Chamber Connection, July 2016

In this issue . . .

JULY 2016

Mentors needed for entrepreneurial programs Mentors are the lifeblood of a pair of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce’s initiatives, The Branch and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!).

Without guidance from members of the region’s business community, both of these programs will fall short of the Chamber’s ultimate goal of retaining young entrepreneurs in central Wisconsin.

The Branch brings together students from eight different schools to put their diverse skills to the test, while YEA! teaches middle and high school students how to start and run their own, real businesses.

Why should you become a mentor for these programs? The motivated students in these programs need your talent, experience and connections. The students involved will soak up everything you can give.

Mentors will also benefit from professional leadership development, through networking with other mentors and by forming connections with innovative regional corporations.

The Chamber is creating a directory of this region’s premiere mentors and we will

The Branch’s first cohort met with Church Mutual Insurance Company at their headquarters in Merrill for the first time on July 6.

connect you to these great students.

The first step in becoming a mentor is filling out the mentor application form found on TheBranchWI.com or wausauchamber.com.

This short form will help us to identify which projects will be the best fit for your abilities and background.

Also, if you have a student in middle or high school or at a one of the region’s college with a desire to learn more about entrepreneurship, encourage them to apply for the YEA! program or for The Branch. Both programs are now accepting applications for their fall sessions.

www.wausauchamber.com

Member Profile Member News New Members ICYMI

Members show their support for The Branch: A pair of members have recently made commitments in support of The Branch.

River Valley Bank has become a sponsor, meaning that the company will bring forth a project for the fall session.

Westphal Staffing Inc has become a supporter of the program through a donation.

A generous donation by Church Mutual Insurance Company helped to launch the program in April.

Member Profile We feature members in Chamber Connection, like Culligan ~ Sterling Water in Rothschild: NAME: Darrell Sather HOMETOWN: Eleva, Wisconsin

Darrell Sather

BACKGROUND: I have been in the water treatment/bottled water business for the past 39 years, 18 years in Eau Claire and the last 21 years in Rothschild, all with Sterling Water Culligan.

STORY ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS YOU REPEAT THE MOST OFTEN: At Sterling Water we use Chamber bucks in almost all of our employee recognition and awards.

I love doing business with other Chamber members and encourage our employees to do business with them also.

STORY ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS THAT YOU REPEAT OFTEN: I enjoy helping people improve their water quality. Culligan has been around 80-plus years and will be improving the quality of life in central Wisconsin long after I’m gone.

BEST RECENT READ: ‘First Break All the Rules’ by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman DREAM JOB WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP: I wanted to captain a cruise ship. I love the ocean and ships.

FAVORITE SNACK: Licorice ice cream HIDDEN TALENT: I’m a pretty good breakfast cook!

My family loves my eggs benedict on Saturday mornings.

If you have a member you’d like to see profiled in this monthly feature, contact Brian Otten at botten@ wausauchamber.com.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER Pursue your next career opportunity through online degree options at UW-Stevens Point.

www.wausauchamber.com

Chamber News

Coming up on our calendar: July 20: Women’s Golf Outing Cory Heckendorf of Wisconsin Kenworth hits a shot at the 27th annual Chamber Co-Ed Golf Outing on Monday, June 27, 2016.

July 25: E3YP Elevating Your Future: Golf Networking 101

Annual Chamber golf outing held at the Wausau Country Club

July 26: Business Break: Workforce Development in Central Wisconsin

The 27th annual Chamber golf outing was held on Monday, June 27 at the Wausau Country Club.

More than 130 golfers participated in the 18-hole scramble. Lunch, beverages, contests and a reception buffet were included at the outing. Dozens of photos from the event can be found on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

The Dirks Group was the presenting sponsor for the event. Silver level sponsors included CoVantage Credit Union, MBE CPAs, Spectrum Insurance and Wausau Smiles Dental. Bronze level sponsors included Cellcom, County Land & Title, the Eye Clinic of Wisconsin, Nicolet National Bank and Office Enterprises Inc. The Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau and Wisconsin Kenworth were the beverage hole sponsors for the event.

A number of golfers were recognized for their achievements on specific holes: Closest to pin (men): Dan Brandenburg Closest to pin (women): Susan Peloquin Long drive (men): Dan Augustine Long drive (women): Melody Hamlin Long putt (men): Rick Socha

Long putt (women): Judy Meyer Shortest drive (men): Nathan Krautkramer Shortest drive (women): Ruth Geier A foursome made up of Ryan Fandrey, Jacob O’Keefe, Cliff Sutton and Eric Sutton won the best ball competition with a score of 55.

The winners received a $200 gift certificate from the Wausau Country Club and a $200 gift certificate from the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.

Second place went to a foursome made up of Dan Augustine, Pat Heier, Tim Sonnentag and Bob Stoehr with a score of 57.

The best score for a mixed team was 64.

This award went to a foursome which included Sherri Brager, Darrell Lentz, Gary Rakes and Todd Richardson.

The foursome in 27th place was also recognized with a prize. This group included Nick Cutler, Mark Groshek, Brad Marquardt and Jon Ziegler. The last place team of Judy Knuth, Joan Mathies, Kris Rybarczyk and Joleta Wesbrock won golf lessons at the Wausau Country Club.

www.wausauchamber.com

July 28: Business PM: City Grill An American Bistro August 2: Chamber ROI: Maximizing Your Membership August 18: Business PM: MBE CPAs August 24: E3YP On the Move: Mad Ball Scramble For more information or to register for these programs and events, visit wausauchamber.com.

Help us Welcome the Newest Chamber Members!

Support the regional economy do business with members.

Lang Equipment US Army Recruiting Center

YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP SUMMIT - MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING Wednesday, August 24, 2016 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

NTC Wausau Campus - Room E101/102 YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP SUMMIT - CONSTRUCTION Tuesday, August 30, 2016 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

NTC Wausau Campus - Room E101/102 YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP SUMMIT - ALL INDUSTRIES Wednesday, August 31, 2016 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

NTC Wausau Campus - Room E101/102

•

Build a pipeline of new employees.

ATTEND A YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP INFORMATIONAL SUMMIT Finding and keeping employees can be a challenge, but Youth Apprenticeship (YA) gives you the opportunity to connect with young, professional individuals who are exploring career opportunities and working for local employers.

We invite you to join us for breakfast to learn how the YA program can give you direct access to high school juniors and seniors who are serious about starting and building their careers with your company. You will also hear from local employers who have participated in the YA program and have best practices to share regarding how to successfully implement the program at your company.

The YA program, facilitated through Northcentral Technical College (NTC), is a rigorous elective statewide program for students that combines academic and technical instruction with mentored, paid, on-the-job learning that makes a real world connection for students.

Youth Apprentices work a minimum of 450 hours at their YA work-site each year of their program and take related high school or college classes to enhance their work-site experiences.

BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS: • Shape the quality of your future workforce • Access a pipeline of skilled employees • Recruit potential employees

• Build greater employee loyalty and lower turnover • Create positive PR by helping youth with employment and education • Develop partnerships with local high schools.

• • • •

Industries Include: • Agriculture, Food and • Natural Resources Architecture and • • Construction Finance Graphic Design/ Printing • Health

Hospitality and Tourism Information Technology Manufacturing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Transportation

RSVP online by Friday, August 12 at www.ntc.edu/yaevents QUESTIONS? Contact Dina Guralski, Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator, at 715.803.1190 or guralskid@ntc.edu.

Chamber News

Nominations for the 2016 ATHENA Leadership Award® Program now accepted The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce has announced the opening of the nomination period for the organization’s ATHENA Leadership Award® and ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award®.

Complete the nomination forms by 3 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2016 for consideration. Self-nominations are allowed. Eligible nominees will be contacted to complete an application at the end of the nomination period.

All nominees who complete the application will be recognized at the ATHENA Leadership Award® Program in November, where the award recipient will be announced.

The ATHENA Leadership Award® and the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® are presented to women or men who are honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

The ATHENA Leadership Awards were held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. Elizabeth Field, left, of Downtown Wausau’s River District, was the recipient of the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. Dianne Dinkel, center, president and CEO of ATHENA International was the keynote speaker. Dean Dietrich, right, attorney with Ruder Ware was the recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award.

These awards will be presented at the ATHENA Leadership Award® Program at noon on Wednesday, November 2 at the City Grill An American Bistro in Wausau. People

ICYMI:

(In Case You Missed It) A Business PM networking event was hosted by Wausau Events Inc on Thursday, July 7. The event kicked off the Wausau Balloon & Rib Fest on the grounds of the Wausau Downtown Airport.

www.wausauchamber.com

interested in attending can register online or by calling the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce at 715-8456231. For more information about the Awards, visit wausauchamber.com.

Member News The Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show Team, also known as the Water Walkers, performed a special waterski show on July 2 in Stevens Point. This year’s show, ‘Welcome to Water Walker Junction,’ displayed a patriotic flare through costumes, music and dialog.

across the country. KerberRose is one of 6 award winners in the state. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition for our workplace practices,” said Melissa Olsen, director of human resources for KerberRose, “Progressive and employeeJanelle Gokey, show director for the Central Wisconsin centric practices such as day to day Waterski Show Team, was recently presented with Y106.5 flexible scheduling, compressed work Melissa Olsen Radio’s first Homegrown Hero Award from radio announcer weeks, remote work arrangements, and a John Harry. Gokey was nominated for her volunteer work with goal-focused performance management the waterski show team which provides free, weekly, family- program provide our team members with the tools and friendly waterski shows on Lake Wausau and Lake DuBay. opportunity to succeed in both their personal and professional life.”

Dan Rickert, director of solution sales at EO Johnson Business Technologies, has been named a Young Influencer of 2016 by The Marathon County Historical Society will open a new exhibit The Cannata Report, an industry authority on office products on July 23. ‘Pieces of the Past: Quilts Tell a Story’ will share and workflow solutions. In this third annual report, ten young the stories behind more than a dozen antique quilts. A public influencers, age 40 and under, are recognized as industry opening with special activities will be held on Saturday, July 23, leaders. The report was published in the June 2016 issue of The from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Woodson History Center at Cannata Report. “I am honored to be selected by the Cannata 410 McIndoe St., Wausau. Visitors will learn about the artistic, Report for inclusion in this group,” said Rickert. “I would not cultural, historic, and social importance of the quilts. The have gotten this recognition without all the great coworkers second-floor exhibit hall will offer visitors the opportunity to at EO Johnson that help contribute to the success of our peruse printed quilt patterns and create their own quilt designs Solutions Department every day.” using magnetic shapes, wood blocks or crayons. There is no admission fee, although donations are welcome. The Woodson Hampton Inn - Wausau has received a 2016 TripAdvisor History Center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Certificate of Excellence Award. Now in its sixth year, the Fridays, and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveler reviews on the online TripAdvisor site over the The Marathon County Historical Society will present ‘Wisconsin past year. “We are proud to be recognized by TripAdvisor with 101 – Our History in Objects’ as its next History Speaks topic a Certificate of Excellence Award,” said Nikki Moua, general at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 24 at the Woodson History Center, manager of Hampton Inn - Wausau. “This honor is a testament 410 McIndoe St., Wausau. Wisconsin 101 is an online exhibit of to our dedication to exceptional customer service. We historic Wisconsin-related objects and their stories, sponsored appreciate our guests giving us excellent ratings on this site and by the University of Wisconsin-Madison History Department. helping us to achieve this recognition.” Hampton Inn Wausau Admission is free for this presentation; however, donations are offers amenities including breakfast or breakfast bags, free wi- always appreciated. Registration is not required. fi, a 24-hour business center with complimentary printing and a fitness center.

KerberRose SC, a certified public accounting firm, has been honored with a 2016 When Work Works Award for its use of effective workplace strategies to increase business and employee success. This award, part of the national When Work Works project administered by the Families and Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management, recognizes employers of all sizes and types in Wisconsin and

We Want to Hear from You! Please submit your stories and photos to Brian Otten at botten@wausauchamber.com.

Use of the stories will be at the discretion of the WRCC and may be shortened to fit the appropriate platform. Only stories from members in good standing with the WRCC will be used. The information you submit may be used in the Chamber marketing materials, The Business News and on social media.

www.wausauchamber.com

Member News Midwest Communications is pleased to announce Our Teddy Bear Posse campaign to help law enforcement agencies and fire departments throughout Central Wisconsin. A press conference to kick off the event will be held at 10 a.m. at the Wisconsin Woodchucks stadium on Friday, July 22. All of the public as well as media are welcome. This summer, Midwest Communications stations will collect stuffed animals to give to all supporting central Wisconsin law enforcement agencies and fire departments to help comfort children in traumatic Jessica Gustavson situations. Assisting in the effort are People’s State Bank, Frontier Communications, Tradition Cleaners and Riiser Energy and R-Stores. For more information you can contact Brett Lucht at 715-842-1672 or brett.lucht@mwcradio.com.

L. Bruce Lorenz, MBA, has recently accepted a position as paraplanner and financial advisor for Midwest Professional Planners Ltd, an SEC registered investment advisory firm filed in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Texas and Florida. His responsibilities include developing client relationships, L. Bruce Lorenz analyzing their current financial status, developing new financial strategies, and monitoring clients’ plans and strategies.

Jade Fletcher

University of Kentucky. The Sue Erickson Memorial Scholarship is established and supported by funds from the Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital medical staff and other donors. The scholarship is offered solely for students completing fourth year rotations/preceptorships with Ministry Health Care in Stevens Point.

Ethan Mercer

Jed Kosch

Three new members have been added to the REI Engineering Inc team. Land surveying team member, Jade Fletcher, CADD technician, is a student at Mid-State Technical College. Civil engineering team member, Ethan Mercer, CADD technician, is a student at Mid-State Technical College. Environmental scientist, Jed Kosch, has a Bachelor’s degree in hydrology and a minor in chemistry from UW-Stevens Point.

Ministry Medical Group clinics in Schofield, Rib Mountain and Merrill will once again offer pre-participation physical screenings in July and August for area athletes, as a convenience and cost savings for families. The screening includes a complete medical history, sport-specific history, orthopedic and physical exam.

During designated dates and times, Ministry Medical Group offers these examinations for $25 with all proceeds donated back to the participant’s schools. These screenings are open to any athletes attending junior high or high school and will meet all WIAA requirements for 2016 – 2017 seasons. Appointments are available during the following dates and times: Rib Mountain on July 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and August 2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Schofield on July 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and August 9 REI Engineering Inc and Northwest Petroleum Service, Inc. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Merrill from July 18 to August 12 during are proud to announce a new scholarship program for the children of REI and NPS team members. “We are proud and regular business hours. excited to add a new, unique benefit for our team members and The 2016 Sue Erickson Memorial Scholarship has been their families,” REI President Jen Nieuwenhuis stated. “The awarded to Jessica Gustavson of Rothschild. Gustavson scholarships align with our company’s focus on team member completed her undergraduate education at UW-Stevens retention and recruitment.” This year’s scholarship recipients Point and is a recent graduate of the Des Moines University are Caroline Lassa and Joshua Rahn, both 2016 graduates of medical school and has started her psychiatry residency at the DC Everest.

www.wausauchamber.com

Member News UAS Labs, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of probiotic supplements, is proud to announce they are one of the newest sponsors of the Wisconsin Woodchucks. “UAS Labs is proud to be a part of our Wausau community and support everybody’s favorite baseball team, the Woodchucks. On behalf of the entire staff at UAS Labs, we say, ‘Go Chucks!’” stated Ken Seguine, VP of sales and marketing at UAS Labs. UAS Labs offered samples of UP4 Probiotics at the Woodchucks game on July 12.

Center for the tremendous work accomplished through the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. School of Distinction recognition recipients include Grant Elementary School, John MarshallElementary School, Riverview Elementary School, South Mountain Elementary School and Stettin Elementary School. Only 162 schools in the state received this status. Only 222 schools received School of Merit recognition, including G.D. Jones Elementary School, Hewitt-TexasElementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Maine Elementary School, Rib MountainElementary DECA at Wausau East was awarded the National Silver School and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.

Certification for their school-based enterprise, a school store named The Jack Shack. Only 12 school-based enterprises Wausau West High School was recognized by the Wisconsin in the United States achieved the Silver Level. Wausau West Advanced Placement Advisory Council as a Level 3 Pacesetter DECA was awarded National Gold Re-certification for their School in Advanced Placement for the 2015-2016 school school-based enterprise, also a school store named the West- year. Pacesetter schools provide impressive student access to Side Connection. East DECA advisor Ann Ross and West AP courses and post excellent AP exam scores.

DECA advisor Carl Hert are very proud of their students.

In recognition of National Summer Learning Day, the Wausau While attending the International DECA School District held summer learning classes on Thursday, July Career Development Conference in 14. Summer Learning Day is an annual national advocacy day Nashville, Tennessee, Wausau East led by the National Summer Learning Association to highlight freshman Bennet Gassner competed in the importance of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy the ‘Principles of Marketing’ event. Bennet every summer. Schools that participated included Horace was one of 22 students who qualified from Mann Middle School, G.D. Jones Elementary School, Lincoln the preliminary competition to compete Elementary School, Stettin Elementary School, Hawthorn in the final competition. Bennet was Hills Elementary School and Riverview Elementary School.

Bennet Gassner recognized on stage at the ICDC Grand Wausau West freshman Brooke Jaworski Awards Session as being in the top 10 of was named the female athlete of the the 22 finalists, placing fourth overall. Bennet was the only year by the Wisconsin Track Coaches student from the state of Wisconsin to make the top ten in this Association, becoming the first freshman category. Bennet also reached the level of an International Top to earn the honor since the award’s Ten Competitor at the conference. inception in 1989.

Eleven elementary schools in the Wausau School District earned School of Distinction and School of Merit recognition for 2015-2016 from the Wisconsin Response to Intervention Brooke Jaworski

www.wausauchamber.com

Ribbon cutting

Chamber News

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Sam’s Club on July 8.

To view more photos and video from ribbon cuttings, ‘like’ our Facebook page and follow our Twitter account.

E3YP events focus on family, riverfront development E3YP members gathered at Sawmill Mini Golf in Rothschild, right, for some family fun on Sunday, June 26.

An East Riverfront Development Open House with Frantz Community Investors, below, was held at Wausau’s City Hall on Tuesday, July 12.

Survey:

Make a Difference

Complete a brief survey and tell us how E3YP can better serve you. Your responses will be used to update our program and ensure your future experiences with the group are as beneficial to you as possible.

Complete the survey here.

www.wausauchamber.com

Member News

Maximize Your Membership

Update your employee list in three easy steps: 1. Visit WausauChamber.com and log into the Member Information Center:

2. To manage information about your business or organization, click the Home icon and then the Company Information menu. Click the Employees menu item to update your employee list.

3. Click the Add Employee/ Rep button at the bottom of your employee listing to add employees.

Complete the form and click Save Employee/Rep to add employees to your organization’s list.

You can also update your address and website information, add your logo, links to social media accounts and a map to your listing or download a Membership Badge to place on your site.

Also, take a few minutes to make these updates to your Member Profile: Click the Groups/Interests option below the Personal heading to manage the e-mail alerts you’ll receive from the Chamber:

To submit news, click the News icon, then the News Releases menu.

Upload news by clicking the Add News Release button:

If you have problems or questions regarding your account, e-mail Sharon Baumann or call 715-845-6231.

www.wausauchamber.com

31st ANNUAL

Award

LEADERSHIP

®

PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 FROM 11:30 AM TO 1 PM AT CITY GRILL: AN AMERICAN BISTRO

RECOGNIZING THE

2016 ATHENA Leadership Award® AND THE

2016 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® COST: $35 for members, $45 for non-members NOMINATIONS NOW ACCEPTED: Complete the nomination forms on wausauchamber.com by 3 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2016 for consideration.

REGISTER AT

wausauchamber.com

BECOME A SPONSOR: Contact Renae Krings at 715-848-5942 or rkrings@wausauchamber.com

d a MBall On the Move:

Hole Events:

#1 - Tennis Serve #2 - Shortest Drive #3 - One Handed Putt #4 - Happy Gilmore Tee Off #5 - Child’s Play #6 - Flamingo Tee Off #7 - Billiards Green #8 - Lights Out Putt #9 - Timed Hole

SCRAMBLE

This is not your typical golf outing! Young professionals can network while engaging in wacky fun and friendly competition.

Date: Wednesday, August 24 Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Greenwood Hills Country Club, Wausau Cost: $100 per twosome, $55 for individuals for E3YP members

REGISTER TODAY AT WAUSAUCHAMBER.COM!

SAVE THE DATES!

nnual A M eeting THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 FROM 5:30 TO 8:30 PM

AT THE CITY GRILL AT JEFFERSON STREET INN

the

AWARDS

x

x

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 FROM 5:30 TO 8:30 PM

AT THE CITY GRILL AT JEFFERSON STREET INN

x

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 FROM 11:30 AM TO 1 PM AT THE CITY GRILL AT JEFFERSON STREET INN

Nominate

Register

Sponsor

Visit wausauchamber.com or call 715-845-6231 to learn more!

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

MENTOR SIGN UP AS A PROGRAM

SPONSOR OR MAKE A DONATION The Branch will provide participating businesses with the opportunity to retain the brightest collegiate students in Central Wisconsin, through the completion of corporate innovation projects.

If you are ready to get involved with The Branch, contact Brian Otten at botten@wausauchamber.com or visit TheBranchWI.com