11.2013 The Active Voice Newsletter

11.2013 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

upcoming EVENTS \\

Small Business X-ChangeWednesday, November 13, 2013 \\ 7:30 am - 8:30 amPortage County Business Council, Foundation Room5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

Business After HoursMonday, November 18, 2013 \\ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pmCentral Wisconsin Children’s Museum1100 Main Street | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

Buzz Around TownTuesday, November 19, 2013 \\ 11:15 am - 1:00 pmStevens Point Country Club, Club House1628 Country Club Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

SalesNetThursday, November 21, 2013 \\ 11:45 am - 1:00 pmPortage County Business Council, Foundation Room5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

Reality ShopTuesday, December 3 2013 Stevens Point Area Senior High

» REGISTER

Power BreakfastWednesday, December 4, 2013 \\ 7:15 am - 9:00 amStevens Point Country Club, Club House1628 Country Club Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

Women in Business LuncheonThursday, December 12, 2013 \\ 11:15 am - 1:00 pmBest Western Plover Hotel & Conference Center5253 Harding Avenue | Plover, WI 54467

» REGISTER

2014 Annual Dinner & Silent Auction \\ Tuesday, January 28, 2014 5:30 – 8:30pm

Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2014 ANNUAL DINNER & SILENT AUCTION

Opportunities are available for our members wishing to play a greater role in our Annual Dinner. See Sponsorship opportunities on Page 6 >>

JOIN US FOR BUZZ AROUND TOWN!11.19.13 \\ 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM» REGISTER The Arts Alliance of Portage County, in partnership with the Portage County Business Council invites you and your guests to join us for a luncheon to learn more about our local Creative Economy. The event will be held at the Stevens Point Country Club, 1628 Country Club Drive, Stevens Point.

Our featured speaker will be Coleman Peiffer, Senior Planner for North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.

Attendees will learn more about the summary of local data from the Creative Economy Inventory Study and Mr. Pieffer will explain the process of sourcing Creative Industries data. Joining Coleman will be Peggy Sullivan of Centergy, Lori Dehlinger of the Portage County Busi-ness Council, and Elizabeth Aguillera of Arts Alliance of Portage County with comments on what this means for our economic region and county.

Lunch is $25/person and includes a house salad with your choice of 2 dressings, Chicken Marsala, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Fall Medley Vegetables and Coffee, Tea or Milk.

For questions contact Karen at 715-344-1940 or [email protected].

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK \\ NOVEMBER 18-22, 2013Please join Partners in Education in supporting our communities’ teachers this year during American Education Week. If you have a child currently in school, encourage them to write a thank you to a special teacher. Also consider nominating a teacher for the 2014 Golden Apple Awards. Nomination forms will be available starting in December on the Portage County Business Council website. Nominations are accepted from students, parents, co-workers, and community members. Eligible teachers must be currently teaching, have at least 5 years teaching experience, and teach in a PIE partner school.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER02

The Samuels Group proudly accepted a 2013 Build Wisconsin Award from the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin on October 10 at the Gateway Truax at Madison College. The winning project was for the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and was categorized in “Design Build – New Construction.” The museum is an aesthetically pleasing addition that met extraordinary challenges. With a tight timeline of nine months for design and construction, there was absolutely no room for error or delays. In addition, the site access required extensive coordination and planning to ensure minimal site disruption and access for construction teams. The existing museum remained open to the public during the entire construction of the addition. \\

Bistro 212 hired Sal Fridel as manager and head chef. Sal Fridel is a classically trained chef that has worked in the restaurant industry for 24 years and has accumulated a multitude of experiences in different styles of cooking. He attended culinary school at New England Culinary Institute in Vermont and has also worked with many of the most exceptional restaurateurs in the nation. Sal also spent time living and working in a 15th century castle in Torrechiarra, Italy. When asked what he believes his most important job is in his new position, Sal says that it is “to do whatever I can to nurture our customers with the service I present, and ultimately, all I care about is making your day.” Bistro 212 will be providing private and corporate catering services for groups ranging in size from 4 to 250. \\

The College for Financial Planning®, located in Denver, is pleased to announce that Gene Schulfer, and LouAnn Schulfer have each successfully completed the ACCREDITED WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISORSM or AWMA® Professional Designation Program. Individuals who complete the program, pass a final exam, and sign a code of ethics and disclosure form can earn the right to use the AWMA® mark.Gene and LouAnn are co-owners of Schulfer & Associates, LLC Financial Professionals, andhold multiple registrations and licenses. LouAnn also holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciarydesignation, earned through the Center for Fiduciary Studies. Additionally, each of themvolunteers their time generously throughout various organizations within their community.\\

The Mary Kay Foundation recently awarded a $20,000 grant to CAP Services’ Family Crisis Center (FCC) in Stevens Point. The funds will be used to maintain critical services and programs for individuals who are survivors of domestic abuse.

The FCC provides a safe place to stay and supportive and legal advocacy service to domestic abuse victims and their children as well as short-term housing and intervention services to runaway youth.

“The Mary Kay Foundation’s generosity and commitment to ending domestic violence mean a lot to this community,” said Jane Benzschawel, FCC coordinator. “This grant will help us better serve the needs of domestic violence victims in our community.”

These funds will be used to enhance the capacity of shelter staff to provide a wider array of supportive services to residents of the shelter.\\

Ellis Stone Construction Company is pleased to announce Jason Wilatoski has accepted an Estimator position. He has been working as an intern at Ellis to complete his bachelor’s degree requirements in Construction Management from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Wilatoski also has an associate’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield. His past construction experience includes custom cabinet work, roofing, and building remodels. Wilatoski finds going to the site and meeting the owner provides valuable information for estimating the project. \\

The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the winners of the biennial Betty Frost Jenkins Young Artist Concerto Competition held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 in Michelsen Hall of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Fine Arts and Communication. This year’s winner is Lucas Chan of Stevens Point, who performed the first movement from Edouard Lalo’s “Symphonie Espagnol.” First runner-up is Natalie Van Tiem, a cellist from Stevens Point and second runner up is Erin Olson of Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids who performed a horn concerto. The purpose of the competition is to provide a high-quality performance experience for the finest young performers from Central Wisconsin, and to assist them in pursuing advanced study.

The Business Briefs column is an avenue to spotlight noteworthy business and professional accomplishments, recognition and awards among our Business Council members.Submit items of interest, in 100 words or less, to: [email protected] by the 24th of the month prior to the next newsletter issue.business BRIEFS \\

» REGISTER> Continental Breakfast served> No cost to attend but the value of the information may be priceless!

SPONSOR

TOPIC: HOW CHANGE MANAGEMENT MAKES YOU GOOD AT CHANGEContinuous change is part of organizational life, but humans are wired to resist the unknown. Good change management lowers that resistance by building trust and giving people the courage to take that first tentative step in the right direction and then a bolder one. More importantly, it builds change adaptation skills so that the next change is easier.

ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGEA roundtable series of meetings that allow small business owners and their employees the opportunity to discuss pertinent topics, learn from local industry leaders and, most importantly, learn from each other.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER Casey Nick joined The Samuels Group

Environments in January 2010 and is the Education and Government Specialist for Central and Western Wisconsin. She holds a Masters degree in Political Science & Public Administration. Casey is a Board of Director

of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Wisconsin, a BIG sister in the Mentor Plus program with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and is a volunteer at St. Claire’s Hospital in Weston. In addition, she is a business owner of Fit360, LLC, a Certified Fitness Trainer and Holistic Health & Fitness Specialist and if that wasn’t enough, she is currently working on the manuscript of her first book.

SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE11.13.13 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

» REGISTER » MAP

HOST\

Held at: Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum1100 Main StreetDowntown Stevens PointStevens Point, WI 54481

Enjoy complimentary hor d’oeuvres, refreshments, and door prize giveaways.

No Cost to attend!

Pre-registration is appreciated.Please RSVP by Friday, November 15, 2013.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS11.18.13 \\ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

03

2013 PLATINUM PIE INVESTORS

11.2013 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

AMBASSADORS CLUB SHOW THEIR SUPPORT

Ambassadors attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony on October 22nd where Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital announced plans to construct a new Emergency Department and renovate other outpatient service areas.

VOLUNTEER FOR REALITY SHOP 2013!If you, as a student, had understood the actual costs of being an adult: mortgage, student loans, auto loan, car insurance, etc. would you have made different choices in your educational, social, or pro-fessional experiences? The Reality Shop program informs high school students of all of these costs using current and local prices. Students are given a personal future scenario and asked to balance a budget appropriate for the salary and family situa-tion provided by the scenario. Partners in Education invites you to be a part of the ultimate experiential learning activity for high school students that connects the educational choices they are currently making to the future career and economic choices they will be making. Volunteers are needed to represent a business and “sell” products and services to students.

Volunteers are especially needed in the following areas:• Banking and Investment services• Auto dealerships, new and used• Real estate and rental properties• Communication, including cell phone plans• Clothing and personal care items• Furniture and household items• Flexible volunteers to assist with busy areas

The Reality Shop will be taking place on December 3, 2013 at SPASH and will include approximately 300 high school students. Approximately two weeks prior to program, volunteers can participate in a one hour orientation to prepare them for the event.Please contact Bill Christiansen at [email protected] if you are interested in helping.

Ambassadors took part in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on October 28th for the new Marshfield Clinic Stevens Point Center located on Highway 66, Stevens Point – across from the Municipal Airport.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER04

Each month the Active Voice features a PCBC “Member of the Month” selected from a list of members that begins with the same letter of the alphabet. August features a business that begins with the letter “W”.member of the MONTH

WOODTRUST BANK1900 Plover Road \\ Plover, WI(715) 342-8996 \\ http://www.woodtrust.com \\ [email protected] \\Join Date \\ 07/31/1996

What they have to say \\

WoodTrust Bank has been serving Central Wisconsin for over 121 years, providing all types of banking, trust and investment services. They are a family-owned and community-oriented company with about $360 million in assets. A charitable foundation that was established about 20 years ago, to date, has contributed close to $3 million back to community local, nonprofit organizations in which they do business.

WoodTrust opened its Plover office in 1996, offering a complete line of traditional commercial and retail banking services. Recently they began an expansion project to accommodate the increased customer growth in Portage County and the need for a formal trust and investment presence. Jim Firminhac, who recently joined the company’s WoodTrust Asset Management division as Vice President – Personal Trust Services, will be permanently located in Plover once the expansion is complete. The project is slated to be completed by December 1, 2013.

The main focus of WoodTrust Bank is to provide a high level of relationship-based service to its clients, stay connected and support the communities they service and be a good place for their associates to work. The Portage County Business Council plays an important role in assisting with that connection to the community. The Council is a great source for providing networking opportunities, educational events and occasions to showcase area businesses. A business can be as involved with them as you choose. The Council works hard to support the existing jobs and industries currently located in Portage County as well as try to attract new ones to come in.

ADVANCED PAIN MANAGEMENTJIM BARTELSStevens Point \\ 715-254-2350 \\http://www.apmhealth.com \\Join Date \\ 10/3/2013

HYER STANDARDS LLCDUANE VANDREPlover \\ 715-341-1339 \\[email protected] \\http://www.hyerstandards.com \\Join Date \\ 10/21/2013

a bit aboutOUR NEWEST MEMBERS \\

DO YOU KNOW A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT WOULD BENEFIT FROM MEMBERSHIP?CONTACTMary Jo Monday715-344-1940 \\ [email protected]

Businesses can use their website login to:

-post job openings*

-create, post, and register for events

-manage account

-view member directory

-post hot deals

Did you forget your username and/or password

to login on our website? Call our office or email

us at [email protected] and we will

get it for you! Remember, all of these services

are free as part of your membership dues. The

more services you use, the more value you get

out of your membership!

We want you to get the most out of your

membership. Please call us at 715-344-1940 if

you have any questions.

*member job postings are also posted to the PCBC

facebook and twitter page, for free.

PRESENTING SPONSOR Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation is excited to sponsor Women in Business on Thursday, December 12, 2013. Join us that afternoon from 11:15AM to 1:00PM at the Best Western Plover Hotel & Conference Center (with Rockman’s Catering), 5253 Harding Avenue, Plover.

Our guest speaker is Dianne Young, Professional Speaker & Mental Toughness Coach.

AGENDA11:15AM Registration and Networking11:30AM Welcome11:45AM Lunch (Consisting of Rosemary-Lime Roasted Haddock Fillet with Mediterranean Salsa, Paella-Style Rice, Caprese Salad and Almond Flan with Fresh Berry Sauce for Dessert)

12:15AM Guest Speaker, Dianne Young1:00PM Door Prize Giveaways and Closing

CLICK HERE TO REGISTERYou can also register by calling the Business Council office at 715/344-1940. Cost is $22/person for members and $30/person for prospective-members.

UPCOMING WOMEN IN BUSINESS EVENTSSave the dates and mark your calendars for these 2014 Women in Business Events:

• Thursday, March 20, 2014 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center – Presented by Girls in Pearls Boutique• Thursday, June 26, 2014• Thursday, September 25, 2014 – Presented by Ministry Health Care• Thursday, December 11, 2014

WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED?Opportunities are available to Business Council members wishing to play a greater role in our Women in Business events for 2014. Contact Karen Schanock at [email protected] for all the exciting details.

BE SURE TO ATTEND

12.12.13 \\ 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM

POWER BREAKFAST

Start your day with breakfast and the Portage County Business Council. This Power Breakfast is presented by Anderson O’Brien Law Firm and held at Stevens Point Country Club, 1628 Country Club Drive, Stevens Point, Wi 54481. Our featured presenter for the November POWER Breakfast will be Mr. Cliff King, Chief Executive Officer of Skyward. His presentation is entitled “History of Skyward, Past, Present and Future”.

Attendees will learn about the history of how Skyward got to where it is today as well as some of the expectations of what the future will hold for Skyward and the community.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERCliff King joined Skyward on November 16, 1981 as a programmer analyst. During his tenure, he has served in several key management positions in a number of the departments throughout Skyward including administration, operations, programming, sales and marketing. In addition, he has served the organization as the Vice Presi-dent of several departments within the company as well as President prior to accepting his current position as Chief Executive Officer in December 2008.

During his 30 plus years of experience, Cliff has maintained and will continue to maintain a companywide focus on providing our customers with the level of products and support that they have come to expect from Skyward. Today, Skyward has 411 employees at 9 office locations dedicated to carry out this effort with more than 1,600 school districts worldwide.

In addition to his responsibilities at Skyward, Cliff currently serves on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Portage County, the Board of Directors of the St. Michael’s Foundation, is a member of the UWSP School of Business & Economics Business Advisory Committee and a member, the Foundation Chair and Board member of the Stevens Point Rotary Club.

ABOUT POWER BREAKFASTPOWER Breakfast provides educational and professional development opportunities to Business Council members and the communities of Portage County. Information speakers will help you stay informed of business issues you need to understand.

AGENDA7:15 am – Registration7:30 am – Welcome and Breakfast at the Stevens Point Country Club8:15 am – Featured Speaker – Mr. Cliff King9:00 am – Closing

CLICK HERE TO REGISTERYou can also call the Business Council office at (715) 344-1940. Cost is $20/person for members and $25/person for prospective members.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor of this DecemberPOWER Breakfast Event –

11.2013 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN 05

WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON 12.4.13 \\ 7:15 AM - 9:00 AM

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER06

Leadership Portage County met for their third session on October 17th at Trinity Lutheran Church with a focus on Non-Profit organizations in the community. Dale Christensen, from the UWSP Counseling Center began the day with an interactive exercise on the character trait of listening, a critical skill for effective leadership.

Following this Jeff Ebel, a member of SCORE and Toast-masters International led participants through a presenta-tion entitled, ‘How to Conduct Productive Meetings,’ and

then facilitated a discussion on the topic of leading a Board using Roberts Rules of Orders. After a great lunch from Rockman’s Catering and some team building fun, Bill Christiansen directed an activity with the focus on building consensus. LPC 2010 alumnus Pastor Steven Olson shared an overview of the role of churches in the broader non-profit community. The day came to a close with a tour of the Central Wisconsin Children’s Mu-seum where the participants could see the result of a dedicated group of individuals who came together with a common purpose to create a successful non-profit organization.

Special thanks to all of our presenters; you helped make the day a valuable learning experience. Thank you to Trinity Lutheran Church for providing a meeting room and to Sandy Williams, staff member at the museum for the informative late afternoon tour.

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY OCTOBER SESSION

ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTING SPONSOR 1 available @ $2,500Benefits for Presenting Sponsor:• Recognition as Exclusive Sponsor of event “(Name of Sponsor Company)

Presents the Annual Dinner of the PCBC.”• Logo and Presenting Sponsor recognition in invitations mailed to over

1,500 member contacts.• Logo and Presenting Sponsor recognition in all event marketing including

event program, newsletter, press releases, faxes and PCBC web site.• Logo and Presenting Sponsor recognition during event award video pre-

sentation.• Recognition as Presenting Sponsor on all emails to over 1500 member

contacts.• Verbal recognition at event reception and dinner.• Eight (8) complimentary dinner tickets to event with premier reserved

seating.

AWARD SPONSOR (Commitment Needed by December 10th)3 available @ $800 (one each for Small Business, Decree of Excellence & Ambassador of the Year)Benefits for Award Sponsor:• Opportunity to introduce sponsored award on stage.• Logo and Award Sponsor recognition in event marketing including event

program, newsletter, and PCBC web site.• Logo and Award Sponsor recognition during event award video presenta-

tion.• Recognition as Award Sponsor on all emails to over 1500 member contacts.• Verbal recognition at dinner.• Four (4) complimentary dinner tickets to event with reserved seating.

RECEPTION SPONSOR (Commitment Needed by December 10th)4 available @ $600 Benefits for Reception Sponsor:• Recognition in event program, newsletter, and PCBC web site.• Logo and Reception Sponsor recognition during event award video presen-

tation.• Recognition as Reception Sponsor on all emails to over 1500 member

contacts.• Verbal recognition at dinner.• Two (2) complimentary dinner tickets to event. • Four (4) complimentary drink tickets.

SILENT AUCTION DONOR (Commitment Needed by December 27)Silent Auction Opportunity:• Recognition in Silent Auction program and newsletter.• Logo and Silent Auction Donor recognition during Reception.• Recognized with a creative display during the Reception promoting both

your business and the merchandise and/or service.

Sponsorships are limited and handled on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Karen Schanock with your commitment at 715-344-1940 or [email protected]. Thank you for your support.

Participants work on building consensus in small groups.

Dale Christensen starts the day with the topic of “Listening as a Leadership Skill”.

Cecily Filtz tries out her skill as a News Anchor at the Children’s Museum.

11.2013 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN 07

12TH ANNUAL WINES OF THE WORLD EVENT HELD

Over 350 people gathered on Friday, October 25th for our 12th Annual Wines of the World event held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center. The event featured 105 wines from around the world for sampling by The Bottle Stop, fine cuisine by the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center and Rockman’s Catering, Wisconsin artisan cheeses by Ski’s Meat Market, soft live jazz music by the UWSP Jazz Quintet, a Silent Auction, and a Beer Bar by Stevens Point Brewery. An equally exciting part of the event was the announcement of the trip giveaway - to The Door Peninsula Winery in Sturgeon Bay, WI including dinner, winery tour and hotel accommodations sponsored by Marathon Travel &Travel Guard! The winner was Nancy Kaczmarek (and her husband Tim) from Ameriprise Financial Services Inc – Michael Smith & Associates. Also winning the stunning pendant designed by Thomas Dailing and donated by Lee Ayers Jewelers was Michelle Larson from Community First Bank. Congratulations!

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS AND CONTRIBUTORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR WINES OF THE WORLD EVENT:

PRESENTING WINE SPONSORThe Bottle Stop

FOOD SPONSORSHoliday Inn Hotel & Convention Center & Rockman’s Catering

SOMMELIER MASTER MEDIA SPONSORNRG Media – HOT 96-7 & Big Cheese 107.9

WINE DISTRIBUTORS/SUPPLIERSAllstate Liquor and Wine CompanyL’eft Bank Wine CompanyPurple Feet WinesSwiss Cellar WinesWirtz Beverage

BORDEAUX TABLE SPONSORSCliftonLarsonAllen LLPDelta Dental of WisconsinDonaldson CompanyFigi’s IncMinistry Health CareSentry Insurance

CHARDONNAY TABLE SPONSORSInvestors Community BankSkyward

STAGE SPONSORWorzalla Publishing Company

BEER SPONSORStevens Point Brewery

CENTERPIECE SPONSORBev’s Floral & Gifts

PRINT SPONSORDolce Digital Imaging & Printing

TRIP SPONSORMarathon Travel

JEWELRY SPONSORLee Ayers Jewelers with Thomas Dailing Designs

CHEESE SPONSORSki’s Meat Market

WINE STOPPER EXCLUSIVE SPONSORPointe Precision Inc

RATING EXCLUSIVE SPONSORR-Store / Riiser Energy

DINNER NAPKIN EXCLUSIVE SPONSORThe Boldt Company

COCKTAIL NAPKIN EXCLUSIVE SPONSORGolden County Foods Inc.

SILENT AUCTION/DOOR PRIZE CONTRIBUTORS@1800 at Sentry InsuranceAbacus Investments Inc - Steve BandyBlenker CompaniesBMO Harris BankCentral City Credit UnionCentral Wisconsin Symphony OrchestraCountry Inn & SuitesDelta Dental of WisconsinDuraclean SpecialistsGirls in Pearls BoutiqueGrazies Italian GrillFigi’s Inc.Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention CenterM3 Insurance Notable ImpressionsSentry InsuranceSlumberland Furniture of Stevens PointStevens Point BreweryThe Boldt CompanyThe Bottle StopThe Pineries Bank

SUPPORTERSAdvanced Neck & Back Care CenterBMO Harris BankDenny RosenthalDolce Digital Imaging & PrintingHoliday Inn Hotel & Convention CenterMarathon TravelUWSP Jazz Quintet

PLANNING TEAMJanis Borski, University of Wisconsin Stevens PointNancy Dolce, Dolce Digital Imaging & PrintingJuany Heck, Advanced Neck & Back Care CenterTammy Kucharzak, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention CenterLisa Kunst, Ministry Medical GroupMatt Lazarski, The Bottle StopNicole Meeks, CliftonLarsonAllen LLPTina Mower, Travel GuardScott Rockman, Rockman’s CateringDenny Rosenthal, The Worth CompanyKaren Schanock, Portage County Business CouncilMichelle Sedlak, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER08

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS NOMINATIONS SOUGHT

You have a unique opportunity to promote your business at the 20th Annual Silent Auction fundraiser event. The Business Council is currently seeking unique products and services to be auctioned at the Annual Dinner and Silent Auction on Tuesday, January 28th. Proceeds from the event benefit member programs and new Business Council initiatives.

As a Silent Auction donor, the Business Council promotes both your business and the merchandise and/or service in all printed promotional material.

Your business and donated item will also be promoted during the Annual Dinner to over 350 business people. Each donation will be recognized with a display at the Silent Auction, highlighting your business name.

Contribution ideas could be a specialty product and/or a service your business offers. Ideas might include a monthly floral delivery, one year hair care or dry-cleaning, oil changes, consulting services, golf lessons, artwork, jewelry, clothing or cellular phone services. Need more ideas? How about a weekend get-away package, home/office cleaning, a photography session or dining out certificates.

Be creative…Don’t miss this chance to promote your business to the business community.

For more information, or to register a Silent Auction contribution contact Karen Schanock at the Business Council Office: 715/344-1940 or [email protected].

PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AT ANNUAL DINNER SILENT AUCTION

The Portage County Business Council is seeking your nominations for the annual Small Business of the Year Award. A streamlined nomination form for the Small Business of the Year Award is available in this issue. Your nominations are due Friday, November 29th. Self nominations are encouraged.

The Small Business of the Year Award is presented during the Business Coun-cil’s Annual Dinner on January 28, 2014.

CLICK IMAGE BELOW FOR NOMINATION FORM

CRITERIA:• Member businesses nominated receive a questionnaire form• Award selection is made from companies completing the form• All forms are confidentially reviewed• Criteria based on continued growth, customer service, economic health, community service, leadership and market change adaptability.

For more information on this award and past recipients, please contact Karen Schanock at 344-1940 or [email protected].

Centergy Inc., the Economic Development Organizations of North Central Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point’s Central Wisconsin Eco-nomic Research Bureau (CWERB) want to see local business firms increase their profitability and market size by taking advantage of exporting opportunities. The U.S. accounts for only about 25% of the world’s economy and the potential gains from exporting are immense. Information is needed to create strategies that expand the global reach of North Central Wisconsin businesses.

An Export Survey will be emailed from the CWERB on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 to approximately 2,500 to firms in the five county area, including Portage County. The survey will close at the end of business on Tuesday, November 19, 2013.

The survey will gain information about the exporting activity of local firms, explore the potential for additional exporting and uncover the barriers that prevent North Central Wisconsin business firms from expanding into new markets.

The goals of the Export Survey are to develop export assistance programs and better represent the needs of North Central Wisconsin business firms. Individual responses are strictly confidential. A summary report will be made available to all participants. Your cooperation is essential in helping to grow our local economy. If you receive the survey, please complete it. If you do not receive an email about the survey, and would like to participate, please contact the Central Wisconsin Economic Research Bureau at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point at [email protected]. The CWERB will be happy to send you the link to the survey.

WANT GREATER PROFITS AND THE ABILITY TO EXPAND YOUR MARKET?

Small Business of the Year Award2013 Nomination Form

In an effort to support and honor successful small businesses across Portage County, we welcome your nomination for the 2013 Small Business of the Year Award. This will be

presented at the Business Council’s Annual Dinner on January 28, 2014.

The nomination process has been simplified to encourage increased participation. Please indicate your choice for this award on the form below and mail, fax or email the information to the Business Council.

Anyone may nominate a business for this yearly honor. Self-nominations are welcome.

Nominations due by Friday, November 29, 2013Portage County Business Name _____________________________________________________________

I am nominating this business for Small Business of the Year because _______________________________________________________________________________________

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Nominated By ____________________________Company_______________________________________

Phone_______________________________Email Address_______________________________________

After you Nominate a Business:o All member businesses nominated receive a questionnaire to complete.o Selection for the award is made from companies completing the questionnaire.o All completed questionnaires are confidentially reviewed.

Criteria Used in the Selection Process:o Continued growth and economic healtho Dedication to customer serviceo Community service and leadershipo Innovative efforts used to adapt to marketplace change

Return nomination form to the Portage County Business Council • 5501 Vern Holmes Drive • Stevens Point, WI 54482Fax: 715-344-4473 • Phone: 715-344-1940 • Email: [email protected]

11.2013 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN 09

PORTAGE COUNTY WILL HOST 2014 FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS FROM KEN SCHROEDER, PORTAGE COUNTY AGRICULTURE AGENT AND MEMBER OF THE PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL AGRI-BUSINESS COMMITTEE

According to Ken Schroeder, Farm Technology Days Executive Committee Secretary and Portage County Agriculture Agent, Portage County was chosen to host the 2014 Farm Technology Days due to its strongly diverse agricultural base.

Wisconsin’s largest agricultural show, this three-day event yearly welcomes up to 80,000 attendees and more than 600 commercial and educational vendors, displaying the latest products, technologies and practices along with family living and youth exhibits.

Farms and other agricultural businesses comprise about thirteen percent of Portage County’s workforce (5,600 jobs) and $1.11 billion in business sales, nearly eighteen percent of the county’s economic activity.

The leading Wisconsin county in producing potatoes, processed snap beans and sweet corn as well as second in green pea production, Portage County has over 1000 farms and 280,000 acres dedicated to agricultural production. Grain production stands at $16.3 million and cranberry output worth $8.8 million.

Dairy and livestock also have a huge impact with 12,900 cows producing 27 million gallons of milk annually, 3,700 head of beef cattle and 5,000 hogs.

Blue Top Farms, 1,200-acre grain and vegetable operation and Feltz Family Farms, 550-cow dairy, will host the event. Neighboring potato and vegetable growers Myron Soik and Sons, Inc. and Greg Kizewski and Sons, Inc. provide land for field demonstrations.

Farm Technology Days’ commemorative toy this year is modeled after a Lenco potato harvester, reflecting Portage County’s strong potato production heritage. Manufactured by Advanced Farm Equipment, LLC, the Lenco has local ties through one of its owners, Bill Zelinski, who also owns Big Iron Equipment Inc., Plover.

A 1:42 scale collectible version of the 2000 Lenco Self Propelled Airhead Potato Harvester was created in a limited edition of 1,000 for the 2014 event.

A true keepsake, these die-cast metal toys are sold exclusively through Portage County Farm Technology Days online store. The store also offers a commemorative 16-month calendar featuring stunning photos of over 50 rural Wisconsin barns!

The event needs about 1,500 volunteers for commit-tee service, tractor drivers, equipment operators, setup and takedown, parking, admissions, information booths, youth and family living exhibits attendants and more.

Great opportunities also exist for sponsorship and exhibitor space. Visit the website to participate in this exciting event, http://www.portagecountyfarmtech.com.

ONLINE STORECLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE

November 2013

13 Executive Committee, 7;30am, CliftonLarsonAllen14 Ambassador Club Meeting, 8:00 am, PCBC21 SalesNet Meeting, 11:45am, PCBC28 Office Closed - Holiday29 Office Closed - Holiday

meetings & other DATES \\

Executive BoardDavid McHone - President , Central WI Management Services, LLCSusan Placzek - President Elect, SentryWorld Sports CenterSue Wilcox - Vice President, United Way of Portage CountyJeff Peterson - Past President, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Sue Wille - Treasurer, Ligman & Wille CPA LLCKen Erler - Member at Large, Sentry InsuranceKeith Pilger - Member at Large, Anderson O’BrienLori Dehlinger, Executive Director, Portage County Business Council, Inc.

Board of DirectorsTom Altmann - Altmann Construction CompanyDoug Ballweg - Delta Dental of WisconsinLisa Bourget - Travel Guard, Inc.Erik Carlson - Ellis Stone Construction CompanyKris Dragan - BMO Harris BankPatty Dreier - Portage County ExecutiveDavid Eckmann - University of Wisconsin - Stevens PointScott Glinski - SkywardAndrew Halverson - Mayor, City of Stevens PointO. Phillip Idsvoog - Portage County Board ChairLonnie Krogwold - Portage County Board Finance ChairDeb Marten - Marten MachiningRichard O’Sullivan - Mid-State Technical CollegeJim Petersen - Marshfield ClinicDan Schlutter - Village of PloverLisa Sobczak - ABR Employment ServicesDawn Thrun - Ambassador Representative, International Bank of AmherstJoAnn Vosz - Community First BankAttila Weninger - Stevens Point Area Public SchoolsWard Wolff - First Weber Group RealtorsGary Wysocki - Paragon FarmsDave Worth - The Worth CompanyRobert Worth - Director Emeritus, The Worth Company

Board AdvisorsSara Brish - Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors BureauDan Mahoney - Village of PloverMichael Ostrowski - City of Stevens PointSteve Smith - Mid-State Technical College

2013 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECTORS \\

PCBC / Foundation StaffLori Dehlinger - Executive Director

Mary Jo Monday - Director of Member Relations

Karen Schanock - Director of Programs & Events

Bill Christiansen - Director of Foundation

Kari Thompson - Business & Office Operations Director

Sarah Bosshart - Administrative / Marketing Assistant

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PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL & FOUNDATION \\ 5501 VERN HOLMES DRIVE \\ STEVENS POINT, WI 54482 \\ P 715-344-1940 \\ F 715-344-4473

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 area banks, credit unions, the Convention and Visitors Bureau or at our office. They can be used at any business 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.

BUY LOCAL

www.PortageCountyConnects.comThe Portage County Business Council reminds you that Portage County Connects is your connection to insights, resources, and economic development news in Portage County.

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» CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFOFor questions, please contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or [email protected].

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