October 2017 Active Voice digital Magazine

Events

WINES OF THE WORLD Insights

LEGISLATORS, GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY

Newsroom

NEW MEMBER REFERRAL PROGRAM

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Talent Development

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY Meet your 3rd quarter ambassador

PETE THEISEN

PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL

Six thousand copies of the guide will be distributed over 2018-19

Portage County With the current Business workforceinshortage, nowCommunity more than ever, itGuide! is providing long-term exposure aCouncil high profile publication.

critical to attract and retain talent in our area.

The 2018 Guide will have a FRESH new look and will reach far beyond our Community Guide visibility includes: The 2018 Portage County Business Council Guide community boundaries showcase that Portage Community County is the place Online placement onto PCBC website homepage, LinkedIn, Facebook, is and the Google+ tool to do just that!

Twitter, Issuu.com Economic Vitality Meets Quality ofduring Life!recruitment  LargeWhere regional employers share Community Check out the 2015-2017 CommunityGuides Guide HERE and interviews The Community Guide includes sections on business and industry, education, health & wellness,  Area Realtors include Guides with home salesthis We appreciate your support andCommunity look forward to helping you with community life, housing, transportation, recreation, entertainment, hospitality andexciting more.

Guides are distributed at major PCBC Utilized as aCommunity recruitment tool, community reference guide andand informational relocation marketing opportunity.

With limited space available, adevents reservations due by  PCBC Staff, Board, and Ambassadors handfrom out Community Guides publication, the Guide includes advertising companies that chooseat to do November 1st,Community reserve your adalso today! business here. outreach events, expos, fairs, and community information centers Dispersed to visitors at the Stevens Point Area Convention Visitors ContactTonya at 715-344-1940; tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com with & any questions.

SixBureau thousand copies of the guide will be distributed over 2018-19 providing long-termadvertisers exposure inreceive a highand profile publication.  All participating distribute Guides  Community Guides are given out to first-year and transfer students at Community Guide visibility includes: UW-Stevens Point  Online placement on PCBC website homepage, LinkedIn, Facebook,  All new public and private Elementary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary Twitter, Issuu.com and Google+ school instructors receive a Guide at PCBC’s annual Partners in  Large regional employers share Community Guides during recruitment Education Social. and interviews is Area Realtors include Community Guides with home sales of every Ad space available in a variety of sizes and costs to fit the marketing strategy businessand budget. Review the advertising brochure and commit Community Guides are distributed at attached major PCBC eventsto your ad size of choice.  Then, complete Advertising Contract and Ad Submission Forms and Guides return toat the PCBC Staff, the Board, and Ambassadors hand out Community Portage County Business Council on or before November 1, 2017. Final payment of ads will be outreach events, expos, fairs, and community information centers due 2/1/18. The distribution of the Guide will begin spring 2018.  Dispersed to visitors at the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau the currentadvertisers workforce receive shortage, now more than ever, it is  With All participating and distribute Guides critical to attract andout retain talent in our  Community Guides are given to first-year and area. transfer students at UW-Stevens Point The 2018 Portage County Business Council Community Guide  All new public and private Elementary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary is the tool to do just that! school instructors receive a Guide at PCBC’s annual Partners in Education Social.

Check out the 2015-2017 Community Guide HERE Ad space is available in a variety of sizes and costs to fit the marketing strategy of every

We appreciate yourReview support look forward helping you with to this exciting business and budget. the and advertising brochureto attached and commit your ad size of marketing opportunity.

With limited space available, and ad reservations by choice. Then, complete the Advertising Contract and Ad Submission Forms and returndue to the November 1st,Business reserve your on ador today!

Portage County Council before November 1, 2017. Final payment of ads will be due 2/1/18. The distribution of the Guide will begin spring 2018.

A c t i v e Vo i c e |any O c tquestions. ober 2017 Contact Tonya at 715-344-1940; tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com with

With the current workforce shortage, now more than ever, it is

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CONTENTS MAGAZINE 4 Legislators, Government and the Community Tour leaders in government are a critical element in economic development and their work impacts the four pillars of the Portage County Business Council (PCBC).

6 2017 LEGISLATIVE FORUM The Portage County Business Council’s Government Relations Committee is holding a Legislative Candidate Forum on Friday, October 20th at the Stevens Point Country Club.

7 new membership referral program

»» p.4

We know that many of our new members are referred by existing members, and we want to say “THANK YOU!”

10 THE ambassadors ARE BUSY! Members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC Staff joined Ulta Beauty, 200 Crossroads Drive in Plover for a ribbon cutting and grand opening of their new store on September 1st.

12 Ignite’s Halloween GLOW BOWL BASH! »» p.10

»» p.12

You are invited to our spook-tacular haunt of a good time! Join Ignite at Opi’s for glow bowling on Saturday October 21, 2017 at 6pm. The night will feature a cash bar, costume contest, pizza, and fun for all young professionals!

15 PARTNERS IN EDUCATION - INSPIRE If you haven’t heard, Portage County Business Council, in cooperation with the other chambers in the Centergy region, is launching an exciting new tool to connect your business directly to students – your future workforce.

16 LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY

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What was billed as “a day on the farm” caught many of my fellow Leadership Portage County (LPC) classmates by surprise when we pulled up to the beautiful new, state-of-the-art Heartland Farms Farm Operations, Technology, & Training Center (FOTTC).

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LEGISLATORS, GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY

TODD KUCKKAHN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Our leaders in government are a critical element in economic development and their work impacts the four pillars of the Portage County Business Council (PCBC).

Those pillars and our mission are working with our members and the community on the retention and attraction of businesses and employee. In light of these challenges in our community, our PCBC’s top priority is talent attraction, followed by business and employee retention and finally, business attraction.

At our legislative forum on Friday, Oct. 20 (http://business.portagecountybiz. com/events/details/2017-legislativeforum-6345) our legislators and business representatives will be talking about talent attraction and what specific actions we need to take to overcome the challenge.

Each candidate will be given ten minutes to answer economic development-related questions pertaining to talent attraction, the state budget, Foxconn, transportation and other issues impacting our area and the state. These will not be election year speeches but will focus on plans to attack our challenges.

We have also asked Centergy (http:// centergy.net/), our regional economic development partner, WMC-Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (https:// www.wmc.org/), our chamber state association, and WEDA-Wisconsin Economic Development Association (http://www. weda.org/), our economic development state association, to share their legislative agendas for 2018. PCBC’s focus is on education with some advocacy and no lobbying. Centergy falls along the same

lines with WMC and WEDA more on the advocacy and lobbying side of the equation. Additionally, Centergy will be promoting an opportunity for businesses to take part in the March 21-22 Central Wisconsin Days. Our region develops our key legislative economic development issues and representatives like you and me travel to Madison to talk with legislators from around the state. In the past, conversation has focused on things like high capacity wells and the Wisconsin Institute of Sustainable Technology.

Back to the issue of talent attraction, PCBC and Portage County government are cosponsoring New ERA Workshop 2.0. About a year and a half ago we had a similar workshop where over 100 communityminded citizens got together to provide a focused direction. Since February of 2016, community organizations like PCBC and others have been working to address talent attraction related challenges. The October 31 Workshop (8 AM to Noon) will review what has been accomplished and focus our community on the next set of important challenges that need to be addressed.

PCBC also is reviewing their talent development strategies for 2018 and attendees will have the opportunity to provide important impact on the tactics we should use going forward.

Inspire is another talent attraction tool and it is being launched in October in schools in our area. Businesses need to set up a simple profile and schools need to be actively using Career Cruising to take advantage of this opportunity. Once linked, 1,000s of students from our region

Inspire is another talent attraction tool and it is being launched in October in schools in our area. Businesses need to set up a simple profile and schools need to be actively using Career Cruising to take advantage of this opportunity. Once linked, 1,000s of students from our region can access information on individual businesses and job opportunities. In the next 6-18 months, students from across the state will be accessing it. If you complete a profile page, with the help of our staff, it doesn’t guarantee you will get contacted by a student (i.e. potential future employee) but I can guarantee you if you are NOT in Inspire, you WON’T get contacted.

PCBC continually works to find ways to attract and retain talent so you can grow and be successful with your business.

Your membership helps support these and so many other efforts related to growth, leadership, network development, partnerships, engagement and innovation.

Your part is getting involved with your investment.

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2017 Portage County Business Council Job Fair Employers from 55 organizations made connections with 200 job-seekers; multiple offers and interviews were given on site that day! If you have positions available at your business, you can post jobs for FREE on our website anytime.

It is one of our many valuable member benefits!

Submit your job openings now on the PCBC website by logging in at www.portagecountybiz.com and following these steps: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Click on Member Log In Log On using your member credentials (Let us know if you need this) Click the “Job Openings” Tab on the left side of the screen Then click the blue button marked “Add Job Posting” Fill in the job information including general details, contact information, active dates and an image (Company Logo) 6. Once completed, click the “Submit for Approval” button on the bottom

Once the job posting has been submitted, we review the job listing and add it to our website. For additional visibility, the job is posted on the Business Council Facebook page, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Walking in your shoes for 20 years

YEA RS

1997-2017

Contact us for a fresh alternative in business banking:

Since 1997, Investors Community Bank has been sharing in your hopes and dreams.

Understanding your vision … imagining your success. Walking in your shoes. In return, you have produced the ideas, hard work and progress that have helped us succeed. While much has changed through the years, our commitment to helping you, our customers, build a better business and community has never wavered. Thank you for being part of our history!

Phone (715) 254-3400 5517 Vern Holmes Dr., Stevens Point InvestorsCommunityBank.com MEMBER

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The Portage County Business Council's Government Relations Committee is holding a Legislative Candidate Forum on Friday, October 20th at the Stevens Point Country Club. There is plenty to talk about related to the state budget, talent attraction, Foxconn, supply chain marketplace and many other business-related topics.

INVITED to participate: WI Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch (tentative)

Wisconsin Assembly District 71 Katrina Shankland (confirmed)

Wisconsin Senate District 24 Patrick Testin (confirmed)

Wisconsin Assembly District 72 Scott Krug (confirmed)

Centergy, WMC and WEDA will also have representatives sharing their legislative agendas.

Legislators will answer prepared questions. The order for speaking will be randomly selected at the event.

7:15 am 7:30 am 7:50 am 9:30 am

Registration Welcome & /Breakfast (Quiche with hash browns, fresh fruit, juice and coffee) Forum Begins Event Concludes

CALL REGISTER Cost: TO (Oct. 17 online reservation deadline):

PCBC members: $25 per person Non-members: $30 per person MSTC & UWSP Students and Ignite Members are $20.

REGISTER AT WWW.PORTAGECOUNTYBIZ.COM OR CALL 715-344-1940, info@portagecountybiz.com A c t i v e Vo i c e | O c t o b e r

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(PCBC)

Portage County Business Council (PCBC) Member Referral Program

by existing members, and We know that many of our new members are referred by existing members, and we want to say “THANK YOU!” es) to join as a member September 1, 2017, if you refer a new business(es) to join as a member ff yourStarting next PCBC dues of PCBC and that business joins, you will receive $100 off your next PCBC dues a partner with the renewal! It is simply our way of saying thanks for being a partner with the Business Council.

How it works: ntroduction or in-person 1. Introduce a new member to PCBC via an email introduction or in-person meeting 2. Encourage new member to join ll get a $100 credit 3. Once new member payment is received, you will get a $100 credit towards your company membership dues

Program Notes: enewal only- may not be ues/fees. Credit will be applied to next membership dues renewal only- may not be used on any PCBC and payment is other fees, events, or any previous dues/fees.  Credit will only be given if the new member joins PCBC and payment is received. on introduction.

Verbal or  A “referral” is defined as an email and/or in-person introduction. Verbal or ed and always word-of-mouth referrals are very much appreciated and always welcomed that has never been a but will not result in a referral credit.  months.

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

f Life

Portage County Business Council, Inc.

Where Economic Vitality Meets Quality of Life 5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482 P 715-344-1940 | F 715-344-4473 www.PortageCountyBiz.com

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GET YOUR TICKETS FOR WINES OF THE WORLD!

THANK YOU TO ALL SPONSORS TO DATE

PRESENTING WINE SPONSOR:

The Portage County Business Council is excited to host the 16th Annual Wines of the World event on Friday, October 20, 2017.

Join us that evening from 6:00PM – 9:00PM at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center. What to expect you ask?

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Over 120 Wines for Tasting A delicious array of food consisting of appetizer stations, dessert stations, anti-pasto bar, seafood and more Wisconsin artisan cheeses and some imports Various beer bars Bourbon tastings and other spirits Greeted by a glass of Mimosa Cider Boys Live music Door prizes Jewelry raffle Silent auction

All this and more for the cost of $55 for PCBC Members, $60 for Prospective Members, $65 at the Door. Tickets are available at the Portage County Business Council office or Ski’s Meat Market.

This event will provide an opportunity for guests to network, socialize and have fun learning about wine. Those in attendance will have a chance to win fabulous door prizes including a Unique Dining Experience for 6 (catered dinner for 6 people in the privacy of your home with Private Chef - Scott Rockman, owner of Rockman’s Catering). One lucky winner will also go home with this stunning 14K White Gold Pendant holding 5 Round Brilliant Diamonds with a 14KT White Gold Box Chain valued at $2,750 donated by Lee Ayers Jewelers and Thomas Dailing Designs; and masterfully hand-created by Internationally recognized jewelry designer Thomas Dailing.

FOOD SPONSORS:

EXCLUSIVE SOMMELIER MASTER MEDIA SPONSOR:

JEWELRY SPONSOR:

BEER SPONSOR:

and Thomas Dailing Designs To register for the event Click Here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take part of an evening of fun, socializing and education about wine. Proceeds from the event benefit member programs and new initiatives of the Business Council.

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Bordeaux Table Sponsors

Stage Sponsor

SPONSORS CONTINUED:

PRINT SPONSOR:

Wine Charm Sponsor

CENTERPIECE EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:

Corkscrew Sponsor Brewery Table Sponsor Wine Stopper Sponsor

HAND CRAFTED SPIRITS SPONSOR: Cellar Select Table Sponsor

Rating -Pen Sponsor LOCAL WINERY SPONSOR:

Chardonnay Table Sponsors

Dinner Napkin Sponsor CHEESE SPONSOR:

Cocktail Napkin Sponsor DESSERT SPONSOR:

Chianti Bistro Table Sponsors Bill Bayba with

The Business Council extends an invitation to an event like no other. Click Here to register online.

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AMBASSADORS& PCBC STAFF SHOW THEIR SUPPORT

Members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC Staff joined Ulta Beauty, 200 Crossroads Drive in Plover for a ribbon cutting and grand opening of their new store on September 1st.

On September 13th the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites and Wissota Chophouse located at 1117 Centerpoint Drive in Stevens Point held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their grand opening. The Ambassadors and PCBC staff enjoyed the celebration including live music, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and tours of the beautiful hotel and restaurant.

PCBC Staff and members of our Ambassadors Club celebrated the opening of Muse at Sentry with a ceremonial ribbon cutting event on September 18th.

KPR Brokers held at ribbon cutting ceremony and outdoor picnic on September 25th for its new location, 2417 Post Road, Plover. Mark Kitowski, his family and staff, members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff helped celebrate.

Pete Theisen Honored as Ambassador of the 3rd 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, ground breaking ceremonies, grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies during a three-month timeframe.

During the third quarter of 2017, Pete Theisen was named the Ambassador of the Quarter. Pete is Vice President of Commercial Lending at The Portage County Bank.

Pete has been an Ambassador since 2016.

Congratulations Pete! The Business Council Board of Directors, Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff appreciate your A c t i v e Vo i c e | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 7 efforts!

Presented By

REGISTER

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, December 14, 2017 11:15AM to 1:00PM Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point Cost: $26/Members, $31/Prospective Members Watch for more details in our November newsletter edition.

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

Photos from our September SELL-OUT event at the Stevens Point Country Club where 142 people were in attendance.

A crowd of 55 people attended our annual Ag Tour event on September 12th sponsored by Roberts Irrigation Company, Inc., DelMonte Foods and the Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council.

Special thanks to hosts and tour stops of Biery Cheese and the Feltz Family Farms and new Feltz’s Dairy Store, and to our guest speaker Beth Schaefer, Regional Program Director with the Wisconsin Milk Marketing

Board on the Wisconsin Dairy Council team.

This event celebrates the agribusiness industry in Central Wisconsin and tours of local agribusinesses are open to anyone interested in learning more about their great successes.

For more information, please contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanock@ portagecountybiz.com.

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Ignite's Halloween GLOW BOWL BASH! Sat, October 21 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Opi’s 5 Star Lanes REGISTER HERE!

REGISTER TODAY

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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

Muse at Sentry Embracing Life Chiropractic Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin GrouVe LLC Real Deals on Home Decor­

W h at a r e t he B E N E F IT S O F ME MB E R S H I P ?

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Your b usi ne ss r epr e se nt a t i v e s a r e in vite d t o e d uc a t i o n a l a n d n etwo r ki ng e v e nt s L ist y our ow n b usi n e s s ’ even ts, j ob s, a nd d e a l s o n por ta ge c ount yb i z. c o m Rec ei v e r e f e r r a l s f r o m o th e r P CBC m e mb e r s Bec om e a sp e c i a l e v e n t spon sor t o p r omot e y o u r busin e ss Displa y your m a r keti n g materi a l s i n t he P C B C l o bb y an d on t he P C B C w e bs i te P ar tici p a t e i n your l o ca l c ommuni t y

For more information on membership, contact our Director of Business Engagement, Tonya Kowalski, at

MEMBERS

GREAT IMPRESSIONS RESUME & CAREER SERVICES, LLC

Great Impressions Resume & Career Services, LLC, of Stevens Point is owned and operated by Tim Solinger and assists clients with more fully defining their unique value so they can increase their ability to secure interviews and job offers. Services include resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles as well as interview coaching. Tim launched the business in 2007 and is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and an approved career services provider with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Great Impressions Resume & Career Services also assists organizations with presentation materials to highlight the skills and accomplishments of individual team members for competitive bid situations and other purposes. Services include resumes, bios, project summaries, capability statements, case studies and related documents.

More information is available at www.greatimpressionsresume.com or by calling 715-570-2749.

NEW MEMBER EMBRACING LIFE CHIROPRACTIC, LLC With an intrest in prenatal, pediatric and family wellness, we hope to help all members of the family on your journey back to health and wellness trhough neurologically focused chiropractic care.

Our mission is to inspire our patients to believe that within each of us is the potential for health and wel-being; when that potential is unlocked each of us can experience and embrace the life we were born to have.

Contact: Nicole Mattson 1205 2nd Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 www.embracinglifechiropractic.com 715-997-9330 info@embracinglifechiropractic.com

MEMBERS

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF WISCONSIN, INC. Take a minute to send a warm welcome to Stephanie Printz, the new district director of Junior Achievement Portage and Wood Counties. Stephanie is excited to join forces with such amazing volunteers and supporters who bring empowering programs to our local youth. If you have any questions or just want to say hi, please call 715-345-1104 or email sprintz@jawis.org.

715-344-1940 or tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com

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REGISTER HERE won’t get much done.

11.8.17 \\ 7:30AM - 8:30AM PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM 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: “WELLNESS: WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU, THE COMMUNITY, AND THE WORKPLACE” About Our Program: Join us for this special X-Change presentation on wellness by the National Wellness Institute, the premier organization on Wellness for over 44 years.

Attendees will hear from three wellness experts, two of which are Wellnesses founding fathers, speak about the origin of holistic wellness at UWSP, and how they incorporate the six dimensions model in our community and workplace.

Key Points of Program: o An explanation of Wellness o A Wellness exercise o Advantages of a wellness program that can increase the longevity of you and your staff

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About our Speakers:

Matt Lund is the Executive Director of the National Wellness Institute. He and his family recently moved to Wisconsin after serving as Executive Director with the Minneapolis YMCA. Matt’s ten year management career with the YMCA specialized in operations, marketing, program development and multi-facility management.

Dr. John Munson retired from UWSP as a Master Trainer, Consumer Wellness Advocate. He is Master Trainer of Personality Resources Inc., Past President of the Board of Directors of the National Wellness Institute, and Senior Consultant & Academic Accreditation of the National Wellness Institute. Dr. Munson has 41 years of experience in higher education.

Dr. Fred Leafgren retired from UWSP as a Counseling Psychologist for Higher Education Administration and was an educator for more than 30 years. He is one of the creators of the Four Ways™ System and Identity Mapping™ (an integral and crucial part of the Four Ways™ System.) Dr. Leafgren received the 2017 NWI William B. Baun Lifetime Achievement Award and he is Personality Resources International’s most respected facilitator.

Special THANK YOU to National Wellness Institute for their 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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TALENT DEVELOPMENT

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Inspire Central Wisconsin If you haven’t heard, Portage County Business Council, in cooperation with the other chambers in the Centergy region, is launching an exciting new tool to connect your business directly to students – your future workforce. Inspire Central Wisconsin is an online tool that will enable students to connect with your business via a company profile, work-based learning activities such as informational interviews or company tours, and career coach discussion boards. Learn how your company can join in on this new opportunity. Contact Kayla Rombalski – talent@portagecountybiz.com or 715-344-1940 – to learn more.

Volunteer Opportunities Partners In Education programming has plenty of opportunities for you to interact with and share your knowledge with students throughout our community. If you are interested in being a classroom speaker, volunteering at a Reality Shop, assisting students with mock interviews, and more please contact Kayla Rombalski - talent@portagecountybiz. com or 715-344-1940.

Save the Dates: • Ongoing – Classroom speakers at

Ben Franklin Junior High • Thursday, January 5 – Mock Interviews with Art

Greco’s College & Career Readiness Class • Friday, January 12 – SPASH Fall Semester

Reality Shop • Thursday, March 8 – Reality Shop with Rosholt

and Amherst High Schools • Thursday, May 10 – SPASH Spring Semester

Reality Shop

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LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY

Recap written by: Hannah Testin What was billed as “a day on the farm” caught many of my fellow Leadership Portage County (LPC) classmates by surprise when we pulled up to the beautiful new, stateof-the-art Heartland Farms Farm Operations, Technology, & Training Center (FOTTC).

Our host, Jeremie Pavelski, was the first presenter of the day. Jeremie is a 5th generation member of the family farming operation that dates as far back as 1873.

Heartland Farms formally began in 1990 when Jeremie’s dad Dick and Dave Knights formed a partnership. Today, they farm about 8,000 acres of potatoes – a major portion of their overall total 24,000 acres farmed across Portage, Adams, Waushara, and Waupaca counties!

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE!

Spend a couple of Thursdays with LPC! No experience necessary, do not need to be an alumni or current LPC participant. Join us for these upcoming events!

Thursday, October 19, 5:00-8:00 PM Pinery Room at Portage County Public Library – 1001 Main Street, Stevens Point Interested in public service? Whether you want to be our next mayor, fill a spot on the school board, or serve as a citizen appointee on a municipal committee, being a part of your local government is an exciting way to shape your community. Join us for a Workshop on Governmental Involvement on Thursday, October 19 from 5:00-8:00 PM (includes dinner) at the Pinery Room at the Portage County Public Library.

You’ll learn more about public service - the good, the bad, and perhaps, the ugly. Whether your knowledge is limited, or you’ve been a campaign manager and have a thorough understanding of the process, you’ll leave with new insights and shared experiences. Small group discussions will make this a hands-on workshop allowing you to ask questions in a safe setting and learn more. Register here.

Thursday, October 26, 7:00-8:00 PM Mission Coffee House - 2860 Post Rd, Plover LPC Alumni and Friends, you are invited to join us for the next leadership book club discussion. We are reading Arbitrary Stupid Goal by Tamara Shopsin. We will meet to discuss on Thursday, October 26 from 7 PM - 8 PM at Mission Coffee House - 2860 Post Rd, Plover. Everyone is welcome, no need to be an LPC participant or alumni. Let us know to expect you by RSVPing on Facebook or to Kayla Rombalski, talent@portagecountybiz.com.

Thursday, November 16, 2:00-4:30 PM Redeemer Lutheran Church - 900 Brilowski Rd, Stevens Point Save the date! Join us at a Poverty Simulation on Thursday, November 16 from 2:00-4:30 PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Volunteers are needed to play a family role or to be a vendor/service provider at the fall Poverty Simulation.

Poverty simulations are an opportunity for individuals to obtain first-hand knowledge of many of the situations and decisions experienced by low-income households. The Portage County Business Council offers a poverty simulation as part of the Leadership Portage County (LPC) curriculum. LPC places a priority on educating the current and future leaders of our community, and poverty simulations are an eye-opening way to build awareness for low-income or struggling families. This simulation is open to all and we are seeking both volunteers to serve as vendors/service providers, and participants to be given a family scenario.

To sign up, please go to: http://portagecountybiz.com/povsim/.

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Investment Membership PLUS all of the services and benefits of Engage, Collaborate, Grow and Build levels 

Your logo scrolling on our home page

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Magazine-style company profile featuring your company’s regional economic and community footprint on PortageCountyBiz.com



Early sponsorship access to Business on the Green

PLUS all of the services and benefits of Grow and Build levels 

Exclusive Annual Breakfast with the Board of Directors

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One Reserved Seat at our Annual Dinner Awards Banquet



6-Month online marketing package



Add up to 2 additional business

locations 3 total



Your news in our Business Briefs in The Active Voice digital magazine

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Referrals exclusively to members via phone, email and PortageCountyBiz.com



Visibility and promotion on PortageCountyBiz.com:

   

Job Postings News Releases Member Events Your logo on Member Profile

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Add up to 5 additional businesses, locations or categories 5 total

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Invitations to participate in member events and programs:

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Use PCBC to process online registrations for your event

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Leadership workshops

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Annual Dinner and Golf Outing

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Employee retention and attraction initiatives

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Business After Hours monthly

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Business X-Change educational breakfasts monthly

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SalesNet leads group meetings monthly

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Mailing list of members upon request

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Display your brochure in our lobby

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Eligible for additional visibility and services: Advertising in The Active Voice digital magazine

PLUS all of the services and benefits of the Build level PLUS all of the services and benefits of Collaborate, Grow and Build levels

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Online Business Card in the Membership Directory at PortageCountyBiz.com includes your logo or photo with your enhanced listing.

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Reserved Seat on our Executive Roundtable

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12-Month online marketing package

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Two reserved seats at our Annual Dinner Awards Banquet

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Add up to 3 additional businesses, locations or categories 4 total

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Personal membership concierge and a customized membership plan

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Sponsorship opportunities

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Awards for local business excellence

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Foundation Room rentals Exclusive opportunity to share promotional materials at UWSP Orientation

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Gift Certificate program for employee recognition

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Ribbon cuttings/ground breaking services

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3-Month online Marketing Package on PortageCountyBiz.com An additional business location, 2 total

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Stockholders approve merge of farm credit association Stockholders have approved a merger proposal bringing together two Farm Credit organizations serving Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. AgCountry Farm Credit Services and United FCS will merge under the name AgCountry Farm Credit Services beginning July 1.

The new organization will operate in 65 counties through 38 offices in parts of Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Headquartered in Fargo, N.D., the Association will serve nearly 18,000 customer-members and have approximately $7.2 billion in assets.

“We believed from the beginning that the culture, values, and vision of both cooperatives made this a natural fit,” said Greg Nelson and Brad Sunderland, who serve as board chairs for AgCountry Farm Credit Services and United FCS, respectively. “We would like to thank the stockholders from both organizations for their participation in the voting process and recognizing that this merger will help us better serve agriculture and rural America.”

“Since merger discussions began last year, our goal has been to build on the strengths of both organizations to best serve the needs of our members,” says Bob Bahl, AgCountry CEO. “In merging these two associations, we are positioned for even greater success and a strong, bright future.”

Visit www.agcountry.com for more information.

DELTA DENTAL OF WISCONSIN BENEFIT CENTER RECOGNIZED AS “CENTER OF EXCELLENCE” The Delta Dental of Wisconsin Benefit Center, servicing businesses, their employees and family members, and dentists, has been recognized as a “Center of Excellence” by BenchmarkPortal, a global leader in contact center benchmarking, certification, and training.

The certification means that Delta Dental’s Benefit Center has met rigorous standards of efficiency and effectiveness and is operating among the best 10 percent of contact centers in the industry. Delta Dental is the only dental insurance company within Wisconsin that holds this designation.

“This acknowledgement helps reaffirm that our operations are aligned with industry best practices and that our customers are getting the best service possible with Delta Dental of Wisconsin,” noted Pam Gartmann, vice president, administration, for Delta Dental of Wisconsin.

The BenchmarkPortal certification process compares the performance of contact centers by evaluating key metrics against industry peers including: the average speed of answer, percentage of calls satisfactorily handled on the first call, average length of call, and even the number of hours new customer service agents spend in training. In addition, they interviewed many employees regarding their work environment and the Benefit Center’s culture and philosophy. Entries are then cross-checked, validated, and approved by certified call-center experts.

On average, Delta Dental of Wisconsin: • Takes four seconds or less to connect

customer phone inquiries to a benefit advisor.

• Resolves customer inquiries 98.8% of

the time on the first contact with a

benefit advisor.

• Takes 40% less time than the industry

average to resolve customer inquiries.

According to BenchmarkPortal CEO, Bruce Belfiore, “Contact centers, including Delta Dental of Wisconsin, that achieve certification are remarkable in their ability to balance a commitment to service excellence with costeffective service strategies.” http://www.businesswire.com/news/ home/20171004006354/en

Featured Member Provident Nutraceutical a division of Ortho Molecular Products Provident Nutraceutical a division

Provident Nutraceutical a division of Ortho Molecular Products located in Stevens Point WI is a wellestablished manufacturer of dietary supplements sold exclusively to healthcare practitioners, private label distribution and contract manufacturing. With nearly 30 years in the Nutraceutical industry, we are renowned for our uncompromising approach to quality at every level.

Ortho Molecular Products is located in Lake Barrington and Woodstock IL with sales representatives throughout the United States and Canada. We are a company that focuses on the growth of each member of the team and the integrity of our character, customer service is valued at every interaction. We are looking to partner with innovative, organized, and good character driven people to join our team in a profitable company focused on health and wellness.

Melissa Jungensmier 3017 Business Park Dr Stevens Point, WI 54482 715-952-1536 m.jurgensmier@ompimail.com

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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR

october

November

20 legislative breakfast, 7:30 am,

Stevens Point Country Club 20 wines of the World, 6:00PM

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

Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center

21 ignite halloween party, Opi’s Bowling 26 salesNet, 11:45 AM, PCBC Office 31 new ERA Wokshop 2.0, 8:00 AM,

Mid-state technical college

13 business after hours, 5:00PM, community first bank & golden Sand Home busilders association

16 salesNet, 11:45 AM, PCBC Office 23 & 24 PCBC Office Closed

SAVE THE DATE Wednesday, January 31, 2018!

5:30 – 8:30pm Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

Sponsorships are limited and handled on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Karen Schanock with your commitment at 715-344-1940 or kschanock@portagecountybiz.com. Thank you for your support.

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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 Council

Todd Kuckkahn Executive Director tkuckkahn@portagecountybiz..com

Mereta Walker Director of Operations acctg@portagecountybiz.com

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

Tonya Kowalski Director of Business Engagement tkowalski@portagecountybiz.com

Kayla Rombalski Director of Talent Development talent@portagecountybiz.com

Angel Whitehead Marketing Communications Coordinator admin@portagecountybiz.com

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.

Did you know you can post job openings, events and press releases on your membership login?

ASK US HOW TO ACCESS YOUR LOGIN www.portagecountybiz.com A c t i v e Vo i c e | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 7

Check out member Job postings