August Active Voice Digital Magazine 2016

Insights

Weather & Economic Vitality

Newsroom

Bone & Joint opens New Clinic

Talent Development

Leadership Portage County

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday, July 12th, to celebrate the opening of Bone & Joint’s newest orthopaedic clinic

Events

LPC challenges participants to broaden their understanding of Portage County.

Wines of the World Portage County Business Council Photo Credit: KT Elements

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“Although Ki Mobility doesn’t necessarily ‘need’ the Business Council for growth anymore like we did when we first started out, we continue to be a member and support them because it is the right thing to do, and we want to be a leader/example for other businesses.

It is part of being a good citizen.”

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–Doug Munsey, Ki Mobility »» p.14

The Active Voice is a Benefit for PCBC Members

Portage County Business Council, Inc. 5501 Vern Holmes Drive Stevens Point, WI 54482 715-344-1940 www.portagecountybiz.com Todd Kuckkahn - Executive Director Karen Schanock - Director of Programs & Events Kayla Rombalski- Director of Talent Development Kari Thompson - Director of Operations Tonya Kowalski - Director of Business Engagement Angel Whitehead - Marketing Communications Coordinator Portage County Business Council

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CONTACTS:

@PoCoBiz

tkuckkah@portagecountybiz..com kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com talent@portagecountybiz.com kthompso@portagecountybiz.com tkowalsk@portagecountybiz.com admin@portagecountybiz.com Portage County Business Council

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CONTENTS 4 weather & economic vitality The simplest, seemingly innocent, comment can turn someone off about our community. I’m working hard to change how I talk about the weather, but since it is all around us it is sometimes difficult.

6 4 way regular training improves your company Regular training for your employees is integral to productivity and profitability, meaning it’s something you should never take for granted. »» p. 6

7 reducing the regulatory burden program »» p.9

If you’ve ever needed help solving problems, getting answers or reducing red tape encounters with state government then this event is for you!

9 business after hours What is Business After Hours? A nexperience designed for and hosted by Business Council members to give business professionals an opportunity to network, share ideas, and learn about the business host.

11 Ambassadors show their support »» p.4

During the second quarter of 2016, Dan Blumenstein was named the Ambassador of the Quarter.

14 Bone & Joint Open new clinic The Bone & Joint Center and Community leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, July 12th, to celebrate the opening of Bone & Joint’s newest orthopaedic clinic located at 1767 Park Avenue in Plover, Wisconsin.

18 empty bowls painting challenge recap LPC Alumni, PCBC Ambassadors, Staff, and others were invited to paint a bowl. 25 bowls were painted for the Empty Bowls fundraiser to be held October 22, 2016.

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WEATHER & ECONOMIC VITALITY DIRECTOR’S INSIGHT - TODD KUCKKAHN It was a dark and stormy night!

and outdoor sports intended for the indoors (basketball-Gus Macker in Our consultant for our new value- Sept.). We value quality of life. based membership model, Kyle Sexton, told us to never start a blog or post trying to relate the weather into something we are about to write about. Just get to the point and capture the readers in your first sentence. Hopefully I’ve done that!

But what does the weather have to do with economic vitality?

The simplest, seemingly innocent, comment can turn someone off about our community. I’m working hard to change how I talk about the weather, but since it is all around us it is sometimes difficult. In the winter, we may talk about how we hate the snow. In the spring, it is the brown and mud. Summertime— mosquitoes, of course. And those pesky self-duplicating leaves in the fall. Yes, they are all part of our life ,however, they are not why we live here. Or why an employee might relocate here. Or why a business may invest and move here.

Our core values aren’t snow, mud, mosquitoes and leaves. We are about skiing twelve months a year and many options within 30 minutes of the center of Portage County. We are about biking January-December, whether motorized or the pedaling variety. We are about fishing, within the appropriate legal season, of course, from opening day in May and throughout the calendar. We are about indoor sports intended for the outdoors (kickball at Sentry) 4

Attracting employees and businesses is a 24/7/365 commitment that requires all of our effort. Site consultants who research potential locations for businesses may send a “secret shopper” to our community to check things out. You may be the one that the person first comes in contact with and you know what they say about first impressions. Our words speak louder than words, at least to “outsiders”.

Social media also can play a huge role in both employee and business research into a community. Every news nugget is posted, except when Pokémon GO takes over the airwaves.

Our core values aren’t snow, mud, mosquitoes and leaves.

We are about skiing twelve months a year and many options within 30 minutes of the center of Portage County.

It takes years to establish an identity in a community and only seconds to destroy it. Now I won’t go as far to say a comment about the cold will destroy our community however people pay attention to what is said about an area. Our four seasons need to be treated as an asset and shared proudly and often.

The great thing about our weather in Wisconsin is that it changes! We have 60 degree days in February and 40 degree days in June. We can’t hide or lie about our weather yet we can share it in a way that promotes the quality of life in our community.

The next time your conversation starts with a comment about the weather, think carefully and share all that is great about central Wisconsin’s quality of life and environment for employees and businesses. It is the best strategy for our economic vitality.

Todd Kuckkahn Executive Director tkuckkah@portagecountybiz.com Photos courtesy of KT Elements

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Help us welcome new member TS Content Solutions, LLC! SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars for the Born Learning Summit

Thursday September 22, 2016 9:00 am- 12:00 noon Sentry Theatre Stevens Point

Born Learning is a public/private partnership working collectively to build a community system that creates and invests in opportunities for children to realize lifelong success.

At the Summit, attendees will learn the importance of having strategic early childhood initiatives in our community and what Portage County is doing to support such initiatives.

After much anticipation, the 2016 Portage County Community Guide is here!

Feel free to stop in at the Portage County Business Council office and pick up a stack for your organization, or if you wish, let us know how many guides you would like and we will be happy to deliver them to you!

TS Content Solutions, LLC Tim Solinger, Owner Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715) 570-3130 TS Content Solutions, LLC, a content development, publishing services, and marketing and publicity consultancy, has been launched by Tim Solinger of Stevens Point. TS Content Solutions is a rebranding of Tim Solinger Copywriting & Consulting, LLC, initially launched in 2005. The rebranding reflects the firm’s move in recent years to providing book manuscript development, publishing support and general editorial assistance while continuing to offer marketing and publicity services. In the publishing area, the firm specializes in assisting authors with nonfiction books ranging from inspirational works on leadership, management and personal/professional development to those on historical and scholarly subjects. More information is available at www.tscontentsolutions.com or by calling 715-570-3130.

Ligman & Wille LLC Ligman & Wille LLC

Portage County Com mu nity Gu id e 2016

Click the picture to view the PDF version.

Thank you to everyone who helped and supported us as we completed this publication.

Thank you to all of the 2016 Portage County Community Guide Advertisers!

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4 WAYS R EGULAR TRAIN I N G I M PR OV E S YO UR C O M PA N Y INSIGHT By: Laura Stack Regular training for your employees is integral to productivity and profitability, meaning it’s something you should never take for granted.

Among other things, training: 1. Improves confidence and therefore performance When people know they’ve been equipped to do their jobs properly, it boosts their spirits and reassures them they can achieve levels of competency and productivity they haven’t realized in the past. Further, when employees understand why their work matters and how to do it, they’re more likely to hit the mark or go above and beyond.

2. Saves the company money Well-trained employees make fewer errors and require less direct supervision. Furthermore, they spend less time thinking about problem solving, because they already know what to do. Consistent training also decreases employee turnover — a big drain on corporate costs.

3. Earns the company money While money saved is equivalent to money earned, directly fattening the bottom line makes people sit up and take notice. A few years ago, Nations Hotel Company invested heavily in coaching and saw a return on investment (ROI) of 221 percent.

4. Increases productivity Motorola long since realized that every dollar invested in training can yield as much as a 30 percent gain

in productivity within three years.

That let the company cut costs by $3 billion and increase profits by 47 percent in 2000 alone. According to another report the 2001 Global Training and Certification Study by testing firms CompTIA and Prometric — as little as a 2 percent increase in productivity can result in a 100 percent increase in training ROI. Researchers have consistently observed this effect over the years since. For example, Dillon Consulting, an international consulting firm, quadrupled its profits by 2009 after instituting a project management training program four years previously.

Similarly, in 2013, BSkyB, a payTV service in the United Kingdom and Ireland offering broadband and telephone services, reported a significant ROI after delivering 850,000 hours of training to its

customer service representatives over a 12-month period.

Big-time payoff Good, consistent training more than pays for itself in terms of employee confidence, performance, productivity, reduced turnover and dollars earned on the bottom line.

Rather than view it as a necessary evil, treat it as a positive expense— just as you would any initiative that promises to increase profits and benefit everyone all the way down the line.

Laura Stack, aka The Productivity Pro®, gives speeches and seminars on sales and leadership productivity. For more than 25 years, she’s worked with Fortune 1000 clients to reduce inefficiencies, execute more quickly, improve output, and increase profitability.

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2016 REDUCING THE REGULATORY BURDEN PROGRAM REGISTER HERE T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | A u g u s t 2 0 1 6

AUGUST 24, 2016 8:00AM - 9:00AM, PCBC OFFICE If you’ve ever needed help solving problems, getting answers or reducing red tape encounters with state government then this event is for you!

The Lt. Governor has coined the phrase ‘concierge service for business’ to describe the Office of Business Development. During the presentation you will learn about the services they offer and hear numerous examples of their success to date helping solve problems for business.

issues to our Office asking for help, information or regulatory relief and reform. We have helped resolve issues between these organizations and

This interactive program includes time for you to share stories, ask questions and understand how you can have an impact on rules to positively affect your business and industry. By the end of the program you’ll know why they are an essential addition to your rolodex!

As the economic engine of Wisconsin, we want you to be able to focus on running and growing your business and not on burdensome regulatory compliance! Please contact us:

The Office of Business Development is your business advocate working within state government. We focus on gathering common sense solutions to reduce government regulation and red tape directly from affected business owners.

To ensure you have a voice in making Wisconsin a better place to do business starts with getting to know you. We’ve presented at more than 800 events hosted by Chambers of Commerce, trade associations, civic organizations and business owners throughout Wisconsin.

The feedback we receive from business owners like you helps to identify laws and rules that need to be changed or eliminated because they are no longer relevant in your industry or have a negative impact on your business. Your input during the rule making process helps ensure common sense rules that don’t create compliance burdens. We help connect organizations and State agencies to produce meaningful changes and timely answers.

We have been called the ‘concierge service for business.’ When you contact us, we take the time to understand your concerns and work to get issues resolved quickly. In just over three years business owners brought more than 800 7

State agencies, as well as identified 70 regulatory reform ideas.

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If you have an issue that needs some additional attention (Request Help) Would like to recommend a rule change (you can also go online to recommend a rule change) To schedule a presentation for your local or community business group

Working together helps move Wisconsin forward!

Nancy.Mistele@wisconsin.gov 608-267-7873

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8.10.16 \\ 7:30 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM NO COST TO ATTEND. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED. What is the Business X-Change? A roundtable presentation which allows business owners and their employees the opportunity to discuss pertinent topics, learn from local industry leaders and, most importantly, learn from each other. While there is no cost to attend, the value of the information may be priceless.

Business X-Change meets regularly throughout the year from 7:30 - 8:30am at the Portage County Business Council office.

TOPIC: “PROJECT MANAGEMENT DONE RIGHT: “THE GETTING THINGS DONE METHOD” About Our Program: David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) system is a simple yet powerful task and project management system with huge potential benefits for business owners and key employees. This X-Change will cover the benefits and basics of GTD, how it was implemented in a busy law office, and tips and resources for getting started. As a result of attending, attendees will learn:

About our Speaker:

Attorney Mike Lauterbach is a Stevens Point attorney and owner of Lauterbach Legal, LLC. His practice focuses on high volume transactional work, including estate planning, probate, business sales and transactions, and Michael Lauterbach consumer bankruptcy. He Attorney/Owner of Lauterbach Legal LLC has been using the GTD system since 2012.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Special THANK YOU to Lauterbach Legal, LLC for their sponsorship of this program.

• Why GTD: The benefits of getting loose ends out of your head and into a system you trust.

• Basics of GTD: Understanding how the system works and options for implementation.

• Case Study: Demonstration of how GTD is used in a busy law office.

• First Steps: Getting started with your own GTD system.

For questions on this X-Change please contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

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BUSI NESS AFTER HOURS MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

What is Business After Hours? 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.

Co-Sponsored by:

Members are welcome to co-host the event with another Business Council member.

5:00PM - 7:00PM, NO COST TO ATTEND Event will be held at BMO Harris Bank, 1245 Main Street (downtown), Stevens Point, WI Our hosts will be offering complimentary appetizers and alcoholic beverages from El Jefe’s, various other refreshments, door prize giveaways, and a 50/50 raffle will also be played.

Please call Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or email at kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com to book the month you are interested in.

RSVP by Friday, August 12, 2016.

VIEW DIRECTIONS

REGISTER HERE

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER Pursue your next career opportunity through online degree options at UW-Stevens Point.

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GO O DW I L L N O R TH CEN TR A L W I SC O NSIN MEMBER OF THE MONTH

https://www.goodwillncw.org/

Communities — is a vital part of every difference we make, every donation you entrust to us, every minute you seek treasures in our stores, including those in Plover and Stevens Point.

W hat ar e t he B ENEFI T S OF M EM B ER SHI P?

They aren’t aware that Goodwill NCW supports 29 programs and services that help tens of thousands of people across Wisconsin, or that we employ approximately 1,300 team members in 26 retail stores and training centers.

In those stores and donation doors, we use your donations to create revenue that supports our human-services mission.

The “outsiders” might know that we provide

job training and job placement. But they probably don’t know that across our 35-county service area, we offer services as varied as financial counseling, community gardening, birth-to-3 family support, restorative justice programs and Miracle League baseball.

The more you know about Goodwill NCW, the clearer it is that our mission statement — Elevating People, Transforming 10

AHMC Properties 800 Commons Circle Plover, WI 54467 715-299-0781

Great Lakes Educational Loan Services 1101 Centerpoint Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481 888-502-5902

1017 Commons Circle Plover, WI 54467 (920) 968-6854

At Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin, we hear a common refrain.

“I had no idea.” This comes from people outside the organization who don’t realize the breadth and depth of our work.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

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When Goodwill NCW joined the Portage County Business Council in 2015 — in opening its Plover store — we joined a progressive organization that serves its community’s best business interests. We’re pleased to contribute to that rich and diverse retail marketplace, and to put your donations and dollars back to work in your communities.

Goodwill NCW makes a positive difference across 35 counties every day. Thanks for your patronage and your donations and for working with us for all the right reasons.

Together, we share a mission: “Elevating People, Transforming Communities.”

Goodwill NCW is a not-for-profit human services organization that in 2015 helped improve the lives of more than 63,701 people.

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Yo ur b usi ness r ep r esent at i ve s a re inv ited t o educ at io nal and network develo p m ent e v ents L ist y o ur o wn bu s ines s ’ event s, jo b s, a nd deals on p o r t agec o unt ybiz.com R ec ei ve r ef er r als from other PCB C m em b er s B ec o m e a sp ecia l ev ent sp o nso r t o p r omote you r b usi ness Disp lay y o ur ma rketing m at er i als in t he PCBC lobby and o n t he PC BC webs ite Par t ic ip at e in you r loca l c o mm uni t y

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

Visit the website at www.goodwillncw.org.

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.

AMBASSADORS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT

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The Bone & Joint Plover Center and community leaders, including members of our Ambassadors Club, held a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 12th to celebrate the opening of Bone & Joint’s newest orthopaedic clinic located at 1767 Park Avenue in Plover, WI.

On Friday, July 15th, members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff joined Heritage Farm Estates, in the celebration of their open house and ribbon cutting ceremony. These 72 unit apartment homes are located behind the Crossroads Commons Development on County Trunk R in Plover, WI. Heritage Farm Estates is managed by Augusta Housing Management Company (AHMC).

On July 25th, members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC Staff attended the grand opening for Agrometrics located in the Portage County Business Park, 3233 B Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI. Madhu Jamallamudi, Founder & CEO and his team at Agrometrics provide analytical and technological solutions to businesses worldwide with a focus on the agricultural sector.

DA N B L U M E N ST E IN H ON ORE D A S A M B A S S A D OR OF T H E 2N D QUA RT E R On a quarterly basis, the Ambassadors Club takes the opportunity to recognize one of its members for outstanding commitment. This commitment is measured by their participation in meetings, events, grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies during a three-month timeframe.

During the second quarter of 2016, Dan Blumenstein was named the Ambassador of the Quarter.

Dan is the Senior IT Consultant for Rack Industrial, LLC. He has been an Ambassador since December, 2014.

Congratulations Dan on your recent achievement. The Business Council Board of Directors, Ambassadors Club and staff appreciate your efforts.

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The Portage County Business Council is excited to host the 15th Annual Wines of the World event scheduled for Friday, October 28, 2016.

Join us that evening from 6:00PM – 9:00PM at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point for an international journey as we sample a selection of wines from around the world featured by The Bottle Stop. A taste-tempting array of fine cuisine prepared by the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center and Rockman’s Catering, a silent auction, a beer bar by the Stevens Point Brewery and soft live jazz music will make the evening complete.

This event will provide an opportunity for guests to network, socialize and have fun learning about wine.

An opportunity is also available for your organization to participate in various sponsorship levels (Members must be in good standing with their membership dues to participate), with attractive benefits at each. Here’s how it works:

Bordeaux Table Sponsorship - $800 • • • •

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Company listed as Bordeaux sponsor on event program Verbal recognition at event Two months pre-event recognition in Business Council digital magazine Company logo displayed on Wines of the World webpage (including a “link” to company website) Eight tickets to the event A company reserved table for preferential seating at the event (VIP designated area)

Chardonnay Table Sponsorship - $500 • • • • • •

Company listed as Chardonnay sponsor on event program Verbal recognition at event One month pre-event recognition in Business Council digital magazine Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage Four tickets to the event A shared company reserved table for preferential seating at the event (VIP designated area)

Chianti Bistro Table Sponsorship - $250 The Business Council extends an invitation to an event like no other.

Click Here to register online.

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Company listed as Chianti sponsor on event program Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage Two tickets to the event A company reserved bistro table at the event (VIP designated area)

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Stage Sponsorship - $500 • • • • • • •

Company banner hung at prominent location at event (banner provided by sponsor) Company listed as Stage sponsor on event program Verbal recognition at event One month pre-event recognition in Business Council digital magazine Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage Four tickets to the event A shared company reserved table for preferential seating at the event (VIP designated area)

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Wine Stopper Exclusive Sponsorship - $350 • • • •

Wine Charm Exclusive Sponsorship - $350

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Requires Business Council approval before charm order is placed Charm with company name given to all guests (350 charms to be purchased by sponsor) Company listed as sponsor on event program Verbal recognition as Exclusive Wine Charm sponsor at event One month pre-event recognition in Business Council digital magazine Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage Four tickets to the event A shared company reserved table for preferential seating at the event (VIP designated area)

Corkscrew Exclusive Sponsorship - $350 • • • • •

in Business Council digital magazine Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage Four tickets to the event A shared company reserved table for preferential seating at the event (VIP designated area)

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Requires Business Council approval before wine stop order is placed Wine Stopper with company name given to all guests (wine stoppers to be purchased by sponsor) Company listed as sponsor on event program Verbal recognition as Exclusive Wine Stopper sponsor at event One month pre-event recognition in Business Council digital magazine Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage Four tickets to the event A shared company reserved table for preferential seating at the event (VIP designated area)

Rating -Pen Exclusive Sponsorship - $300 • • • • •

• Requires Business Council approval before corkscrew order • is placed Corkscrew with company name given to all guests (350 corkscrews to be purchased by sponsor) Company listed as sponsor on event program Verbal recognition as Exclusive Corkscrew sponsor at event One month pre-event recognition

Dinner Napkin Exclusive Sponsorship - SOLD OUT -Thank you to The Boldt Company • • • • • • •

Requires Business Council approval before napkin order is placed Napkin with company name given to all guests (500 napkins to be purchased by sponsor) Company listed as sponsor on event program Verbal recognition as Exclusive Dinner Napkin sponsor at event One month pre-event recognition in Business Council digital magazine Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage Two tickets to the event

Cocktail Napkin Exclusive Sponsorship - $250 •

Requires Business Council approval before napkin order is placed • Napkin with company name given Requires Business Council to all guests (500 napkins to be approval before pen order is purchased by sponsor) placed • Company listed as sponsor on Pen with company name given event program to all guests (350 pens to be • Verbal recognition as Exclusive purchased by sponsor) Cocktail Napkin sponsor at event Company listed as sponsor on • One month pre-event recognition event program in Business Council digital Verbal recognition as Exclusive magazine Rating sponsor at event One month pre-event recognition • Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage in Business Council digital • Two tickets to the event magazine Company name listed on Wines To secure your sponsorship please of the World webpage contact Karen Schanock at Two tickets to the event kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com or 715-344-1940 by Friday, August 26, 2016.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take part of an evening of fun, socializing and education about wine.

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B O N E & JOINT CENTER OPENS N E W CLINIC IN P O R TAGE C OUNTY The Bone & Joint Center and Community leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, July 12th, to celebrate the opening of Bone & Joint’s newest orthopaedic clinic located at 1767 Park Avenue in Plover, Wisconsin. After a 20-minute presentation, which included comments from Bone & Joint’s leadership, representatives from the Village of Plover, the Portage County Business Council and the Plover Area Business Association, guests toured the 15,100-square foot medical facility.

The patient-centric clinic designed by HDR Architecture and built by Miron Construction Co. Inc. features 12, oversized clinical exam rooms which can accommodate additional family members for consultation. Automated sliding doors optimize the exam room’s interior space to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices needed by some of Bone & Joint’s patients.

The clinic’s treatment area is divided into four pods. Each pod contains a separate dictation area and nursing station. The convenient layout, which includes access to electronic medical records, allows each medical provider’s team to serve clients more efficiently. The clinic also features a separate outpatient and pain management treatment unit as well as a dedicated sports medicine and physical therapy area.

“We are excited to open the doors on July 18th,” said Terry Lawrence, MBA, Bone & Joint Center chief executive officer. “Right now, one in five of our customers travels from the Plover area to Bone & Joint’s Wausau location for care. We’ve brought our orthopaedic expertise closer to people who live and work in Wood and Portage counties.” The new clinic offers customers a contemporary center for orthopaedic care, which is equipped with high-tech, digital X-ray technology and a C-arm scanner for advanced pain management procedures.

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“Our goal is to further the excellent reputation Bone & Joint has built in Wausau, Medford and Merrill,” said Lawrence.

People in the Plover community will also have access to Bone & Joint’s Walk-In Care Center. Individuals who need care for unexpected and urgent care conditions such as broken bones, sprains, back pain, severe joint pain or work-related injuries can visit the Plover Walk-In Care Center without an appointment Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Others who need ongoing treatment for arthritis, tendonitis and other chronic orthopaedic conditions can schedule appointments at Bone & Joint’s Plover clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“We are pleased to provide convenient access to comprehensive orthopaedic care,” said Ben Hackett, MD, spinal surgeon and Bone & Joint Center President. “Whether people need pain management, walk-in care, sports medicine or worker’s compensation services, our specialized team of physicians, surgeons and advanced practice providers will work together to provide the best patient experience possible. Our goal is to have every person who visits Bone & Joint leave with the feeling that they have been cared for with excellent and compassionate care.”

Patients who currently work with a Bone & Joint provider at the Aspirus Building on Vern Holmes Drive in Stevens Point, can continue to see their orthopaedic specialist at Bone & Joint’s new Plover clinic.

Bone & Joint invites the public to an Open House on Saturday, August 6, 2016; from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the Plover clinic and ask questions about the clinic and the care Bone & Joint provides.

Those who would like more information about the Open House should contact Jayson Dykema at 800.445.6442 or email info@BoneJoint.net.

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Evergreen thrift store Evergreen Thrift Store has been endeavoring to start a non-profit business since September 2015 as a way to bless the community.

Since February, we have been actively pursuing Northern Portage County, specifically Stevens Point as a potential location for our thrift store and outreaches.

Along the way, we met Debbie, the manager of Blessings Thrift Stores, located in the Wautoma area. In January, Debbie suffered from a stroke and had to a take a step down from her work. The Blessing Thrift Stores continued to run as usual with help from others.

About three weeks ago, Debbie approached us to offer us both Blessings Thrift Stores to own and operate at Evergreen Thrift Stores.

We were shocked, encouraged, and humbled. The Evergreen Thrift board accepted her gracious offer and will strive to maintain the Blessings Thrift Store’s positive and uplifting presence in Wautoma. New management takes place on August 1st. As of now, we plan to operate both stores to gain experience in the thrift store business.

We welcome any volunteers to work at our stores for long or shortterm service. We are in need of help as we take on this new and exciting endeavor.

More news to come regarding updates on Facebook and our website www.evergreenthriftstore.org.

RIVER CITIES BANK ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS NEWSROOM River Cities Bank of Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, and Baraboo has announced the promotion of five of its employees.

Craig Philipp has been promoted to

Senior Vice President. Craig is an active member of the Baraboo Community where he coaches youth basketball and football as well as supports People Helping People, the Sauk County Children’s Giving Tree, and more. Craig has been with the bank since 2009 focusing on local area businesses’ banking needs, managing the Baraboo branch, and taking charge of the bank’s business banking development efforts.

Nick Inman has been promoted to Vice

President. This November will mark 10 years that Nick has been with the bank.

Nick is very active in the Stevens Point community where he is treasurer and president-elect of the Stevens Point Rotary Club, a board member at Central Rivers Farmshed, on the United Way of Portage County Vision Council, and a member of Ignite Leadership Network of Portage County. Nick manages the credit underwriting and loan operations departments and oversees risk management practices on the loan side of the bank.

Susan Ruesch has been promoted to

Assistant Vice President. Susan has been with River Cities Bank from its beginning, as a passionate and dedicated mortgage

lender in the Wisconsin Rapids office.

She is committed to serving the consumer and residential lending needs of our community. Susan is also a regular volunteer at Meals on Wheels as well as The Neighborhood Table.

Brian Ashbeck has been promoted

to Assistant Vice President. Brian has been with the bank since 2001. He is on the Board of Directors for The Neighborhood Table, volunteers for the United Way of Inner WI, and is co-founder of the Wisconsin Rapids area young professionals group, Current-WR. Brian takes tremendous pride in his community through not only these different organizations, but on a daily basis in his role as a commercial lender working to help area small businesses grow and prosper.

Scott Romportl has been promoted

to Assistant Vice President. Scott has been with the bank since 2010 and plays a key role in compliance and human resources. As an advocate for community banking, he is very active in the Wisconsin Bankers Association and other state/federal networking and trade groups where he is able to bring new ideas back to our community.

For more information on the bank or any of its services, visit www.

RiverCitiesBank.com or call (715) 422-1100.

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REGISTER HERE Thursday, September 22, 2016 11:15AM to 1:00PM Stevens Point Country Club (Club House), 1628 Country Club Drive, Stevens Point

“Redefining Success – Coming to Recognize and Appreciate the Joy of a Worthwhile Job Done Well” Guest Speaker: Kristin M. Slonski, Daubert Law Firm LLC About Our Speaker: After serving for two years as a judicial clerk for the Honorable J. Phil Gilbert, United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois, Kristin M. Slonski moved to Wisconsin and entered private practice.

Kristin taught undergraduate law classes as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Kristin graduated summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2007.

While in law school, Kristin was awarded the Southern Illinois University School of Law award for Academic Excellence, the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois Foundation Past Recipients’ Scholarship, the Neil Fellowship for Public Service, the James O. Monroe, Jr. Award for Excellence in Writing, the National Association of Women Lawyers’ Award, and Best Comment – 2006 by the Southern Illinois University Law Journal.

Kristin has published two scholarly articles. Before entering law school, she served as an Arabic translator in the United States Army, Active Duty. Kristin graduated from the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center with a proficiency certificate in Arabic. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

The focus of Kristin’s practice with Daubert Law Firm, LLC is serving the litigation needs of the firm’s clients. Kristin is actively engaged in the community, serving as a member of the Marathon County United Way Volunteer Connection

Advisory Committee, Treasurer of the Riverview Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, and as a member of the Wausau Breakfast Optimists Club. In her free time, Kristin enjoys playing guitar, reading, running and participating in triathlons.

About Our Program: Why is it that so few women businesswomen, professional women, career women – are reluctant to call themselves “successful?” Perhaps there is something in the word “success” that prohibits us from embracing it as being descriptive of us. Women far too often fall into the trap of believing that “success” is a definition bestowed upon us by others, and that in order to be successful we must meet certain goals that fall outside of the norm of our experiences in life and in business. But, maybe we can learn to recognize that the work we do, in the home and outside of it, is important. And an important job done properly entitles a person to say that she is successful. Maybe we can come to understand that accomplishing what needs to be done and acting when action needs to be taken is the very definition of success. And if we allow ourselves to recognize that success, maybe we can also allow ourselves to revel in it. This talk will examine ways in which professional women can increase their happiness and productivity by allowing themselves to define their lives and careers as “successful.”

Don’t miss this event! For questions contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

SAVE THE DATE…Thursday, December 8th event will be sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection and will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point.

Timeframe of Event: 11:15AM Registration & Networking 11:30AM Welcome 11:45AM Lunch ((consisting of Vegetable Minestrone Soup, Hot

Ham & Swiss Sandwich, Ice-Water with Lemon and a

delicious Ice Cream Caramel Sundae for dessert) 12:10PM Master of Ceremonies – Radio Personality

Nikki Montgomery from Midwest Communications 12:15PM Guest Speaker Presentation 12:50PM Door Prize Giveaways 1:00PM Closing (Vegetarian and Gluten Free Menu Option available upon request) 16

Special Thanks to our Media Sponor Midwest Communications

T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | A u g u s t 2 0 1 6

industry together in a more collaborative environment.

The facility includes a training room capable of hosting over 80 people classroom style plus many more features.

The new facility has environmental sustainability in mind and has a 95kW photovoltaic solar array on its roof. The theme of this year’s event is “Every Day is Earth Day on a Farm” and this really holds true to Heartland Farms and their progressive approach to farming and the community. As their slogan goes, Heartland Farms, Inc is “Farming for the Future”.

The buffet style lunch to be served at Heartland Farms will feature grilled hamburgers, brats, potato salad, calico beans, chips, dessert and more. The event includes tour stop, bus transportation, a picnic lunch & guest speaker, socializing and education.

AG TOUR 2016 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH Ag Tour 2016 is set for Tuesday, September 13th from 11:30am to 5:00pm and will be hosted by Heartland Farms, Inc. Planned by the Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council, you and your business associates are invited to attend.

Heartland Farms is a fifth generation potato and

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors of the Event:

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 Agenda 11:30AM: Bus Pickup at Wisconsin Public Service

(WPS), 2001 Plover Rd, Plover (next to

Menards). Vehicles will be left in parking lot of WPS. 12:15PM:

Picnic lunch and guest speaker at Heartland Farms, Inc.

12:45PM: 5:00PM:

Tour of Heartland Farms, Inc. Return to WPS for vehicle pickup

Cost is only $23 person. vegetable farm and operates over 24,000 acres of farmland. Heartland is known for their progressive and fast paced approach to utilizing technology to better their crop, their community, and the environment.

This year we will be starting out at Heartland Farms’ new 37,000 square foot Farm Operations, Technology, and Training Center (FOTTC) and then touring other areas of the farm. The FOTTC has been developed to help bring communities, educators, employees and the farming

Registration is now open. Register soon as space is limited. Casual attire. Please wear comfortable shoes (no open toes, no high heels).

Click here to Register For questions contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

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LEA D E R S H IP PO R TAGE C O UNTY Now accepting applications for Leadership Portage County’s 2016-2017 class.

Why join leadership?

1.

Leadership Skill Development 2.

Network Development 3.

Memorable Experiences Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in Leadership Portage County. The 2016-2017 Class is filling up, but a few spots are still available. Contact us today if you are interested in participating.

Contact Kayla Rombalski for more information at talent@portagecountybiz.com.

Click here to apply!

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Portage T hCounty e A c t i vBusniess e V o i c Council e | A u gFoundation ust 2016

Leadership Portage County Alumni EMPTY BOWLS PAINTING CHALLENGE

RECAP

LPC Alumni, PCBC Ambassadors, Staff, and others were invited to paint a bowl. 25 bowls were painted for the Empty Bowls fundraiser to be held October 22, 2016. This event provided an easy way for ambassadors and friends to give back, while having fun and getting in a little stress relief in the process.

Empty Bowls is a community project to raise money for local hunger prevention efforts. At the event, attendees purchase a bowl painted by local potters, community members, and students. The bowls are each unique and a great keepsake! Attendees then fill their bowls (or a plastic bowl) with soup donated by local restaurants. The meal includes bread, beverage, and dessert.

The 2016 event is Saturday, October 22.

SAVE THE DATES: •

August 18-19: Leadership Portage County Opening Retreat

•

October 8: Girls in Technology at MSTC

•

November 9: Reality Shop at SPASH

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2016 EVENTS

August 2

Wines of the World Planning Committee, 3:00PM, Holiday Inn

3

PIE Committee Meeting 7:30AM, PCBC Office

10

Business X-Change 7:30-8:30AM, PCBC Office

11

Ambassador Club Meeting 8:00AM, PCBC Office

11

Communication Committee Meeting 8:00AM, PCBC Office

Did you know you could post job openings, events and press releases on your membership login?

ASK US HOW TO ACCESS YOUR LOGIN

September

15 Business After Hours 5:00-7:00PM

BMO Harris Bank & Humane

Society of Portage County

Held at BMO Harris Bank (Downtown) 22

Business Engagement Committee Meeting 7:30AM, PCBC Office

25

SalesNet Meeting 11:45AM-1:00PM, PCBC Office

24

Nancy Mistele, State Office of Business Development, 8:00AM, PCBC Office

31

Economic Development Committee Meeting, 7:30AM, PCBC Office

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 most area banks, credit unions, the Convention and Visitors Bureau or at our office. They can be used at most businesses 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.

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8

Operations Committee Meeting 7:30AM, Delta Dental of Wisconsin

8

Ambassador Club Meeting 8:00AM, PCBC Office

13

Ag Tour 11:30AM - 5:00PM, Heartland Farms

14

Business X-Change 7:30-8:30AM, PCBC Office

15

SalesNet Meeting 11:45AM-1:00PM, PCBC Office

19

Business After Hours 5:00-7:00PM, AFLAC & Puroclean

22

Women In Business 11:45AM-1:00PM, Stevens Point Country Club, Sponsored by Daubert Law Firm, LLC

Business Education Forum Legislative Forum Brian Formella, Aderson O’Brien, “Fair Labor Standards Act”

ADVERTISE WITH US For questions on advertising, please contact Angel at 715-344-1940 or admin@portagecountybiz.com.

www.portagecountybiz.com Check out community Job postings HERE!