June 2014
From the President By Aaron Kapellusch Follow me on Twitter: @AaronWRCCprez It’s finally here, the season we yearn for—summer. I spent Memorial Day weekend moving to our permanent home here in the Wausau region. While moving boxes, painting, and getting other things done during the settling in process, I had time to reflect on what to discuss in my Chamber Connection article. Staying within the theme of moving, I believe we, as a business community and a region as a whole, need to find ways to keep moving forward together and in a positive direction. I have a unique perspective as a recent newcomer to the Wausau region and as someone who has had the opportunity to live in a few other places around our state. Let me start by saying that you would be hard-pressed to find a community anywhere else in Wisconsin that has the ability to set-aside differences, roll-up their sleeves, and get things done the way we do right here in Central Wisconsin.
In this issue . . . • • • • • • •
E3YP Member News Featured Member Ambassador of the Month Volunteer Spotlight New Members Ribbon Cuttings
There has been a lot of focus recently on a few specific issues that threaten to distract us from the big picture and all the positive things that are going on in Wausau. We have huge potential to accomplish a lot of wonderful things Aaron Kapellusch in Wausau, not just for ourselves now but for future generations to come. This past January, my wife shared with me the awesome news that I am going to be a father. I want to make sure, as I’m sure every parent does, that we leave things in a better place for those who come after us. The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce is all about moving business forward. It is a nonpartisan organization who advocates for our business members. We are also called on to be a cheerleader for the community and a catalyst, along with our partners at MCDEVCO, for economic development and growth for our entire region. There are a lot of positive activities going on, such as the: • announced addition of 124 jobs at Wausau Window and Wall. • recently completed expansion of Athletic Park. • new retail stores and restaurants moving into the metro area. • appointing of Dr. Lisa Grill Dodson as Dean for the local campus of the Medical College of Wisconsin – Central Wisconsin. • many more exciting developments that are still in progress. People often approach me and ask questions about some of the things they have heard in the media that
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