The Active Voice Digital Magazine April

the Active

Voice

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YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT? Women In Business

Fashion Show

Do you like shark tank?

let’s get back to reality 1

www.portagecountybiz.com

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MEMBER

contact us Portage County Business Council, Inc. 5501 Vern Holmes Drive Stevens Point, WI 54482 715-344-1940 www.portagecountybiz.com

Portage County Business Council

Todd Kuckkahn Executive Director tkuckkahn@portagecountybiz..com

Mereta Walker Director of Operations acctg@portagecountybiz.com

Karen Schanock Director of Programs & Events kschanock@portagecountybiz.com

Tonya Kowalski Director of Business Engagement tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com

Kayla Rombalski Director of Talent Development talent@portagecountybiz.com

Angel Whitehead Marketing Communications Coordinator admin@portagecountybiz.com

@PoCoBiz Portage County Business Council

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CONTENTS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 4 You want me to do what?

Technology has done so much for our society, right! I mean, while we are on vacation we can stay up-to-date on everything happening at work, in government, around the world, and with our neighbors (if we even know them)

6 women in business fashion show Treat yourself and see the unique selection of clothing, accessories and one-of-akind pieces by Girls in Pearls Boutique. We will see what is chic on the streets and trends to watch for this season at this event.

9 thank you

»» p.4

We want to give a big thank you to our Tiered Members so far in 2017!

12 Take me out to the ball game Ignite was very busy this last month! Ignite held their first EVER New Member Orientation and had a Backstage Pass to Velocity Clubhouse.

14 A S P IRU S - ON E OF TH E GRE ATE S T IN A M ER I CA Aspirus Wausau Hospital is one of the “100 Great Hospitals in America” for 2017 according to Becker’s Hospital Review’s annual ranking.

16 leadership portage county »» p.12

»» p.14

In March, Leadership Portage County participants had a robust day learning about energy and utilities.

17 Reality SHop Partners In Education hosted a Reality Shop yesterday at SPASH. The Reality Shop is a budgeting exercise for students, giving them a taste of what life after high school might feel like.

18 The pitchers have been chosen Congrats to Monte Condrack, who has been selected to pitch Destinations 180 at the inaugural (free!) HATCH event in Stevens Point! Destinations 180 is a social entrepreneurship business that develops moderate to high-end tiny houses for people in need. »» p.16 3

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YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

TODD KUCKKAHN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Technology has done so much for our society, right! I mean, while we are on vacation we can stay up-todate on everything happening at work, in government, around the world, and with our neighbors (if we even know them). And that’s where the problem lies. People are face first in their technology and ignoring the opportunity to solve problems and make opportunity in a more meaningful, face-to-face encounter.

Let me bore you with some “old man” recollections. When I was your age (remember that line from your parents), I would go down to the church field and play twohand touch football with all of my neighborhood buddies. In the winter, it was our outdoor hockey rink, yes outdoors! Now what in the world does that have to do with faceto-face business?!?!

During our games we had to figure things out face-to-face. Did Larry

touch the tip of the branch that marked the sideline out of bounds or not? After some time, we figured it out and moved on. Two key points there. We negotiated, collaborated, partnered to figure it out with an agreeable solution and our leadership developed in that situation. And, we moved on without continual analysis paralysis about a truly meaningless event during our game. We had to come up with the boundaries, rules, and timeframe and we had to solve the challenges faceto-face. No texting. No bullying. No hiding behind our technology and not addressing it face-to-face.

Hopefully in your business you realize the importance of engagement in your success. Those face-toface encounters are critical to your success with your customers and employees. We realize and respect that, too. Then there is the “there’s nothing to do segment” of people.

From the people I talk with, it is nearly impossible to find nothing to do in our community.

Granted, face-to-face encounters are not always the easiest. Hopefully, for example, you are taking advantage of our Business After Hours (BAH) events, held monthly on the third Monday. Oh, wait, you don’t know anyone there. Well then go and meet someone. Stretch out your hand and say hello. Maybe ask, “What do you

do when you aren’t at BAH?” We have countless other opportunities, as well.

Terry Bean recently shared an article on LinkedIn that was originally published on June 12, 2014, called “10 Rules for Sucking Less at Networking”. His thoughts included putting your phone away and paying attention to the people, ask people for their cards if you want them, make it a goal to meet 2-3 new people, introduce those you know to others, talk less-listen more, tell people why you do it not what you do, and follow up to get to know them. Some of these also relate to the workplace, depending on the Then there is the “there’s nothing to do segment” of people. From the people I talk with, it is nearly impossible to find nothing to do in our community. size, and with customers who might walk in the door, depending on your business.

Craig Culver told us at our economic development summit that employees are the most important part of your business. Engage in face-to-face conversations and learn how to improve your business and customer relations. Technology has its place and use it when appropriate however you can gain so much more when interacting.

By the way, Larry was out-of-bounds and we still won the game. photo credit: https://medicine.llu.edu/ current-students/technology

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It’s Time for Some Business on the Green JUNE 5TH

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The Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council will be holding their 28th annual golf outing, Business on the Green, on Monday, June 5, 2017 at two highly rated Wisconsin courses—Stevens Point Country Club and the SentryWorld Golf Course.

With over 280 golfers participating and additional business representatives attending the 19th Hole Networking Event (after golf), the 2017 event will be a great environment to expand your contacts.

You have a great opportunity to be further involved in the event by taking advantage of a sponsorship! Don’t miss out! First-Come, First-Serve!

Sponsorship Opportunities AVAILABLE

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FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON

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Presented By:

Thursday, April 20, 2017 11:15AM to 1:00PM

Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI Treat yourself and see the unique selection of clothing, accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces by Girls in Pearls Boutique. We will see what is chic on the streets and trends to watch for this season. Guests will be treated to a fabulous display of casual wear to classy wear. Fashions from both famous designers and retailers, including Karen Kane designs, Joseph Ribkoff, Clara Sunwoo and Tribal to name a few, will be presented in this fast-paced, music filled, live runway show.

To add to the fun, door prizes will be continuously handed out during the show including six Spartina 449 Linen & Leather Handbags, Totes and Wallets compliments of Girls in Pearls Boutique.

Music will be provided by BobbieJoy Amann of Jock-in-a-Box Entertainment Service.

NEW TO THE SHOW: “Cash & Carry” Show Specials including fun scarves for only $10 and beautiful ponchos, normally sold for $36 - day of show price will be only $22!

Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to purchase accessories before and after the event including fashion handbags, jewelry and unique gift items. A 50/50 raffle will also take place. Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Cash and Checks will be accepted. Don’t miss the fun!

ITINERARY 11:15AM Registration and Network Development 11:30AM Welcome 11:45AM Lunch (Consisting of Chicken Antipasto Salad: Spring Greens and Romaine Tossed with Cheddar, Provolone, Tomatoes, Red Peppers, Genoa Salami. A Grilled Chicken Breast and Cherry Peppers on the side with Antipasto Dressing and Breadsticks, Coffee, Tea, Milk and delicious Tiramisu for Dessert) Vegetarian or Gluten Free Option available upon request 12:15AM Fashion Show 1:00PM Closing Click Here for online registration. You can also call the Business Council office at 715-344-1940. For questions contact Karen Schanock at kschanock@ portagecountybiz.com.

COST: $26/person for members $31/person for prospective-members Mark your calendars for these other Women in Business Events: • Thursday, June 22, 2017, Presented by Wisconsin Public Service • Thursday, September 21, 2017, Presented by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection • Thursday, December 14, 2017, Presented by CoVantage Credit Union Media Sponsor

Music Sponsor

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REGISTER

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About our Presenters: Jodi Carlson was recently hired as the MBA Recruitment Manager at UW Oshkosh. Before won’t get much joining the MBA Office, she held various 4.12.17 \\ 7:30AM - 8:30AMdone. positions over the past 13 years in the PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM Career Services department. Jodi earned her Master of Counseling Education NO COST TO ATTEND. CONTINENTAL from UW Oshkosh and her Bachelor of Organizational BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED. Communication from UW Green Bay. She also designed What is the Business X-Change? A roundtable and taught a Professional Skills in Business course for presentation which allows business owners and their the UW Oshkosh College of Business. employees the opportunity to discuss pertinent topics, learn from local industry leaders and, most importantly, Tera Larson earned her Bachelor learn from each other. While there is no cost to attend, of Business Administration from the value of the information may be priceless.

UW Oshkosh and her Master of Business Administration from the UW Consortium. Tera worked as the TOPIC: “IT’S TIME TO ACHIEVE MORE BY Marketing Communications Manager BECOMING A LIFELONG LEARNER” at Carbon County Higher Education About the Program: Leave this X-Change with tangible Center in Wyoming for seven years before becoming ideas and goals, making a commitment to your personal the Associate Director of Marketing and Events for and professional growth. Learn how to create and the MBA Program at UW Oshkosh. She also taught embrace a lifelong learning culture in your organization. an Introduction to Business course through Western Key Points of Program: Wyoming Community College.

-Identify what’s important and where you should focus Special THANK YOU to UW Oshkosh MBA your energy through a life assessment.

Program, Inc. for its sponsorship of this -Tips for becoming a lifelong learner. program.

-Learn how to create and embrace a lifelong learning For questions on this X-Change please culture in your organization. contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or -Create a plan. kschanock@portagecountybiz.com.

Mr. Mike Pierce comes to Stevens Point

Over 160 people came out to hear professional speaker, author, sales trainer and adventure athlete “Antarctic Mike” Pierce at our Breakfast Conference sponsored

by TEC (The Executive Committee of Midwest) and the Portage County Business Council. Mike’s speech, entitled “Leading at 90° Below Zero: Keeping Great Employees Focused, Fired Up and Engaged” brought a TON of enthusiasm to the room. Special thanks to Mike Pierce, to all of our attendees, and to the team at TEC Midwest for helping to make this event a success!

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Ambassadors Show Their Support

Business after

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Hours

MONDAY, APRIL 17TH - 5:00PM TO 7:00PM Hosted By:

Members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony on March 14th to celebrate the grand opening of Waterstone Mortgage, located at 5569 US Hwy 10E, Suite 2 Stevens Point.

AIG (hosted by Women & Allies Employee Resource Group and Young Professionals Employee Resource Group) Event will take place in the World Café, 1st Floor 3300 Business Park Drive Stevens Point, WI 54482 (Located in the Portage County Business Park off of County HH) 5:00PM to 7:00PM No Cost to Attend

Members of our Ambassadors Club celebrated the opening of the new Cellcom store, 152 Crossroads Drive, Plover with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 23rd.

Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, refreshments (including beer and wine), door prize giveaways, tours of the facility and a 50/50 raffle.

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.

Members are welcome to co-host the event with another Business Council member. Please call Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or email at kschanock@portagecountybiz. com to book the month you are interested in.

To help celebrate the new office move for Rural Mutual Insurance Company, members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 24th. Their new office is located at 2581 Post Road in Plover.

RSVP by Friday, April 14, 2017.

Click Here to register online.

Click Here for map.

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! u o Y k n a h T

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Thank You and Congratulations to all of our Tiered Members! If you want more information or would like to learn about the increased value of our new tiered membership structure, contact Tonya Kowalski at 715-344-1940 or tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com today!

ASPIRE

GROW continued

BUILD continued

Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital - Ascension Sentry Insurance BMO Harris Bank Associated Bank

BioLife Plasma Services Country Inn & Suites ABR Employment Services River Cities Bank Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.- Wisconsin Rapids The Business News Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Michael Smith & Associates Office Enterprises Inc Ki Mobility ALL WOMEN EXPO Cornerstone Technology The Murphy Insurance Group, LLC Secure Heritage Insurance Agency Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Member SIPC Spectrum Insurance Group Owens Family Dentistry LLC Steel Shield LLC Heritage Farm Estates Whiting Avenue Estates Hausmann Johnson Insurance Crockett Septic, LLC Point After Pub & Grill Waterstone Mortgage

Gilchrist Dental Care Falk Cabinet Systems Inc Springville Family Dentistry AIG K-tech Kleening Systems Brookdale Stevens Point Dave’s Tap Cleaning Pioneer Bank Ability Builders Inc Flex-Staff Point Title LLC Bob’s Plumbing & Heating of Central WI Inc Batteries Plus Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Prism Real Estate Manpower Regnier Consulting Group Inc TMA + Peritus Heritage Investment Company LLP Adventure 212 LLC Cellcom Bayland Buildings Inc Fire Pro Inc Physicians Mutual The Windsor Amherst Marine, Inc. Matsu Ya Sushi - Grill Buffalo Wild Wings Paychex, Inc. Girls in Pearls Boutique, LLC Flexible Nutrition Solutions LLC Duralum Carpets Inc. KPR Brokers Ontogeny Advertising & Design, LLC Bone & Joint Clinic, S.C. Agrometrics Forward Financial Bank SYNERGY HomeCare Impact Directories Mission Coffee House LLC Velocity Clubhouse, LLC Lakeland Real Estate LLC

ENGAGE Anderson O’Brien Delta Dental of Wisconsin Ellis Construction McCain Foods The Pineries Bank The Worth Company

COLLABORATE Rural Mutual Insurance - Post Road Stevens Point Area YMCA Chase Bank First Weber, Inc. Recycled Office Environments Lands’ End Rural Mutual Insurance Atrium Senior Living of Stevens Point at River View Lodge Ministry Home Care, LLC Segmented Systems MFG Resource One Installation & Services Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. Stratford Sign Sales

GROW Old National Bank Del Monte Foods Inc. Opportunity Development Centers, Inc. Spectrum Business Team Schierl Companies Gamber-Johnson LLC Rockman’s Catering Provident Nutraceutical Old National Bank-Plover

BUILD Portage County Buyers Guide / Stevens Point City Times Checks Muffler Center Contemporary Photography Cooper Oil Company Inc Guzman Case Corporation Northwestern Mutual Thomas W Stout CPA SC Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Buzza Dreier & Johnson LLC Designers 2 Wisconsin River Golf Club Soik Sales Inc Unitel Inc

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We celebrated successes in Portage County at the March 13th American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center. Many thanks to our Patron Sponsors of the event.

Several individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to agriculture.

The Biadasz Family was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award for their outstanding commitment to the progress and success of the agri-business industry, and for their significant contributions to the agri-business community in promoting farm safety.

The Agri-Business Scholarship Recipients were: Brittney Falkavage-Stevens Point Area Senior High School, and McKenzie Glodowski-Rosholt High School.

The 4-H Leadership in Agriculture Awards were presented to: Bailey Adams and McKenzie Glodowski.

Outstanding FFA Senior Awards went to: Brandon KonkolAmherst High School; Mallory Rekowski-Rosholt High School; and Brittney Falkavage-Stevens Point Area Senior High School.

What happens at the Ag Banquet, stays at the Ag Banquet!

Our Master of Ceremonies Ken Schroeder, Portage County Agriculture Agent, introduced our keynote speaker, Ms. Breanna Bays, President of the Wisconsin FFA Association. Her presentation was entitled “Vision – How We Achieve Success”.

The American Agriculture Banquet is an annual event that celebrates Portage County individuals for their personal and professional contributions to agriculture in Portage County.

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Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast May 5th

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FORMERLY THE SMALL BUSINESS BREAKFAST Friday, May 5th marks our annual celebration of business success across Portage County.

Join in the excitement as we recognize the achievements of the recipients of the Entrepreneur of the Year – Sunset Point Winery; and the Portage County Charitable Community Award to be presented to Aging & Disability Resource Center of Portage County (ADRC).

Our guest speakers for the event will be Sara Brish and Melissa Sabel from the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and our Master of Ceremonies will be General Manager of NRG Media - Mr. Kurt Luchs.

Sara and Melissa’s message for the event is “Tourism is Economic Development”.

This year’s event captures the entrepreneurial spirit of successful business across Portage County. To honor the success of Portage County business members, the Business Council invites you to attend the May 5th Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast (formerly called the Small Business Breakfast) from 7:15-9:00AM. The event will be held at SentryWorld Grand Hall, 601 N Michigan Avenue, Stevens Point, WI. Click Here to register online You can also call the Business Council office at 715-344-1940.

Cost: $23/person for PCBC Members, $27/person for Prospective PCBC Members Cost includes breakfast (Vegetarian or Gluten Free Options available upon request) The Business Council wishes to thank our sponsors of the event (at time of print):

Also, special thanks to our Media Sponsor of the event: 11

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L L at A B a d We ha house! b u l C y Velocit

Member Spotlight: Adam Smith Occupation: Process Engineer at POWER Engineers

What is something you hope to accomplish in the next year?

I would like to buy a house. Probably a semi fixer upper to take up some of my free time. Apartment living isn’t really for me.

Why did you get involved with Ignite?

I got involved as soon as I moved to the area. I knew it was important for me to meet people and start getting involved right away. I was nervous being I don’t have a lot of friends in the area but I’m so glad I did. I’ve been able to meet some great people and learn a lot about my new community.

Click Here for the full interview!

SAVE THE DATE APRIL 22- 28

Ignite had its first New Member Orientation

YPWeek Kickoff Event Something’s Brewing in Rosholt - Backstage Pass to McZ’s Brew Pub 4/21

5:30 - 7:30 PM Join Ignite at McZ’s Brew Pub for an informal evening to kick off our week long celebration of YPs in Portage County. You’ll have the opportunity to network, share ideas and visit with other Ignite members. Not a member, join us to see what Ignite is about!

Get a behind the scenes tour and talk from Kate Zdroik, owner of McZ’s and The Nest art gallery.

NOT A MEMBER? JOIN IGNITE TODAY!

See our full events lineup for YPWeek! 12

WANT TO BE SURE YOU ARE GETTING THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK?

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SCHEDULE A MEMBERHSIP REVIEW MEETING TODAY! PCBC wants to make sure you are utilizing ALL of your membership benefits! A oneto-one membership review meeting will help make certain you are getting the MOST out of your membership. Here’s what some others have said after their member review: “It was great meeting with Tonya and going over all of the benefits of being a member of PCBC. I was surprised on everything this council has to offer.

The meeting really sparked ideas on how I can get my agency better connected to the Portage County business community! Thank you!” ~ Zoe Nylund, Midstate Independent Living Consultants, Inc

"As a new member, I sought some wisdom and counsel on how to maximize my investment with PCBC. I realized missed opportunities and capitalized on them right away. There are so many things at my fingertips and am grateful for the information. I believe everyone would benefit from a quick refresher as to all the benefits that are so quickly and readily available." ~ Russel Ehlinger, Mission Coffee House LLC

To schedule your meeting, contact:

“I really learned a lot, in a short amount of time, and am really impressed with what your organization offers the greater Stevens Point/Plover areas.” ~ Amie Gruetzmacher, Mid-State Truck Service Inc. “I really appreciated your thoughtfulness as we discussed our specific needs and goals for growing our business! I was surprised to learn about so many opportunities available through the PCBC that our company wasn’t previously taking advantage of.” ~ Holly Hurda, Heartland Hospice “It was a great first step in acclimating myself to the communities business leaders and I look forward to building a relationship with the PCBC.” ~ Carl Dodge, Bauernfeind Business Technologies

TONYA KOWALSKI

715-344-1940 tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com

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Investors Community Bank welcomes two new employees in Stevens Point

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JoAnn Rutta has been named Assistant Vice President – Banking Services Manager responsible for performing, planning, organizing and controlling all day-to-day operational activities of the Stevens Point banking center. As a primary relationship builder and community advocate within the Stevens Point market, Rutta provides a high level of customer relations and service, ensuring compliance with bank policies and procedures.

She brings nine years of banking experience and 25 years of retail management experience. Rutta serves as an Ambassador with the Portage County Business Council.

She resides in the town of Bevent.

STU D EN T S EX P L O R E

Luann Avery is the bank’s new Customer Ser vice Associate responsible for assisting with routine account services and responding to customer inquiries.

She brings eight years of banking experience as well as 13 years of experience working in the public library system. She is also secretary for the Angie Sheldon Scholarship Committee and involved with the Friends of Lone Stone Lake Association. She and her family reside in the Bancroft area.

Mid-State Technical College gave 282 students from area high schools a chance to explore various careers with CareerView events across its campuses in Marshfield, Stevens Point, and Wisconsin Rapids, March 3–17. Students selected four different program areas to explore and participated in facility tours and interaction with instructors and current students. Attendees also learned about the steps needed for college admissions.

For details visit w w w.

InvestorsCommunityBank.com

Keller Hires Vorpagel and Doubeck as Concrete Laborers KELLER, Inc., a Design/Build General Contractor with offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau announces the hiring of Earl Vorpagel and Rob Doubeck as Concrete Craftsmen.

As a Concrete Craftsmen they are responsible for preparing the site, setting concrete forms and finishing concrete flatwork. http://www.kellerbuilds.com/

Twenty Mid-State programs were featured from Mid-State’s offerings across the service, health, technology, business, technical and industrial disciplines. Hands-on activities included everything from preparing tax returns in Accounting, to working with high-fidelity mannequins used in the Nursing program, to learning proper rope-tying techniques and plant identification in the Urban Forestry Technician program. A student life workshop also factored heavily in the event’s success, with one student commenting that this part was best because it gave “a really good idea of what college life will be like.”

CAREER O P TI ONS “CareerView is a chance to familiarize prospective students with Mid-State, its programs and the many benefits of a technical college education,” noted Jackie Esselman, Mid-State’s high school outreach coordinator, adding, “We’re proud to say that CareerView also aligns with the Department of Public Instructor’s Academic and Career Planning (ACP) initiative, which helps students create and cultivate their own unique and informationbased visions for post-secondary success.”

The benefits of CareerView and other ACP events go beyond seeing real-world career options that interest the student.

Participating students also experience increased family engagement and relationship building, increased engagement in what they’re currently learning in high school, and stronger intentions to complete high school and attend a postsecondary institution or training, according to the Wisconsin DPI website.

For more information about the many in-demand, hands-on programs offered at Mid-State, visit mstc.edu/programs.

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S.C. Swiderski Land Company Announces New Real Estate Brokers S.C. Swiderski, LLC, a construction and real estate investment company, welcomes Scott Wessel and Bruce Johnson as the new managing brokers for S.C. Swiderski Land Company. The Land Company is part of the Real Estate Division of S.C. Swiderski and handles land acquisitions, development and sales of waterfront, acreage and hunting property.

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AS PI R US H O S PI TA L N A M E D A M ON G “1 0 0 G R E AT H O S PI TA LS I N A M E R IC A” NEWSROOM

Scott Wessel has twenty three years of experience with land management and forestry. He has been a licensed Realtor in Wisconsin since 2010 and operated as the owner/broker of Wisconsin Real Estate Company. In addition to his real estate background, Scott brings expertise in soils, timber valuations and land management.

Bruce Johnson has twenty two years of sales experience; he has been a licensed Realtor in Wisconsin since 2002. He previously was a top agent for Naterra Land with a consistent track record of recreational land sales and land development. He has waterfront expertise and splits his time between living on the Wisconsin River and the Eagle River Chain of Lakes.

In addition to acquisitions, development and sales, Scott and Bruce will manage the operations of the Land Company and oversee real estate agents. Jacqui Miller, Real Estate and Marketing Manager at S.C. Swiderski says “I am happy to have Scott and Bruce join the company. They bring a level of experience and expertise that is critical as we expand this area of our company. Together they will provide a solid management and drive the success of S.C. Swiderski Land Company.”

For more information visit https://www.scswiderski.com/

Aspirus Wausau Hospital is one of the “100 Great Hospitals in America” for 2017 according to Becker’s Hospital Review’s annual ranking.

This is the third straight year Aspirus Wausau Hospital has made Becker’s annual list, which was released on April 3. Aspirus Wausau Hospital is one of three Wisconsin hospitals on Becker’s list; the others are UW Health-University Hospital in Madison and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.

“Earning a spot on Becker’s ‘100 Great Hospitals in America’ list affirms our continued objective of providing high quality and safe health care for residents of the communities we serve,” said Aspirus Wausau Hospital President, Darrell Lentz. “We are truly honored to receive this recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review for the third year in a row.”

According to Becker’s, the hospitals included on the “100 Great Hospitals in America” list are renowned for

excellence and are industry leaders in innovation, quality patient care and clinical research, and have received recognition across various publications and accrediting organizations.

Aspirus Wausau Hospital was selected by Becker ’s Hospital Review’s editorial team for inclusion based on analysis of several ranking and award agencies, including U.S. News and World Report’s 2016-17 Honor Roll and specialty rankings, CMS star ratings, Leapfrog grades, Truven Health Analytics top

hospitals, Most Wired hospitals and Magnet accreditation.

Becker ’s Hospital Review has published a version of this list since 2012. A full list of the “100 Great Hospitals in America” can be found online at beckershospitalreview. com 15

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LEAD E R S HI P P O R TAG E CO U N T Y TALENT DEVELOPMENT In March, Leadership Portage County participants had a robust day learning about energy and utilities in the County. We started the day at Wisconsin Public Service in Plover.

Wendy Mitch continued her leadership series on Mindset. We then learned about utility infrastructure from Kelly Zagrzebski and Gary Oudenhaven of Wisconsin Public Service. They gave us information on the utility and how

WPS operates. Jen McNelly, Water Resource Specialist at Portage County Planning & Zoning, then gave us an overview of groundwater, allowing us to see both sides of this, often debated, issues. We spent our afternoon at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. Executive Director Nick Hylla taught us about renewable energy and gave an introduction the MREA, followed by a grounds tour

from Leon Dulak. Arriving back from the tour gave us a chance to talk with Gary Speckmann, Portage County Parks Director. We ended the day with participant speeches from Amy, Becca, and Britney. Overall another great session in the books. We are looking forward to the April and May sessions – only two left!

Save the date and make a plan to join us for Leadership Portage County graduation! To be held Thursday, May 18,2017 4:00-6:00 PM at Lions Camp in Rosholt, WI.

WE are taking apllications for 2017-2018 Leadership Portage County class

CULTIVATING LEADERS FOR A CONNECTED COMMUNITY

“What an experience! The history and pride I felt as we learned about our great county is something I will always cherish. And now I am out there exploring and sharing it with others!”

-Tama Niemi, ABR Employment Services, class of 2017

full details here!

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Partners In Education hosted a Reality Shop

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TALENT Partners In Education hosted a Reality Shop yesterday at SPASH. The Reality Shop is a budgeting exercise for students, giving them a taste of what life after high school might feel like.

The event would not be possible without the support of 40 business volunteers who took time out of their day to spend with these students! Special shout out to those volunteers! Thank you for your time!

Based on a student’s chosen career and educational aspirations they are given an annual salary. They are also randomly assigned a family scenario (married, single, divorced, children, etc), credit card debt, credit score, and student loan debt. Using their net monthly income students walk around the Reality Shop to make purchases and add those line items in their budget.

Also, check it out: Tonya Kowalski, Portage County Business Council Director of Business Engagement “went live” on Facebook during the event. Tonya interviewed a volunteer and a student about the experience.

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WHEN: APRIL 26, 2017 | 6:00PM – 8:30PM Where: Historic Firehouse No. 2, 1949 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481 Cost: Free and open to the public!

Who Should Come: Entrepreneurs, creatives, business professionals, organizers, and investors WHO IS PITCHING: Mysa | Jeff Rice An online shared-economy platform that helps business owners understand their hurdles and connects them with freelancers who can help.

Permyt | Kyle Konieczka Automated municipal permit issuance Destination 180 | Monte Condrack A social entrepreneurship business that develops moderate to high-end tiny houses for people in need Leak Siphon Flush Valve | Peter Parker and Landis Brozak A solution to reduce leaky toilets to ZERO! What to expect at Hatch events: Live music by DJ Dublicit Complimentary food from Stevens Point entrepreneurs Chef C’s Munchie Mobile Complimentary beer and wine Collection of Wisconsin’s most innovative startup resources Access to an exclusive and unexpected venue Network of Wisconsin’s most creative and dynamic individuals --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Future HATCH Events: May 24, 2017: Wisconsin Rapids Pitch Event June 21, 2017: Wausau Pitch Event 18 July 19, 2017: Marshfield Pitch Event November 9, 2017: TBD

No Child’s Wet Behind

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United Way Community Diaper Drive Drop off Diapers Mother’s Day Weekend-May 14 through Father’s Day Weekend-June 18 Monetary donations should be sent to United Way of Portage County, c/o Diaper Drive, 1100 Centerpoint Drive #302, Stevens Point, WI 54481 For more information, contact United Way at 715-341-6740 or uway@unitedwaypoco.org Grant recipient of

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T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | A p r i l 2 0 1 7

2017 EVENTS

April 12

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

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Business After Hours, 5:00PM, AIG

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Women In Business Fashion Show 11:15AM, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

22-28 Ignite YPWeek 27

SalesNet, 11:45AM, PCBC Office

May 5

Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast (Formally the Small Business Breakfast) 7:15AM, SentryWorld Granh Hall

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

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Business After Hours, 5:00 PM, Office Direct Interiors

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SalesNet, 11:45AM, 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

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.

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

www.portagecountybiz.com

Check out member Job postings HERE! 20