April 2018 Active Voice Digital Magazine

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2018

Business on the green GRAND REVEAL IN PLOVER

Thank you volunteers

CRITICAL PIECES TO MANAGING CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS portagecountybiz.com 1

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REGISTER HERE

....... and don’t forget we are recruiting for the 2018-2019 Leadership Class

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2018

CONTENTS MAGAZINE WE NEED TO SAY

THANK YOU!

5 Innovation Our innovation will be even more critical as the demands on employee retention and attraction grow. As your chamber and economic development organization, we continually look for solutions through engagement, partnerships, leadership and innovation.

7 5 levels of leadership Built upon foundational principles from John C. Maxwell, this session will help introduce a deeper understanding of the nature and pathway for leadership growth and retaining employees.

9 Business on the green

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The Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council will be holding their 29th annual golf outing, Business on the Green on Monday, June 4, 2018

12 Grand REveal in Plover

April is National Volunteer Month

PCBC's Partners In Education programming would not be possible without theThe support of many Boys & dedicated volunteers. This month we are sending a big THANK YOU to those who have Celebration volunteered for PIE programs so far this year.

Girls Club of Portage County hosted the Grand Reveal of their newly renovated Plover Center and had over 800 people walk through the recently remodeled facility.

Companies Represented HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

ABR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

COVANTAGE CREDIT UNION

AIG

DELTA DENTAL

BULL'S EYE CREDIT UNION

DONALDSON COMPANY INC.

COMMUNITY INSURANCE

FORWARD SERVICES CORP.

MID-STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

COMMUNITY MEMBER/RETIRED

GREAT LAKES EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

OLD NATIONAL BANK

IPACESETTERS

LAND'S END

SENTRY

»» p.5 »» p.12 Join Us at an Upcoming Volunteer Events Mock Interview - May 25, 2018 Reality Shop - May 10, 2018

13 5 critical Pieces to managing customer expectations SIMPLICITY CREDIT UNION SKYWARD

THRIVENT FINANCIAL

U.S. BANK customer service problems arise from scrambled expectations.

Most UW - EXTENSION The customer expected one thing and it wasn’t delivered upon.

UW - STEVENS POINT

WPS

15 We need to hear your voice Acknowledge challenges to your business model, both short-term “red flags” and longer-term issues, that can be addressed individually or collectively in our community.

19 Thank you Partners In Education programming would not be possible without the support of many dedicated volunteers. This month we are sending a big THANK YOU to those who have volunteered for PIE programs so far this year.

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CALLING ALL GOLFERS T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | 2 0 1 8

JUNE 4TH, 2018 You have a great opportunity to be further involved in Business on the Green event scheduled for Monday, June 4th by taking advantage of a sponsorship…limited spots remain! Don’t miss this!

Other opportunities are also available…

Click here for the sponsorship listing.

Hole Event Prize Sponsors Ditty Bag Giveaway Sponsors Contact Karen Schanock at Portage County Business Council kschanock@portagecountybiz.com, 715-344-1940 for more information.

These offers are hand-picked exclusively forare YOU These offers hand-picked YOU Toexclusively view the current for Member to Member Discounts: 1. Go to our website www.portagecountybiz.com To view the current Member to Member Discounts: 2. Click on Member Login in upper right corner 1. Go to our website www.portagecountybiz.com 3. Login using your credentials (if you do not know these2. Click on Member Login in upper right corner please let us know and we can give them to you) 3. Login using your credentials (if you do not know these4. Click on Member to Member Deals please let us know and we can give them to you) 5. Click on each deal for more details 4. Click on Member to Member Deals 5. Click on each deal for more details

Do you want to offer your own discounts?

Do you want to offer your own discounts?

It is free and easy to post a Member to Member Discount: 1. Go to our website www.portagecountybiz.com It is free and easy to post a Member to Member Discount: 2. Click on Member Login in upper right corner 1. Go to our website www.portagecountybiz.com 3. Login using your credentials (if you do not know these2. Click on Member Login in upper right corner please let us know and we can give them to you) 3. Login using your credentials (if you do not know these4. Click on blue box in upper right titled “Add Member to please let us know and we can give them to you) Member Deal” 4. 4Click on blue box in upper right titled “Add Member to 5. Fill in all appropriate information

For questions Contact Tonya Kowalski,Director of Business Engagement, 715-344-1940 or For questions Contact Tonya tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com Kowalski,Director of Business

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2018

INN OVAT ION TODD KUCKKAHN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR If you’ve been following along in your digital magazines, you know I’ve been writing about the Portage County Business Council (PCBC) values.

I’ve already covered engagement, leadership and partnerships. PCBC values innovation through a creative economy and entrepreneurial culture supported by a strong work ethic.

When I talk with businesses and site selectors about coming to our community, our strong work ethic is always in the conversation. I know others brag of that but few carry it out the way we do. One challenge, however, that seems to go along with our strong work ethic is our humble way of life. We need to brag more about our community.

PCBC has been working with our partners on the community marketing website, everythingpointshere.com.

Those who have attended either of the New ERA workshops will be the first to see the roll out of the site, mostly to look for any possible corrections that need to be made.

One of the key “tabs” on that site is bragging rights. For the purposes of employee retention and attraction (ERA), we need to brag

more about who we are and what we represent as a community, as well as our many accomplishments.

Mention of the New ERA workshop also ties in nicely with the creative economy and entrepreneurial culture.

Over eighty passionate community leaders got together in March to take a second look at what we have accomplished as a community and what the gaps are we need to fill.

The planning committee recently met to further discuss the pages of flip charts and thoughts about our future.

There were countless ideas however we will focus in on one or two that we can move the needle on. Stay tuned for those opportunities.

Also in the entrepreneurial realm, PCBC was selected to lead the planning for another Hatch event.

The event will be held on Wed., May 16 from 6:00-8:30 PM at Eron’s Event Barn. Hatch grew out of a partnership with the Brightstar Wisconsin Foundation and NEWaukee (who also facilitated the New ERA workshop).

The same four communities in our region will host events leading to a finale in the fall in Stevens Point.

If you want to get into the pitch contest for Hatch with a $2,000 first prize click HERE Registration for the event can be found HERE. With 90% of our businesses with nineteen or fewer employees, our community knows the value of and lives entrepreneurism. There are countless examples of success across multiple business sectors that prove that. PCBC obviously supports that culture. In a simple way, our “Tools For Business Success” helps educate entrepreneurs and business owners about ways to finance, recruit and get involved. PCBC partners like the IDEA Center, CAP Services, SBDC at UWSP and SCORE support people from ideation to full-grown business.

Our innovation will be even more critical as the demands on employee retention and attraction grow. As your chamber and economic development organization, we continually look for solutions through engagement, partnerships, leadership and innovation. To steal a phrase from the WIAA and Dick Vitale, “get off the couch and into the game”.

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Hours

MONDAY, MAY 21 - 5:00PM TO 7:00PM Hosted By

REGISTER You are invited to attend our May X-Change...

• • • •

Wednesday, May 9, 2018, 7:30am – 8:30am Portage County Business Council, Foundation Conference Room While there is no cost to attend, the value of the information may be priceless Continental Breakfast Provided

Topic: “Cultivating Resilience to Banish Burnout” Sallie Scovill, PH.D Associate Professor, School of Health Promotion and Human Development – UW-Stevens Point

Matt Lund, Executive Director – National Wellness Institute

Location of Event: 2925 Welsby Avenue, Stevens Point Our hosts for the May event will be offering a variety of complimentary hot and cold appetizers, refreshments including wine, beer, soda & water; and several door prize giveaways. A 50/50 raffle will also be played.

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.

RSVP by Friday, MAy 18, 2018.

Click Here to register online.

Click Here for map.

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About the Program: Doctor Sallie Scovill will focus on growing personal and professional resilience through skill building in order to move past potential burnout.

Keynot Points of the Program: • Useful Wellness tool will be shown and shared • Resources to move past burnout 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. Business X-Change meets regularly throughout the year from 7:30 - 8:30am at the Portage County Business Council office.

Special THANK YOU to the National Wellness Institute for its sponsorship of this program.

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

Guest Speaker Chris Goede

Wednesday May 23

5 T h e

Joh n

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2018

Vice President, Corporate Leadership Solutions The John Maxwell Company

REGISTER HERE

LEVELS OF LEADERSHIP

Ma xw ell

Co.

11:45AM - 1:15PM Stevens Point Country Club Members $28 Non-Members $32 Registration includes lunch buffet The Portage County Business Council is proud to present the 5 Levels of Leadership Luncheon.

Built upon foundational principles from John C. Maxwell, this session will help introduce a deeper understanding of the nature and pathway for leadership growth.

portagecountybiz.com For questions please call 715-344-1940 or email admin@portagecountybiz.com

Come prepared to engage in an interactive, thought-provoking time that will leave you with several actionable items to increase your influence.

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6 things you should know about “grouve”: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Founded in January 2017, the app was launched right here in Stevens Point, WI. GrouVe LLC is a Portage County Business Council member.

Our favorite color is purple… you probably would’ve figured that out on your own J Our app has become popular for weddings/receptions – it turns family and friends into a mini-fleet of photographers, capturing photos and videos from everybody’s angle and perspective... no more clumsiness of hash-tagging during moment, or hassle of having to text/email afterwards.

5. App wedding packages start at as little as $149 – a small price to pay for capturing the story of your special day!

6. We do free online demos – if you are a soon-to-be bride or groom, and you’d like to learn more, send us an email or give us a call: hello@grouve.tech 262-349-2458 • BONUS à We love referrals! If you know someone who’s getting married, please pass this along!

Watch: 1-minute overview!

Tell the story.

Capture the moment.

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Get in the grouve.

The Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council invites you to their 29th Annual Business on the Green golf outing. The event is scheduled for Monday, June 4th with a shotgun start at 9:30am at SentryWorld and 10am start at the Stevens Point Country Club.

After the golf outing, golfers are invited to join us at the 19th Hole Networking Event taking place at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point beginning at 3:00pm with a plentiful buffet style service, cash bar, raffle prizes, and awards to entertain those attending.

• • • • • •

Golfers in this year’s outing have the opportunity to choose from two highly rated Wisconsin courses.

The Stevens Point Country Club, a beautifully re-designed private course built in 1925, is an 18-hole Bent grass course and home of the 2000 Wisconsin State Open. SentryWorld, a corporately owned public golf course and sports complex. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course features the stunning signature flower hole harboring 50,000 flowers. $130 Per Golfer at the Stevens Point Country Club and You Receive: • • •

18 Holes of Golf (includes green fees) at the Beautifully ReDesigned Golf Course Motorized Cart Range Balls

•

Two Beverage Tickets (for domestic beer or soda) Lunch on Course (ham wrap, lettuce, Swiss cheese, bag of chips, pickle spear, and a cookie) Golf Bag with goodies inside Lunch Bag Hole Events Hole-in-One Event at the Stevens Point Country Club and chance to win a $10,000 Hawaiian Golf Vacation including 8 days / 7 nights at the luxurious RitzCarlton Kapalua. Package includes roundtrip airfare for two, four rounds of golf per person and $1,500 spending cash, compliments of Mark Motors Automotive

Hole-In-One Event at SentryWorld and chance to win your very own 2018 Can-Am Defender or any new power-sport equipment at Donahue Super Sports, compliments of The Portage County Bank

• • • • • •

Plus 19th Hole Networking Event Tincluding: h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | 2 0 1 8 Raffle Drawings Hole Event Announcements Golf Team Prizes Cash Bar Plus Much More

To register for golf:

Golf at SentryWorld Golf at Stevens Point Country Club NOT A GOLFER, BUT WANT TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN… DINNER ONLY PACKAGE: Plan to join us for an afternoon/ evening filled with great food, friendly conversation, and an opportunity to win some great door prizes.

3:00PM Social, Cash Bar, Dinner Buffet and Prize Giveaways Dinner Only Package - $25 per person Click Here to register For questions, please contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanock@portagecountybiz.com.

It’s Time for Some Business on the Green 9

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5th Annual Women In Business Fashion Show NEWSROOM We had a sell-out crowd for our Women in Business Fashion Show held on April 10th. Fourteen local women sashayed down the runway featuring fashions from annual participant Girls in Pearls Boutique, and newcomer Bria Bella & Co.

Special thanks to our Media Sponsor of our four Women in Business events – Midwest Communications Radio Group

Mark Your Calendars for these future Women in Business Events: Thursday, June 21, 2018 Presented by Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin - Guest Speaker Pam Jewell-Blenker This networking event drew close to 200 in attendance, with a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, shopping and a delicious lunch.

Mark your calendars for next year’s event scheduled for Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center.

Thursday, September 20, 2018 Presented by Wisconsin Public Service Thursday, December 13, 2018 Presented by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection For questions contact Karen Schanock at 715-3441940 or kschanock@portagecountybiz.com.

your business

To Incoming UWSP Students!

promote

The Business Council and the Ambassadors Club will sponsor a community information booth at the Dreyfus University Center during UW-Stevens Point’s New First-Year Orientation Program June 4 – June 26, 2018. The booth will be set up from 11:45 am – 1:00 pm. The booth provides information from Business Council members and Portage County to new students and their parents.

In past years, this booth has been a great success. Over 1,000 people have stopped to pick up information for new students and parents who will visit Portage County during the years that their child attends UWSP. Approximately 1,600 first-year students will enter UW-Stevens Point this fall. They will likely spend MILLIONS of dollars over the next four years. These students are current and potentially future employees of your organization. Here is your chance to access 1,600 student customers, 1,600 parents, siblings, relatives and friends (when they visit) customers, 1,600 potential employees, 1,600 potential interns, or 1,600 future potential employees!

Business Council members interested in displaying their brochures should drop off 600 copies at the Business Council office no later than Friday, May 14, 2018. For questions, contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanock@portagecountybiz.com.

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Terri Taylor Honored as Ambassador of the 1st Quarter During the first quarter of 2018, Terri Taylor was named the Ambassador of the Quarter. Terri is the Associate Director of Alumni Relations, University Advancement at UW-Stevens Point. She has been an Ambassador since 2001.

What do you like best about being an Ambassador of the Portage County Business Council?

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.

What I love about being an Ambassador is being part of a strong and vibrant group. Having the opportunity to meet and greet people in the community through business visits, ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, Business X-Change, special forums, Business on the Green and so much more.

2018

What would people be surprised to know about your role at UWStevens Point?

People would be surprised to know that I have worked here at UWStevens Point for 30 years. All of this time has been within the Advancement Unit. I began in Annual Giving in the Foundation and now assist in planning events for Alumni Relations.

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

Ambassadors Show Their Support

On April 12th members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff attended the ribbon cutting celebration for the grand opening of NextHome Priority – located at 20 Park Ridge Drive, Stevens Point.

The Grand Reveal of the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County Plover Center took place on April 21st and members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff were there to take part in the ribbon cutting portion of the event. This NEW and IMPROVED Plover Center is located by Woyak Park at 2401 Cedar Drive, Plover.

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Boys & Girls Club of Portage County Plover Center Grand Reveal

NEWSROOM

On Saturday, April 21, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County hosted the Grand Reveal Celebration of their newly renovated Plover Center from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and had around 800 people walk through the recently remodeled facility located at 2401 Cedar Dr. Plover, WI, 54467.

2005 and donated the use of space through a long-term, rent free, lease agreement for the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County to operate the Plover Center.

As part of the Club’s “Building Great Futures” Capital Campaign and thanks to many community donors, almost $1,000,000 was invested in the Plover Center renovation to improve space for programming.

New and improved spaces in the Plover Center include a larger

If you missed out on the Grand Reveal, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County welcomes community members to call Brittany Von Ebers at 715-204-1177 to set up a personalized tour at a time that works for you. Each day at the Boys & Girls Club, staff provide homework help, a free snack, engaging learning activities, and a place to meet new friends.

cafeteria space, art room, new gymnasium floor, learning center, teen room, technology lab, dance room, games room, renovated bathrooms, an elevator for improved accessibility, and offices. The Village of Plover acquired the former Royalwood Sports Center in

To become a Boys & Girls Club member, the fee is just $10 per year, but did you know the actual cost to serve one Club member is closer to $750 per year? If you would like to help support the cost of a Boys & Girls Club member, please visit www.bgclubpc.org/give. To register

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your child, visit www.bgclubpc.org/ membership. To volunteer, visit www.bgclubpc.org/volunteer.

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Most customer service problems arise from scrambled expectations.

The customer expected one thing and it wasn’t delivered upon. It’s possible the business never promised it, but the customer expected it, and so they feel disappointed.

Initial Communication

Always communicate the steps of a process or purchase with your customers. Map it out for them if it’s complex. Use a drip marketing campaign if you want to keep them in the know. You This expectation could involve can set these up easily with the quality, timeline, courtesy, or a right marketing software. Besides variety of other things. But the keeping customers in the loop, drip biggest problems for businesses marketing is also a good way to stem from disjointed expectations. ensure they get the information they This is actually good news because need in bite-sized chunks that they it’s something you can work on. can remember. If you give them all of the information at once, it’s likely Managing customer expectations is they’ll feel overwhelmed and forget one of the most valuable skills you crucial parts of it. Drip marketing can can cultivate. Train your team on help ensure they receive memorable how to manage these expectations pieces in a digestible fashion. and you’ll have fewer customer service issues.

Waiting Communication Here are five things to master Many businesses make the mistake in order to become a customer of thinking that if their customer is expectations ninja: waiting on something and they have nothing new to report, they needn’t check in. That isn’t the case. Even if 13

you have nothing new to report as far as an answer is concerned, you are likely working on things behind the scenes. Touch base with your customer and let them know what you’re doing, what you’re waiting on, and what the next step is.

Don’t leave them in the dark. No customer service problem was ever fixed by silence.

Be Authentic (Be Who You Are) Business marketing shapes who we want the outside world to see us as. But we’re not the only ones shaping that picture. People on social media and review sites are doing the same thing but may not be doing it the same way or sending the same message about your company.

That’s why being authentic is so important. If you craft a witty marketing message but you’re not that person in public, the disconnect will affect your

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2018

their preferences. But as you get to know them, it’s better to have conversations offline and on. Many businesses are turning to surveys these days and they’re causing a lot of survey fatigue among recipients.

Record Details in Writing

reputation. People will post about it.

Whenever you’re choosing who or what you would like your business to be, keep it as close to who you are as possible. Pretending to be someone or something that you’re not doesn’t sell products or services anymore. The call for transparency will ensure that if you’re not being authentic, customers will notice.

Bonus idea: while you’re being authentic, don’t use the word “authentic.” It’s like the overuse of “honestly.” It seems contrived.

Get to Know Them If you know your audience and customers, you’re more able to build relationships with them. You also can help manage their expectations when you know what they like and

Finally, it’s important to record every detail of what you plan on delivering and what the customer expects in writing. Put it in the contract then go over it with them. Don’t let them skim it or rush them in any way.

Go over it point by point. Let them ask questions. Urge them to sign each page to ensure they saw it all.

There may still be questions after the contract’s signed, but this way both parties have a solid reference to return to.

Christina R. Green teaches small businesses, chambers, and associations how to connect through content. Her articles have appeared in the Midwest Society of Association Executives’ Magazine, NTEN.

President & CEO Kelly Leadership Group, LLC

A dynamic Executive Coash, Professor, Best Selling Author and more Alonza Kelly has gained international and global attention as a premier consultant and strategist. Alonzo is recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts on leadership development, strategic thinking, planning, and acting which results in individual and organizational goal achievement.

Vice President of Marketing Simplicity Credit Union Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point 8:00AM - 4:00PM

REGISTRATION

Ben Bauer is a graphic designer and passionate brand champion with a service-driven entrepreneurial spirit and work-ethic. He lives and breathes branding and culture as the Vice President of Awesomeness (Marketing) at Simplicity Credit Union. Ben believes that no industry has to be boring and through branding, culture, atmosphere and 14 the right attitude, anyone can prove it.

We need to hear your voice

NEWSROOM

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2018

Peoples State Bank Voted “Best Local Bank” For Seventh Straight Year

The Portage County Business Council (PCBC) is continuing to lead the economic development effort with a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) initiative throughout our community. PCBC is seeking perspectives from key stakeholders that will assist policy makers and business advocates to determine priorities for our community. The ultimate goal is to enhance the economic vitality of our region.

technological, and human resource needs of individual businesses with the community.

Businesses that participate in the focus groups will (YOU talk, PCBC listens):

Upcoming Dates

Share what is working well in our current economy and within your business. Acknowledge challenges to your business model, both shortterm “red flags” and longer-term issues, that can be addressed individually or collectively in our community. Assist with mapping local, regional and state resources that support our economic vitality The focus of the initiative is to gather qualitative data through face-to-face conversations with targeted businesses sectors and work with governmental units and other organizations to implement programs and services based on responses that best support economic growth.

BREs involve partnerships of government, business, education and community leadership that continuously assess the existing economic base and the physical, geographical, financial,

The key areas to examine in assessing our communities’ strengths and weaknesses include (but are not limited to): access to markets, education, govt./policy/ taxes/utilities, housing, quality of life, regional supply chain, site availability, talent/workforce/labor, and transportation.

May 1 Finance, Insurance, Professional Services May 30 Healthcare June 7 Education Aug. 1 Non-profit, Community Services Aug. 2 Information Technology Aug. 16 Retail, Restaurant, Hotel, Entertainment, Recreation Aug. 29 Construction, Real Estate If any business would prefer a one-onone confidential conversation, please contact Todd Kuckkahn, Executive Director, Portage County Business Council; tkuckkahn@portagecountybiz.com; 715-344-1940.

REGISTER FOR EVENTS

Peoples State Bank announced that it was voted as “Best Local Bank” for the seventh consecutive year by the Wausau Daily Herald 2018 Best of Marathon County Awards.

The Best of Marathon County Awards featured various categories including best food and spirits, entertainment and leisure, retail and professional services. Readers of the Wausau Daily Herald could vote for the best in each category.

In previous years, this same award was called the Readers’ Choice Awards.

“We strive to be a bank that builds personal relationships with customers to understand their financial potential,” said President & CEO Scott Cattanach of Peoples State Bank. “Being the ‘Best’ at anything requires consistent performance built on planning and regular practice. Our team thanks our customers for their feedback and support, and we look forward to helping customers reach financial goals in the coming year.”

Cattanach also noted that Peoples distinguishes itself with employee and community engagement. In 2017, Peoples employees gave back 8,708 hours to a variety of community organizations and programs throughout Central and Northern Wisconsin.

For more information about Peoples State Bank, visit www.bankpeoples. com or call 888.929.9902.

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PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

PIE SOCIAL & Â GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018 5:00-7:00 PM

T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e |

S A V E

2018

Nominate a teacher for the 2018 Golden Apple Awards HERE

THE

D A T E 16

Don't miss out on conversations with

T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | 2 0 1 8

YOUR

future workforce Join Inspire Central Wisconsin today!

Contact Kayla Rombalski at Portage County Business Council talent@portagecountybiz.com, 715-344-1940 for more information.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN How did you become a bank manager? Did it start by being a bank teller?

- Dylan, Central Wisconsin 7th Grader

My start in banking actually wasn't as a teller. I started in a clerical position and worked my way up through the lending department. However, beginning as a teller is an excellent way to learn the industry and get a feel for whether you'll enjoy this type of career.

- Darlyne at Simplicity Credit Union

www.inspirecentralwi.com

WE are taking applications for 2018-2019 Leadership Portage County class. Apply here

SAVE THE DATE Don’t miss your chance to be involved in this two-course golf event with 144 golfers at each course. First come, first served.

Event to be held at Stevens Point Country Club & SentryWorld.

June 4th, 2018

CULTIVATING LEADERS Are youFOR interested in SHOWCASING your business?

A CONNECTED COMMUNITY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Your business has the opportunity to have great exposure to many golfers, representing many different businesses with various sponsorship opportunities.

www.portagecountybiz.com/events

“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!”

-Tama17Niemi, ABR Employment Services, class of 2017

ACT FAST! Call Karen at 715-344-1940 or email her at kschanock@portagecountybiz.com for more details!

T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e |

No Child’s Wet Behind

2018

PCBC IS A DROP OFF LOCATION!

United Way Community Diaper Drive Drop off Diapers Mother’s Day Weekend - May 13 through Father’s Day Weekend - June 17 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 2017 Grant recipient of 18

T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e |

WE NEED TO SAY

2018

THANK YOU!

April is National Volunteer Month PCBC's Partners In Education programming would not be possible without the support of many dedicated volunteers. This month we are sending a big THANK YOU to those who have volunteered for PIE programs so far this year.

Companies Represented ABR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

COVANTAGE CREDIT UNION

AIG

DELTA DENTAL

HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER IPACESETTERS

BULL'S EYE CREDIT UNION

DONALDSON COMPANY INC.

COMMUNITY INSURANCE

FORWARD SERVICES CORP.

MID-STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

COMMUNITY MEMBER/RETIRED

GREAT LAKES EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

OLD NATIONAL BANK

LAND'S END

SENTRY

SIMPLICITY CREDIT UNION SKYWARD

THRIVENT FINANCIAL U.S. BANK

UW - EXTENSION UW - STEVENS POINT WPS

Join Us at an Upcoming Volunteer Events Mock Interview - May 25, 2018 Reality Shop - May 10, 2018 19

U P COMING EV EN TS T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | 2 0 1 8

CALENDAR

MAY

JUNE

01

BRE INITIATIVE

04

BUSINESS ON THE GREEN

09

BUSINESS X-CHANGE

07

BRE INITIATIVE

10

REALITY SHOP AT SPASH

13

BUSINESS X-CHANGE

14 SALESNET

16 HATCH 17 SALESNET 21

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

23

BREAKFAST WITH THE BOARD

23

IGNITE BIG FOR A DAY

23

MAXWELL LEADERSHIP EVENT

(ASPIRE, ENGAGE & COLLABORATE MEMBERS ONLY)

16

IGNITE VOLUNTEER WITH MREA

18

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

21

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

28

IGNITE EVENT

23-24 REGIONAL TALENT SUMMIT 24

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY GRADUATION

25

MOCK INTERVIEWS

31

IGNITE EVENT

contact us Portage County Business Council, Inc. 5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482 715-344-1940 | www.portagecountybiz.com Todd Kuckkahn Executive Director tkuckkahn@portagecountybiz..com

Kayla Rombalski Director of Talent Development talent@portagecountybiz.com

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

Tonya Kowalski Director of Business Engagement tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com

20

Portage County Business Council @PoCoBiz Portage County Business Council

Angel Whitehead Marketing Communications Coordinator admin@portagecountybiz.com