, November 7th for our 13th Annual Wines of the World event held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center. The event featured 100 wines from around the world for sampling, along with some bourbons by The Bottle Stop, fine cuisine by the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center and Rockman’s Catering, Wisconsin artisan cheeses by Ski’s Meat Market, soft live jazz music by the UWSP Jazz Quintet, a Silent Auction, a Beer Bar by Stevens Point Brewery, and handcrafted spirits by Great Northern Distilling. An equally exciting part of the event was the announcement of the winner of the stunning pendant designed by Thomas Dailing and donated by Lee Ayers Jewelers – which was Mary Guzman from Associated Bank. Congratulations! We would like to thank the following sponsors and contributors for their support of our Wines of the World event.

PRESENTING WINE SPONSOR Thank you to:

Presenting Wine Sponsor The Bottle Stop Food Sponsors Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center Rockman’s Catering Sommelier Master Level Media Sponsor NRG Media – Hot 967, Y106.5 Today’s Best Country & Big Cheese 107.9 Wine Distributors/Suppliers Allstate Liquor and Wine Company Amphorae Wines L’eft Bank Wine Company M Shiraz Wines Purple Feet Wines Wirtz Beverage Beer Sponsor Stevens Point Brewery Handcrafted Spirits Great Northern Distilling Craft Beers Beechwood Distributors Central Waters Brewing Company Bordeaux Table Sponsors CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Delta Dental of Wisconsin Donaldson Company

FOOD SPONSORS

Thank you to:

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Figi’s Inc Ministry Health Care Sentry Insurance Stevens Point Care Center

Dinner Napkin Sponsor The Boldt Company

Rating Sponsor R-Store / Riiser Energy

Planning Team Nancy Dolce, Dolce Digital Imaging & Printing Juany Heck, Advanced Neck & Back Care Center Matt Lazarski, The Bottle Stop Nicole Meeks, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Scott Rockman, Rockman’s Catering Denny Rosenthal, The Worth Company Karen Schanock, Portage County Business Council Michelle Sedlak, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center Jill Sunstrom, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

Silent Auction/Door Prize Contributors @1800 at Sentry Insurance Chardonnay Table Sponsors Blenker Companies Investors Community Bank BMO Harris Bank Skyward Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra Comfort Suites Stage Sponsor Duraclean Specialists Worzalla Publishing Company Girls in Pearls Boutique Grazies Italian Grill Jewelry Sponsors Figi’s Inc. Lee Ayers Jewelers with Thomas Dailing Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center Designs Slumberland Furniture of Stevens Point Stevens Point Brewery Print Sponsor The Boldt Company Dolce Digital Imaging & Printing The Bottle Stop The Pineries Bank Centerpiece Sponsor Virtual Vision Computing LLC Bev’s Floral & Gifts Supporters Cheese Sponsor Advanced Neck & Back Care Center Ski’s Meat Market Dolce Digital Imaging & Printing Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center Corkscrew Sponsor Marathon Travel Lakeland College – Central Wisconsin Rockman’s Catering Center UWSP Jazz Quintet

Cocktail Napkin Sponsor Golden County Foods Inc

SOMMELIER MASTER MEDIA SPONSOR Thank you to:

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

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.

The Riverview Hospital Association Board of Directors announced today that it has signed a letter of intent to affiliate with Aspirus, Inc., a not-for-profit health care system based in Wausau, Wisconsin. This alliance would achieve two significant benefits to the community: create an even more robust Riverview hospital and endow a new foundation with more than $100 million invested to serve the health and the general needs of the Wisconsin Rapids community for years to come. \\ Keller, Planners, Architects and Builders, a design/ build general contractor with offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Wausau and the Fox Cities, will build a 5,742 square foot auto service and sales facility for Frey Automotive under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Nathan Laurent, and Architect, Rob Lindstrom. Frey Automotive will be located at S107 W16311 Loomis Road in Muskego, construction has begun and is expected to be completed in January, 2015. Keller, Planners, Architects and Builders will also remodel Oregon Community Bank’s 11,500 square foot facility under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Doug Sutter, and Architect, Steve Klessig. Oregon Community Bank is located at 733 North Main Street in Oregon, construction has begun and is expected to be completed in December, 2014. Keller, Planners, Architects and Builders will also design and build a 900 square foot addition for Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Doug Sutter. Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson, Inc. is located at 836 Phillips Boulevard in Sauk City, construction has begun and is expected to be completed late November, 2014. \\ Central Wisconsin Job Fair connects 375 Job Seekers with over 80 Hiring Employers. Whether hoping to find a better job, a fresh start, or a new career direction, 375 job seekers were provided an opportunity to connect with over 80 hiring employers at the Central Wisconsin Job Fair. A variety of employers from both the public and private sectors were available and eager to hire for approximately 713 openings in a wide range of fields \\ Wysocki Family of Companies (WFC) has become serious about its involvement in hunger relief, both nationally and locally. RPE Inc., the sales and marketing division of WFC, is a part of Growing Forward with Feeding America, which officially launched Oct. 17. The program’s primary goal is to donate 1,000,000 pounds of fresh produce to food banks across the country in 2015. The campaign is bringing together companies throughout the produce industry to help meet the needs of Feeding America. WFC also donates several thousand pounds of potatoes to designated local food banks each month. \\

John Guerndt, President of Compass Insurance Services, announces they have opened a second location to better serve our growing number of clients in Portage, Wood and Waupaca Counties. The office is located at 5569 Highway 10 East – Stevens Point, WI. Compass Insurance Services provides home, auto, recreational, business, health and life insurance and work with carriers such as West Bend, Travelers, Acuity, Secura, Cincinnati, Progressive, Foremost, State Auto, Society, WPS, Humana, Security Health, Anthem, Delta Dental, United Healthcare, Aflac, Epic, Illinois Mutual, Unum, among others. \\ State Representative Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, visited CAP Services’ recently expanded Children’s Discovery Center in Stevens Point Monday, Nov. 17. “Early childhood education is critical to our community’s success,” said Shankland. “Great child care presents opportunities to children and the parents both, and it is wonderful to see such a great facility right here in our community.” CAP’s Children’s Discovery Center, located at 3109 John Joanis Drive in the Portage County Business Park, offers year-round full- and part-time child care to children ages 6 weeks to 8 years and provides onsite 4-Year-Old Kindergarten, Head Start and Early Head Start services. Child care enrollment is open to all families regardless of income. \\ Several area nonprofit organizations have recently benefitted from Investors Community Bank’s Community Impact program and employee fundraising events. The bank’s Community Impact program allows bank employees to designate a $200 annual contribution on behalf of the bank to charitable causes. Employees may pool funds for a donation to a specific charity for a larger impact. From July through October of this year, 43 ICB employees designated $8,600 toward the following nonprofit organizations in Manitowoc County, Portage County and surrounding areas: ALSA Wisconsin Chapter in Honor of Bernette Seiler; Alzheimer’s Association; American Cancer Society; Americans for African Children, Inc.; Aspiro; CAP Services Family Crisis Center; Capitol Civic Centre; Community Industries Corporation; Down Syndrome Association of WI; Lincoln Park Zoo; Golden House; Heroes Hunt for Wounded Warriors; Holiday House of Manitowoc, Inc.; HFM Cancer Care Center; Hope House; Humane Society of Manitowoc County; Humane Society of Portage County; Junior Achievement – Stevens Point; Lakeshore Community Health Care; Manitowoc Chiefs Youth Football; Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office; Manitowoc International Relations Association; Muscular Dystrophy Association; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Pink Heals of Manitowoc; Reedsville Sportsman Club; SFA Elementary Schools; SIGMA; St. Mary’s at Felician Village; The

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Haven; The Mary Kay Foundation; The Salvation Army – Stevens Point; United Way of Manitowoc County; United Way of Greater Chippewa Valley; and Wounded Warrior. Additionally, employees of ICB held various fundraisers throughout the month of October to create awareness of cancer and raise money for Holy Family Memorial’s Cancer Care Center. In total, $4,087 was raised and donated to HFM. \\ The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club is encouraging area students to contemplate the phrase “Optimism Should be a Priority” as part of the Optimist International Essay Contest for 2014. The Optimist Club will judge the local student’s essays, based on the theme of “Optimism Should be a Priority” and determine the top winners. Winners will receive an award and the winning essays will be sent to the district level where college scholarships are available for top winners. The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for three years and has been active in the community since May 17, 1961. Students wishing to participate in the essay contest can find out more about the contest by contacting Danielle Belsky at the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County at 715.570.6470. \\ In the spirit of giving this holiday season, Point Vaper would like to remind people that they are collecting non perishable, non expired food items for the UWSP food pantry. They will continue collecting throughout the school year, not just during the holiday season. If you have food items that you do not want, you can drop them off at Point Vaper, 632 Isadore St and they will be given to the UWSP pantry. Thank you and Happy Holidays. \\

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 12.15.14 \\ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM NO COST TO ATTEND » CLICK HERE TO REGISTER » MAP Hosted by: UWSP Continuing Education College of Professional Studies Building #11 Stevens Point, WI 54481

HOSTED BY \

EVENT HELD AT \

Parking & Directions: The CPS Café is located on the first floor of the College of Professional Studies Building #11. FREE Parking (Courtesy of CPS Café) in Lot E off of Isadore Street, Stevens Point Our hosts will be providing complimentary hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and door prize giveaways. RSVP by Friday,November 12, 2014.

THE AMBASSADORS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT

On Wednesday, November 19th, the Ambassadors Club took part in the ribbon cutting celebration for the new office of Compass Insurance Services located at 5569 Highway 10 East, Stevens Point.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Ambassadors attended the open house for CoVantage Credit Union located at 1200 Badger Avenue in Stevens Point. The event, with a ribbon cutting, took place on October 28th.

BE SURE TO ATTEND WOMEN IN BUSINESS 12.11.14 \\ 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM \\ SENTRYWORLD » CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

CliftonLarsonAllen is excited to sponsor Women in Business on Thursday, December 11, 2014. Join us that afternoon from 11:15AM to 1:00PM at the SentryWorld Sports Center in the new Grand Hall (formerly known as the High Court), 601 North Michigan Avenue, Stevens Point.

PRESENTED BY

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER Lizz Schneider is a Certified Financial Planner and has been counseling clients through difficult times by focusing on improving their outlook on life with a focus on their financial health.

Lizz will lead a discussion about ways to look at the brighter side of things, whether you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed or you are really dealing with some tough times. Her presentation is entitled “Find Your Silver Lining: Every Day Empowerment”

11:15AM Registration and Networking 11:30AM Welcome 11:45AM Lunch (Consisting of Mixed Garden Salad with dressing, Herb Dusted Chicken Breast, Seasonal Vegetable, Coffee & Water and Dessert) Vegetarian or Gluten Free Options available upon request 12:15AM Guest Speaker, Lizz Schneider 1:00PM Door Prize Giveaways and Closing Cost is $23/person for members and $30/person for prospective-members. Save the dates and mark your calendars for these 2015 Women in Business Events: • Thursday, March 19, 2015 fashion show at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center – Presented by Girls in Pearls Boutique • Thursday, June 25, 2015 • Thursday, September 24, 2015 • Thursday, December 10, 2015

Points that you will learn as a result of attending this Women in Business: • Sharing / Venting is healthy (learn to move on) Opportunities are available to Business Council • Have a “go-to” support network members wishing to play a greater role in our Women • Everything happens for a reason in Business events for 2015. Contact Karen Schanock • What Now? Plan of action for every day at kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com for all the exciting details.

DECREE OF EXCELLENCE 01.27.15 \\ 5:30PM – 8:30PM SENTRYWORLD IN THE NEW ATRIUM & FIELDHOUSE Limited opportunities are still available for our members wishing to play a greater role in our Annual Dinner. Here is how it works:

SILENT AUCTION DONOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR - SOLD OUT special thanks to:

AWARD SPONSOR

(Commitment Needed by December 12) 1 available @ $800 (Special thanks to AT&T – Wisconsin, Delta Dental of Wisconsin , and CliftonLarsonAllen as three of our Sponsors to date) Benefits for Award Sponsor: • Opportunity to introduce sponsored award on stage. One sponsor per award (Ambassador of the Year, Small Business on the Year, Decree of Excellence and Not-forProfit Quality of Life Award) • Logo and Award Sponsor recognition in event marketing including event program, newsletter, and PCBC web site. • Logo and Award Sponsor recognition during event award video presentation. • Recognition as Award Sponsor on all emails to over 1500 member contacts. • Verbal recognition at dinner. • Four (4) complimentary dinner tickets to event with reserved seating.

(Commitment Needed by December 31) Silent Auction Opportunity: • 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 and the merchandise and/or service

RECEPTION SPONSOR

(Commitment Needed by December 12) 3 available @ $600 (Special thanks to Marshfield Clinic as one of our Sponsors to date) Benefits for Reception Sponsor: • Recognition in event program, newsletter, and PCBC web site. • Logo and Reception Sponsor recognition during event award video presentation. • Recognition as Reception Sponsor on all emails to over 1500 member contacts. • Verbal recognition at dinner. • Two (2) complimentary dinner tickets to event.

Sponsorships are limited and handled on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Karen Schanock with your commitment at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT » CLICK HERE FOR NOMINATION FORM 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. The Decree of Excellence Award will be presented during the Portage County Business Council’s Annual Dinner on January 27, 2015. Past winners include: 2013 – Sentry Insurance 2012 – Stevens Point Brewery 2011 – Blenker Companies 2010 – Skyward 2009 – The Worth Company 2008 – Anderson, O’Brien Law Firm 2007 – Pointe Precision, Inc. To nominate your business or another Portage County Business Council member, Click Here for 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 Friday, December 26, 2015. For questions contact Karen Schanock at 344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

welcome to OUR NEWEST MEMBERS \\ ACCENT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS SAL CUOMO Schofield \\ (715) 355-7757\\ http://www.ABS-WI.com \\ Join Date \\ 10/28/2014 Accent Business Solutions is a locally owned office equipment dealer servicing Central and North Eastern Wisconsin. We work with companies to create documents for printing, archiving, and digital distribution. As a Xerox and Kyocera business partner we strive to enhance efficiencies in document creation that focus on cost of production and labor. Primary Product – Office Equipment Year started – 1983

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

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

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

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.

JAY - MAR INC

2130 Jay-Mar Road \\ Plover, WI (715)341-3445 \\ http://www.jay-mar.com \\ Join Date \\ 09/1976

Jay-Mar, Inc. is a family-owned company started in 1970 selling packaging to the potato growers of Wisconsin. Many readers may be surprised to read that Jay-Mar is much more than a pet food and lawn and garden store. Most of Jay-Mar’s business comes from supplying area farmers with liquid and dry plant food, crop protection products and seed. Times have changed and we sell very little packaging now, but we also sell a lot of liquid plant foods throughout the Midwest and some southern states. We seek to cross-train as much as we can. In any small company, people wear a lot of hats. That also means that the loss of one person can really make the operation of the company difficult, so we work to make sure that at least two people can perform each task. Our growth in the agricultural market will be in finding, testing, then promoting products that make existing plant foods and seeds perform better. By 2050, the world will have a population of nine billion. To feed that many people, farmers will have to produce more food per acre. That goal can be achieved with beneficial bacteria and funguses that maximize the plant’s potential and materials that help each pound of plant food work better. An increase of five to 10 bushels per acre from each new product that’s developed is how we’ll get there. Many companies will tell you that their employees and/or their service are what set them apart. I completely agree and will tell you that that’s what sets us apart as well. Of our 27 full-time employees, 13 have been here at least 10 years and 7 of those have been here 20 years or more. Customers like to know that the same people are going to be there to take care of them, not just a body wearing a Jay-Mar shirt. When you shop at our store, we’re going to carry your purchase to your car for you, unless you tell us not to. That’s what makes our people and service unique.

Jay-Mar Inc.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

FROM THE OFFICE OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT : GIVING BUSINESS A VOICE IN STATE GOVERNMENT REFORMS » CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

THE OFFICE OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MEETS WITH BUSINESS

The Office of Business Development meets with business owners, trade associations, Chambers of Commerce and other stakeholder groups to ensure businesses know about the services available to help them do business. They take feedback from businesses to the appropriate state agency, Legislature or Small Business Regulatory Review Board to help make Wisconsin a better place to do business.

“Our goal is to be known as business advocates throughout the state as a resource (‘concierge service’) to business, helping troubleshoot and solve problems, as a guide to business resources that exist all over the state and, perhaps most importantly, to guide legislative reforms from the perspective of affected business owners. We seek reform recommendations by business (with knowledge of that business) to produce common sense solutions that reduce regulation and red tape and get government out of the way, to allow them to focus on running and growing their business. While business owners are busy I hope they also can be helpful in reviewing the statutes and administrative code to make recommendations to remove, replace and reform it OR simply share their stories about how it hinders. Both will help us guide reform in a manner that is consistent with present day business standards and practice.” Nancy Mistele, Director Office of Business Development Department of Administration 608-267-7873 www.doa.wi.gov/ Nancy.Mistele@wisconsin.gov

PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES You have a unique opportunity to promote your business at the 21st Annual Silent Auction fundraiser event. The Business Council is currently seeking unique products and services to be auctioned at the Annual Dinner and Silent Auction on Tuesday, January 27th. Proceeds from the event benefit member programs and new Business Council initiatives. As a Silent Auction donor, the Business Council promotes both your business and the merchandise and/or service in all printed promotional material. Your business and donated item will also be promoted during the Annual Dinner to over 350 business people. Each donation will be recognized with a display at the Silent Auction, highlighting your business name. Contribution ideas could be a specialty product and/or a service your business offers. Ideas might include a monthly floral delivery, one year hair care or drycleaning, oil changes, consulting services, golf lessons, artwork, jewelry, clothing or cellular phone services. Need more ideas? How about a weekend get-away package, home/office cleaning, a photography session or dining out certificates. Be creative…Don’t miss this chance to promote your business to the business community. For more information, or to register a Silent Auction contribution contact Karen Schanock at the Business Council Office: 715/344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE 12.10.14 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM \\ PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM » CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 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.

THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND AND A CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED.

TOPIC: “A TIME FOR GIVING”

Presenters: Speaker Line-up Facilitated by Janice Schneider, Sam’s Club Membership/Marketing & Community Involvement Coordinator. Janice also has past experience at Baxter Healthcare and military service while working with several local organizations. Also presenting will be Ilie Peterson from the Children’s Miracle Network and Ron Blaha from the Humane Society of Portage County The goal of this X-Change is to learn and hear about the importance of getting involved within

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

our communities. We will hear about different ways to make an impact in our community including monetary donations, volunteer programs, sponsoring employees for fundraising events, sponsoring events (walk’s & run’s), inhouse fundraising, blood drives through local hospitals, national bone marrow association, food drives, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and nursing homes to name a few.

SPONSOR

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION (PIE) PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT » VIEW PROGRAM LISTING

Partners In Education offers 22 career exploration and employability skill development programs for students (K-college), educators, parents and community members.

GUEST SPEAKERS Spring 2015 - Here’s What I Do @ Ben Franklin Jr. High School

PLATINUM PIE INVESTORS

KIDS INVESTIGATING CAREERS - CAREER EXPLORATION GAMES » CONTACT JUDY RANNOW PIE has a lending library of career games that elementary schools can borrow or have to incorporate into their curriculum. Contact us to find out what we have that can make career exploration fun and interactive.

GOLDEN APPLE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION (Educators, Community Members & Students): This program provides a venue for recognizing those in education for the great work they do. Anyone working in education can be recognized by anyone, at any time. Individuals can submit a recognition form to PIE to showcase excellence in education. Recognition of individuals, teams and schools will be through PCBC newsletter highlights and social media. Watch for details in the January 2015 Active Voice.

NEW HEALTHCARE JOB SHADOW/CAREER EXPLORATION RESOURCE

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PIE PROGRAMS » REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER » CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY Offering twenty-two programs to six school districts takes a lot of volunteers. Partners In Education is building their volunteer database and needs your help. If you are interested in volunteering for any PIE programs, please take a couple of minutes to complete our PIE Volunteer Survey: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/PFHY7XX.

REALITY SHOP EVENTS: February 20, 2015 @ St. Peter Middle School April 7, 2015 @ SPASH

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PIE CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAMS

» VOLUNTEER FOR CAREER CONVERSATIONS » VOLUNTEER FOR EXPLORING CAREER CLUSTERS CAREER EXPO: FOR JOB SHADOWING » CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM »HowVOLUNTEER @ St. Peter Middle School does one go about starting in a particular field or career? Being For students wanting to explore health careers or participate in a healthcare related job shadow, they will now have to do so through the new North Central Wisconsin Healthcare Alliance Career Exploration program: http://ncwha.net/ncwha/ career-exploration/. Through the website, students can register to attend career exploration events and have access to career exploration resources.

able to talk to individuals who have successful careers in areas of interest or observing them at their place of business can help students make informed career choices. Informed choices lead to better career pathway preparation. PIE is looking for volunteers interested in meeting with individuals or small groups of students to tell them about their careers and how to prepare for a future in that career (Career Conversations & Exploring Career Clusters) and volunteers willing to let students come to their place of employment and observe them at work (Job Shadowing). If you are interested in volunteering to participate in our career exploration programs, click on the links above.

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

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY » CLICK HERE FOR AN APPLICATION » CLICK HERE FOR A BROCHURE LPC participants met at the CAP Services Conference Center in Stevens Point on November 20, 2014. The day focused on Human and Public Services in Portage County. Participants began the day talking about the interim assignments they completed prior to the session, including results from the Project Implicit tests which measure conscious and unconscious biases. Participants learned about CAP Services programs, PC Health and Human Services programs and the Life Report. Ron Strege, from UWSP, led a session on diversity and leadership. After lunch, participants experienced what community programs like the Family Crisis Center, Community Industries Corporation, Boys and Girls Club and CAP Services offer to those in need through a Walk the Walk activity. The day ended with participants learning about Volunteer Fire & Rescue in Portage County at the Town of Hull Fire Department.

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY ALUMNI The LPC Committee is working on a LPC Alumni Social at the beginning of 2015. Watch for details in the January Active Voice.

Thank you to everyone that helped make the session successful: Dotty Bauer, Ginger Groshek, Brittany Melby, Erin Olson, Nick Proulx, Ray Przybelski, and Ron Strege.

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

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

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT » CONTACT JUDY RANNOW Workforce development is a hot topic as is employee attraction and retention. The newly formed Workforce Development Committee is meeting to discuss and address current workforce development needs. If you are interested in learning more, contact us.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

2014 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECTORS \\

meetings & other DATES \\

Executive Board

DECEMBER 2014 4 Staff Development and Operations Committee, 7:30 am, MSTC 4 Ambassador Club Meeting, 7:30am, PCBC 10 Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30am, Anderson O’Brien 10 Small Business X-Change, 7:30-8:30am, PCBC 11 Women in Business Luncheon, 11:45am-1:00pm, SentryWorld 15 Business After Hours, 5:00-7:00pm, UWSP CPS Cafe 17 Board of Directors Meeting / Annual Meeting, 7:30am, PCBC 24 PCBC Office Closed 25 PCBC Office Closed

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 Van Alstine - Executive Director, Portage County Business Council, Inc.

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 James Gifford - Portage County Board Scott Glinski - Skyward Andrew Halverson - City of Stevens Point 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 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)

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

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advertise with US \\ » CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO For questions, please contact Amelia 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 Amelia Ruzek - Administrative / Marketing Assistant

ldehling@portagecountybiz.com

Questions / Comments:

mmonday@portagecountybiz.com

Amelia Ruzek \\ admin@portagecountybiz.com

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

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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

Decree of Excellence Award 2014 Nomination Form The award ceremony will be held at the Annual Dinner on January 27, 2015. 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 Friday, December 26, 2014 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 • 2013 – Sentry Insurance • 2012 – Stevens Point Brewery • 2011 – Blenker Companies • 2010 – Skyward • 2009 – The Worth Company • 2008 – Anderson O'Brien Law Firm • 2007 – Pointe Precision

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 54482

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