Year In Review

YEAR IN REVIEW

Elevating Member Success.

It’s in Our DNA. Success is . . .

• Supporting member growth • Celebrating member success • Encouraging collaboration among businesses • Evolving to meet member needs • Being the indispensable source for connections, opportunities, and solutions

ABOUT US The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce (WRCC) marks 102 years of helping businesses grow. WRCC serves as the indispensable source for business connections, opportunities, and solutions with a mission to strengthen member businesses and enhance the community by building business success.

HISTORY Founded on March 11, 1912, a report in the next day’s newspaper stated, “With an earnestness and enthusiasm unprecedented in local movements of this kind, the citizens of Wausau to the number of five hundred or more met last night in the civilization of a society having for its object the promotion of the welfare of the city.”

In its early years, the Association, as it was then called, focused on appointing a committee to “look after entertainment of visitors and do what we can to secure other conventions for Wausau,” developing plans to make Wausau a “greater buying center”, forming a committee to make Wausau safer from fire, and developing new industrial prospects. The organization devoted many of its resources to retaining and attracting new businesses to the area. It also promoted tourism, raised money for improving the road between Wausau and Merrill, and encouraged better relations between the city and surrounding communities.

DIFFERENT NAMES, SAME MISSION In May 1916, the organization changed its name to the “Chamber of Commerce” reflecting a broadening of interests. The organization became the Wausau Chamber of Commerce and in 1999, it became the Wausau/Marathon County Chamber of Commerce. In 2003, the Chamber’s official name was changed to the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.

While the name may have changed, its mission and goal has remained a constant. Today, as in 1912, the WRCC works to make the whole region a better place by building business success.

OUR LEADERSHIP PASSING OF THE GAVEL

OUR LEADERSHIP

This has been an exciting year in the Wausau region. The State of Wisconsin’s budget continues to be on sound economic footing, the unemployment rate is going down, and the housing market continues to move in a positive direction. Wausau and the greater region are moving forward, benefiting all of our residents.

Lori A. Weyers Northcentral Technical College

The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce is helping lead the way under new leadership. Just one month after I took over as Chamber Board Chair, Jeff Zriny announced his retirement as President/CEO after serving for three successful years. A national search was conducted and Aaron Kapellusch accepted the offer to succeed him. Under Aaron’s leadership, the Chamber has continued to implement goals of the strategic plan established during the previous year.

As indicated in the plan, in order to grow while meeting our members’ needs, we need to be business advocates, excellent communicators, strategic partners, highly diversified, and indispensable to the membership. The five core strategies continue to be the focus of the Chamber and include: • Workforce Development • Business Advocacy • Business Development • Growing and Developing Small Business • Promoting and Advocating for Education The Chamber did some internal reorganization to better focus on implementing the core strategies. Advocacy efforts have been held through the popular “Coffee Talk” series with governmental leaders and the Chamber hosted several other legislative events important to the membership. The “Technology Tuesday” series continues to be popular with members. In addition, the Chamber implemented a new technology plan this year and has been actively conducting a membership drive. An exciting new initiative, E3YP, was launched this summer to engage the young professionals in our region. It promises to be a very positive program for a membership group seeking to become involved in the region.

Thank you for your continued support, commitment and collaboration as a Chamber member to make the Wausau region strong. I am looking forward to another great year under the leadership of Marco Espinoza and the entire Board of Directors and Chamber staff. The Chamber will continue to be an indispensable, valued resource for you and to help position our region for future prosperity.

It has been a busy and rewarding year and I am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve as the Wausau Region Chamber Board Chair.

Respectfully, Lori A. Weyers, 2013 - 2014 Chamber Board Chair

OUR LEADERSHIP PASSING OF THE GAVEL It has been a pleasure to serve on the Chamber Board of Directors for the last three years and it is my privilege to have the opportunity to be the 2014-2015 Chairperson of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.

Marco Espinoza Greenheck

During my time with the Chamber, I have seen a real engagement by our members who are attending Chamber events, programs, and networking opportunities in record numbers. Our staff and Programs Committee are doing a great job taking your feedback and creating programs of interest and value. We have, in turn, had engagement from our local and state elected officials who recognize the strength of our efforts and want to connect with our Chamber. Through the solid activities of our Business Advocacy Committee we are bringing these elected officials to our region and giving you access to them. Last but not least, we have started a vital new organization for young professionals in our region, E3YP, that is designed to engage, empower, and excite young professionals to become the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

This is an exciting time, but it remains a challenging one to us, as well, as our country and our region continue to deal with the aftermath of the recent recession. As the Associate General Counsel for Greenheck Fan Corporation, I have a local, domestic, and global view of the changing economic situation. There is one thing that transcends all of the differences that we see as a company worldwide and is that strong communities make the difference. Thank you for being a Chamber member and contributing to the strength of our community. I encourage you to continue to be engaged and reach out to us anytime to let us know how we can help you enhance your business and continue to grow our region into an even better place to live, work, and raise our families.

Respectfully, Marco Espinoza, 2014 - 2015 Chamber Board Chair

OUR LEADERSHIP It has been an exciting year at the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce and, through the hard work of our dedicated and talented staff, we continue to be focused on providing our members with a strong return on their investment. I also want to acknowledge our board of directors, our committee chairs, our many event sponsors, and all of our great members who actively participate and give so much of their time and talents to this organization. This past year has been a particularly inspiring year for me as I became a part of this wonderful and welcoming business community.

Aaron Kapellusch President/CEO

During the year, we focused on our strategic plan, launched a great, young professionals initiative, and worked with other regional partners to begin a dialogue around the need for creating a long-term solution for the changing workforce needs of area business, all while increasing the educational and professional development programs we offer. Since last September, member participation in our educational, professional development, and networking opportunities has increased by almost 15 percent and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon!

I want to stress that we strive to serve all members. When a member invests in the Chamber, I take that investment very much to heart. When I was 19 years old, I started my own small business and remember the challenges that this kind of venture entails, including how every penny counts. We strive to create programming that will benefit everyone, especially the small business owner.

While the activities of the last year are a good start, we have a lot of work to do in the year ahead, but we can’t do it alone. This is your Chamber. We need your participation, talents, and enthusiasm to continue moving things forward.

Whether you are the only employee in your company or are one of a thousand, are salaried or hourly, part-time, full-time or more, you are needed. If you are an owner or manager, please encourage your employees to participate in Chamber programs to ensure you are receiving the maximum return on your investment.

And remember, my door is always open to hear from you!

Respectfully, Aaron Kapellusch, President/CEO

2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Chair Chair Elect Treasurer/Secretary Immediate Past Chair President/CEO Director at Large Director at Large

Marco Espinoza Melissa Kampmann Don Bohlin Dr. Lori Weyers Aaron Kapellusch Brad Karger Gretchen Kray

DIRECTORS Don Bohlin Wisconsin Public Service Corp Marco Espinoza Greenheck Fan Thomas Felch J & D Tube Benders Inc Kim Fischer Central Beer Distributors Inc Bill Gleason Packaging Tape Inc Cory Heckendorf Wisconsin Kenworth Paul Jones LandArt Companies Inc Melissa Kampmann Ruder Ware Brad Karger Marathon County Government Karen Katz EO Johnson Business Technologies Peter Knitt Peoples State Bank

Megan Lawrence City of Wausau Alfred Nakhla Associated Bank Dr. Eric Penniman Marshfield Clinic Craig Reineking Graebel Moving & Storage Inc Sidney Sczygelski Aspirus Wausau Hospital Dr. Kathleen Williams Wausau School District

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Business Advocacy Craig Timm Domtar Paper Co LLC E3YP Melissa Kampmann, Ruder Ware Membership/Ambassadors Tammy Pestka Ansay & Associates Programs Gretchen Kray Wausau Coated Products Inc

AFFILIATES MCDEVCO Inc Steve Immel Ruder Ware

2013-2014 COMMITTEE CHAIRS MEMBERSHIP/AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE Chairperson: Alfred Nakhla, Associated Bank Staff Liaison: Heather Martell

MCDEVCO President: John Small, Village of Marathon Staff Liaison: Jim Warsaw

Mission: Ambassadors communicate the mission, goals, benefits, and programs of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce to regional businesses and professionals.

They aid member’s realization of benefits, assist with new member acquisition, and support efforts to retain existing members. They also participate in ribbon cuttings, and groundbreakings.

Mission: To aggressively foster local business competitiveness, entrepreneurial development, and the recruitment of outside companies to Marathon County.

To create a county-wide environment where its citizens can achieve maximum economic and personal growth.

The MCDEVCO Board establishes its own strategic and business plans focused on economic development.

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

PROGRAMS

Chairperson: Craig Timm Staff Liaison: Sara Guild

Chairperson: Gretchen Kray, Wausau Coated Products Inc Staff Liaison: Kim Smerda

Mission: The Business Advocacy Committee

Mission: Continual review and exploration of new educational program opportunities. Several ad hoc committees help plan events such as Annual Meeting, EXPO, Golf Outing, and Small Business Week.

(BAC) works to inform, educate and advocate for Chamber members on all issues related to the intersection of business and government with the goal of promoting healthy and responsible business growth in the Wausau region. The BAC oversees the creation of the yearly legislative agenda and develops programs to inform and educate members about current topics in government and business.

THANK YOU

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Thank you to all of our members who are active in Chamber committees. Committee members dedicate their time and provide support to the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce. We truly appreciate everything they do for us.

Thank you to all of our member businesses. We want to give special thanks to all of the volunteers who help us with committees, programs, and events. You all provide critical support for ongoing services and for the continued expansion of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.

PAST PRESIDENTS/CHAIRS 1912-1913 1914 1915-1919 1920-1922 1924 1925 1926-1929 1930-1932 1933-1934 1935-1936 1937-1938 1939-1940 1940-1941 1941-1942 1943-1944 1945-1946 1947-1948 1949-1950 1951-1952 1953-1954 1955-1956 1956-1957 1957-1958 1959-1960 1961-1963 1963-1965 1965-1966 1966-1967 1967-1968 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973-1974 1974-1975 1975-1976

M.C. Ewing Otto Mueller W.W. Albers Dr. Joseph Smith W.H. Thom R.E. Puchner H.L. Geisse John A. Kleinheinz Guy K. Gooding A.M. Van Douser Dr. J.H. Kolter Allen Abrams M.H. Montross William H. Burhop R.A. Tinker Paul T. Tobey W.G. Whyte M.H. Montross Hobart G. Beck W.A. Koch A.C. Keene William McCormick Ralph Larson S.F. Staples R.P. Tinkham George C. Landon Glenn Stevens Thomas P. Hudson Clyde Schlueter Robert Wylie Dr. A.W. Hoessel Ralph Mirman John W. Ullrich Harvey H. Scholfield Herb Terwilliger Robert V. Jones T.A. Duckworth

1976-1977 1977-1978 1978-1979 1979-1980 1980-1981 1981-1982 1982-1983 1983-1984 1984-1985 1985-1986 1986-1987 1987-1988 1988-1989 1989-1990 1990-1991 1991-1992 1992-1993 1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014

Ronald Westgate William Arvold Gordon Baker, MD John F. Prange John A. Slayton G. Lane Ware Ralph K. Schlitz Sr. John A. Schoeneman Dwight E. Davis William B. Sampe Laurin Jorstad Harry Colcord Konrad T. Tuchscherer Gene Davis Jr. Marv Lilley Don Grade Barbara Hunger Lon Roberts Gary Freels Jim Van Eyck David Eisenreich Ann Lucas Thomas Dunn Bob Wagman Dean Dietrich Scott Brainard Joanne Leonard Pat Puyleart Robert Reinertson Frederick Lundin Hugh Jones John Laehn Scott Pagenkopf Hooshang Zeyghami Randy Balk Sid Sczygelski Lori A. Weyers, PhD

OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS THANK YOU OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMITEE CHAIRS Jim Frings G3 Industries

Steve Rajek Schenck SC

John Kelly Security Health Plan of Wisconsin Inc

Rob Rybarczyk Coldwell Banker Action

Alfred Nakhla Outgoing Committee Chair and Incoming Board Chair Associated Bank

John Small Village of Marathon

Scott Pagenkopf Northway Communications Inc

Sean Strahota

Michelle Knopf

Randy Balk

Business Banking Solutions

NMLS 433884

Member

FDIC

Serving the Community’s Banking Needs Since 1952

W a u s a u • 7 1 5 - 241-0400

Sc ho f ield • 7 1 5 - 3 5 9 - 4 2 3 1

Wes t on • 7 1 5- 35 9- 49 20

MEMBER RECOGNITION The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes business growth, community involvement, and innovative efforts in the Wausau Region. The Chamber publicizes the announcement of the finalists, as well as the recipients of the awards — helping local businesses gain recognition for their current success and past history. This award is also an opportunity to review the best business practices of successful entrepreneurs and set a benchmark of excellence for the years to come.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2014 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

Finishing Touch Signs, Grebe’s, and Bridge Community Health Clinic were named as the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Small Businesses of the Year winners. The awards have been given annually since 1981 and were presented during the Chamber’s Small Business Week in April.

Finishing Touch Signs is the winner in the Business-to-Business category. They are committed to the idea that signage deserves to be treated with high regard, going above and beyond its purely practical functions. Founded in 2006, they have grown from two employees to six and achieved 1.1 million dollars in

Dave Guld and Dylan Alwin accepted the 2014 Small Business of the Year Award in the Business-to-Business category on behalf of Finishing Touch Signs.

total sales in 2013. Finishing Touch Signs focuses on interior and exterior signs and have completed projects in 48 states.

Grebe’s is the winner in the Business-to-Consumer category. They are a 68 year old, family-owned entrepreneurial venture. Transformed from being a CASE tractor franchise in 1946, Grebe’s is now a store comprised of five specialty departments - Appliances, Chef Center, Grilling Center, Mattresses and Power Center - along with Service departments. Regardless of the change that has come their way; three constants have always remained a part of Grebe’s: integrity, honesty and service.

Bridge Community Health Clinic is the winner in the Charitable Non-Profit category. They target the needs of the underserved in Central Wisconsin with over 7,500 patients annually. Bridge’s current mission is to provide high quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to everyone, regardless of their income or insurance status. Bridge Community Health Clinic is most well-known for its high quality dental and primary care services, which actively involves the patients in their treatment plans.

Roger Grebe accepted the award for the 2014 Small Business of the Year Award in the Business-to-Consumer category on behalf of Grebe’s.

Small Business of the Year finalists are judged by a confidential selection committee, comprised of Chamber Members, on their company story, business growth, community involvement, and innovative business efforts. 2014 finalists:

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

Finishing Touch Signs revi Design, LLC

BUSINESS TO CONSUMER Day’s Bowl-A-Dome Ginseng & Herb Cooperative Grebe’s, Inc. The New City Grill, LLC

Business networking taking place before the Small Business of the Winner’s Circle at the Jefferson Street Inn.

CHARITABLE NON-PROFIT Achieve Center Bridge Community Health Clinic Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc. K-tech Charities Never Forgotten Honor Flight

137 people attended the Small Business of the Winner’s Circle at the Jefferson Street Inn.

Laura Scudiere, accepted the 2014 Small Business of the Year Award in the Charitable Non-Profit category on behalf of the Bridge Community Health Clinic.

233 people attended the Small Business of the Year Awards Breakfast at Stoney Creek Inn and Conference Center.

MEMBER RECOGNITION ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARDS® The ATHENA Leadership Awards® recognize members of the community who have played an important role in business, our community and the advancement of women. The ATHENA award is presented to a person who has demonstrated professional excellence, taken part in community service, and actively assisted women in attaining leadership skills that have helped them advance professionally.

The 2013 ATHENA Award was presented to Karen Katz of EO Johnson Business Technologies. Katz was the 28th recipient of the award given by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.

Finalists for the 28th annual ATHENA Leadership Award were Jonnee Bauer, American Family Insurance - Jonnee Bauer Agency; and Karen Katz, EO Johnson Technologies.

2013 ATHENA Leadership Award finalists: Jonee Bauer (left) and Karen Katz (right)

PAST ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARDS®

RECIPIENTS

Jane Sternberg - 1986 Betty Peters – 1987 Taffy Williams – 1988 Cheryl Davis – 1989 Justice Ann Walsh Bradley – 1990 Barbara Hunger – 1991 Jean Kruncos – 1992 Evelyn Rosen – 1993 Waltraud Karkar – 1994 Julie Kryshak – 1995 LaVon Jensen - 1996 Judge Dorothy Bain - 1997 Susan Lang - 1998 Ann Lucas – 1999 Mary Jo Johnson – 2000 Patrice Pergolski – 2001 Rosemary Barnes – 2002 Mary Weller – 2003 Joanne Leonard – 2004 Mary Radke – 2005 Mary Krueger – 2006 Dr. Sally Mattingly – 2007 Diane Postler-Slattery – 2008 Josie Paleologue-Pierce – 2009 Posthumously Linda Larson Schlitz - 2010 Lori Weyers – 2011 Jen Nieuwenhuis – 2012

ATHENA Leadership Awards luncheon, celebrating success

ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD

PAST ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

The ATHENA Young Professional Award is presented to a woman who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in her business or profession, provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in her community and clearly serves as a role model for young women both personally and professionally.

The 2013 ATHENA Young Professional Award was presented to Norah Brown, Marathon Savings Bank. Lawrence was the fourth recipient of the award given by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.

Rebecca Pilgrim Tylinski – 2008 Heather Summers – 2009 Bao Vang - 2010 Sheila Rovang – 2011 Megan Lawrence – 2012 Norah Brown – 2013

PAST ATHENA ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT

Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital – 2010

Finalists for the sixth annual ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award were Melissa Beck, Girl Scouts of Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc.; Norah Brown, Marathon Savings Bank; and Alison Morrow, Aflac.

2013 ATHENA Young Professional Award finalists, Norah Brown (left), Melissa Beck (center), and Alison Morrow, (right)

2013 ATHENA Young Professional Award Winner, Norah Brown (left) and the Athena Leadership Award Winner, Karen Katz (right)

MEMBER RECOGNITION JOHN L. COOK MEMORIAL AWARD John L. Cook was deeply interested in improving the quality of life in the Wausau region. He was also a member of the first “Leadership Wausau/Marathon County” class started by the Chamber. To honor his memory and spirit, graduates of that class developed the John L. Cook Memorial Award.

At the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in October, Shirley Hubert was named the recipient of the John L. Cook Memorial Award for 2013. This award was given to Shirley for working tirelessly under the radar, quietly changing the lives of people who were once in poverty.

She was instrumental in moving Project Step-Up to Catholic Charities so the process of counseling financial independence could have permanent structure. She is a leader in teaching and educating financial responsibility to individuals who are low income or in poverty in Marathon County.

Ann Lucas presnet the John L. Cook Memorial Award to Shirley Hubert

Shirley treats every client with respect and encourages them to move from their current financial status by not only educating, but also teaching them skills in employment readiness.

We wish to thank her for changing the lives of one family at a time.

NEW MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD The New Member of the Year Award is given to a new member based on attending programs, sponsorships, donations, and overall commitment to the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce. The 2013 award was presented to 88.5 - The Family (WGNV).

Past Recipients 2011 Globe University 2012 Frontier Communications

Ryan Bair from 88.5 The Family (WGNV) proudly accepts the 2013 New Member of the Year Award

AMBASSADORS

2013 - 2014 AMBASSADORS OF THE MONTH

The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce (WRCC) has a team of Ambassadors who communicate the mission, goals, benefits, and programs of the WRCC to regional businesses and professionals. They aid member’s realization of benefits, assist with new member acquisition, and support efforts to retain existing members. They also participate in ribbon cuttings, and groundbreakings..

Each Ambassador completes a formal training program to ensure consistent, personal service for members. We appreciate their dedication.

Each month one Ambassador is recognized for their outstanding service to member businesses and the Chamber.

The Ambassadors enjoy digging in to help our members. Here they are enjoying the Stable Hands Groundbreaking.

Ribbon Cuttings are an Ambassador specialty. A great day for Apricot Lane!

Our Ambassadorss do a great job of supporting us at our booth at Business EXPO.

Ambasadors do a wonderful job helping greet and check-in members at the Small Business of the Year Winners Circle.

September 2013 October 2013 November 2013 December 2013 January 2014 February 2014 March 2014 April 2014 May 2014 June 2014 August 2014

Alfred Nakhla, Associated Bank Gina Carr, Ministry Health Care Joel Pergolski, Ameriprise Financial Ruth Sattler, Primerica Bill Gleason, Packaging Tape, Inc. Tammy Peska, Ansay & Associates Connie Frieders, Northway Communications Kristina LaPorte, Cellcom Laura Kuhnert, Whalen Financial Group Shelia Tang, Business Service Center JoAnn Draeger, Nicolet National Bank

THANKS TO OUR ONGOING MEMBERS MEMBERS FOR OVER 35 YEARS

A special thank you to these dedicated members 1914

Brainard Funeral Home

1914

Domtar Paper Co LLC

1916

BMO Harris Bank

1916

Daily Herald Media

1916

Wisconsin Public Service Corp

1919

Alexander Properties Inc

1919

Janke Book Store

1919

Wilson-Hurd Mfg

1922

Terwilliger Wakeen Piehler & Conway SC

1934

Kraft Foods Inc

1934

Mid-Wisconsin Beverage Inc

1935

Runkel Abstract & Title Company

1936

Marathon Savings Bank

1937

MBX Corporation

1937

Wausau Water Works

1937

West Side Battery & Electric Service Inc

1937

Wipfli LLP

1937

WSAW - NewsChannel 7

1939

Ruder Ware

1942

City of Wausau

1942

Graebel Van Lines Inc

1942

Home Insulation Company of Wausau Inc

1942

Marathon County Agricultural Society

1943

Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company

1945

Mutual of Wausau Insurance Corporation

1946

Grebe’s Inc

1946

Malbrit Mechanical Inc

1946

Midland Paper Packaging + Supplies

1947 Greenheck

1947

Wausau Supply Company

1948

Nigbur’s Fine Furniture

1949

Shepherd & Schaller Sporting Goods Inc

1950

Buska & Buska Insurance Agency

1952

Urban Construction Company

1952

Intercity State Bank - Schofield

1953

Hess Reinertson & Brunner SC

1955

Hempfer Insurance Services Inc

1956

Business Service Center Inc

1956

Wausau Scrap and Recycling Corporation

1956

Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Service

1957

GB Vending Services of Central Wisconsin Inc

1957

Meyer-Peterson Adjustment

1957

EO Johnson Business Technologies

1957

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home & Crematory Inc

1958

Midwest Communications -

WRIG/WIFC/WSAU/WDEZ/WOZZ 1961

Jerry’s Music Inc

1961

Riiser Energy

1961

US Bank

1962

Charter Business

1962

Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation

1962

Marshfield Clinic

1962

Peoples State Bank

1963

Green Bay Packaging Inc

1963

Jim Kryshak Jewelers

1963

Spear Insurance

1964

Wausau School District

1964

Wausau Chemical Corporation

1964

Village of Rothschild

1964

Van Ert Electric Company Inc

1965

Lindy Penn LLC d/b/a/ Leklem/Penn Special Markets

1965

K & M Electric Inc

1975

University of Wisconsin - Marathon County

1965

Hadley Office Products Inc

1975

Wisconsin Valley Veterinary Service

1965

Wausau Tile

1975

Ziegler Wealth Management

1965

WAOW/WYOW Television Inc

1976

Aspirus VNA Home Health Inc

1966

Marathon County Government

1976

Brickners of Wausau

1966

Mills Fleet Farm

1977

Central Housewares Inc/The Pool People

1967

Eye Clinic of Wisconsin SC

1977

Judge Vincent K Howard

1967

Bone & Joint Clinic SC

1977

Wausau Awards & Engraving LLC

1967

The Insurance Center

1977

Wausau Financial Systems

1967

Prehn Dental Office

1978

2510 Restaurant

1968

DC Everest Area School District

1978

Becker Communications Inc

1968

First Weber Group Realtors

1978

County Materials Corporation

1968

River Valley Bank

1978

Fabiano Brothers - Wisconsin LLC

1969

Best Western Midway Hotel

1978

Woodson YMCA

1969

Emmerich & Associates Inc

1979

Drach Law Firm

1970

L & S Electric Inc

1979

Jay F Peerenboom DDS

1970

Mallery & Zimmerman SC

1979

JX Truck Center

1970

Radant Insurance Agency Inc

1979

North Central WI Regional Planning Commission

1970

United Way of Marathon County

1979

Northcentral Technical College

1971

Central Beer Distributors Inc

1980

Central Wisconsin Regional Airport

1971

Coldwell Banker Action

1980

Iozzo’s Italian Food

1971

Horak Refrigeration Inc

1980

K &S Fuel Injection Inc

1971

Kinziegreen Marketing Group

1980

Koenig & Lundin SC

1972

Marathon Animal Hospital

1980

Marlon Investments

1973

Olson Floor Covering Inc

1980

North Central Health Care

1973

Yach’s Body & Custom Inc

1980

Northwest Tool & Manufacturing Company Inc

1974

American Asphalt of Wisconsin

1980

NRG Media

1974

Lignotech USA Inc

1980

Papillon’s Pizza Ltd

1975

Knudson Sheet Metal

1980

Schenck SC

1975

Kohlman’s IGA

1980

Village of Kronenwetter

1975

Marathon County Buyers Guide

1975

Quality Foods of Wausau

SPECIAL THANKS SPONSORS

Thank you to all of our member businesses who sponsor our programs and events. All of you provide critical support for ongoing services and for the continued expansion of Chamber programs.

88.5 The Family WGNV AbbyBank Allied Health Chiropractic American Red Cross Ameriprise Financial - Cornerstone Advisors Aspirus Network Aspirus Occupational Health Aspirus Wausau Hospital Associated Bank Aurora Community Services Batteries+ Bulbs Bayland Builders Becher-Hoppe Associates Inc Becker Communications Inc Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral WI Inc BMO Harris Bank Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area Brickners of Wausau Bridge Community Health Clinic Brokaw Credit Union Buska Financial Services Camp .333 Caring Transitions of Central WI Cellcom Center for the Visual Arts Central Beer Distributors Inc Charis Counseling LLC Charter Business City of Wausau CleanPower Clements Insurance Agency Inc Collaborative Domestic Solution Center Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin Compass Insurance Services Confidential Records Inc County Land & Title LLC CoVantage Credit Union Crane Meadows Golf Course Creative Communication and Design Daubert Law Firm LLC Day’s Bowl-A-Dome Dayspring Health Spa Dickey’s Barbeque Pit Domtar Paper Co LLC

Driven Technologies LLC EmbroidMe - Wausau Emmons Business Interiors envision eyecare LLC EO Johnson Business Technologies Express Employment Professionals Eye Clinic of Wisconsin SC Floorology™ Focus Financial Frontier Communications G3 Industries Girl Scouts Globe University - Wausau Grand Lodge by Stoney Creek Great Northern Blues Society Greenheck Greenwood Hills Country Club and Restaurant Hampton Inn- Wausau Hearing Advantage Heartland Business Systems Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg Hurtis Heating & Air Intercity State Bank Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant Jefferson Street Inn Jim Kryshak Jewelers JX Truck Center Koenig & Lundin SC Krasowski Dental LLC K-tech Charities K-tech Kleening Systems Inc Kulp’s of Stratford LLC LandArt Companies Inc Larry Meyer Construction LegalShield Mallery & Zimmerman SC Marathon County Government Marshfield Clinic Marth Wood Shaving Supply Inc MCDEVCO Inc Merrill Distributing Inc Mid-State International Trucks of Wisconsin Midwest Communications WRIG/WIFC/WSAU/WDEZ/WOZZ Ministry Health Care Moy Borchert Erbs & Associates LLP - Wausau MRA-The Management Association Newmark Grubb Pfefferle Nicolet National Bank North Star Mohican Casino | Resort

Northcentral Technical College NorthStar Cleaning & Restoration Inc Northway Communications Inc Northwestern Mutual NRG Media Office Enterprises Inc O’Malley Cadillac Honda Ontogeny Advertising & Design LLC Peoples State Bank Pine Valley Golf Course Rasmussen College REI Engineering Inc Remedy Intelligent Staffing - Wausau Rhyme Rib Mountain Golf & Development Corporation Riiser Energy River Valley Bank Robert W Baird & Co Roto-Graphic Printing Ruder Ware Sam’s Club #6535 Samuels Group | Environments Schenck SC Security Health Plan of Wisconsin Inc Slumberland Solstic Spa & The Tanning Studio Special Olympics Wisconsin - North Central Area Spectrum Insurance Group LLC St Anthony Spirituality Center Stine Eye Center Stoney River Assisted Living Sugar n’ Spice Cheesecake SUN Printing TD Fischer Group Inc The Business News The Dirks Group LLC The Great Dane Pub & Brewery The Horton Group The Northwoods Goldsmith The Samuels Group Inc Travel Leaders University of Wisconsin - Marathon County University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point University of Wisconsin - Stout Urban Construction Company Verlo Mattress Factory Village of Kronenwetter Walgreens WAOW/WYOW Television Inc Wausau Country Club Wausau Curling Club

Wausau Events Inc Wausau Family Dental Wausau Kayak/Canoe Corporation Wausau Tax & Accounting Wausau Tile Wausau West Side Business Association Inc Wipfli LLP Wisconsin Kenworth Wisconsin Public Service Corp Wisconsin Woodchucks Baseball Wons Background Investigations LLC Woodson YMCA - Aspirus Branch Woodson YMCA - Wausau WSAW - NewsChannel 7 Yach’s Body & Custom Inc

PROGRAM/EVENT HIGHLIGHTS ANNUAL MEETING

Over 212 members attended the Annual Meeting at the Grand Theater on October 1, 2013. The evening started with a business meeting and was followed by a networking opportunity complete with dinner and cocktails. The business meeting included agenda items such as recognition of board members, passing of the gavel, John L. Cook Memorial Award, New Chamber Member of the Year Award, and the keynote speaker, Craig Culver.

BUSINESS EXPO AND BUSINESS EXPO PM

There were over 225 booths set up for more than 1,300 attendees to learn more about products and services in the area. The Chamber offered exciting sponsorship opportunities such as street signs and EXPO Bingo.

Plus, over 400 people attended the Business EXPO PM which took place immediately after the EXPO.

BUSINESS PMs

Business PMs provide an opportunity for members to showcase their business in an informal “open house” atmosphere. An average of 138 people attended the monthly Business PMs which offered a great opportunity for business-to-business networking.

More than 120 people took advantage of a networking opportunity during a Business PM at Bull Falls Brewery in September.

CHAMBER ROI: ACHIEVING SUCCESS Many new and prospective Chamber members who discovered how to maximize their Chamber benefits during Chamber ROI, an informative and interactive introductory session to show members how their Chamber membership can be their greatest sales and marketing tool.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Each year WRCC develops an economic outlook report to take the pulse of the business community.

The survey is conducted in the month of December in order to assess the current year’s results and obtain a perspective on the upcoming year. Changes are tracked over time and the results are compared from the previous years. The ability to report changes over time helps to assess trends, measure success, and focus on areas for improvement. These results are then shared during a program in February.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Wducational programs were offered with a wide range of business topics. During the 2013-2014 program year, 31 programs were offered through the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce with an average of 39 people in attendance for each program.

115 people attended the Economic Outlook Program to hear how the regional perspective compared to the national perspective in relation to the economy.

GOLF OUTINGS

The Chamber Annual Golf Outing took place on June 23 at the Wausau Country Club. The day ended with awards, prizes and a dinner. 164 golfers participated in this sold out networking event.

The Chamber Women’s Annual Golf Outing took place on July 23 at Greenwood Hills Country Club. The 64 participants enjoyed lunch, prizes, a great day of golf, networking, and making new contacts.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

There were 37 graduates in our Leadership Excellence program. Leadership Excellence has proven to be a means to success, achievement and reaching goals. It is an interactive leadership program designed to develop professional and personal self.

NOTHING BUT NETWORKING

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

In addition to the Business EXPO and the Business EXPO PM, several events took place throughout the week including Small Business of the Year awards breakfast, the educational program, Leadership Characteristics: An Inside Look, Legislators Forum, company tours, and a Small Business of the Year Winners’ Circle.

RIBBON CUTTINGS/GROUNDBREAKINGS More than 50 members took advantage of a ribbon cutting or groundbreaking opportunity. They celebrated successes in their business including expansion and remodeling of their company, moving to a new location, more than 50 percent change in ownership, or beginning construction on a new facility.

VOLLEYBALL

Several members have taken advantage of the opportunity to share information with other business professionals. Members gave presentations so attendees could gain a better understanding of their business.

Nothing But Networking also allows for networking time to connect with other members.

Forty people (seven teams) enjoyed themselves playing volleyball and networking at Dale’s Weston Lanes on August 12. It was a productive and fun-filled day.

Connections were made with 164 people taking part in the Annual Golf Outing at the Wausau Country Club.

Leadership Excellence class of 2013-2014.

NEW INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS As a part of our ongoing effort to strengthen businesses throughout the region and to further improve their opportunities for business connections, and workforce growth, we are pleased to offer:

E3YP: ENGAGE, EMPOWER, EXCITE

LEGISLATIVE LESSONS

E3 Young Professionals (E3YP) is a workforce development initiative created by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce. e3yp.org

The Business Advocacy Committe held a program series entitled, Legislative Lessons, which was a two-part miniseries developed to help small businesses learn how to use tools at the state level of government to help their business grow.

E3 Young Professionals (E3YP) is a workforce development initiative of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce designed to help attract, retain, and meet the unique needs of young professionals (ages 21-45) throughout the Wausau region.

The purpose of E3YP is to Engage young professionals with each other, the community, and businesses; to Empower young professionals with leadership opportunities and development tools to grow; and to Excite young professionals to work, play, and stay in the Wausau region.

E3YP offers monthly events for its members, ranging from professional development and training on topics of interests to young professionals to social networking opportunities. E3YP activities serve to connect young professionals to the community and provide them with meaningful opportunities to interact with others in their age group, as well as with business and community leaders.

E3YP: Elevating Your Future - Power of Self

Lesson 1 – The Creation of Legislation Attendees learned how state legislation is created by the Legislative Reference Bureau, where they can find information on pieces of legislation and how they can influence what is included in new legislation while it is still being drafted.

Lesson 2 – Reducing the Regulatory Burden Attendees learned how the Office of Business Development can help businesses cut through the “red tape” of government to solve problems, identify laws and rules that need to be reformed, and get quick access to business services in the state.

Young Professionals

Engage. Empower. Excite.

E3YP On the Move: Jalapenos Mexican Restaurante

Revenues REVENUES

Expenses EXPENSES

Membership Investment 38%

Programs 29%

Other Occupancy 4% 11% Programs 15%

Other 3%

Operations 70%

Affiliate Contracts 30%

Affiliate Contracts: Contracts with other organizations for the Chamber to provide administrative services.

Operations:

• Salaries and fringes

• Office expenses

Programs: • Educational

• Golf Outing

• Small Business Week

Occupancy: • Rent

• Property tax • Utilities

Elevating Member Success.

It’s in Our DNA.

Mission The purpose of the Wausau Region Chamber is to strengthen our member businesses and enhance our community by building business success.

Vision We are the region’s indispensable source for business connections, opportunities, and solutions.

Contact Us Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce 200 Washington Street, Suite 120 Wausau, WI 54403 715-845-6231 www.wausauchamber.com