March 2018 Active Voice Digital Magazine

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2018

What is Economic Development?

DO YOU WANT TO EARN $100 Don’t make these mistakes

IT'S TIME FOR THE FASHION SHOW! portagecountybiz.com 1

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REGISTER HERE

Mr. Mr.Herb HerbMeyer MeyerComes ComestotoStevens StevensPoint Point Over Over 125125 people people came came outout to to hear hear Former Former Reagan Reagan Administration Administration Intelligence Intelligence Official, Official, Professional Professional Speaker, Speaker, Author, Author, and and President President of Storm of Storm King King Press, Press, Mr.Mr. Herb Herb Meyer Meyer at at ourour Breakfast Breakfast Conference Conference sponsored sponsored by by Vistage Vistage and and thethe Portage Portage County County Business Business Council Council on on March March 23rd.

23rd.

Mr.Mr. Meyer Meyer delivered delivered hishis overview overview of global of global trends trends and and developments, developments, entitled entitled "What "What in the in the World World is is Going Going On? On? A Global A Global Intelligence Intelligence Briefing”.

Briefing”.

Keynote Keynote Speaker Speaker – – Mr.Mr. Herb Herb Meyer Meyer 2

Table Table including including students students from from SPASH SPASH enjoying enjoying thethe event event

The The crowd crowd of over of over 125125 fully fully engaged engaged in the in the presentation presentation

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CONTENTS MAGAZINE 5 partnership Listening harkens back to leadership, the value I shared some insight into last month. Now in our third year of our value based membership model, we have sharpened our focus on listening and bringing you those benefits that fit what you need as a growing business in Portage County.

7 DO you want to earn $100 The real question is who doesn’t want $100 certificate? PCBC has an easy way for you to earn $100 certofocate with our Member Referral Program.

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

13 don’t make these mistakes with buyer personas Do you use buyer personas in your marketing? They can be quite helpful when you’re trying to figure out what your ideal customer needs and wants. But if you’re not putting them to work, they’re just fancy fiction.

15 ypweek is back YPWeek is a week long platform for discovery, adventure and meaningful conversations about the issues that matter among young professionals in Wisconsin. Ignite Young Professionals has four great events to engage young professionals in Portage County. »» p.19

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18 leadership Portage County March’s session focused on the three inter related topics of land use, planning, and economic development. Participants first spent some time defining what economic development is, specifically.

19 It’s time for the fashion show!

You won’t want to miss our largest Women in Business Luncheon and Fashion Show to date!!! Treat yourself and see the unique selection of clothing, accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces by Girls in Pearls Boutique and NEW to the event, Bria Bella & Co..

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

These 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 It is free and easy to post a Member to Member Discount: 1. Go to our website 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 If you have any questions, please contact Tonya Kowalski, Director of Business Engagement, 715-344-1940 or tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com

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PA RTN E RSHIP TODD KUCKKAHN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The third Portage County Business Council (PCBC) value I’d like to dive into is partnerships. The most recent example of that is New ERA Workshop 2.0. There were about eighty community partners in the SentryWorld Atrium to talk about what has been accomplished in our community in the last two years and what our priorities should be looking ahead.

In February, 2016, a similar number gathered and we started with blank butcher paper around the walls in an abandoned office building. Our friends from NEWaukee, a social architecture/young professional from from Milwaukee, facilitated the group in coming up with the ideas to focus

note, the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) at UWSP is hosting a business education seminar on this very topic the morning of April 3. Get signed up on our website and become part of the solution.

It will require focused partnerships for our community to continue to move forward. In the room were folks from business, education, government, non-profits and several other walks of life. We divided the participants into multi-generational groupings, many giving away their ages in the process. There was time for individual thinking, group-think and large group flip chart filling.

Lots of leadership, networking and

PCBC has taken the leadership role in developing a community marketing website under the name of everythingpointshere. Those are just a few of the examples.

I was fortunate to be part of a recent partnership opportunity with Mid-State Technical College at the Stevens Point campus. Numerous community leaders came together to hear all of the new programs they are developing and share our own thoughts as to the strategic direction of that organization. Later that day I saw firsthand the countless partnerships in agriculture in our region. The Secretary of Agriculture was on hand along with Mid-State leadership in Wisconsin Rapids and students to share the impact of the agricultural partnerships in our area.

With our business, education and government resources continually being stretched, critical decisions have to be made. Many have come to the forefront in our community in the last several weeks and months.

The upcoming spring election will be important to the direction of partnerships with the County and School District. Those folks need our help and support to make the tough decisions.

on for our community. This time we had two years worth of effort to reflect upon before moving forward.

The ERA, in New ERA, stands for employee retention and attraction.

Yes, we hear a great deal about this. Yes, it is a huge challenge for many communities. Both of the New ERA Workshops dove into solutions to address our need. On a side

partnerships being forged.

The key will be what comes out of this effort. The last time, several organizations picked up a variety of the priorities that were established.

CREATE Portage County continues to grow their programming. The City of Stevens Point took on a housing study, which has led to more discussions organized by PCBC.

Sometimes the key to partnerships is conversation. In these divisive times problems solving can occur through discussion, not yelling louder.

Getting engaged and involved and being part of the solution will positively change things, like our community, and the need we have to retain and attract the talent we need.

Photo credit: http://justlats.com

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Hours

VOLUNTEER

MONDAY, APRIL 16 - 5:00PM TO 7:00PM Co-Hosted By:

Amherst/Rosholt Reality Shop Wednesday, April 18, 2018 8:30-10:30AM Mid-State Technical College Stevens Point Campus

Location of Event: Pawsitively Unleashed facility located at 2109 Madison Street, Stevens Point Parking: Please park in the rear of building.

Entrances are in the front and the back of the building.

Our hosts for the April event will be offering a variety of complimentary hot and cold appetizers including Subway subs of course; 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, April 13, 2018.

Click Here to register online.

Click Here for map.

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SPASH Reality Shop Thursday, May 10, 2018 7:20 -1120AM SPASH Mock Interviews with Ben Franklin Jr. High School Students Friday, May 25, 2018 9:15 AM-12:15 PM Mid-State Technical College Stevens Point Campus To register, go to www.portagecountybiz.com/PIE

PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL

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WE KNOW THAT MANY OF OUR NEW MEMBERS ARE REFERRED BY EXISTING MEMBERS, AND WE WANT TO SAY “THANK YOU!”

IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, WE HAVE GIVEN AWAY $400 FOR MEMBER REFERRALS! YOU COULD BE THE NEXT $100

IF YOU REFER A NEW BUSINESS( ES) TO JOIN AS A MEMBER OF PCBC AND THAT BUSINESS JOINS, YOU WILL RECEIVE A $100 PORTAGE COUNTY GIFT CERTIFICATE! IT IS SIMPLY OUR WAY OF SAYING THANKS FOR BEING A PARTNER WITH THE BUSINESS COUNCIL.

1. Introduce a new member to PCBC via an email introduction or in-person meeting 2. Encourage new member to join 3. Once new member payment is received, you will get a $100 Portage County Gift Certificate

Certificate will only be given if the new member joins PCBC and payment is received.

A “referral” is defined as an email and/or in-person introduction. Verbal or word-of-mouth referrals are very much appreciated and always welcomed but will not result in a referral credit.

A “new member” is defined as any organization that has never been a member of PCBC or has not been a member in the past 13 mon ths.

WHERE E CONOMIC V ITALITY MEETS QUALITY OF LIFE 5501 V E RN HOLME S DRIV E | STE VE NS P OINT, WI 54482 P 715- 344-1940 | F 715-344- 4473 WWW.P ORTAGECOUNTY BIZ.COM

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Real Deals on Home Decor 817 Clark Street, Stevens Point 715-997-9198 Real Deals is a unique, home décor and clothing boutique located in downtown Stevens Point. Since opening our store, we have truly felt welcomed by the downtown businesses and the entire community. Thank you NextHome Priority 20 Park Ridge Drive, Stevens Point, 715-997-9600 NextHome Priority originated when a team of experienced agents decided that a change needed to be made to the real estate industry in Central Wisconsin. We strive to provide the best full service real estate office in the area. Our team of professionals work together to give you the best buying or selling experience. From the moment you first consider buying a new home or selling your current house until after the closing papers are signed, we are here for you every step of the way.

Our experienced NextHome Priority agents, with over 43 years of combined experience, are here to guide you with making an offer, negotiating, financing, mortgage rates, moving, and everything involved in making an informed home buying decision in today’s market.

Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum 1100 Main Street Suite 100, Stevens Point 715-344-2003 The Central Wisconsin Children’s Muesum provides family based discovery place where children and adults can play and explore together to strenghten confidence, capabilities and creativity through hands-on investigation.

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to everyone for your kind words and support. We appreciate you.

We are excited to be bringing a wide variety of home décor merchandise and fashionable clothing options to Portage County.

Our selection includes, but is not limited to, wall art, lamps, clocks, mirrors, floral, small furniture pieces, as well as gift items. We

also carry a full line of women’s apparel, jewelry, purses, shoes, and accessories that is affordable and fun!

We are open M-F 10-6 and Sat 10-4 and look forward to helping you find that special item. Find us on the corner of Water Street and Clark Street. We invite you to step inside. . . be inspired.

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It's Time for

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 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) at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, the 2018 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!

Golfer Registration is Open! Due to limited space for single and double golfers, start planning your foursomes soon. Courses fill on a first-come-first-served basis.

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Business Council Honors Individuals for Contributions to Agriculture NEWSROOM Sponsors

Award & Scholarship Recipients (L/R Front Row – Shelby Stuczynski, Ellisa Frederickson, Bailey Adams Suzanna Viau, Lori Hoerter, Dale O’Brien and Dawn Hamerski L/R Back Row – Wyatt Stanislawski, Senator Patrick Testin, Justin Wisinski, Dan Hoerter and Jon Hamerski)

Keynote Speaker Layne Cozzolino, Executive Director of Farmshed speaks to a crowd of over 100.

We celebrated successes in Portage County at the March 12th American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center. Many thanks to our Patron Sponsors of the event DelMonte Foods, Heartland Farms, River Valley Bank and Rural Mutual Insurance.

Outstanding FFA Senior Awards went to: Shelby Stuczynski - Amherst High School, daughter of Jenny and Bob Stuczynski; Wyatt Stanislawski - Rosholt High School, son of Tammy and Chris Stanislawski; and Justin Wisinski - Stevens Point Area Senior High School, son of Sarah and Jim Wisinski.

Several individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to agriculture.

The 4-H Leadership in Agriculture Award was presented to: Suzanna Viau, daughter of Stacy and Chris Viau.

The Hamerski Family / Hamerski Farms 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: Bailey Adams- Stevens Point Area Senior High School, daughter of Lisa and Larry Adams; and Ellisa Frederickson- Stevens Point Area Senior High School, daughter of Tracy and Dustin Frederickson.

Our Master of Ceremonies Ken Schroeder, Portage County Agriculture Agent, introduced our keynote speaker, Layne Cozzolino, Executive Director of Farmshed. Her presentation was entitled “Food as the Connection to our Place”.

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

Ambassadors Show Their Support 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.

On March 23rd members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff attended the ribbon cutting celebration

10 for the grand opening of Team Wireless, Verizon Authorized Retailer – located 5423 US-10, Stevens Point.

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CREATIVE CREATIVE EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE AWARDS CREATIVE AWARDS BREAKFAST EXCELLENCE BREAKFAST April 26, 2018 AWARDS April 26, 2018 www.landmarkresidences.com www.landmarkresidences.com BREAKFAST April 26, 2018

Join in the excitement as we recognize the achievements of the recipients of the Entrepreneur of www.landmarkresidences.com Join in the excitement as we recognize the achievements of the recipients of th the Year – Mission Coffee House in Plover and Stevens Point; the Portage County Charitable the Year – Mission Coffee House in Plover and Stevens Point; the Portage Co Community Award to be presented to The Jensen Community Center in Amherst; and our Ignite Community Award to be presented to The Jensen Community Center in Amher Young Professional of the Year - Brittany Von Ebers Young Professional of the Year - Brittany Von Ebers.

Join in the excitement as we recognize the achievements of the recipients of the Entrepreneur of Our guest speaker for the event will be the new Portage County Executive (based on the April 3rd guestand speaker for Point; the event be the new Portage County Exe the Year – Mission Coffee House Our in Plover Stevens thewill Portage County Charitable Election results) and our Master of Ceremonies will be General Manager of NRG Media – Aleese (based on the April 3rd Election results) and our Master Ceremonie Community Award to be presented to The Jensen Community Center in Amherst; and ourofIgnite Fielder.

ManagerVon of NRG Media – Aleese Fielder.

Young Professional of theGeneral Year - Brittany Ebers.

This year’s event captures the entrepreneurial spirit of successful business across Portage This for year’s the entrepreneurial spirit of successful business new Portage County Executive Our guest speaker the event event captures will be the County. To honor the success of Portage County business members, the Business Council invites To honor results) the success Portage businesswill members, the Busin (based on theCounty.

April 3rd Election and of our MasterCounty of Ceremonies be you to attend the April 26th Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast from 7:15-9:00AM. The event you to attend the April 26th Creative Excellence General Manager of NRG Media – Aleese Fielder.Awards Breakfast from 7:15-9: will be held at Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI. will be held at Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, S This year’s event captures the entrepreneurial spirit of successful business across Portage Click Here to register online Click Here tothe register online County. To honor the success of Portage County business members, Business Council invites you to attend the April 26th Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast from 7:15-9:00AM. The event You can also call the Business Council office at 715-344-1940.

You can also call1001 the Business CouncilStevens office atPoint, 715-344-1940. will be held at Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Amber Avenue, WI. Cost: $24/person for PCBC Members, $28/person for Prospective PCBC Members Cost: $24/person for PCBC Members, $28/person for Prospective PCBC M Cost includes breakfast (Vegetarian or Gluten Free Options available upon request) Cost includes breakfast (Vegetarian Click Here to register online or Gluten Free Options available up You can also call the Business Council office at 715-344-1940.

Cost: $24/person for PCBC Members, $28/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:

Thank you to our Media Sponsor 11

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Welling Kitchens of Stevens Point Awarded Best of Houzz 2018

NEWSROOM

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

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Over 40 Million Monthly Unique Users Nominated Best Home Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals in North America and Around the World

Welling Kitchens of Stevens Point has won “Best Of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The kitchen design firm, which has been serving Central Wisconsin for 20 years was chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 40 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2017. Architecture and interior

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design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. A “Best Of Houzz 2018” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

“We just love being a part of the wonderful community in Stevens Point and the surrounding area, and working with our friends and neighbors is the reason we get up every morning. We’re so thankful for the chance to do what we do!”, says Ariel Welling, of Welling Kitchens.

“The Houzz community selected a phenomenal group of Best of Houzz 2018 award winners, so this year’s recipients should be very proud,” said Liza Hausman, Vice President of Industry Marketing at Houzz.

“Best of Houzz winners represent some of the most talented and customer-focused professionals in our industry, and we are extremely pleased to give them both this recognition and a platform on which to showcase their expertise.”

Wednesday, April 11, 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: “PWR! Parkinson Wellness Recovery – Exercise4BrainChange® Essentials, The WHY and HOW!” Carl DeLuca, Therapist – Roberts Physical Therapy

About the Program: For Parkinson’s Disease, exercise is medicine. Exercise is the only intervention that can change the brain and slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Using PWR! (Parkinson Wellness Recovery) is an excellent way for people with Parkinson’s to get better and stay better. Carl DeLuca graduated UW Madison with a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2008 and about a year later became certified in PWR!. Last summer, he attended a week long retreat for people with Parkinson’s along with the founders of PWR!. He has seen firsthand the large difference exercise can make with people with Parkinson’s and enjoys helping them improve.

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 Roberts Physical Therapy for its sponsorship of this program.

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

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Do you use buyer personas in your marketing? They can be quite helpful when you’re trying to figure out what your ideal customer needs and wants. But if you’re not putting them to work, they’re just fancy fiction. Here are a few mistakes you want to avoid when it comes to using buyer personas for your business.

dream up but if you’re using a lot of conjecture to build them, they’re better off as characters in your first book. Instead, use the data you do have about your customers and begin building demographic information and preferences from those.

However, if you’re entering a new market feel free to use a little creativity. In this case, it’s not so A buyer persona spells out the much about getting the buyer type of buyer you’re trying to persona correct as much as it is attract as your ideal customer. It brainstorming on the type of person includes demographic information, you want to pursue in your marketing likely activities, concerns, and activities. preferences. You want to build them out for each type of customer you Being too Boring have so that you can make marketing and sales decisions based on them. The opposite problem of the advice While that sounds simple enough, above about being too creative in you can get yourself into trouble if your personas is not giving enough you do the following things: detail. For instance, let’s imagine your ideal customer is in their 20s Act Like a Frustrated Writer and a male. That’s not a solid buyer persona because that’s a very wide Buyer personas can be fun to demographic. In your twenties, you What Is a Buyer Persona?

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can be married with small children or a pet owner who treats their pet like a child. You could live at home or be a digital nomad. One could be working in their chosen field pursuing a graduate degree or working in a job that pays minimum wage. You could have lots of spending discretion because you have few responsibilities or be so buried in student loan debt that you can’t cover expenses.

How you market to each of these people will be different so make sure you go into more detail than simply someone’s age and gender.

You Forget Your Research Now that you have the right amount of detail in your buyer personas, do the research of where those ideal customers are.

This is not the time for guesswork.

Do your research based on stats.

For instance, let’s say your ideal buyer is a woman over 60. Don’t

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There are two ways to appeal to your demographic: by offering them a solution to the things that keep them up at night and by assisting them to achieve their dreams.

You can’t do either without knowing what bothers them and what their passion is. not having enough time in their day for instance, show them how you can help by speaking directly to that issue.

Forget Your Knowledge as it Relates to Your Story

assume she’s on Snapchat unless that is part of a niche you’re trying to market to—cutting-edge, technosavvy grandmas. When in doubt go with the average stats. There aren’t a lot of over 60 people on Snap.

Maybe that’s what you’re looking for. But if your ideal customer is your “average” grandma over 60, you’re not looking on Snapchat. Find out which demographics fit which social media platforms and start with the ones that cater to yours.

Now you know who they are and where they are. You also know what they’re most concerned with or want to achieve. Now you want to use this knowledge to find ways to tie it into your business story and your communications, particularly on the platforms you know they visit. Use the approach so many politicians do by introducing them to someone they can identify with. Dieticians and workout facilities use this idea all the time by featuring before and after pictures of clients they’ve helped to shed those pounds. This allows your potential customers to self-identify and think “they’re just like me. If it

worked for them, it can work for me.”

Finally, if you’re looking for local customers, seek out the advice of your chamber. They are business experts in your town and can help you add another dimension to your buyer personas.

About Author: 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.org, AssociationTech, and Socialfish. She is a regular blogger at Frankjkenny. com and the Event Manager Blog.

She’s a bookish writer on a quest to bring great storytelling to organizations everywhere.

Ignore What Worries Them and Makes Them Happy There are two ways to appeal to your demographic: by offering them a solution to the things that keep them up at night and by assisting them to achieve their dreams. You can’t do either without knowing what bothers them and what their passion is. Once you know these things, you can use them as centerpieces for your marketing. Don’t be shy. If your ideal customer is struggling with 14

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YPWeek is a week long platform for discovery, adventure and meaningful conversations about the issues that matter among young professionals in Wisconsin. YPWeek brings together key leaders in the community, at purposefully chosen locations that integrate the unique cultural assets with meaningful learning or social interaction. The activities engage the millennial workforce in experiences that are important to you as a YP while educating your employers on the important role these functions play in retaining you as their workforce.

Sun, April 22, 2018 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Mon, April 23, 2018 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Let’s Get Tasting

Join Ignite Young Professionals in the fight

for the environment and get a BITE and a PINT afterwards! April 22 is Earth Day and what better way to celebrate than cleaning up Portage County!

Join the Fight!

Thur, April 26, 2018 7:15 AM – 9:00 AM

Ignite Young Professionals are partnering with the Portage County Business Council for the 2018 Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast. This year captures the entrepreneurial spirit of successful business across Portage County.

Celebrate Leaders

Ignite is taking over the Stevens Point Brewery! Come connect with other young professionals at one of Stevens Point’s most iconic venues. Attendees will enjoying networking, appetizers, samples, and a tour.

Fri, April 27, 2018 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Join Ignite Young Professionals as we celebrate the amazing restaurants, pubs and winery in downtown Stevens Point. This is the 1st Ignite Food Crawl to take place in one of Portage County’s most popular areas. Each location will have a discounted appetizer or drink special for YPWeek.

Who likes Food!

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PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

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

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Nominate a teacher for the 2018 Golden Apple Awards HERE

THE

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Don't miss out on conversations with

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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 apllications 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!

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND LAND USE LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY Leadership Portage County’s March session focused on the three inter related topics of land use, planning, and economic development. Participants first spent some time defining what economic development is, specifically.

of downtown as reasons to locate here. Following a tour of Pointe Precision, the day continued at the Village of Plover. Participants heard from Dan Mahoney, Village of Plover Administrator on the development of the Crossroads

We then heard from two local business representatives on their choices to locate and/or stay in Portage County. Dan Kinsella of Pointe Precision talked about how, at a time when the company

Commons area, as well as other Plover developments.

Following that presentation participants were able to put what they learned during the day into practice – through a land use activity facilitated by Anna Haines and Karen Blaha of the Center for Land Use Education at UW-Stevens Point. wanted to relocate, only four employees were willing to move.

That led Pointe Precision to stay right here in Portage County.

Real Deals on Home Décor, a new boutique store in downtown Stevens Point, intentionally chose Stevens Point over other markets.

In fact, the Tomahawk-based store owners, commute to manage their store in Stevens Point. They chose the area for a number of reasons, citing the hometown feel, but diverse population, and the feel

The day ended with a presentation from Derek Heikkinen of the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board and participant speeches. Only two sessions remain for LPC’s Class of 201718! April is Health, Wellness, and Recreation followed by the May closing retreat.

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FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON REGISTER HERE Tuesday, April 10, 2018 11:15AM to 1:00PM Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI

You won’t want to miss our largest Women in Business Luncheon and Fashion Show to date!!! At this Women in Business you will…

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See fashions from both famous designers and boutique brands.

Experience a fast-paced, music filled (by BobbieJoy Amann of Jock-in-a-Box Entertainment Service), live runway show.

See the unique selection of clothing, jewelry, accessories and one-of-kind items from Girls in Pearls Boutique and Bria Bella & Co. featuring 14 beautiful models displaying 42 outfits.

Have fun shopping. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase items before and after the event including fashion handbags, jewelry, scarves, seamless tanks, ponchos, hats and unique gift items.

Enjoy a delicious lunch consisting of a Chef ’s Choice Salad (more details to come), Delicious Desserts, Ice Tea, Coffee, or Milk. (Vegetarian or Gluten Free Options available upon request) Be entered into drawings for fabulous door prize give-aways, including six different handbags, compliments of Girls in Pearls Boutique and Bria Bella & Co. Receive a special gift bag for attending.

Show Specials.

50/50 Raffle.

NEW TO THE SHOW: Runway decorations by Real Deals on Home Décor.

Be entertained by our host – Radio Personality, Nikki Montgomery from Midwest Communications.

This is your chance to see what’s chic on the streets and trends to look for this season. Don’t miss out! Register Today! ONLY A FEW SPOTS REMAIN!!!

$27.00/Members $32.00/Prospective Members EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC All Women in Business Events are sponsored in part by Media Sponsor – Midwest Communications

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

CALENDAR

APRIL 03

SBDC CHAMBER EDUCATION SERIES

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BRE INITIATIVE

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IGNITE SPEED NETWORKING

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS FASHION SHOW

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BUSINESS X-CHANGE

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

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REALITY SHOP, ROSHOLT/AMHERST

20-28 IGNITE: YP WEEK

BRE INITIATIVE

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BUSINESS X-CHANGE

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REALITY SHOP AT SPASH

16 HATCH

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

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BREAKFAST WITH THE BOARD

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IGNITE BIG FOR A DAY

23-SOMETHING IS BREWING AT THE STEVENS POINT BREWERY

27- FOOD CRAWL

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CREATIVE EXCELLENCE AWARDS BREAKFAST

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MAXWELL LEADERSHIP EVENT

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LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY GRADUATION

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MOCK INTERVIEWS

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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

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(ASPIRE & ENGAGE MEMBERS ONLY)

23-24 REGIONAL TALENT SUMMIT

22- A BITE & A PINT FOR THE FIGHT

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17 SALNET

19 SALESNET

MAY

Portage County Business Council @PoCoBiz Portage County Business Council

Angel Whitehead Marketing Communications Coordinator admin@portagecountybiz.com