March 2017 the Active Voice

the Active

Voice

Women In Business

Fashion Show

EVENTS American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet p.6

Ignite Mix & Mingle

is the sky falling?

p.8

Mike Pierce Keynote Speaker p.9

Business on the Green p.13

Business X-Change p.14

who’s up for a little friendly competition?

Business After Hours p.15

Partners in Education p.17

www.portagecountybiz.com

T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | M a r c h 2 0 1 7

GREAT NEWS FOR PCBC MEMBERS!

We are now offering Member to Member Discounts!

They are offers that are hand-picked by some of our members exclusively for other members to enjoy.

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

Like what you see and want to offer a discount from your organization?

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

5. Fill in all appropriate information

CONTACT US contact us

If you have any questions, please contact Tonya Kowalski, Director of Business Engagement, 715-344-1940 or tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com

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

Portage County Business Council @PoCoBiz 2

Portage County Business Council

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

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CONTENTS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 5 is the sky falling?

PCBC is leading an effort in creating a community website with one entry point that shares all we have in a more simple format that having to search for everything a candidate might be interested in learning more about.

8 ignite: member orientation Join Ignite for our first ever New Member Orientation on Thursday, March 30 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. New and returning members alike can benefit from this event.

»» p.5

10 Altmann construction recognized Altmann Construction Company Inc. was recognized as completing some of the most impressive and unique construction work in 2016.

11 women in business fashion show 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.

13 business on the green »» p.8

»» p.13

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.

16 leadership portage county The February session of Leadership Portage County was focused on Economic Development & Infrastructure.

18 who’s up for a little friendly competition?

Do you or does someone you know have a fledgling business idea they’ve always wondered about taking to the next level? Dreaming of pursuing your passion project? »» p.16 3

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Things we want you to know: Total Plan and Retail Installment Contract for Smartphone and basic phone purchases or Customer Service Agreement with a two-year initial term (subject to a pro-rated $150 early termination fee for modems and hotspot devices and a $350 early termination fee for tablets) required. Credit approval also required. A Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (currently $2.02) applies; this is not a tax or gvmt. required charge. Additional charges, taxes, terms, conditions and coverage areas may apply and vary by plan, service and phone. Auto Pay/Paperless Billing required. Unlimited data plans will stream at standard-definition speeds and will automatically shift to 2G when each line reaches 22GB. 2GB and 6GB data plans will stream at high-definition speeds and will automatically shift to 2G when each line reaches the plan’s high-speed allotment. Offers valid at participating locations only and cannot be combined. Kansas Customers: In areas in which U.S. Cellular receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning services availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. Limited-time offer. Trademarks and trade 4 names are the property of their respective owners. See uscellular.com or Associate for details. Š2017 U.S. Cellular

T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | M a r c h 2 0 1 7

IS THE SKY FALLING?

When the community does need the people to be here, what sort of first impression are we giving them.

I know I’ve offered personally to many businesses giving a potential employee a tour of the community.

Not that it is about me, but it is about a “third-person, unbiased” view (not the company or someone trying to sell them something other than a great place to live). PCBC and Ignite are in the very beginning stages at looking at community onboarding TODD KUCKKAHN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR partnerships with the business community to provide that kind of Here is a convoluted story line. With Of course, they all don’t end up in support.

Lent and all of the fish fries, I was our community either. I know of one thinking of Easter. Easter made me large local business where over 20% Then, does your organizational think of chicks and then Chicken of their employees are not based Little. Chicken Little is all about the in the “mothership”. Another small Many in the sky falling and nobody listening. The business hired their first employee business falling sky makes me think of talent; from another state as all of the work is community attraction and retention. Told you it virtual. While that is a national trend, was a bit off of center. it is somewhat worrisome as those actually realize the sky folks are most likely not supporting has been falling.

Many in the business community the businesses in this community actually realize the sky has been or getting involved in community falling. In some sectors, it has change. The challenge for business, culture fit with the trends. Not become increasingly difficult to find though, is that they need humans everyone needs to have a beer talent and retain the talent a business and people don’t need to be in their tap in your breakroom or an adult has on hand. I’ve been to several building always to do that. playground in your garden area, but summits and read a lot about the they do make a difference. Little challenges we are facing and how We have a lot to sell and brag about things make a difference, too. One that challenge will be worsening. It in our community. Cost of living. of the best way to find out if your has nothing to do with unfounded Four seasons with plenty to do. culture works for your business is to stereotypes about millennials in the K-12 and post-secondary education ask the employees. If you manage workplace. It has to do with, as one and training. Arts and culture expectations and let them know person put it, humans. We need galore. Close proximity to major not every idea will be implemented, people and we need to find ways to metropolitan areas. And lots more. it is amazing what your co-workers help businesses find and retain those So when a candidate bubbles to the will come up with for ideas. I’ve people. top through their own or we recruit implemented some in our small shop them, what are we selling them on and we have six employees.

One of many elements of attracting when they get here? and retaining talent is the first Our Board and committee members impressions and organizational PCBC is leading an effort in creating are focused on the talent attraction culture. When I think back to my a community website with one entry and retention challenges. We first job, and those of you who have point that shares all we have in a are working with many partner seen my hair know that it was a while more simple format than having to organizations. Help us stop the sky ago, I was just glad to get a good job search for everything a candidate from falling so our businesses can and be able to stay in the state. Now might be interested in learning more continue to grow! there are choices, lots of choices, here about. Check out someplacebetter. and everywhere else. So, something org to see a model we are following. photo courtesy of

has to give to attract and retain. movies.disney.com/chicken-little

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The Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council presents the 2017 American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet Monday, March 13th.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 6:00-8:45PM. Presentations will be made to students and their leaders in categories including: • 4-H Leadership in Agriculture Awards – Bailey Adams & McKenzie Glodowski • Outstanding FFA Seniors – Brandon Konkol from Amherst, Mallory Rekowski from Rosholt and Brittney Falkavage from SPASH • Agri-Business Scholarships – Brittney Falkavage & McKenzie Glodowski • Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award – The Biadasz Family Thank you to the many sponsors and in-kind contributors who helped make this event possible:

Patron Club:

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SPONSOR CLUB:

SUPPORTER CLUB:

BMO Harris Bank CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Hamerski Farms Inc. Investors Community Bank Jay-Mar Inc. Okray Family Farms Plover River Farms Alliance Inc. Portage County Dairy Committee Riesterer & Schnell River Valley Bank Roberts Irrigation Company Inc. Soik Sales Inc. United FCS Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Wisconsin Public Service Corportation

BACKER CLUB:

Big Iron Equipment Inc. North Central Irrigation River Cities Bank TH Agri-Chemicals Inc. The Portage County Bank Volm Companies Wysocki Family of Companies

Allen Supply Company Dan Glodowski Trucking

Special Recognition In-Kind Contributors: Del Monte Foods Inc. Infinity Foods Inc. Okray Family Farms McCain Foods Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers

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Mid-State Technical College selects Dr. Shelly Mondeik as sixth president

NEWSROOM

The Mid-State Technical College District Board is delighted to announce the selection of Dr. Shelly Mondeik as the college’s sixth president. Mondeik will join the college on June 1st. She was selected from a pool of more than thirty candidates from across the United States. The college began the presidential search last fall after Dr. Sue Budjac announced she will retire in summer, 2017.

the national, state and regional level including chairing the board of the Community College Consortium for Agriculture Advancement, serving on the advisory board of the Medical College of Wisconsin, and leading the Wisconsin Technical College System’s statewide “credit for prior learning” initiative to better recognize the work and life experience Wisconsinites bring to college.

In announcing the selection, District Board Chairperson Betty Bruski Mallek noted that Mondeik is the quintessential technical college leader. “Shelly Mondeik is herself a Wisconsin technical college graduate. She started her career in the private sector. She went on to teach at the technical college level and to move up through leadership to become a highly regarded vice president at neighboring Northcentral Technical College,” Mallek said.

“Shelly Mondeik is a central Wisconsin person through and through and is a proven leader in the Wisconsin Technical College System.”

The Mid-State Board was impressed with Mondeik’s strong track record of building community relationships and partnerships. She is president-elect of the Merrill Chamber of Commerce and chairs the Workforce Hub Steering Committee of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce. “Shelly has earned a reputation as a leader who works tirelessly to ensure her college meets business, industry and community needs,” according to Mallek. “She also has great experience working with public officials at the local, state and national level,” Mallek added.

Mondeik has served since 2010 as Vice President for Learning and Chief Academic Officer at Northcentral Technical College, headquartered in Wausau. She holds leadership positions at

The Mid-State Board also noted Mondeik’s commitment to balance continued progress on important college initiatives with new energy and new ideas. “We were looking for a leader who will maintain momentum on

our strategic plan and culture of accountability while leading us to exciting new accomplishments,” Mallek said.

Mondeik earned a doctorate in educational leadership at Madison’s Edgewood College.

She earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in career and technical education at UW-Stout, and an associate degree at Northcentral.

The District Board shaped the presidential search profile based in part on a series of seven forums it conducted in September, 2016, with community leaders and college faculty and staff in Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, Stevens Point and Adams. Don Stevens + Associates of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, assisted the college with the search.

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Mix & Mingle - 3/16 5:00 - 7:00 PM Join Ignite at O’so Brewery in Plover for a Mix & Mingle. You will have the opportunity to network, share ideas and visit with other Ignite members.

Not a member, join us to see what Ignite is about!

Join Ignite for our first ever New Member Orientation on Thursday, March 30 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. New and returning members alike can benefit from this event.

Advisory board and committee members will be on hand to discuss Ignite history, committee involvement, financials, and more! Enjoy some snacks and chat with seasoned Ignite members and learn all about what Ignite can do for you both personally and professionally.

REGISTER HERE

What did you miss?

Ignite + Toastmasters

Member Spotlight: Angel Whitehead Occupation: Marketing Communications Coordinator at Portage County Business Council

Why did you get involved with Ignite?

I’ve been working in Portage County for just over a year and I decided to get involved with Ignite to learn more about the opportunities available for young professionals in the area.

SAVE THE DATE APRIL 22- 28

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What is the most rewarding professional or student experience you have had?

I love having the opportunity to meet so many people. I currently work for the Portage County Business Council and meet new people every day! Being part of an organization that helps businesses grow is so rewarding.

Click Here for the full interview!

Mr. Mike Pierce

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Professional Speaker, Sales Trainer, Author and Adventure Athlete

Leading at 90°Below Zero: Keeping Great Employees Focused, Fired Up and Engaged

About our Speaker: “Antartic Mike” Pierce is a professional speaker, sales trainer and adventure athlete.

In January 2006, Mike became one of nine people to have run a marathon on the Antarctic continent; 11 months later he returned to Antarctica to become the first American to complete the Antarctic Ultra Marathon, a grueling 100km (62.1 miles). Since then Mike has completed many other winter marathons in the coldest and harshest climates on earth. His stories have been featured on CNN, Sports Illustrated, Fox, ABC, CBS Early Show, ESPN, and many other national and international sources.

OK, you’re thinking: WHY? Surprisingly, it has very little to do with cold weather or sports. Rather, it’s about the disciplines necessary to be successful in difficult situations. Leaders today face the same challenges as those who first conquered Antarctica. The question is this: Are we ready?

Mike holds his B.A. from the University of Colorado, Boulder in Marketing and resides in Encinitas, CA with his wife Angela.

About the Presentation: Leading at 90 Below Zero is all about one thing: Making sure that leaders understand how to help their teams be ready to face any conditions and still thrive. Mike will illustrate from Polar history stories the importance of showcasing your companies opportunity, increasing your ability to get the best people for the job, how to lead them effectively, and conditioning and rewarding them so that they have the ability and desire to complete the expedition.

Click Here to Register Proceeds to benefit Junior Achievement of WI Inc – Portage & Wood Counties

Join the Portage County Business Council and TEC (The Executive Committee) as we present professionally renowned speaker, Mr. Mike Pierce.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 8:00AM – 11:45AM Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 1001 Amber Avenue (Expo’s 1 & 2), Stevens Point, WI 54482

Event Agenda: 8:00 a.m.

8:15 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

8:45 a.m.

10:15 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

Registration & Network Development Plated Breakfast Served Welcome Speaker Program Begins Break Speaker Program Ends / Closing

$35/person for PCBC Members ($250 for a table of 8) $40/person for Prospective PCBC Members Cost Includes Plated Breakfast Reservations Due By Thursday, March 23, 2017 Don’t Miss This Program!

For questions contact Karen Schanock at kschanock@portagecountybiz.com or 715-344-1940.

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T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | M a r c h 2 0 1 7

Altmann Construction Company Inc. recognized with statewide construction distinction award NEWSROOM Altmann Construction Company Inc. was recognized as completing some of the most impressive and unique construction work in 2016. Altmann Construction Company Inc. received a SILVER Projects of Distinction Award by Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin for the Grizzly Bear Exhibit Expansion at the Wildwood Zoo in Marshfield, WI.

said John Mielke, ABC of Wisconsin President. “There are many criteria used in the process, with the biggest being onsite safety, unusual circumstances or challenges and the overall quality of construction delivered to the customer.”

INVESTORS COMMUNITY BANK WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS ADVISORY BOARD Investors Community Bank is pleased to welcome three new members to its Stevens Point Advisory Board: E. John Buzza, Manager, Buzza Dreier & Johnson LLC. Buzza resides in Plover.

The Projects of Distinction Awards, which recognizes projects built on Ted Hesemann, CEO, Herrschners, merit, were presented February 9 Inc. Hesemann resides in Mosinee.

“Altmann Construction is both PROJECTS at the Glacial Canyon Conference OF DISTINCTION 2016 proud and truly grateful to receive Center in Wisconsin Dells.

Richard Okray, President, Okray this award,” says Tom Altmann, Vice MISCELLANEOUS/SPECIAL Nearly 400 attendees were on PROJECTS Family Farms, Inc. Okray resides in President of Operations at Altmann hand to experience the many highPlover.

Construction. “We thank them quality projects that ABC member for recognizing our work on this contractors delivered for business Three additional members also unique and challenging project. We and industry including Steve Burns continue to serve on the board: are truly honored to receive such a and Ben Steinbach, City of Marshfield distinguished award and be honored and Russ Drewery, HGA. OWNER: CITY OF MARSHFIELD Daniel J. Bukowski Sr., Managing alongside so many quality companies Partner, Net Alpha Advisers LLC. and individuals in the construction For more information contact DESIGNER: industry who have such an impact Tammy Meyers at tmeyers@ RUSS DREWERY GRIZZLY BEAR” EXHIBIT EXPANSION,tion.com or DESIGN Bukowski resides in Naperville, Ill. on the building community. altmannconstruc FIRM: Bill Mullins, Vice President, Mullins “The intensity of the evaluation 715-421-2550.

HAMMEL, GREEN & WILDWOOD ZOO ABRAHAMSON, Cheese,INC.Inc. Mullins resides in process MARSHFIELD, by judges isWIan indicator Mosinee. of how deserving the winners are,”

SILVER

AWARD

ALTMANN CONSTRUCTION CO. INC.

Ken Turzinski, President, TYRI Americas. Turzinski resides in Plover.

Members of the Stevens Point

board provide general The JPadvisory Adler Bear Exhibit advice, spans over 40,000feedback square feet.and consultation It is enclosed by simulated to the Board of Directors and rock structures and built of the bank on business management over 18-foot high concrete issues and strategies involving the walls. It features a 78-foot bank’s Stevens Point regional market. bridge connecting the entire Investors Community Bank first exhibit. Innovative design and opened its Stevens Point banking construction challenges were executedcenter to meetinthe allocated 2010 and moved to a newly time frame. constructed location at 5517 Vern 10

Holmes Drive in February of 2016.

Women In Business

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ITNERARY

Women in Business is scheduled for Thursday, April 20th. Join us from 11:15AM to 1:00PM at the 11:15AM Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point, WI for our 4th Annual FASHION SHOW. 11:30AM 11:45AM

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. 10 beautiful models will feature 30 outfits, plus we will have fun pop up models throughout the show. 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 fastpaced, music filled, live runway show. To add to 12:15AM the fun, door prizes will be continuously handed 1:00PM out during the show. 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!

ALSO NEW TO THE SHOW: Our models will be escorted by PCBC Executive Director, Todd Kuckkahn and Holiday Inn General Manager Noall Silvester wearing men’s formal wear available through Tuxedo Rentals by Girls in Pearls Boutique Men’s Formal Wear.

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!

fashion show

Presented by Girls in Pearls Boutique

Registration & Network Development Welcome 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 Fashion Show Closing 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

You can also call the Business Council office at 715-344-1940.

For questions contact Karen Schanock at kschanock@portagecountybiz.com.

All Women in Business Events are sponsored in part by Media SponsorMidwest Communications

Click Here for online registration.

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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 one-to-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 I 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

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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 community’s 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

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! Here is how it works…

2017 Business on the Green Sponsorship Opportunities AVAILABLE! VIEW SPONSORSHIPS HERE

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REGISTER HERE

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3.15.17 \\ 7:30AM - 8:30AM PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM

won’t get much done.

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.

TOPIC: “STRATEGIC WORKFORCE PLANNING” About the Program: To whet your taste buds...A multi-faceted how-to approach that spans a 3-5+ year planning horizon, including important techniques (plan components) on workforce analysis, labor projections, gap analysis and, ultimately, talent management (closing the gap).

Todd M. Penske Managing Partner PeopleFirst HR Solutions, Inc.

About our Presenter: Todd Penske is a seasoned C-level leader/senior manager/educator with 25+ years of experience in employee/organization development, executive/leadership coaching, management consulting, business course teaching at the higher education level, both service and manufacturing business sectors, and with for-profits/non-profits.

Special THANK YOU to PeopleFirst HR Solutions, Inc. for its sponsorship of this program.

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

Ambassadors Show Their Support

Members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate for the grand opening of Huntington Bank (formerly known as FirstMerit Bank), located at 5597 US 10 East, Stevens Point.

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Ambassadors, PCBC Staff, and State Representative Katrina Shankland were honored to take part in the ribbon cutting / grand opening for The IDEA Center located at 1039B Ellis Street, Stevens Point.

Business after

Hours

Sponsored By:

T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | M a r c h 2 0 1 7

(including beer and wine), door prize giveaways 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@ (formerly known as FirstMerit Bank) MONDAY, MARCH 20TH - 5:00PM TO 7:00PM portagecountybiz.com to book the month you are interested in.

5597 US 10 East, Stevens Point, WI 54481 (on the corner of Hwy 10 and Brilowski Road, across RSVP by Friday, March 17, 2017. the street from Applebees and Fleet Farm) Click Here to register online.

Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, refreshments Click Here for map.

15 MEMBER

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LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

The February session of Leadership Portage County was focused on Economic Development & Infrastructure. The day began with introductions of our session leaders; Justin Adamski from The Pineries Bank, Kelly Zagrzebski from Wisconsin Public Service, and Jeff Schuler from Portage County Planning and Zoning. We were excited to be joined by these leaders who shared their insights with us throughout the day.

The first presentation was from Cade Spaulding a communication professor at UWSP. Cade shared his advice on effective conflict management. Next up we heard speeches from Tama and Amy. Tama tied her love of animals and recycling together in an

interesting way – telling us how we can support the Humane Society.

Amy shared her experiences and provided tips on hiking to the summit of Mt. Whitney. We enjoy learning from our fellow 16

participants in class.

brainstorm and process through starting a business or managing The day continued with small a big project. The day was spent group discussions on Portage at CREATE Portage County’s IDEA County Infrastructure. Our guests Center and we enjoyed being able were; Joel Lemke, Public Utilities to spread out in the space and get comfortable. The IDEA Center is a great community asset. Looking forward to our March session at Wisconsin Public Service and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.

Director for City of Stevens Point, Nathan Check, Portage County Highway Commissioner, and Alex Beyer, Portage County Solid Waste Administrator. After lunch Dan Mahoney spoke to us about municipal economic development, and shared facts on the Crossroads Commons development and how it continues to grow. Todd Kuckkahn then led an exercise in which we got to simulate a public meeting and play the roles of Municipal Administrator, Environmentalist, Corporate Executive and others.

The day concluded with Greg Wright, Executive Director of CREATE Portage County leading us through an Ideation Workshop, an exercise geared to help us

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SPASH POST-SECONDARY NIGHT & CAREER FAIR WHEN

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 5:30—7:30 pm WHERE

SPASH Fieldhouse

1201 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

CONTACT

Gina Jordan

715-345-5468 • gjordan@pointschools.net • Please contact Gina

by February 15 if your business would like to participate

FEATURING • Over 70 Colleges & Universities • Area Businesses• Information Sessions • Refreshments

www.pointschools.net

Entrepreneurs wanted!

Been waiting for your business idea to “hatch”?

We have an opportunity.

HATCH is a pitch competition for new business ideas. Finalists may win $2,000 to advance their business idea. Grand prize of $10,000 also available.

Pitch Event (free and open to public) Wednesday, April 26, 2017 6:00-8:30 PM Historic Firehouse No. 2 1949 Strongs Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481 Click here for more information and details.

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T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | M a r c h 2 0 1 7

WHO’S UP FOR A LITTLE FRIENDLY COMPETITION? KAYLA ROMBALSKI, DIRECTOR OF TALENT DEVELOPMENT FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOOD AND BEVERAGE PROVIDED

HATCH is a pitch competition for new business ideas and it is exclusive to Central Wisconsin. Do you or does someone you know have a fledgling business idea they’ve always wondered about taking to the next level? Dreaming of pursuing your passion project?

Apply to pitch at HATCH! The concept is simple. Pitch ideas are not limited – any business idea goes – but your pitch should be about moving a business idea forward. Selected finalists will have the opportunity to take five minutes to pitch in front of judges and a live audience at our pitch event on April 26. Finalists have the opportunity to win $2,000, and then compete again for $10,000, all to move your business idea forward.

Have I piqued your interest?

Here’s where we need your help 18

– anyone in the state can apply, and so far the applicants are pretty much all from Milwaukee.

No offense to our southeastern WI neighbors, but we want someone from Central Wisconsin to win this! Please encourage anyone you know with a business idea to apply. We know our community’s next great idea is out there, and we want to hear it.

APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31.

For more detail, visit www. portagecountybiz.com/hatch or contact Kayla Rombalski, Director of Talent Development, at 715-344-1940 or talent@portagecountybiz.com.

The first HATCH event will be in Stevens Point. Everyone is welcome to attend

April 26, 2017 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Historic Firehouse No. 2, 1949 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point Future HATCH Events: May 24, 2017: Wisconsin Rapids Pitch Event June 21, 2017: Wausau Pitch Event July 19, 2017: Marshfield Pitch Event October 11, 2017: TBD

T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | M a r c h 2 0 1 7

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Entertainment–sized living room, dining room and kitchen.

Spacious bedrooms with large closets. Premium “ENERGY STAR” appliance package.

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Loft ceiling & den/office in many of the apartments. Comfortable & efficient in-floor radiant heat. Ceramic tile flooring in kitchen, bath and entryway.

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Private direct entry and patio/balcony in many apartments.

Private garages with remote openers.

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Oversized “ENREGY STAR” rated windows and patio doors.

Window blinds. Cable, satellite and internet ready pre-wired.

Qualified pets welcome in select buildings.

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2017 EVENTS arch M 13

American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet, 6:00PM, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

15

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

15

Post Secondary Night, 5:30PM, SPASH

16

SalesNet, 11:45AM, PCBC Office

20

Business After Hours, 5:00PM, Huntington Bank (Formerly known as FirstMerit Bank)

29

Keynote Mike Pierce Conference, 8:00AM, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

pril A 6

Ignite: Backstage Pass, 5:30PM Velocity Clubhouse

6

Reality Shop, SPASH- Volunteers Needed!

12

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

17

Business After Hours, 5:00PM, AIG

20

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

22-28 Ignite YPWeek 27

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!