DECEMBER 2015 The Active Voice Newsletter

12.2015 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

upcoming EVENTS \\ BUSINESS X-CHANGE Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015 \\ 7:30 A.M - 8:30 A.M. Portage County Business Council | Foundation Room 5501 Vern Holmes Dr | Stevens Point, WI 54482

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015 \\ 11:15 A.M - 1:00 P.M. Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 1001 Amber Dr | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER ONLY 3 SEATS REMAINING!!!

PIE CTE SHOWCASE Friday, Dec. 11, 2015 \\ 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. SPASH (Stevens Point Area Senior High) 1201 Northpoint Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481

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PIE GIRLS IN TECHNOLOGY Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 \\ 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. Mid-State Technical College (Stevens Point Campus) 1001 Center Point Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 \\ 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. CAP Services (will be held at MSTC Stevens Point) 1001 Center Point Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481

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PIE REALITY SHOP Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 \\ 10:00 A.M.- 3:30 P.M. SPASH (Stevens Point Area Senior High) 1201 Northpoint Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481

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LPC ALUMNI HOLIDAY SOCIAL Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 \\ 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Sunset Point Winery 1201 Water Street | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

DAVE WORTH TO RECEIVE PRESIDENT’S AWARD The Portage County Business Council will present Dave Worth from The Worth Company, the 2015 President’s Award.

He was selected by the 2015 PCBC Board President, Keith Pilger, due to his dedication to the Portage County Business Council. “Dave Worth and his family are pillars of our community. Dave has been involved in many charitable endeavors and spent countless hours volunteering his time to better Portage County. Dave has been a trusted advisor to the Portage County Business Council Board of Directors and has been instrumental in the Council’s David R. Worth economic development and workforce development of initiatives. Dave is a quiet leader who leads by example and President/CEO The Worth Company never seeks recognition for his efforts. It is an honor for me to provide him with this award and we are all extremely fortunate to have him and his family in our community.” says Pilger.

Mr. Worth has served as president of The Community Foundation of Portage County, President of the Board of Directors of St. Michael’s Hospital, Board President of the United Way of Portage County, Campaign Chairman of United Way of Portage County, member of UW Stevens Point Board of Visitors, member UWSP Chancellor’s Advisory Council, board member of the UW-Stevens Point Foundation, board member of The Wisconsin River Alliance, board member of the Stevens Point Area Health Alliance, president of the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, board member of the Stevens Point YMCA Foundation, board director of the Monteverdi Master Chorale, councilman of Trinity Lutheran Church, business teacher for Junior Achievement, board member of the UWSP Basketball Coach’s Committee, member of the Portage County Leadership Selection Committee, member of the Advisory Board for the Team Schierl Companies, board member of the Portage County Business Council and Executive Committee, member of The Executive Committee International (TEC), and member of the International Trade Board of the American Sportfishing Association.

He currently serves as vice-president of the North Central Land Conservancy Trust.

In addition, he has been honored by receiving the 2005 University of WI – Stevens Point Distinguished Alumni Award, the 2005 Community Leadership Award of Portage County, and Director Emeritus of the Community Foundation of Portage County.

Dave will receive the President’s Award at the Business Council Annual Dinner on January 27th -- a celebration and recognition of current and past accomplishments of the Portage County Business Council.

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.

YOUNGER ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS Younger Enterprise Systems, LLC Dan Blumenstein - Lead Systems Engineer 944 Main St., Ste D Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715) 340-3082 dan@youngersystems.com

Cole Younger, President

Dan Blumenstein, Lead Systems Engineer

Younger Enterprise Systems, LLC, or “YES” as we call it, provides IT support services and consulting to the greater Stevens Point and Madison areas. Our company has been a member of the Portage County Business Council since 2014 and it has been an important part of our presence in the area. Although we belong to other networking and business-oriented groups, PCBC gives us a unique offering that I would sum up with three words: local, targeted, and trusted.

The best business advice I ever received was to get my business systems in order before starting operations. For many businesses, a solid IT systems foundation is their Achilles Heel. Making maintenance and support arrangements before a technical problem occurs can make the difference between little to no downtime, and days – or even weeks.

One of our most cost-effective and efficient ways of providing proactive computer system maintenance is with our cloud-based YES IT Managed Services. By providing 24/7/365 monitoring and maintenance of computers and networks, it has truly enabled us to be the “IT department” for many of our customers for years now. During this time, the services have continued to get better, faster, easier to use, and cheaper. So while it has always been an obvious choice for businesses with 10 – 50 computers, we have found that this model increasingly makes sense for smaller and smaller enterprises. That is why we have introduced our Small Office Edition. This offering consists of three packages that can be subscribed to individually; however, the real benefits come with the bundling of all three. They are: 1. Managed Cloud Backup 2. Managed Security 3. Managed Maintenance The backup package is listed first because it is the most important part of any IT maintenance plan. The other services will help to reduce the impact of threats to your computer’s stability and performance, but can never guarantee the safety of your data.

Backup ensures that no matter what else happens, you always have the option to restore a copy of your data from a safe place.

For more information, including pricing and detailed descriptions of the services, please email us at info@youngersystems.com. YES, you do have an IT department.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER Paper City Savings

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 portagecounty biz.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

Dave Cooper - Assistant Vice President 2008 Cty Rd HH Plover, WI 54467 (715) 204-1660 dcooper@papercitysavings.com

For more information on membership, contact our Director of Business Engagement, Tonya Kowalski, at 715-344-1940 or tkowalsk@portagecountybiz.com

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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.

Nearly all workplaces have employees who are caregivers. Employees providing care for someone with dementia are stretched more than most.

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is a national health epidemic that cannot be ignored-particularly in the workplace, where an increasing number of employees are balancing career responsibilities with the challenges of caring for a loved one.

Level Four status – the highest that can be achieved.

A 2006 study by the MetLife Mature Market Institute found that caregiving costs American employers between $17 billion and $34 billion in lost productivity annually, taking a significant toll on both employers and caregiving employees.

“A lot of our patients are veterans and it’s important that we care for their needs while also giving them the comfort and compassion they need,” said Christina Osborn, licensed clinical social worker with Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. “Veterans often have life experiences and emotional trauma that are unique to them and we need to be respectful of that.”

Follow this link to access the free Dementia Friendly Employers Toolkit made available by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. This toolkit plays a role towards making Portage County a Dementia Friendly Community in 2016. Any employer who would like more information is encouraged to contact Tonia Simmons at the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 715-346-1401. Sponsored by the Portage County Dementia Support Network. /// Arise Health Plan is partnering with six Aspirus clinics to guide consumers in selecting individual health plans during the open-enrollment period for coverage in 2016.

The self-service informational kiosks contain marketing materials and, in some cases, a video screen and tablet computer to educate consumers about plan options. Agents representing Arise will be available at the kiosks a few days each week to provide in-person consultations. The kiosks will be open until Jan. 29, 2016.

The kiosks are located at: Aspirus Medford Clinic, 143 S Gibson St., Aspirus Weston Clinic, 4005 Community Center Drive, Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic, 1630 North Chippewa Drive, Aspirus Doctors Clinic, 2031 Peach St., Wisconsin Rapids, Aspirus Kronenwetter Clinic, 1881 County Road XX, and Aspirus Antigo Clinic, 110 E. 5th Ave. Arise Health Plan is working with the Aspirus Network of providers, clinics and hospitals to create unique health plans. For more information, visit aspirusarise.com.

Open enrollment on the Federally Facilitated Marketplace goes from Nov. 1, 2015, to Jan. 31, 2016. However, Dec. 15 is the last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start Jan. 1, 2016.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Aspirus Heart & Vascular is celebrating the first 100 patients to undergo a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure with a recognition event.

“This is a revolutionary type of procedure, and we have achieved great outcomes with our highly-trained heart team,” said Ronald Miles, M.D., cardiothoracic & vascular surgeon at Aspirus Heart & Vascular. “TAVR can be lifesaving, offering high-risk surgical patients, many of whom are elderly, new possibilities to extend and enjoy their life.”

TAVR is a non-invasive aortic valve replacement treatment for aortic stenosis, a life-threatening narrowing of the valve where the heart has a difficult time circulating blood throughout the body. Because TAVR does not stop the heart or require putting the patient on a heart-lung bypass machine, the procedure has made treatment for aortic valve disease accessible to older patients, or those with underlying medical conditions who would otherwise be too risky for open-heart surgery. And compared to open heart surgery, the recovery period after TAVR is much less difficult.

“At Aspirus, we are proud to be at the forefront of cardiac care and recognize the responsibility that we have as one of the few institutions in Wisconsin to offer this treatment,” Dr. Miles said. “Our mission is to provide the most advanced treatment available to allow us to impact the quality of life of our patients for years to come.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Representatives from Aspirus Volunteers were presented with a Wisconsin Award for Volunteer Excellence (WAVE) on October 6 in Madison as part of the Partners of Wisconsin Hospital Association annual convention.

Aspirus Volunteers was selected for the WAVE Award for the role volunteers serve in the We Honor Veterans Program embraced by Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. A national partner of We Honor Veterans, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services has achieved Partner

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

The We Honor Veterans program is designed to empower hospice professionals to meet the unique needs of dying veterans. Organizations in the program provide veteran-centric education to staff, volunteers and the community, and have enhanced their capacity to provide quality care to veterans.

Aspirus Volunteers has developed a veteran-to-veteran volunteer program at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Within this program, veteran volunteers are matched with veteran patients who often develop a camaraderie and friendship based on an understanding of the experiences each has had.

For more information about Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, go online to aspirus.org or call 866.331.2467.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Aspirus Wausau Hospital has been selected from more than 1,000 hospitals as one of the Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals in the country by Truven Health Analytics,™ a leading health care data tracker.

This achievement marks the ninth time Aspirus has been recognized with this honor. No other hospital in Wisconsin has been named a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital as many times.

“Aspirus is honored to be named once again a top 50 hospital for cardiovascular care,” said Darrell Lentz, president of Aspirus Wausau Hospital. “This prestigious award is a tribute to the dedication of the heart team to provide exceptional care to the patients we serve.”

“We are proud to be recognized on a national level for our commitment to advance heart care in our community,” said German Larrain, MD, FACC, medical director of Aspirus Heart & Vascular. “We will continue to move forward with the latest clinical advances in our mission to provide innovative and compassionate care to our patients.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Doctors are now treating patients at Aspirus Heart & Vascular with a newly approved SYNERGY™ Coronary Stent, making them among the first patients in the nation to benefit from this highly anticipated new technology to treat heart disease.

“The SYNERGY stent is a leading-edge treatment we are able to deliver to our patients,” said Timothy Grady, DO, FACC, cardiologist with Aspirus Heart & Vascular. “This next generation heart stent promotes faster healing, may decrease medication use and helps lower the risk of complications.” /// Invest in Wisconsin, a collaborative of four Wisconsin-based community development financial institutions (CDFIs), has been awarded a $2.68 million grant by JPMorgan Chase & Co. The grant, part of the foundation’s PRO Neighborhoods (Partnerships for Raising Opportunity in Neighborhoods) initiative, will enable Invest in Wisconsin to promote economic opportunity and reduce disparities in five Wisconsin hub cities and the rural areas that surround them: Appleton, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison and Racine. These hub cities are important because they serve as pivots for the adjacent rural communities.

“The challenges facing our communities require solutions tailored to their specific needs,” said Jim Popp, president of Chase in Wisconsin/Minnesota.

“By collaborating and leveraging each other’s greatest assets – capital, talent and technology – Invest in Wisconsin is developing inclusive growth strategies statewide that connect Wisconsin families, entrepreneurs, and distressed communities to greater economic opportunities and prosperity.”

“Rural communities face a unique set of economic challenges in Wisconsin,” said CAP President Mary Patoka. “We can’t solve these problems overnight, but thanks to the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, we can begin addressing disparities and getting our communities on the right path to social and economic health.”

business BRIEFS \\ (continued) Josh Cisewski, visual communications expert from MADA / FASTSIGNS® of Stevens Point, completed an extensive three-day Sales Boot Camp training program at the FASTSIGNS corporate headquarters in Dallas.

“This month, 17 sales professionals from different FASTSIGNS locations across the country attended our vigorous Sales Boot Camp training,” said Jim Howe, Vice President of Franchise Support at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “With over 590 locations worldwide, our goal is to build sales leaders across the FASTSIGNS network. As we expand, we continue to offer our centers the effective training they need to stay ahead in their markets and serve customers with the best products and services possible.”

The FASTSIGNS Sales Boot Camp covers the essential skills and effective techniques needed throughout the entire sales process. The course includes classroom instruction, live exercises and in-depth coaching from the FASTSIGNS training team.

FASTSIGNS® of Stevens Point is an independently owned and operated sign, graphics and visual communications company that provides comprehensive visual marketing solutions to customers of all sizes— across all industries—to help them attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including décor, events, wearables and marketing materials. To learn more, visit fastsigns. com/629 or call (715) 345-7077. /// Investors Community Bank announced they will support the development of the Wisconsin Agricultural Education Center (WAEC) with a gift of $250,000. The proposed facility, located in Manitowoc County, will provide visitors with the opportunity to connect with where their food comes from in a state-of-the-art agricultural education center.

“Agriculture is the foundation on which Investors Community Bank was built and a huge focus for us,” said Tim Schneider, CEO and co-founder at Investors Community Bank. “As the largest agriculture bank chartered in Wisconsin, our roots run deep in farming, and we felt it was important to support this visionary project from the beginning. This contribution is a way for us to further give back and reinvest in agriculture, which is vital to our local and state economies.”

In recognition of this remarkable lead gift to WAEC’s capital campaign, the lobby of the discovery center will be named in Investors Community Bank’s honor. This will allow visitors to gather and prepare for an exciting adventure ahead.

The center will include a discovery center that features hands-on learning opportunities through many displays and an opportunity to tour Grotegut Dairy Farm. The farm focuses on sustainability and best farming practices while milking 2,400 cows three times a day. A highlight for visitors will be the chance to view the birth of calves from the Grotegut Dairy Farm at the Wisconsin Agricultural Education Center in the Birthing Barn.

“We are thrilled Investors Community Bank sees the value in our project and views it as an asset to the state of Wisconsin,” said Melissa Bender, executive director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Education Center.

“Investors Community Bank was one of WAEC’s original supporters in the Believers Campaign. We are beyond grateful for their continued support through this lead gift to our current campaign to build the center.” /// KELLER, Inc., a Design/Build General Contractor with offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau announces the hiring of Nikki Schroeder as an Operations Administrative Assistant.

As an Operations Administrative Assistant she is responsible for assisting the Operations team in the creation, editing, and distribution of construction job schedules, project punchlists, meeting minutes and many other documents. She is also responsible for compiling and organizing customer’s operations and maintenance manuals, construction plan printing and distribution, as well as overseeing the company wide mobile app, Plan Grid.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------KELLER, Inc., announces the hiring of Michael Prosser as a Project Manager.

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

As a Project Manager he is responsible for project sales in the Fox Cities along with management of those projects through completion. Mike has several years of experience in the construction industry.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------KELLER, Inc. will design and build a 75,678 square foot addition and new shipping bay for Kolbe Windows and Doors under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Vern Nystrom and Architect, Rob Lindstrom.

General Manager, Mark Harger, is building the addition to fulfill a shortage of space the Manawa facility has dealt with for a number of years. To be located at 1211 Depot Street in Manawa, construction will begin in November and is expected to be completed in June, 2016. /// Rasmussen College welcomes Dr. Kari Luoma, Dean of Nursing.

Kari has been a Registered Nurse since 1997 and has worked in the educational environment since 2001. She received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Gogebic Community College, Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Master of Science in Nursing at Clarkson College and Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a Specialization in Nursing Education from the Capella University.

Kari’s dissertation examined how the NLN Core Competencies for Nurse Educators can be used to identify core competencies and tasks that are most significant for nursing faculty to develop as they progress from novice to expert nursing faculty. Her academic experiences include a program director at a community college that included emergency medical services, certified nurse aid, practical, and associate degree programs. She also was an associate department chair of an online RNBSN program and inaugural MSN program where she designed all of the nursing courses and most recently a faculty development specialist.

We are extremely excited to have Kari join the Wausau team and look forward to the new energy and vision she has for the Wausau Nursing Program. /// Schulfer & Associates has office space available. Lease an office suite in one of the most beautiful buildings in Central Wisconsin. Classy, elegant, historic professional, warm atmosphere with fantastic people. Located on Main Street in historic downtown Stevens Point. We have a few office spaces to choose from. Rent is negotiable depending upon which office suite(s) you wish to occupy, length of lease, furnished/unfurnished, etc.

Rent includes shared use of full kitchen and private parking lot. For more information visit www.Schulferandassociates.com or call LouAnn at 715498-4335. /// The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club donated and delivered nearly 600 Webster’s Encyclopedic Dictionaries to area 3rd graders in November during American Education Week. This is the twelfth year for the Club to coordinate this program.

The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club, chartered on May 17, 1961, has been in continuous service to our local community and youth. They seek a dedicated and diverse membership and count on community support for their fund raisers. /// Portage County UW-Extenstion is offering Garden Dreams: A Saturday with the Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers, on January 9, 2016 from 7:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. at the Lettie W. Jensen Community Center, 487 North Main Street, Amherst, WI. Four great presentations: Creating a Pollinator’s Paradise with Mark Dwyer; Indoor Gardening and Houseplants with Diana Alfuth; Sensational Shrubbery with Mark Dwyer; and Pond Magic with Ray Campbell/Dr. Pond.

Cost is $30 including a hot catered lunch. Registration deadline is Wednesday, January 6, 2016.

For more information, email mhrice@charter.net or visit: portage.uwex. edu/garden-dreams-2/.

For more information contact the Portage County UW-Extension office at 715-346-1316. ///

BE SURE TO UTILIZE LOCATE IN WISCONSIN Do you have a property or properties that are available for lease/sale? Do you have a land site ready for new construction? Then let the Portage County Business Council help you promote those locations on Locate In Wisconsin.

Locate In Wisconsin is a website for site selectors, property searches, and leasing/sales opportunities. We can get your listing on the site in just a few minutes, and/or update an existing listing.

Click HERE to see if your property is currently listed on Locate In Wisconsin, and if not, call or email us today to get your information added.

To add or update a property listing, call 715-344-1940, or email admin@portagecountybiz.com.

MAKE A COMMITMENT TO ATTEND OR SEND SOMEONE TO LPC IN 2016 Plan on making 2016 the year to network, hone your leadership skills, and give back to the community through Leadership Portage County. The program dates below will help you plan around the LPC sessions.

The 2016/2017 LPC brochure is available by clicking HERE, and the application for the 2016-2017 program is available HERE.

2016-2017 LPC Dates August 18 & 19, 2016 (Opening Retreat) – History of Portage County September 16, 2016 – Business, Industry & Technology October 20, 2016 - Agribusiness November 17, 2016 – Government & Community December 15, 2016 – Human & Public Services January 19, 2017 – Legal System February 16, 2017 – Education & Workforce Development March 16, 2017 – Economic Development & Infrastructure April 20, 2017 – Health, Wellness & Community Service May 2, 2017 - Spring Celebration May 18, 2017 – Putting Knowledge into Action

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

BUSINESS X-CHANGE 12.09.15 \\ 7:30 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. \\ PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

NO COST TO ATTEND. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED.

Business X-Change meets regularly throughout the year at the Portage County Business Council office. These programs allow business owners and their employees the opportunity to discuss pertinent topics, learn from local industry leaders and, most importantly, learn from each other.

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

TOPIC: “Project SEARCH: How to Empower Youth with Disabilities” About the Program: Attendees will be provided an overview of Project SEARCH which is a nationwide internship program for high school students with disabilities. The program will also show how local businesses can become involved by helping mentor the students in employment related skills.

Key points at this X-Change: • Benefits of hiring people with disabilities • How to become involved in Project SEARCH as a business leader in the community • Project SEARCH program description and how youth with disabilities will benefit from the program

PCBC ANNOUCNCES DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PCBC announces the promotion of Tonya Kowalski to Director of Business Engagement.

Tonya was previously serving the Business Council as the Administrative/Marketing Assistant. In this new role, she will be responsible for chamber of commerce membership recruitment, retention, and engagement. Additionally, Ms. Kowalski will be implementing a valuable new benefit-driven tiered membership model. She will work directly with businesses to understand their needs, assist with problem solving, and locate resources to aid member growth.

Ms. Kowalski’s organizational skills, along with her vision for long-term growth, and her proven relationship-building skills will be key assets to this position.

Prior to beginning with the business council, Ms. Kowalski served as an Advising Coordinator for the UW-Stevens Point School of Business and Economics and before that, Education Director at the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from UW-Stevens Point.

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER & INNOVATIVE SERVICES, INC: About our Speaker: For the past 15+ years Sara has worked with people who have disabilities in various capacities. After receiving a Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from UW-Stout in 2008, Sara became certified as a Vocational Evaluator and Rehabilitation Counselor.

Since then she has been focusing on helping individuals with disabilities obtain employment by empowering them to find their strengths and interest areas. Today, Sara works as a Vocational Coordinator for Innovative Services, Inc., and continues to help individuals achieve their goals.

Sara Beguhn, Vocational Coordinator from Innovation Services, Inc.

About Innovative Services, Inc: Innovative Services started in 2004 in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area with the mission and vision to give those with developmental disabilities the best quality of life in the community. Innovative Services has continued to grow throughout the state of Wisconsin, with regional administrative offices in Green Bay, Appleton, Stevens Point and La Crosse.

Although the organization started out working primarily with individuals with developmental disabilities, they have expanded their supports to people of all ages with varying needs.

Special THANK YOU to Innovative Services, Inc. for their sponsorship of this program.

PCBC WELCOMES ANGEL WHITEHEAD Angel Whitehead has accepted the position of Administrative/ Marketing Assistant for the Portage County Business Council. She will begin on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015.

Angel came highly recommended

by Melissa Reichert, President of the Wisconsin Rapids Heart of Wisconsin Chamber. She is a past Ambassador for Heart of Wisconsin and currently serves on their Board of Directors. Angel has worked her way up the ladder through five positions at the Hotel Mead and is currently Operations Manager.

Ms. Whitehead is interested in a marketing career path. Being in the hotel industry, she has a superb customer service background.

Angel is close to receiving her Google Analytics certification and has experience on a variety of software programs.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Whitehead, and please take a moment to say hello and introduce yourself next time you visit the PCBC office.

Seeking Speakers for 2016 X-Change Programs Are you interested in being a presenter at one of our Business X-Change programs in 2016? I invite you to submit a workshop proposal to be considered for presentation. This is a great opportunity to share new initiatives and proven practices with others in the Central Wisconsin business community. It allows you to highlight your business and the work you do.

All workshops are offered free-of-charge to Portage County Business Council members; no honorariums are paid.

Proposals must include the following: • Workshop title • Workshop description (a brief outline of what will be covered during the presentation) • Three or four key points that the participant will learn as a result of attending • Presenter name, title and relevant background • Relevant training experience Benefits of Presentation and Sponsorship: • Company recognition as Presenting Sponsor of X-Change • Company name, program outline and logo in Business Council newsletter • Company logo displayed on Business X-Change webpage (including a “link” to company website) – prominent location • Company name and logo in emails to over 1400 member contacts announcing event • Electronic registration list of attendees • Net result of better awareness of what you and your company could do for a potential client • Survey results after the presentation (optional) Expectations: • $50 Sponsorship fee • 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. workshop should be one hour in length (includes introduction and Q&A) • Speaking topics could include any myriad of topics especially relevant to a small business that will facilitate improving management, coping with the economic environment, etc. It’s really a wide open field. Presenters are advised not to use their presentation as a platform or commercial for promotion of their products and services or for monetary gain.

• Handouts, copies of Power Points, etc. are expected and are the responsibility of the presenter/company sponsor • Equipment/Office Supplies available for use include: Projector, Overhead Screen, Podium, Dry Erase Board/markers and Flip Chart/Paper. WiFi is also available. Please note, laptops are not provided.

• A light morning snack will be available including coffee, juice, water, fresh fruits, some Danish, etc.

All Business X-Change programs are held at the Portage County Business Council office conference room. The current available dates are the following: January 13th July 13th February 10th - RESERVED August 10th March 9th September 14th April 13th October 12th May 11th November 9th June 9th December 14th Written proposals are due by February 19, 2016. Email preferred. If approved, the presentation will be reviewed in advance. The usual attendance is 20-25; an estimate number of participants will be provided at least 24-hours prior to the date of the presentation.

Please submit proposals in writing to: Karen Schanock, Portage County Business Council, 5501 Vern Holmes Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482. FAX: 715-344-4473. E-mail: kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com, Ph: 715-344-1940.

For questions please contact Karen at kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 12.10.15 \\ 11:15 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. \\ PRESENTED BY BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY TRAVEL PROTECTION

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER » CLICK HERE FOR A MAP

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is excited to sponsor Women in Business on Thursday, December 10, 2015. Join us that afternoon from 11:15AM to 1:00PM at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center.

A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

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Thursday, December 10th 11:15AM to 1:00PM Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center (Expo 1) 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point Cost: $25/Members, $30/Prospective Members

AGENDA: 11:15AM Registration and Networking 11:30AM Welcome 11:45AM Lunch* (Consisting of a Garden Salad (with choice of dressing), Honey Balsamic Chicken Breast, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans with Almonds, Rolls, Coffee & Tea and Chocolate Cream Pie for Dessert) 12:15PM Guest Speaker, Mary Burke 1:00PM Door Prize Giveaways and Closing *Vegetarian or Gluten Free Options available upon request

We are honored to have Mary Burke join us for our December Women in Business Event as she presents “From Courage to Confidence”.

About Mary’s Presentation: Confidence is not something you are born with. It’s not something you acquire by reading a book. But it is something you can learn.

Mary Burke shares insights from her personal story about how to build confidence. While it starts with the courage to take a risk, the destination is far less important than what we can learn while on the journey. In 2014 Burke, a businesswoman and community leader, stepped far outside her comfort zone and became the first woman to win a primary election for Governor in the State of Wisconsin. While Burke lost the high-profile, contentious and close race, she gained far more than she could have imagined.

About our Speaker: Mary Burke is a businesswomen, philanthropist and community leader. She serves on the Madison School Board and co-founded the AVID/TOPS college preparation program which supports nearly 1,000 students as they aspire to earn a college degree. In 2014, she was the first woman in Wisconsin to be on the ballot for Governor representing a major party before losing in a close race to the incumbent, Scott Walker. Mary earned her BS in Business Administration at Georgetown University and her MBA from Harvard University. She has held leadership positions in private, public and non-profit sectors as Vice President of Finance for Intrepid Corporation, an entrepreneur who co-founded Manhattan Intelligence, Director of European Operations for Trek Bicycle, and Wisconsin’s Secretary of Commerce.

Guest Speaker Mary Burke

Save the dates and mark your calendars for these 2016 Women in Business Events: Thursday, April 14, 2016 (Fashion Show) at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center – Presented by Girls in Pearls Boutique Thursday, June 23, 2016 at SentryWorld Grand Hall – Presented by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the Stevens Point Country Club – Presented by the Daubert Law Firm Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center – Presenting sponsorship available All Women in Business Events are sponsored in part by Media Sponsor- Midwest Communications Opportunities are available to Business Council members wishing to play a greater role in our Women in Business events for 2016. Contact Karen Schanock at kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com for all the exciting details.

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 12.14.15 \\ 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE » CLICK HERE FOR A MAP Hosted by CAP Services Held at Mid-State Technical College in the Community Engagement Room #634 & 635, 1001 Centerpoint Drive, Stevens Point, WI Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and door prize giveaways.

HOSTED BY:

Held at MSTC- Stevens Point Campus Community Engagement Room #634 & #635 Monday, December 14, 2015 RSVP by Friday, December 11, 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 or email at: kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com

MEMBER

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

AMBASSADORS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT

The Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council, The Village of Plover and Miron Construction Company attended a groundbreaking ceremony on November 10th for the new Bone & Joint Clinic to be constructed at 1767 Park Avenue, in the Village Park in Plover.

The Ambassadors kicked off their annual holiday basket program in November.

They work in collaboration with Operation Bootstrap to help a Portage County family have a great Christmas season by purchasing items for their holiday meal and gifts for children in the family.

Additionally, the Ambassadors will be once again coordinating Letters from Santa. A small committee with be assisting Santa Claus with sending personalized letters to individuals. If you would like a special person(s) in your life to receive a letter from Santa, along with a small trinket, please send their name(s) and $3.00 per letter to: Letters from Santa c/o Portage County Business Council 5501 Vern Holmes Drive Stevens Point, WI 54482 Checks can be made payable to PCBC. They are taking orders now, but letters will not be sent prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. In order for letters to be received by Christmas, our deadline for ordering will be December 11th.

All proceeds will benefit the children at the Salvation Army and Crisis Center during the holiday season.

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Decree of Excellence Award 2015 Nomination Form

The award ceremony will be held at the Annual Dinner on January 27, 2016.

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 Wednesday, December 23, 2015 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

• 2014 – Mid-State Technical College • 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

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 5:30 – 8:30pm Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point The Portage County Business Council invites you for an evening of dining, socializing, recognition, and education.

Registration is now open. 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 Wednesday, January 27th.

Held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, the evening extravaganza promises to be exciting with a social hour, 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 Thursday, January 21, 2016.

Our Master of Ceremonies for the event will be News Anchor from WSAW - TV 7 Mr. Jeff Thelen. Special thanks to our Exclusive Media Sponsor WSAW – TV 7 and Fox WZAW.

Special thanks to our Award Sponsors CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Ministry Health Care, and Wood Trust Bank

And thanks to our Reception Sponsor AT&T

Order of Events 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

For Dinner, choose from three mouth-watering entrees: •

• •

Dinner & Program 6:50-8:00PM Awards 8:00-8:30PM Presentation of Ambassador of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Decree of Excellence, And the 2015 President’s Award Recipient – David Worth

Roasted New York Strip Steak: Roasted Red Potatoes and Prince Edward Island Vegetable (Green Beans, Yellow Beans and Baby Carrots) Honey Lime Tilapia: Curried Basmati Rice and Prince Edward Island Vegetable Vegetable Pesto with Penne

Entrees also include a House Salad with choice of dressing, freshly baked rolls, a delicious Lemon Berry Mascarpone Cake for dessert, coffee, tea and milk.

Be Sure to Attend!

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Presenting Sponsor

Limited opportunities are available for our members wishing to play a greater role in our Annual Dinner. Here is how it works:

Presenting Sponsor 1 available @ $2,500

Benefits for Presenting Sponsor:  Recognition as Exclusive Sponsor of event “(Name of Sponsor Company) Presents the Annual Dinner of the PCBC.”  Logo and Presenting Sponsor recognition in invitations mailed to over 1,500 member contacts.  Logo and Presenting Sponsor recognition in all event marketing including event program, newsletter, press releases, and PCBC web site.  Logo and Presenting Sponsor recognition during event award video presentation.  Recognition as Presenting Sponsor on all emails to over 1500 member contacts.  Verbal recognition at event reception and dinner.  Eight (8) complimentary dinner tickets to event with premier reserved seating.

Reception Sponsor

Award Sponsor

Award Sponsor

SOLD OUT (Special thanks to our sponsors to date: CliftonLarsonAllen, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Ministry Health Care, and Wood Trust Bank)

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-for-Profit 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.

Reception Sponsor (Commitment Needed by December 11 ) th

3 available @ $600 (Special thanks to our sponsor to date: AT&T Wisconsin) 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.  Four (4) complimentary drink tickets.

Silent Auction Donor

Silent Auction Donor (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.

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY Enjoy this recap of November’s LPC session: On November 19, 2016 Tom Bertram and Justin Lechleiter, both from UWSP, led the LPC Human and Public Services session. The day started with Maureen, Jenny and Ryan giving their participant speeches. After the speeches, the participants discussed their interim assignments (attending a non-profit board meeting, attending Empty Bowls and taking Project Implicit action tests). A common theme from the discussion was the number of poorly led meetings. Another take-away was how hard it is to become an active member and contribute expertise to some of the local organizations. Communication was a theme of the Culture Shock debrief which led into a discussion about biases and stereotypes. This was a perfect lead in to the diversity topic led by Ron Strege from UWSP and the Safe Zone Training led by Psi Fuller, a UWSP student.

The afternoon was all about public services in Portage County with presentations by Patti Cahill (United Way) on the LIFE Report, Ray Przybelski on Health and Human Services and Matt Brown on CAP Services. After the presentations, participants interacted with representatives from local organizations and non-profits during the Walk-the-Walk activity, including ADRC, CIC, CAP Services, Boys & Girls Club, and UW-Extension. Then it was off to the Hull Fire Station where Nick Proulx (Lieutenant & Fire Inspector for Town of Hull Fire Department) and Brian Lepper (Fire Chief for Village of Park Ridge Fire Department) talked about volunteering for local fire and ems departments. A tour of the fire station and rides in a fire truck concluded the session.

At the end of the day, participants talked about the need for sessions like the Safe Zone training to educate the community about diversity in Portage County. They also discussed how talking about some of the diversity topics made people uncomfortable and were typically avoided during conversations. There was unanimous agreement when participant Kym Buchannan exclaimed, “Fire trucks are cool!”

We are already looking forward to next month’s session!

**Change in Date for January LPC Session The January LPC session on Education and Workforce Development has been moved to Thursday, January 28, 2016.

Please mark your calendar with the change.

Photos from the November LPC session

LPC Alumni Join us on December 17th for the LPC Alumni Holiday Social An annual tradition – networking, food, fun and raffles following the December LPC session!

Join LPC Alumni and the current class for a festive networking event at Sunset Point Winery on December 17th from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Cost is $15/person. Cash bar – with a great selection of wines made here in Stevens Point as well as local beer options.

Make sure to bring cash for the raffle drawings (proceeds go toward LPC Scholarships) and to purchase holiday gifts from the Sunset Point Winery gift shop.

Click

HERE to register!

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

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

3RD GRADE CODING

PIE, Partners In Education, team up with volunteers to teach coding to Pacelli Catholic Elementary-St. Bronislava 3rd graders.

The program started in late October and will run through February. The 44 students in the program each will create a video or game with the guidance of the nine volunteer mentors using the computer program Scratch, a programming language developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to teach children how to build interactive media.

The program aims to respond to a shift in the job market that places an emphasis on basic computer technology skills in most industries, said Judy Rannow, the director of workforce development for the Portage County Business Council Foundation. She said computer skills are becoming as important as communication skills in employment.

"The younger we start, the more comfortable students are with that," she said.

Rannow said research also indicates children develop their interest young in computers and technology, especially for girls.

"By the time they reach middle school, junior high and high school, females have moved away from those types of fields," she said. "To develop their interests and expose them to programs at a young age is critical to them wanting to do it."

The pilot program is introducing third graders at Pacelli Catholic Elementary Schools to the back end of interactive media like video games to show them how those projects come to fruition. The curriculum incorporates creativity and language arts so students also work on skills like story and character development.

The mentors help students develop their projects from start to finish by guiding them through both story development and the technical portion when they build their project with code. On December 1st, students from Pacelli Catholic Middle School will travel to the elementary schools to show the 3rd graders what they are learning in their Computer Science class using Scratch to code computer games.

Thank you to the following teams for investing time to help teach our students!

St. Bronislava Joan Precourt (3rd Grade Teacher) · Paul Rudnick – Skyward · Andrew Sheehan – Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection · Jess Treder – MSTC, Student St. Stephen Jeanette Friess (3rd Grade Teacher St. Stephen) · Andrew Corbisier – Skyward · Scott Gerstl – Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection · Valerie Johnson – MSTC, Student Elizabeth Helgeson (3rd Grade Teacher) · Karen Bezella-Bond – MSTC, Student · Calvin Friedenfels – Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection · Brent Presley – MSTC, Instructor

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION CTE Showcase at SPASH Partners In Education is looking for businesses to highlight careers tied to Career and Technical Education electives at SPASH. This is a great opportunity to showcase your business to the local future workforce and their parents. To register click on the link http://business.portagecountybiz.com/events/ details/2015-pie-cte-showcase-december-11-2354.

One of the goals of the Career & Technical Education Department throughout the Stevens Point School District is for all students to leave SPASH understanding the opportunities that are available to them as they begin to embark on their post-secondary planning.

The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Showcase on December 11th from 4:30-6:30 pm at SPASH will provide an opportunity for 9th graders and their parents to learn about local careers and SPASH elective opportunities in the following areas: · Agriscience & Natural Resources · Business & Marketing Management · Family & Consumer Sciences · Technology & Engineering

com/userfiles/UserFiles/chambers/390/File/2016_GA_Recognition_Form.pdf.

We will recognize excellence in education throughout the year through social media and the Active Voice newsletter. There will be a special recognition at the Spring Celebration on May 3, 2016.

Check out who has been recognized so far this year: http:// portagecountybiz.com/partners-education/golden-apple-excellence-in-education/ PIE Reality Shop @ SPASH on December 16th PIE is looking for volunteers from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM to help make the Reality shop event fun, interactive and educational. To volunteer click on the link: http://business.portagecountybiz. com/events/details/2015-pie-reality-shop-spash-december-16-2356.

This interactive financial literacy program prepares students to budget and make informed financial decisions. Throughout the year in their classroom students learn the financial skills needed to succeed. They then put their learned knowledge into action during the Reality Shop with the help of business volunteers.

Reality Shop Sponsor: Donaldson

· Arts & World Languages This event will be held prior to the SPASH girls and boys varsity basketball games that begin at 6:00 pm in the field house.

Golden Apple Excellence in Education Great things happen in our schools all year so why only recognize them once a year? When you see or experience something great happening in our local schools let us know by filling out and returning a Golden Apple Excellence in Education Recognition form to Partners In Education: http://cloud.chambermaster.

Partners In Education Sponsors (at time of print): Delta Dental, Skyward and Sentry Insurance

PIE Partner School Districts: Rosholt, Stevens Point Area Catholic, Stevens Point Area Public, Stevens Point Christian Academy, Tomorrow River (Amherst), and Tri-County.

UPCOMING PIE EVENTS (Click on event title to register or for more details) CTE Showcase: December 11, 2015 at SPASH (Stevens Point Area Senior High) Girls in Technology: December 12, 2015 at Mid-State Technical College (Stevens Point Campus) PIE Reality Shop: December 16, 2015 at SPASH (Stevens Point Area Senior High)

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 jrannow@portagecountybiz.com.

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Mark Your Calendars!

December 2015

April 2016 PIE Reality Shop @ SPASH (April 13, 2016 from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM)

CTE Showcase @ SPASH (December 11, 2015 from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)

PIE Reality Shop @ MSTC (April 29, 2016 from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM)

Girls in Technology with Girl Scouts @ MSTC (December 12, 2015 from 8:OO AM – 12:30 PM)

May 2016 Girls in Technology & Engineering for Girl Scouts @ MSTC (May TBD, 2016 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 pm)

PIE Reality Shop for SPASH (December 16, 2015 from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM) LPC Alumni Holiday Social @ Sunset Point Winery (December 17, 2015 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

PCBCF Annual Spring Celebration @ TBD (May 3, 2016 from 5:00 PM 0 8:30 PM)

January 2016 Business-Education Forum (January 26, 2016 from 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM)

LPC Alumni Program Recruitment (May TBD, 2016 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) June 2016 LPC Alumni Empty Bowls Painting Challenge (June 22, 2016 from 9-4)

February 2016 National Job Shadow Day (February 2, 2016)

Business-Education Summit (Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

LPC Alumni Annual Meeting (February 2, 2016 from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) March 2016 Post-Secondary Night @ SPASH (March 9, 2016 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)

LPC Alumni Spring Social @ TBD (March 17th from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) Business-Education Forum (March 22, 2016 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Volunteers are still needed to help with PIE programming for the 2015-2016 school year. Please see the Partners in Education Volunteer Form HERE for a list of ways you can share your talents and gifts!

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

2015 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECTORS \\ Executive Board 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 Todd Kuckkahn - Interim Executive Director, Portage County Business Council

Board of Directors Tom Altmann - Altmann Construction Company Lorraine Avery - Associated Bank Dan Beighley - Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Lee Bush- Stevens Point Area Public Schools 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 Gregg Hansel- Pacelli 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 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

meetings & other DATES \\ DECEMBER 2015 3 9 10 14

Ambassadors Club Meeting- 7:30 A.M., PCBC Office Business X-Change- 7:30 A.M.- 8:30 A.M., PCBC Office Women in Business Luncheon. 11:45 A.M.-1:00 P.M., Holiday Inn Business After Hours- 5:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M., CAP Services (Event to be held at MSTC, Stevens Point) 16 Board of Directors Meeting / Annual Meeting- 7:30 A.M., PCBC Office 17 Leadership Portage County Alumni Holiday Social-5:00-7:00 P.M. 24 PCBC Office Closed 25 PCBC Office Closed

JANUARY 2016

1 PCBC Office Closed 27 Annual Dinner

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

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advertise with US \\ » CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO For questions, please contact Angel 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

Todd Kuckkahn - Interim Executive Director Karen Schanock - Director of Programs & Events Judy Rannow - Director of Workforce Development Kari Thompson - Business & Office Operations Director Tonya Kowalski - Director of Business Engagement Angel Whitehead - Administrative / Marketing Assistant

tkuckkah@portagecountybiz..com

Questions / Comments:

kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com

Angel Whitehead \\ admin@portagecountybiz.com

jrannow@portagecountybiz.com kthompso@portagecountybiz.com tkowalsk@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

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER