May 2017 Active Voice Digital Magazine

the Active

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

AND THE WINNER IS...

Creative Excellence Awards breakfast www.portagecountybiz.com

Business on the green 1

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

MEMBER

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

Portage County Business Council @PoCoBiz Portage County Business

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

2

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

CONTENTS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 4 sharing finite resources Tax season reminds us of our personal resources. We face challenges with that issue. Business, government, education, and our community face the same demands on their resources.

5 Business on the green golf outing You have a great opportunity to be further involved in Business on the Green event scheduled for Monday, June 5th by taking advantage of a sponsorship…only a few spots remain!

8 Business X-Change

»»p.4

Leave this X-Change with tips on how to write press releases, submit photos/news tips, news versus advertising, submitting video, knowing/ targeting your audience, and deadlines.

10 Creative Excellence awards breakfast One Portage County business and one nonprofit organization in the county’s business community were singled out for the honors on Friday, May 5th at the Portage County Business Council’s Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast.

13 W H AT A YP W E E K! »»p.13

»»p.17

Ignite held 8 events in 9 days throughout the course of the week. Ignite participants learned about how to successfully market themselves, their business, AND of course, how to successfully work as a team to escape a locked room.

17 leadership portage county Leadership Portage County’s April session was focused on holistic wellness. The morning began at the Stevens Point YMCA with a mission, vision, and values workshop

19 and the winner is...........

A crowded historic firehouse in Stevens Point was the site of five business pitches Wednesday night. The winning pitch, Leak Siphon Flush Valve, took home $2,000 to advance their business idea. »»p.10

20 Regional talent summit Please join us as we bring together business leaders from around central Wisconsin to discuss the talent crisis facing our communities.

Efforts are moving forward to build a regional strategy to meet this ‘storm’ head on.

3

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

SHARING FINITE RESOURCES

TODD KUCKKAHN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tax season reminds us of our personal resources. We face challenges with that issue. Business, government, education, and our community face the same demands on their resources.

Through our strategic planning at the Portage County Business Council (PCBC) and our discussion of mission, vision and values, sharing finite resources was an important part of our decision-making. Our values are engagement, growth, innovation, leadership, network development and partnerships. All impact resources.

That’s great to have that in a strategic planning document but how does PCBC “live” that as a business. As part of YPWeek, PCBC’s Ignite Leadership Network

hosted numerous events. Hatch was one particular event that brought to light how sharing finite resources can make a difference in our community.

NEWaukee and Brightstar Wisconsin Foundation brought the Hatch idea to central Wisconsin. Stevens Point hosted the first event and will be followed by Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield and Wausau with a culminating region-wide event on November 9th. Each group brought different resources to the table to make the event happen. Once the Portage County Historical Society and Historic Firehouse No. 2 were

on board, the event was ready to happen. Dave Simonis, curator, even brought his family into the resource picture to help him get the firehouse in tip-top shape.

That evening contestants pitched their entrepreneurial idea to a panel of jurors, including the audience who collectively had one vote. The five presenters had a wide range of ideas and presentation styles coming from Stevens Point and throughout the state. Through sharing their ideas they were looking for resources to help expand their idea into the next Portesi Pizza or Chef C’s Munchie Mobile or Mark Motors or Skyward or Ki Mobility. Those entrepreneurial companies and so many more in our community grew through sharing resources and looking to a bigger vision.

At the Hatch event, there were several organizations besides PCBC, Ignite, NEWaukee and Brightstar with a willingness to share their resources for the good of our community. CAP Services, CREATE’s IDEA Center, SBDC (UW-Stevens Point Small Business Development Center), SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives), Mid-State Technical College, Centergy and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) were there and are here to help businesses from the pitch stage to a large business enterprise.

PCBC will also soon be launching “Tools For Business Success” as an online tool to help businesses grow and prosper. In the fall and in partnership with our schools, we will be launching “Inspire” through a partnership with Centergy and the other regional chambers. PCBC is working with community partners to create a community marketing website as a one-stop shop for talent attraction and tourism. Stay tuned for more details on all of these in the coming months.

All of this only happens by sharing finite resources and teaming up to make positive change.

4

Thank you to our Diamond Sponsors The Active

BUSINESS ON THE

JUNE 5TH

You have a great opportunity to be further involved in Business on the Green event scheduled for Monday, June 5th by taking advantage of a Sponsorship…only a few spots remain! Don’t miss this! Click here for the sponsorship listing.

Contact Karen Schanock at kschanock@portagecountybiz.com or at 715-344-1940 TODAY for more details.

Other opportunities are also available…

Vo i c e | A p r i l 2 0 1 7

GRE

EN

Hole Event Prize Sponsors Corporate donation of prize(s) for special event games on golf course(s)

Ditty (Tote)Bag Giveaway Sponsors Corporate donation of 300 giveaways for golfers

• Company name on signs during the event at two courses and signage at the 19th Hole Networking Event

• Company name on signs during the event at two courses and signage at the 19th Hole Networking Event

• Verbal recognition at 19th Hole Networking Event

We appreciate your consideration and support of this event.

5

WE THANK OUR SPONSORS TO DATE…

Schulist’s Custom Cabinets Inc Simplicity Credit Union Skyward The Pineries Bank

Diamond Sponsor Only 2 Remain: Corporate sponsors of 19th Hole Networking Event Sentry Insurance Solarus

Gold (2) Sponsors Corporate sponsors of one hole at the golf event ABR Employment Services AT&T Country Inn & Suites Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa Keller Inc Knight Barry Title Services Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body Secure Heritage Insurance Agency / AFLAC Stevens Point Brewery Team Schierl Companies

Double Gold Sponsors: Corporate sponsors of a hole at both courses with foursome packages CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Sentry Insurance / Point Insurance Agency Gold Sponsors Only 6 Remain (Gold or Gold 2) Corporate sponsors of one hole at the golf event with foursome package Anderson O’Brien Bull’s Eye Credit Union C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc Community First Bank Del Monte Foods Inc Delta Dental of Wisconsin Ellis Construction Klasinski Clinic Ministry Health Care, part of Ascension Point After Pub & Grill Rettler Corporation River Valley Bank

Hole-in-One Sponsors SOLD OUT Corporate sponsors of Hole-in-One contest Mark Motors Automotive Inc The Portage County Bank

T Lunch h e A c Sponsors t i v e V o i cOnly e | A2pRemain ril 2017

Corporate sponsors of Luncheon at two courses Altmann Construction Company Inc CoVantage Credit Union Lunch Bag Sponsors SOLD OUT Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Members Advantage Credit Union Silver Sponsors SOLD OUT Corporate sponsor of Runner Carts at both courses Donaldson Company Simplicity Credit Union

This opportunity for sponsorship is on a first-come, first-served basis. To confirm your sponsorship, please contact Karen Schanock at (715) 344-1940 or kschanock@ portagecountybiz.com. We appreciate your consideration and support of this event.

Beverage Sponsors SOLD OUT Corporate Beverage sponsors of all beverage carts at two courses Investors Community Bank Mitchell’s Hilltop Pub & Restaurant Inc. Pointe Precision Inc Regnier Consulting Group Inc Stone Innovations Inc US Bank

It’s Time for Some Business on the Green 6

Is Your

Foursome Registered?

The Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council invites you to their 28th Annual Business on the Green golf outing.

The event is scheduled for Monday, June 5th 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, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point beginning at 3:00pm with a plentiful buffet style service including BBQ Pork, Sloppy Joes, buns, fruit tray, vegetable display, chips & dip, potato salad and delicious cookies for dessert, 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 is 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 on T• hComplimentary e A c t i v e V o Wisconsin i c e | A p rArtisan il 2017 Cheeses & Sausages from Ski’s hearty whole grain bread, lettuce, Meat Market Swiss cheese, bag of chips, pickle • Plus Much More spear, and a cookie) • Golf Bag with goodies inside To register for golf: • Lunch Bag • Hole Events • Hole-in-One Event at the Stevens SentryWorld – Sorry, SOLD OUT Point Country Club to win a chance CLICK HERE TO REGISTER at $10,000 Hawaiian Golf Vacation AT THE STEVENS POINT including 8 days / 7 nights at the COUNTRY CLUB luxurious Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

Package includes roundtrip airfare Not a Golfer, but want to join in for two, four rounds of golf per person and $1,500 spending cash, on the fun… compliments of Mark Motors DINNER ONLY PACKAGE: Automotive.

Plan to join us for an afternoon/ evening filled with great food, friendly conversation, and an opportunity to win some great door prizes.

• Hole-In-One Event at SentryWorld and chance to win your very own 2017 Can-Am Defender HD8 valued at $15,250 or any new power-sport equipment at Donahue Super Sports, compliments of The Portage County Bank.

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.

• Dinner ticket for 19th Hole Networking Event at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center Plus 19th Hole Networking Event including: • Raffle Drawings • Hole Event Announcements • Golf Team Prizes • Cash Bar 7

REGISTER

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

About our Presenter: Brandi Makuski launched the Stevens won’t get much done.

Point City Times in 5.10.17 \\ 7:30AM - 8:30AM 2010, growing the PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM newspaper to become the largest newspaper NO COST TO ATTEND. CONTINENTAL in Portage County. A BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED. former journalist for the What is the Business X-Change? A roundtable Stevens Point Journal, presentation which allows business owners and Brandi trains extensively their employees the opportunity to discuss pertinent throughout the year and topics, learn from local industry leaders and, most now serves as City Times editor-in-chief, consults importantly, learn from each other. While there is with media in other markets and conducts writing, no cost to attend, the value of the information may methodology and social media training for other be priceless. journalists.

TOPIC: “HOW TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE…AND HOW TO WORK WITH THE LOCAL MEDIA”

About the Program: Leave this X-Change with tips on how to write press releases, submitting photos/news tips, news versus advertising, submitting video, knowing/targeting your audience, and deadlines.

Key Points of Program: • How to word a press/news release • Proper way to submit photos/graphics • How to use a press release to promote

your business/event • Social media

Special THANK YOU to Stevens Point City Times for its sponsorship of this program.

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

promote

your business

To Incoming UWSP Students!

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 5 – June 27, 2017. The booth will be set up from 11:30 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 freshmen 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 students, 1,600 parents, siblings, relatives and friends (when they visit) as potential customers, 1,600 current potential employees, 1,600 potential interns, to 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 12, 2017. For questions, contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanock@portagecountybiz.com.

8

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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

LORRAINE AVERY

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017 11:15AM to 1:00PM SentryWorld Grand Hall, 601 N Michigan Avenue, Stevens Point

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Join us for our June Women in Business as guest speaker Lorraine Avery presents “Women Take Your Wings and Soar”.

Presented by

Mark Your Calendars for these future Women in Business Events: Thursday, September 21, 2017 To be held at Stevens Point Country Club Presented by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Thursday, December 14, 2017 To be held at TBA IN Presented by BUSINESS CoVantage Credit Union

women

About our Speaker: Lorraine Avery has made her mark as one of our community’s most respected and influential leaders.

She is a recent retiree and former Senior Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant of Associated Bank. She has been involved in many charitable endeavors and spent countless hours volunteering her time to better Portage County. Lorraine has been a trusted Portage County Business Council Board of Director and has been an integral part of the Council’s Executive Committee and Business Engagement Committee.

She has been recognized in her profession as a pioneer in diverse positions. Lorraine’s community involvement over the years has included dedication to the Portage County Business Council, Board of Director for the Humane Society of Portage County, Member of the Board of Visitors for UWSP, Member of Zonta – International service organization for women, Past President of the Woodland Girl Scout Council and Chairperson for the Fund Development Committee, Junior Achievement Board Member and extremely engaged in United Way of Portage County as one of

only two people to have served as Campaign Drive Chair for more than one year.

In 2014 Lorraine received the Tina Peters Dedicated Service Award.

This is one of the highest honors a person can receive from United Way of Portage County. It is presented to an individual that has shown exemplary passion and compassion to the residents of Portage County.

She has received honors of Women of the Year from the National Association of Professional Women and the International Women’s Leadership Association. In addition, she was named Professional of the Year in Customer Service by Who’s Who Worldwide and selected by the University of Wisconsin as Best of the Brightest. She also received the President’s Award at the Portage County Business Council’s Annual Dinner in February, 2017.

Special thanks to our Media Sponsor – Midwest Communications Radio Group

For questions contact

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

9

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

for Kid’s Sake, the Paper Science Foundation and many other fund raising causes.

Sunset Point Winery and ADRC Recognized by Business Council

NEWSROOM One Portage County business and one nonprofit organization in the county’s business community were singled out for honors Friday, May 5th at the Portage County Business Councils’ Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast. in the Grand Hall of SentryWorld.

This year’s event captured the entrepreneurial spirit of successful business across Portage County.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Sunset Point Winery, located at 1201 Water Street in downtown Stevens Point. Sunset Point Winery was selected from several nominees by the Business Council’s Selection Committee based on their: • Growth and financial stability • Dedication to customer service and community needs • Personal commitment • Innovative efforts to identify a market niche.

Their building was purchased on October 6, 2014 and after extensive renovations, inspections, approvals and permits, owners Don and Kelly Guay started making wine in April, 2015 and opened their doors over the Riverfront Rendezvous weekend of July 4, 2015.

Sunset Point Winery has demonstrated significant growth since opening their doors. Comparing month to month, the winery is up 20% per month, year over year and they are ahead of their business plan by nearly two years. Their on-going commitment to the community is evident through donations, involvement and support to many organizations including, but not limited to the Portage County Business Council, Stevens Point Curling Club, Boys and Girls Club of Portage County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage County, City of Stevens Point Firework Celebration, Ruffed Grouse Association, Portage County Bowl

When you step into their tasting room, you can’t help but relax with their 2nd story view of the river, city square and beautiful parks. They not only offer amazing wine, but craft beer, soda, snacks made from other Wisconsin businesses, shopping in their retail space, tours of the facility, and quality entertainment.

We are proud to have Sunset Point Winery as a Portage County Business Council member! Don and Kelly Guay are shining examples of how successful entrepreneurs can be in our community. Congratulations to Don, Kelly and the stakeholders of Sunset Point Winery – our 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year!

10

T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | A p r i l 2 0 1 7 Their dedication to bettering our local community is another element that makes both Sunset Point Winery and the ADRC unique and valuable parts of the Portage County business community The Portage County Charitable Community Award was presented to the Aging Disability Resource Center of Portage County (ADRC) for their work in enriching the lives of Portage County residents.

The mission of the ADRC is to support seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families and caregivers by offering easy access to services and by fostering a caring community that values lifelong contributions, maximum independence, and individual dignity.

Some of the ways that they do this is by being a source of public information, education, advocacy and opportunities.

The agency serves as the focal point in our community for services for seniors, adults with disabilities, and collaborations with a wide variety of community agencies, organizations and individuals. The ADRC offers many programs designed to help keep people active, engaged, and living in our community regardless of their age, physical disabilities and cognitive state because they understand that everyone is a vital part of our community.

In 2016 alone, their Senior Nutrition Services, which provides home delivered meals for seniors 60 and older served 55,266 meals to more than 1,231 people. They provided 17,785 rides for people with disabilities, seniors and disabled veterans. Their volunteer services provided 571 seniors with volunteer opportunities in 56 organizations throughout Portage County, impacting 2,095 school children and providing more than 70,500 volunteer hours.

In addition, their Caregiver Support Services served 601 individuals in 7 programs and provided 609 employees at area businesses with training on dementia. The Community Resource

Center served 1,419 people with an average of 3.8 contacts per person.

Their Disability Benefit Specialists served 197 people with an economic impact of $2,885,106 and Elder Benefit Specialists served 1,690 seniors.

These numbers certainly demonstrate the impact the ADRC has on our seniors and adults with disabilities throughout our community. This amazing list of community outreach goes on and on!

Special thanks to our corporate sponsors of the event including.....

We congratulate Cindy Piotrowski and all the staff of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Portage County – our 2017 Portage County Charitable Community Award Recipient. Thank you for enriching lives in our community!

“Their dedication to bettering our local community is another element that makes both Sunset Point Winery and the ADRC unique and valuable parts of the Portage County business community,” stated Karen Schanock, Director of Programs & Events for the Business Council. “We salute your work and congratulate you on these well-deserved awards!”

Mr. Kurt Luchs from NRG Media acted as Master of Ceremonies of the event.

Thanks to NRG Media – our Media Sponsor for the event.

Melissa Sabel from the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau was the guest speaker for the event.

Her presentation was entitled “Tourism is Economic Development”.

11

Ambassadors Show Their Support

Business after

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

Hours

MONDAY, MONDAY, MAY 15TH 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Hosted By:

Members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff joined UW-Stevens Point faculty, staff, students and Alumni Board of Directors for a group photo to be used on UWSP’s Day of Giving happening in May.

Terri Taylor Honored as Ambassador of the 1st Quarter On a quarterly basis, the Ambassadors Club takes the opportunity to recognize one of its members for outstanding commitment. This commitment is measured by their participation in meetings, events, grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies during a three-month timeframe.

During the first quarter of 2017, Terri Taylor was named the Ambassador of the Quarter. Terri is Director of Major Events, Alumni Affairs and Director of Scholarship and Community Relations, UWSP Foundation. She has been an Ambassador since 2001.

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

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

Exciting News!!! Owner Cole Corrigan will be unveiling news of his future office expansion plans and new retail center in Stevens Point. Be sure to attend to hear all about it!

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 12, 2017.

Click Here to register online.

Click Here for map.

REGISTER HERE 12

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

WOW! Attack the Alien Invaders!

Something’s Brewing in Rosholt

Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup

What a YPWeek!

Hatch Business Pitch Event

As we reflect on YPWeek 2017 we want to share some accomplishments. YPWeek is a week-long platform for discovery, adventure and meaningful conversations about the issues that matter among young professionals in Wisconsin. Stevens Point is one of 25 participating cities.

Ignite held 8 events in 9 days throughout the course of the week. Ignite participants learned about how to successfully market themselves, their business, AND of course, how to successfully work as a team to escape a locked room. They made invasive buckthorn less of a threat in Schmeeckle Reserve, made valuable connections, and made Portage County’s highways a bit cleaner. All of this happened in Stevens Point, showcasing that Point is a great place for young people to live work and play, and leveraging the Think Make Happen Wisconsin theme. To everyone who attended one or all of Ignite’s YPWeek events, thank you!

We are excited to continue to connect with you today and throughout the year.

Backstage Pass to the Escape Room

L3: Meet with Quyen Hom

Ignite + AIG Present: Career Wellness Luncheon Tue, May 23, 2017 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Join Ignite and AIG for a discussion and presentation on Career Wellness by Eva Donohoo, owner of Bubbler Creative LLC.

Ignite Backstage Pass to Monarch Aerial Yoga & Dance

Coffee & Conversation

Thur, May 18, 2017 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM13 Join Ignite as we visit Monarch Aerial Yoga and Dance. We will tour this facility and hear from owner Jamie Vanatta.

GREAT NEWS FOR PCBC MEMBERS!

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

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

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

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

-Tama Niemi, ABR Employment Services, class of 2017

full details here!

14

Kathy Johnson Joins Compass Insurance Services

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

Kathy Johnson has recently been named Financial Analyst for Compass Insurance Services working in their Kronenwetter, WI location. Johnson joins Compass Insurance Services with over 21 years of experience most recently as Financial Assistant at Boys & Girls Club of Wausau and Client Services Director at Bradley Whalen Financial Services along with previous experience in wine sales and wholesale lumber and veneer. Kathy also illustrated for the American Pulpwood Association for 10 years.

Compass Insurance Services is a full service independent agency with offices in Kronenwetter, Wausau and Stevens Point.

Compass Insurance Services provides Business Insurance, Personal Insurance, Employee Benefits, Life and Health for families and businesses in the Central Wisconsin area. www.compassinsurance.net

Keller Hires Vorpagel and Doubeck as Concrete Laborers Rettler Corporation has announced a succession plan that includes the transition of founder Rick Rettler into the role of senior consultant/ advisor.

The new board of directors will consist of company stockholders.

John Kneer, who will assume the role of president, has 18 years of experience in landscape architecture and project management including 12 with Rettler.

Ross Rettler, Chase Rettler and Mike Helmrick will become stockholders and lead the firm’s comprehensive services in their respective areas of expertise.

For more information visit www. rettler.com.

M I D - STATE’S N EW STU D EN T SERV I C ES & I N F O R M AT I O N C EN TER Friends and supporters of MidState turned out to celebrate the grand opening of Mid-State’s new Student Services & Information Center on Tuesday, May 2, on the Wisconsin Rapids campus. The event featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, tours of the new facility and an open house. Attendees also witnessed the unveiling of the new Mid-State Foundation & Alumni donor wall, which was recently redesigned to add 31 new donors and advance 30 previous donors to the next giving level.

“I was aware of the remodel, but until today I had no idea how much this project represents a transformation with an eye to the student experience,” said Wisconsin Rapids mayor Zach Vruwink during his tour of the new facility. “It’s exciting to see the student-centered intentionality of this project, and it just adds to the ways that Mid-State is an asset in the community, making the area even more attractive as a place to live, raise kids, and attend college.”

“The vision of this project was to

create a smooth pathway to take our students from application to create a smooth pathway to take our students from application to graduation, helping them stay on track to graduation and achieve their dream of an in-demand career,” said Dr. Sue Budjac, Mid-State president. “It is truly exciting to see that vision come to fruition, and so far the reaction from students and guests has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Construction on the new Student Services & Information Center started in June of 2016 and was completed according to plan this March. Also known as “The Center,” the 5,400 square-foot addition and 4,200 square foot remodel has given the main entrance a newly modern and welcoming look. More importantly, The Center allows Mid-State to centralize all student services and is an important part of a comprehensive plan to better connect students to the resources they need.

For more information about The Center visit www.mstc.edu/ thecenter.

15

Eromi Jayasingha, MD, joins Ministry Medical Group Ministry Health Care, part of Ascension, is pleased to welcome Eromi Jayasingha, MD, to Ministry Medical Group’s palliative medicine department.

Dr. Jayasingha provides palliate care services and consultation for patients hospitalized at Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston, Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point, and Ministry Saint Mary’s Hospital, Rhinelander. In addition she has clinic availability for outpatient appointments in Weston and Stevens Point at Ministry Medical Group.

A board-certified hospice and palliative medicine physician, Dr. Jayasingha provides palliative care to adult patients who suffer from chronic illnesses. She has a special interest in supportive care for patients living with long-term and life-limiting conditions. Dr. Jayasingha delivers an additional layer of support to help her patients and their families with symptom management and care objectives.

Dr. Jayasingha received her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. She completed her residency at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Jayasingha also is a boardcertified internal medicine physician.

“My goal is to help my patients and their families achieve their goals of care,” said Dr. Jayasingha. When she’s not in the office, Dr. Jayasingha enjoys ballroom dancing, travel and wildlife conservation.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 715.393.3900.

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

WELCOM E T O NE W ME M B E R P OI NT OF B E A U TY NEWSROOM

Point of Beauty

LLC

NAIL, HAIR, SPA

23 Park Ridge Drive • Stevens Point, WI 54481

715-997-9555

pointofbeautysalon.com

Stay Beautiful

Point of Beauty is a new, locally owned business that offers a wide range of cosmetic services and quality pampering in one convenient location.

The full-service salon features a spa setting and all-natural hair and nail products. Services offered include haircuts, colors and treatments, nail services, body waxing, facial threading, eyelash extensions, facial treatments, body wraps, make-up, spa and wedding packages.

Our staff has a wealth of experience in the industry, along with being well educated in all current trends.

Our salon offers a high-end, relaxing experience with complimentary wine and coffee.

Our Mission Statement: We want to make your salon experience as unique and memorable as you are.

Our goal is to consistently bring you the freshest styles and ideas, by

keeping up with the current trends and constantly educating ourselves about the best practices. All of our stylists and nail technicians support one another in their personal strengths and goals within the beauty industry and the community.

We promise to pay close attention to the details of your service, maintain the highest standard in the cleanliness of our salon, exceed your expectations, and keep you coming back for more!

Clients can book appointments by calling the salon at (715) 9979555, visiting the website at www. pointofbeautysalon.com or on their Facebook page.

Point of Beauty is located at 23 Park Ridge Dr. in Stevens Point.

Point of Beauty is always looking for motivated, creative and talented individuals to join our team. If interested, please email Lien at pointofbeautyllclor@gmail.com or call.

16

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

LEADER S HI P P O R TAG E CO U NT Y TALENT DEVELOPMENT BECCA GREENING, DELTA DENTAL OF WISCONSIN In April, Leadership Portage County participants had the privilege of learning about Health & Wellness. The morning session was held at the Stevens Point Area YMCA, where the group was introduced to Session Leader Jenny Bieri. The first topic of the day (presented by Kayla Rombalaski) was about the 6 Dimensions of Wellness: Emotional, Occupational, Physical, Social, Intellectual, and Spiritual.

Wellness can be applied in many ways.

For example, social wellness means that it is better to contribute to the common welfare of our community than to think of ourselves.

worked with a partner to set S.M.A.R.T.

Afterwards, the group did an activity where they ranked each of these areas in their life in a wellness wheel, and then

LPC participants were then given a tour of the YMCA by Dave Morgan, Executive Director/CEO, where they learned more

about how the organization empowers

goals. The partner should hold the other families to live healthier lives. accountable to their wellness goal and check in on their progress in six months (around November 1).

The next discussion surrounded how to develop successful Mission, Vision, and Values statements. These statements are the interim assignment for this month and will be presented during the May session.

Mission statements should: Be clear and concise, be memorable, be inspiring, fit the need of the individual, and answer the question “Why do I exist?”.

After lunch, the group traveled to the Wellness Spa. Unfortunately for some (and much to the delight of others), there was no Tai Chi. There was however a team building activity similar to speed dating where participants rotated and learning more about each other. There were several participant speeches in the afternoon session including: Tom Fish, Tom Johnson, Andy Kruit, Nadene Miller, Dan Rosenow, Sara Totten, and Morgan Anderson.

It was a great month and it’s hard to believe there is only one left!

17

BMO Harris Home Lending

Mortgages

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

Homeownership could be more affordable than you think.

Free Homebuyer Seminar

Reserve your place

June 5, 2017 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

1245 Main Street Stevens Point, WI Discover the ownership opportunities available to you at our next BMO Harris Homebuyer Seminar. Join us for discussion and refreshments as we explain the following topics: • Making homebuying easier and more understandable for first-time purchasers

For more information or to reserve your place, contact a mortgage banker today!

Let’s connect John Katner Mortgage Banker Direct: 715-344-5100 John.Katner@bmo.com bmoharris.com/jkatner NMLS#: 1537557

• Lowering your down payment with smart strategies • Exploring loan options that are available • Getting pre-qualified quickly • Discovering how credit considerations can impact borrowing options • Taking advantage of grant programs Don’t wait — Sign up today!

Banking deposit and loan products and services are provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. and are subject to bank and credit approval.

BMO Harris Bank® and BMO Harris® are trade names used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. © 2017 BMO Harris Bank N.A. (3/17)

bmoharris.com

18

HATCH BUSINESS PITCH EVENT SUPPORTS CENTRAL WISCONSIN ENTREPRENEURS

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

HATCH A crowded historic firehouse in Stevens Point was the site of five business pitches Wednesday night. The winning pitch, Leak Siphon Flush Valve, took home $2,000 to advance their business idea.

HATCH is a community-based startup pitch platform that aims to convert strong “napkin” ideas into business plans that launch new companies. Partnerships across the state made this first Hatch event a success, bringing together the Portage County Business Council’s Ignite Leadership Young Professionals Network, Brightstar Foundation, NEWaukee and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Local organizers chose to highlight the Portage County Historical Society’s Historic Firehouse No. 2 for the event. The firehouse provided the perfect backdrop for an event focused on taking raw ideas to new levels. The firehouse saw a sold out crowd of 100+ people. Audience members had the opportunity to vote for their favorite pitches. In addition, a panel of local judges deliberated on the winning pitch.

Historic Firehouse No. 2 provides a perfect backdrop for new business pitches and 100+ event attendees

Jurors were: Mike Wiza - City of Stevens Point Mayor; Brian Cole - SVP, Finance & Operations at Red Arrow Labs; Dan Blumenstein - Director of Client Support at Rack Industrial, LLC; Missy SkurzewskiServant - Dean, General Education & Business at Mid-State Technical College; Vicki Lobermeier - Associate Lecturer, Adjunct Faculty at UW-Stevens Point School of Business & Economics; and Todd Sobotka - Managing Director at BrightStar Wisconsin.

The winning pitch, Leak Siphon Flush Value, aims to reduce leaky toilets to zero waste. Peter Parker and Landis Brozak stated, “Leaky toilets are are the biggest water wasters and leak up to 200 gallons per day. There are 250 million toilets in the US that leak 25 billion gallons per year. We have developed a simple flush valve that can reduce this leakage to ZERO.” Other pitches included: • Mysa | Jeff Rice An online sharedeconomy platform that helps business owners understand their hurdles and connects them with freelancers who can

The selected Stevens Point pitchers (L-R): Monte Condrack, Jeff Rice, Landis Brozak, Peter Parker, Carl Lippert, Kyle Konieczka

help.

• Permyt | Kyle Konieczka Automated municipal permit issuance • Destination 180 | Monte Condrack A social entrepreneurship business that develops moderate to high-end tiny houses for people in need • Feed Manager | Carl Lippert An app that helps farmers manage their livestock feed.

The Hatch series continues with the next event on May 24 at the Golden Eagle Log Homes in Wisconsin Rapids. Submissions of ideas for the remaining three events are accepted on a rolling basis with the deadline for Wisconsin Rapids being May 17, Wausau on June 21, and Marshfield on July 19. The finale is scheduled for November 9th and the location will be announced at a later date.

For more information about HATCH, to submit an idea or to become a resource partner, please visit: www.hatchwi.com.

Winning pitch idea, Leak Siphon Flush Valve is presented by Peter Parker and Landis Brozak, of Baraboo

19

A STORM IS BREWING ...

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

and we’ve organized a regional talent summit to prepare you before it hits.

THURSDAY, MAY 25 | 8 AM TO 1 PM STONEY CREEK HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER, 1100 IMPERIAL AVE., ROTHSCHILD

TOPICS: Grow your own talent Non-traditional sources of talent Talent attraction PRESENTING SPONSOR:

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

GOLD SPONSORS:

For registration or sponsorship information, contact your local Chamber of Commerce.

20

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

More Savings + More Productivity

Maximum R.O.I.

Get the best business Internet, Phone, and TV

for the lowest price

Spectrum Business™ Internet

39

for only

$

99 /mo**

Spectrum Business™ Voice

29

for only

$

99

/mo, per line**

Speeds up to 60Mbps

Unlimited Long Distance

Free email accounts, desktop security, backup, and modem

Over 30 business calling features

Call Your Local Account Executive Today

Mike Booth 715.701.1489 mike.booth@charter.com

21

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

2017 EVENTS ay M 5

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

10

une J 5

Business on the Green Golf Outing SentryWorld & Stevens Point Country Club

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

14

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

15

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

15

SalesNet, 11:45AM, PCBC Office

18

SalesNet, 11:45AM, PCBC Office

19

Business After Hours, 5:00PM, Star Business Machines

18

Ignite’s Backstage Pass to Monarch Ariel Yoga and Dance, 5:30PM

22

Women In Business Luncheon 11:15AM, SentryWorld, Grand Hall

18

23

Leadership Portage County, 4:00PM Wisconsin Lions Camp, Rosholt Ignite + AIG, Career Wellness Luncheon 12:00PM, AIG

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! 22