12.2014 The Active Voice Newsletter

12.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

upcoming EVENTS \\

PIE REALITY SHOPWednesday, December 2, 2014 \\ 7:30 AM - 1:00 PMStevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH)1201 Northpoint Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» VOLUNTEER

Small Business X-ChangeWednesday, December 10, 2014 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30AMPortage County Business Council | Foundation Room5501 Vern Holmes Dr | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

Women in BusinessThursday, December 11, 2014 \\ 11:15 AM - 1:00 PMSentryWorld Sports Centerin the NEW Grand Hall (formerly known as High Court)601 N Michigan Avenue | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

Business After HoursMonday, December 15, 2014 \\ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PMCPS Cafe of UWSP | First floor of the College of Professional Studies Building #11 Free Parking (Courtesy of CPS Cafe) in Lot E off of Isadore StreetStevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER » MAP

Leadership Portage County Thursday, December 18, 2014 \\ 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMVarious locations throughout the year.

» ABOUT LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY» APPLY FOR THE CLASS OF 2015 / 16

2015 Annual DinnerTuesday, January 27, 2015 \\ 5:30 PM - 8:30 PMSentryWorld Sports Center In the NEW Atrium & Fieldhouse 601 N Michigan Avenue | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

2015 ANNUAL DINNER & SILENT AUCTION01.27.15 \\ 5:30PM – 8:30PMSENTRYWORLD IN THE NEW ATRIUM & FIELDHOUSE

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTERWinners of the Decree of Excellence Award, Ambassador of the Year Award, Small Business of the Year and the President’s Award will all be recognized during the Portage County Business Council’s Annual Dinner and Silent Auction on Tuesday, January 27th.

Held at SentryWorld, 601 North Michigan Avenue, Stevens Point, the evening extravaganza promises to be exciting with a social hour with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.

Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to bid on an endless list of Silent Auction items. The Business Council extends an invitation to all Business Council members and their guests to attend the Annual Dinner. Reservations are due by Wednesday, January 21, 2015.

Be Sure to Attend!

Social5:30-6:50PM

Complimentary Hors d’ oeuvres, Cash Bar

Silent Auction5:30-6:50PM

A spectacular array of jewelry, artwork, travel, sports and entertainment packages

Dinner & Program6:50-8:00PM

Choose from three mouth-watering entrees:

1. Chef-Carved Shoulder Tenderloin: Sherried Mushroom Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Asparagus2. Chicken Oscar: Pan-Fried Chicken Breast and Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus topped with a Tangy Bearnaise Sauce3. Spinach & Ricotto Ravioli: Artichoke Hearts, Kalamata Olives, Roasted Red Peppers and Mushrooms tossed with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce

Entrees also include a garden salad with honey poppyseed dressing, freshly baked rolls, Black Forest Chocolate Cake for dessert, coffee, tea and milk.

Awards8:00-8:30PM

Presentation of Ambassador of the Year,Small Business of the Year, Decree of Excellence,And the 2014 President’s Award Recipient –Andrew Halverson

Special thanks to our Award Sponsors AT&T, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, and Delta Dental of Wisconsin

And thanks to our Reception Sponsor Marshfield Clinic

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 >>

SENTRYWORLD IN THE NEW ATRIUM & FIELDHOUSE PRESENTED BY MINISTRY HEALTH CARE

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER2

» CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE» CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

Are you looking for a peer group of non-competitors to brainstorm ideas and solve business related issues? Join a PCBC roundtable group.Roundtable groups bring together professionals with a wide range of skills and expertise. Small, self-led groups of eight to 10 business owners and executives meet monthly for 90 minutes to share concerns and insights. These dynamic groups plan their own meeting schedules and agendas, coordinated by a group facilitator. Discussions are confidential allowing for greater candor, sharing, and learning opportunities. As a roundtable member, you will:• Receive advice from other business owners and executives facing

the same challenges as you; fellow leaders who have “been there, done that” will offer support and share the benefits about lessons they learned along the way

• Share your insights and successful strategies with your peers• Engage with others in an exclusive and private environment• Test your ideas with your group and get instant feedback to avoid

costly mistakes and build encouragement and confidence to move forward.

Roundtable groups are open to Portage County Business Council members for an annual fee of $75.

The following Roundtable groups are being formed:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLEParticipants are responsible for overall business/client development efforts for their company.

CEO ROUNDTABLE Owners of small, mid-size, and large companies placed with owners of similarly sized companies.

COO / CFO ROUNDTABLETop-level operations executives who are responsible for profit and loss, but do not have ownership of their organizations.

HUMAN RESOURCES ROUNDTABLESenior level managers who are responsible for overseeing all HR responsibilities for their companies.

NON-PROFIT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROUNDTABLEExecutive directors of not-for-profit (501 (c) (3)).

SALES MANAGER ROUNDTABLEManager of a sales team who directly assists the company’s executive management.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER ROUNDTABLEOwner of a small business; typically sole proprietors.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Groups will launch in January 2015.

ROUNDTABLE GROUPS FORMING NOW

To learn more about how participation in a roundtable can benefit you and your business, contact Mary Jo Monday at 715-344-1940 or email [email protected].

THE FUTURE WISCONSIN PROJECT AND ECONOMIC SUMMIT

» CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For the past 18-months, the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) Foundation has been building a new initiative called The Future Wisconsin Project. The project is looking at Wisconsin’s long-term economic health and asking questions like: What will Wisconsin look like in 20 years? What will our workforce look like? What sort of businesses will thrive in our economy? How will our tech colleges and universities stack up to those in other states? What sort of jobs will be available? Will we be able to grow our economy if we can’t find the labor to fill the jobs?

In partnership with WMC, the UW System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Department of Workforce Development have embarked on a process to help identify, answer and be prepared for the outcome of questions mentioned above. To date, nearly 60 Chambers statewide, including the Portage County Business Council, have signed on as a Future Wisconsin Community in support of the project.

The project focuses on (6) Competitive Quality Indicators that affect Wisconsin communities:

Talent Development, Attraction and RetentionBusiness CompetitivenessGlobal EngagementGovernment EffectivenessLife QualityEntrepreneurial Spirit

For more information on The Future Wisconsin Project and the Economic Summit, please check out and share the following:

• The Future Wisconsin Economic Summit Brochure (December 3 in Milwaukee): Registration is also available online.

• wmc.org/wp-content/uploads/Dec3SummitBrochure1.pdf

• Social Media: Jim Morgan, President of WMC Foundation will be tweeting about the event every day. If you want to follow him @JimMorgan1960 or @WisconsinMC, feel free to re-tweet. He will use #FutureWI.

• “Forward Thinkers” video series: wmc.org/programs/the-future-wisconsin-project

Members of PCBC can register as a Project Partner ($100)

12.03.14 \\ Wisconsin Center \\ Milwaukee

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER3

Thank you

Over 350 people gathered on Friday, November 7th for our 13th Annual Wines of the World event held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center. The event featured 100 wines from around the world for sampling, along with some bourbons 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, a Beer Bar by Stevens Point Brewery, and handcrafted spirits by Great Northern Distilling. An equally exciting part of the event was the announcement of the winner of the stunning pendant designed by Thomas Dailing and donated by Lee Ayers Jewelers – which was Mary Guzman from Associated 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 CenterRockman’s Catering

Sommelier Master Level Media SponsorNRG Media – Hot 967, Y106.5 Today’s Best Country & Big Cheese 107.9

Wine Distributors/SuppliersAllstate Liquor and Wine CompanyAmphorae WinesL’eft Bank Wine CompanyM Shiraz WinesPurple Feet WinesWirtz Beverage

Beer SponsorStevens Point Brewery

Handcrafted SpiritsGreat Northern Distilling

Craft BeersBeechwood DistributorsCentral Waters Brewing Company

Bordeaux Table SponsorsCliftonLarsonAllen LLPDelta Dental of WisconsinDonaldson Company

PRESENTING WINE SPONSOR FOOD SPONSORS Thank you to: Thank you to:

SOMMELIER MASTER MEDIA SPONSORThank you to:

Figi’s IncMinistry Health CareSentry InsuranceStevens Point Care Center

Chardonnay Table SponsorsInvestors Community BankSkyward

Stage SponsorWorzalla Publishing Company

Jewelry SponsorsLee Ayers Jewelers with Thomas Dailing Designs

Print SponsorDolce Digital Imaging & Printing

Centerpiece SponsorBev’s Floral & Gifts

Cheese SponsorSki’s Meat Market

Corkscrew SponsorLakeland College – Central Wisconsin Center

Rating SponsorR-Store / Riiser Energy

Cocktail Napkin SponsorGolden County Foods Inc

Dinner Napkin SponsorThe Boldt Company

Silent Auction/Door Prize Contributors@1800 at Sentry InsuranceBlenker CompaniesBMO Harris BankCentral Wisconsin Symphony OrchestraComfort SuitesDuraclean SpecialistsGirls in Pearls BoutiqueGrazies Italian GrillFigi’s Inc.Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention CenterSlumberland Furniture of Stevens PointStevens Point BreweryThe Boldt CompanyThe Bottle StopThe Pineries BankVirtual Vision Computing LLC

SupportersAdvanced Neck & Back Care CenterDolce Digital Imaging & PrintingHoliday Inn Hotel & Convention CenterMarathon TravelRockman’s CateringUWSP Jazz Quintet

Planning TeamNancy Dolce, Dolce Digital Imaging & PrintingJuany Heck, Advanced Neck & Back Care CenterMatt Lazarski, The Bottle StopNicole Meeks, CliftonLarsonAllen LLPScott Rockman, Rockman’s CateringDenny Rosenthal, The Worth CompanyKaren Schanock, Portage County Business CouncilMichelle Sedlak, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention CenterJill Sunstrom, Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER4

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER5

The Riverview Hospital Association Board of Directors announced today that it has signed a letter of intent to affiliate with Aspirus, Inc., a not-for-profit health care system based in Wausau, Wisconsin. This alliance would achieve two significant benefits to the community: create an even more robust Riverview hospital and endow a new foundation with more than $100 million invested to serve the health and the general needs of the Wisconsin Rapids community for years to come. \\Keller, Planners, Architects and Builders, a design/build general contractor with offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Wausau and the Fox Cities, will build a 5,742 square foot auto service and sales facility for Frey Automotive under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Nathan Laurent, and Architect, Rob Lindstrom.Frey Automotive will be located at S107 W16311 Loomis Road in Muskego, construction has begun and is expected to be completed in January, 2015.Keller, Planners, Architects and Builders will also remodel Oregon Community Bank’s 11,500 square foot facility under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Doug Sutter, and Architect, Steve Klessig.Oregon Community Bank is located at 733 North Main Street in Oregon, construction has begun and is expected to be completed in December, 2014.Keller, Planners, Architects and Builders will also design and build a 900 square foot addition for Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson, Inc. under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Doug Sutter.Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson, Inc. is located at 836 Phillips Boulevard in Sauk City, construction has begun and is expected to be completed late November, 2014.\\Central Wisconsin Job Fair connects 375 Job Seekers with over 80 Hiring Employers. Whether hoping to find a better job, a fresh start, or a new career direction, 375 job seekers were provided an opportunity to connect with over 80 hiring employers at the Central Wisconsin Job Fair. A variety of employers from both the public and private sectors were available and eager to hire for approximately 713 openings in a wide range of fields\\Wysocki Family of Companies (WFC) has become serious about its involvement in hunger relief, both nationally and locally. RPE Inc., the sales and marketing division of WFC, is a part of Growing Forward with Feeding America, which officially launched Oct. 17. The program’s primary goal is to donate 1,000,000 pounds of fresh produce to food banks across the country in 2015. The campaign is bringing together companies throughout the produce industry to help meet the needs of Feeding America. WFC also donates several thousand pounds of potatoes to designated local food banks each month.\\

John Guerndt, President of Compass Insurance Services, announces they have opened a second location to better serve our growing number of clients in Portage, Wood and Waupaca Counties. The office is located at 5569 Highway 10 East – Stevens Point, WI.Compass Insurance Services provides home, auto, recreational, business, health and life insurance and work with carriers such as West Bend, Travelers, Acuity, Secura, Cincinnati, Progressive, Foremost, State Auto, Society, WPS, Humana, Security Health, Anthem, Delta Dental, United Healthcare, Aflac, Epic, Illinois Mutual, Unum, among others.\\State Representative Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, visited CAP Services’ recently expanded Children’s Discovery Center in Stevens Point Monday, Nov. 17.“Early childhood education is critical to our community’s success,” said Shankland. “Great child care presents opportunities to children and the parents both, and it is wonderful to see such a great facility right here in our community.”CAP’s Children’s Discovery Center, located at 3109 John Joanis Drive in the Portage County Business Park, offers year-round full- and part-time child care to children ages 6 weeks to 8 years and provides on-site 4-Year-Old Kindergarten, Head Start and Early Head Start services. Child care enrollment is open to all families regardless of income.\\Several area nonprofit organizations have recently benefitted from Investors Community Bank’s Community Impact program and employee fundraising events.The bank’s Community Impact program allows bank employees to designate a $200 annual contribution on behalf of the bank to charitable causes. Employees may pool funds for a donation to a specific charity for a larger impact. From July through October of this year, 43 ICB employees designated $8,600 toward the following nonprofit organizations in Manitowoc County, Portage County and surrounding areas:ALSA Wisconsin Chapter in Honor of Bernette Seiler; Alzheimer’s Association; American Cancer Society; Americans for African Children, Inc.; Aspiro; CAP Services Family Crisis Center; Capitol Civic Centre; Community Industries Corporation; Down Syndrome Association of WI; Lincoln Park Zoo; Golden House; Heroes Hunt for Wounded Warriors; Holiday House of Manitowoc, Inc.; HFM Cancer Care Center; Hope House; Humane Society of Manitowoc County; Humane Society of Portage County; Junior Achievement – Stevens Point; Lakeshore Community Health Care; Manitowoc Chiefs Youth Football; Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office; Manitowoc International Relations Association; Muscular Dystrophy Association; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Pink Heals of Manitowoc; Reedsville Sportsman Club; SFA Elementary Schools; SIGMA; St. Mary’s at Felician Village; The

Haven; The Mary Kay Foundation; The Salvation Army – Stevens Point; United Way of Manitowoc County; United Way of Greater Chippewa Valley; and Wounded Warrior. Additionally, employees of ICB held various fundraisers throughout the month of October to create awareness of cancer and raise money for Holy Family Memorial’s Cancer Care Center. In total, $4,087 was raised and donated to HFM.\\ The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club is encouraging area students to contemplate the phrase “Optimism Should be a Priority” as part of the Optimist International Essay Contest for 2014.The Optimist Club will judge the local student’s essays, based on the theme of “Optimism Should be a Priority” and determine the top winners. Winners will receive an award and the winning essays will be sent to the district level where college scholarships are available for top winners.The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for three years and has been active in the community since May 17, 1961. Students wishing to participate in the essay contest can find out more about the contest by contacting Danielle Belsky at the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County at 715.570.6470.\\ In the spirit of giving this holiday season, Point Vaper would like to remind people that they are collecting non perishable, non expired food items for the UWSP food pantry. They will continue collecting throughout the school year, not just during the holiday season. If you have food items that you do not want, you can drop them off at Point Vaper, 632 Isadore St and they will be given to the UWSP pantry. Thank you and Happy Holidays.\\

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 \\

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER6

THE AMBASSADORS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT

On Wednesday, November 19th, the Ambassadors Club took part in the ribbon cutting celebration for the new office of Compass Insurance Services located at 5569 Highway 10 East, Stevens Point.

Ambassadors attended the open house for CoVantage Credit Union located at 1200 Badger Avenue in Stevens Point. The event, with a ribbon cutting, took place on October 28th.

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER » MAPHosted by: UWSP Continuing EducationCollege of Professional StudiesBuilding #11 Stevens Point, WI 54481

Parking & Directions: The CPS Café is located on the first floor of the College of Professional Studies Building #11.

FREE Parking (Courtesy of CPS Café) in Lot E off of Isadore Street, Stevens PointOur hosts will be providing complimentary hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and door prize giveaways.

RSVP by Friday,November 12, 2014.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS12.15.14 \\ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

NO COST TO ATTEND

HOSTED BY \

EVENT HELD AT \

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER7

PRESENTING SPONSOR - SOLD OUTspecial thanks to:

AWARD SPONSOR (Commitment Needed by December 12)1 available @ $800 (Special thanks to AT&T – Wisconsin, Delta Dental of Wisconsin , and CliftonLarsonAllen as three of our Sponsors to date)Benefits for Award Sponsor:

• Opportunity to introduce sponsored award on stage. One sponsor per award (Ambassador of the Year, Small Business on the Year, Decree of Excellence and Not-for-Profit Quality of Life Award)

• 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 presentation.

• 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.

SILENT AUCTION DONOR (Commitment Needed by December 31)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

RECEPTION SPONSOR (Commitment Needed by December 12)3 available @ $600 (Special thanks to Marshfield Clinic as one of our Sponsors to date)Benefits for Reception Sponsor:

• Recognition in event program, newsletter, and PCBC web site.

• Logo and Reception Sponsor recognition during event award video presentation.

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

• Verbal recognition at dinner.• Two (2) complimentary dinner tickets to

event.

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].

BE SURE TO ATTEND WOMEN IN BUSINESS

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTERPRESENTED BY

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Lizz Schneider is a Certified Financial Planner and has been counseling clients through difficult times by focusing on improving their outlook on life with a focus on their financial health.

CliftonLarsonAllen is excited to sponsor Women in Business on Thursday, December 11, 2014. Join us that afternoon from 11:15AM to 1:00PM at the SentryWorld Sports Center in the new Grand Hall (formerly known as the High Court), 601 North Michigan Avenue, Stevens Point.

Lizz will lead a discussion about ways to look at the brighter side of things, whether you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed or you are really dealing with some tough times. Her presentation is entitled “Find Your Silver Lining: Every Day Empowerment”

Points that you will learn as a result of attending this Women in Business:• Sharing / Venting is healthy (learn to move on)• Have a “go-to” support network• Everything happens for a reason• What Now? Plan of action for every day

11:15AM Registration and Networking11:30AM Welcome11:45AM Lunch (Consisting of Mixed Garden Salad with dressing, Herb Dusted Chicken Breast, Seasonal Vegetable, Coffee & Water and Dessert)Vegetarian or Gluten Free Options available upon request12:15AM Guest Speaker, Lizz Schneider1:00PM Door Prize Giveaways and Closing

Cost is $23/person for members and $30/person for prospective-members.

Save the dates and mark your calendars for these 2015 Women in Business Events:

• Thursday, March 19, 2015 fashion show at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center – Pre-sented by Girls in Pearls Boutique

• Thursday, June 25, 2015• Thursday, September 24, 2015 • Thursday, December 10, 2015

Opportunities are available to Business Council members wishing to play a greater role in our Women in Business events for 2015. Contact Karen Schanock at [email protected] for all the exciting details.

12.11.14 \\ 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM \\ SENTRYWORLD

Limited opportunities are still available for our members wishing to play a greater role in our Annual Dinner. Here is how it works:

01.27.15 \\ 5:30PM – 8:30PMSENTRYWORLD IN THE NEW ATRIUM & FIELDHOUSE » CLICK HERE FOR NOMINATION FORM

The Portage County Business Council is seeking nominations for the annual Decree of Excellence Award. Presented annually to a Portage County business, selection criteria includes making a significant contribution to the county’s economic vitality and providing outstanding community service within the last year.

The Decree of Excellence Award will be presented during the Portage County Business Council’s Annual Dinner on January 27, 2015. Past winners include:

2013 – Sentry Insurance2012 – Stevens Point Brewery2011 – Blenker Companies2010 – Skyward2009 – The Worth Company2008 – Anderson, O’Brien Law Firm 2007 – Pointe Precision, Inc.

To nominate your business or another Portage County Business Council member, Click Here for nomination form.

All nominations are confidentially reviewed and recipients are selected by the Portage County Business Council Executive Board. Nominations will be taken for the Decree of Excellence Award through Friday, December 26, 2015.

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

AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT

DECREE OF EXCELLENCE

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER8

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. member of the MONTH \\

ACCENT BUSINESS SOLUTIONSSAL CUOMOSchofield \\ (715) 355-7757\\ http://www.ABS-WI.com \\Join Date \\ 10/28/2014

Accent Business Solutions is a locally owned office equipment dealer servicing Central and North Eastern Wisconsin. We work with companies to create documents for printing, archiving, and digital distribution. As a Xerox and Kyocera business partner we strive to enhance efficiencies in document creation that focus on cost of production and labor.

Primary Product – Office EquipmentYear started – 1983

welcome to OUR NEWEST MEMBERS \\

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

JAY - MAR INC2130 Jay-Mar Road \\ Plover, WI(715)341-3445 \\ http://www.jay-mar.com \\Join Date \\ 09/1976

Jay-Mar, Inc. is a family-owned company started in 1970 selling packaging to the potato growers of Wisconsin. Many readers may be surprised to read that Jay-Mar is much more than a pet food and lawn and garden store. Most of Jay-Mar’s business comes from supplying area farmers with liquid and dry plant food, crop protection products and seed. Times have changed and we sell very little packaging now, but we also sell a lot of liquid plant foods throughout the Midwest and some southern states.

We seek to cross-train as much as we can. In any small company, people wear a lot of hats. That also means that the loss of one person can really make the operation of the company difficult, so we work to make sure that at least two people can perform each task. Our growth in the agricultural market will be in finding, testing, then promoting products that make existing plant foods and seeds perform better. By 2050, the world will have a population of nine billion. To feed that many people, farmers will have to produce more food per acre. That goal can be achieved with beneficial bacteria and funguses that maximize the plant’s potential and materials that help each pound of plant food work better. An increase of five to 10 bushels per acre from each new product that’s developed is how we’ll get there.

Many companies will tell you that their employees and/or their service are what set them apart. I completely agree and will tell you that that’s what sets us apart as well. Of our 27 full-time employees, 13 have been here at least 10 years and 7 of those have been here 20 years or more. Customers like to know that the same people are going to be there to take care of them, not just a body wearing a Jay-Mar shirt. When you shop at our store, we’re going to carry your purchase to your car for you, unless you tell us not to. That’s what makes our people and service unique.

Jay-Mar Inc.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP?• Your business representatives are invited to

educational and networking events• List your own business’s events, jobs, and

deals on portagecountybiz.com• Receive referrals from other PCBC members• Become a special event sponsor to promote

your business• Display your marketing materials in the

PCBC lobby and on the PCBC website• Participate in your local community

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER9

FROM THE OFFICE OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT :GIVING BUSINESS A VOICE IN STATE GOVERNMENT REFORMS

THE OFFICE OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MEETS WITH BUSINESS » CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATIONThe Office of Business Development meets with business owners, trade associations, Chambers of Commerce and other stakeholder groups to ensure businesses know about the services available to help them do business. They take feedback from businesses to the appropriate state agency, Legislature or Small Business Regulatory Review Board to help make Wisconsin a better place to do business.

“Our goal is to be known as business advocates throughout the state as a resource (‘concierge service’) to business, helping troubleshoot and solve problems, as a guide to business resources that exist all over the state and, perhaps most importantly, to guide legislative reforms from the perspective of affected business owners. We seek reform recommendations by business (with knowledge of that business) to produce common sense solutions that reduce regulation and red tape and get government out of the way, to allow them to focus on running and growing their business. While business owners are busy I hope they also can be helpful in reviewing the statutes and administrative code to make recommendations to remove, replace and reform it OR simply share their stories about how it hinders. Both will help us guide reform in a manner that is consistent with present day business standards and practice.” Nancy Mistele, DirectorOffice of Business DevelopmentDepartment of Administration608-267-7873 www.doa.wi.gov/[email protected]

PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICESYou have a unique opportunity to promote your business at the 21st 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 27th. 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 drycleaning, 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].

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTERSmall Business X-Change meets regularly throughout the year at the Portage County Business Council office. A roundtable series of meetings that allows business owners and their employees the opportunity to discuss pertinent topics, learn from local industry leaders and, most importantly, learn from each other.

THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND AND A CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED.

TOPIC: “A TIME FOR GIVING”Presenters:Speaker Line-up Facilitated by Janice Schneider, Sam’s Club Membership/Marketing & Community Involvement Coordinator. Janice also has past experience at Baxter Healthcare and military service while working with several local organizations.

Also presenting will be Ilie Peterson from the Children’s Miracle Network and Ron Blaha from the Humane Society of Portage County

The goal of this X-Change is to learn and hear about the importance of getting involved within

our communities. We will hear about different ways to make an impact in our community including monetary donations, volunteer programs, sponsoring employees for fundraising events, sponsoring events (walk’s & run’s), in-house fundraising, blood drives through local hospitals, national bone marrow association, food drives, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and nursing homes to name a few.

SPONSOR

SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE12.10.14 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM \\ PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER10

» VIEW PROGRAM LISTINGPartners In Education offers 22 career exploration and employability skill development programs for students (K-college), educators, parents and community members.

PLATINUM PIE INVESTORS

NEW HEALTHCARE JOB SHADOW/CAREER EXPLORATION RESOURCE» CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAMFor students wanting to explore health careers or participate in a healthcare related job shadow, they will now have to do so through the new North Central Wisconsin Healthcare Alliance Career Exploration program: http://ncwha.net/ncwha/career-exploration/. Through the website, students can register to attend career exploration events and have access to career exploration resources.

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION (PIE) PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Spring 2015 - Here’s What I Do @ Ben Franklin Jr. High School

GUEST SPEAKERS

KIDS INVESTIGATING CAREERS - CAREER EXPLORATION GAMES» CONTACT JUDY RANNOWPIE has a lending library of career games that elementary schools can borrow or have to incorporate into their curriculum. Contact us to find out what we have that can make career exploration fun and interactive.

GOLDEN APPLE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION (Educators, Community Members & Students): This program provides a venue for recognizing those in education for the great work they do. Anyone working in education can be recognized by anyone, at any time. Individuals can submit a recognition form to PIE to showcase excellence in education. Recognition of individuals, teams and schools will be through PCBC newsletter highlights and social media. Watch for details in the January 2015 Active Voice.

For more information regarding Leadership Portage County, Partners In Education or Workforce Development contact Judy Rannow, Director of Workforce Development, at 715-344-1940 or [email protected].

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PIE PROGRAMS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PIE CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAMS

» REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER» CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

Offering twenty-two programs to six school districts

takes a lot of volunteers. Partners In Education is

building their volunteer database and needs your

help. If you are interested in volunteering for any

PIE programs, please take a couple of minutes to

complete our PIE Volunteer Survey: https://www.

surveymonkey.com/r/PFHY7XX.

» VOLUNTEER FOR CAREER CONVERSATIONS» VOLUNTEER FOR EXPLORING CAREER CLUSTERS» VOLUNTEER FOR JOB SHADOWINGHow does one go about starting in a particular field or career? Being able to talk to individuals who have successful careers in areas of inter-est or observing them at their place of business can help students make informed career choices. Informed choices lead to better career pathway preparation. PIE is looking for vol-unteers interested in meeting with individuals or small groups of students to tell them about their careers and how to prepare for a future in that career (Career Conversations & Exploring Career Clusters) and volunteers willing to let students come to their place of employment and observe them at work (Job Shadowing). If you are interested in volunteering to participate in our career exploration programs, click on the links above.

February 20, 2015 @ St. Peter Middle School

April 7, 2015@ SPASH

REALITY SHOP EVENTS:

@ St. Peter Middle School

CAREER EXPO:

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER11

TRAINING FOR SUPPORTING PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL FOUNDATION PROGRAMS» PIE INVESTMENT FORMDid you know that if you support the Portage County Business Council Foundation by sponsoring Partners In Education or our new workforce development efforts you can earn two-hours of training or consultation for every $500 donated on top of the other sponsor benefits? Not only that, but your donation is tax deductible.Organizations will be provided 2-hours of PCBCF staff or volunteer time for every $500 invested. Time can be used in the following areas after consulting with PCBCF staff to ensure appropriate fit:

• Professional Development Consulting & Plan Development – Providing guidance/support for creating and implementing workforce development plans

• Professional Development Coaching – Providing one-on-one or team coaching

• Organizational Development Consulting & Plan Development – Providing guidance/support for creating and implementing organizational development plans

• Professional and Organizational Development Workshops – Providing “soft-skill” and organizational development workshops for members

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT» CONTACT JUDY RANNOWWorkforce development is a hot topic as is employee attraction and retention. The newly formed Workforce Development Committee is meeting to discuss and address current workforce development needs. If you are interested in learning more, contact us.

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY

For more information regarding Leadership Portage County, Partners In Education or Workforce Development contact Judy Rannow, Director of Workforce Development, at 715-344-1940 or [email protected].

» CLICK HERE FOR AN APPLICATION» CLICK HERE FOR A BROCHURE

LPC participants met at the CAP Services Conference Center in Stevens Point

on November 20, 2014. The day focused on Human and Public Services in

Portage County. Participants began the day talking about the interim assign-

ments they completed prior to the session, including results from the Project

Implicit tests which measure conscious and unconscious biases. Participants

learned about CAP Services programs, PC Health and Human Services pro-

grams and the Life Report. Ron Strege, from UWSP, led a session on diversity

and leadership. After lunch, participants experienced what community

programs like the Family Crisis Center, Community Industries Corporation,

Boys and Girls Club and CAP Services offer to those in need through a Walk the

Walk activity. The day ended with participants learning about Volunteer Fire &

Rescue in Portage County at the Town of Hull Fire Department.

Thank you to everyone that helped make the session successful: Dotty Bauer,

Ginger Groshek, Brittany Melby, Erin Olson, Nick Proulx, Ray Przybelski, and

Ron Strege.

The LPC Committee is working on a LPC Alumni Social at the beginning of 2015. Watch for details in the January Active Voice.

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY ALUMNI

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER12

DECEMBER 20144 Staff Development and Operations Committee, 7:30 am, MSTC4 Ambassador Club Meeting, 7:30am, PCBC10 Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30am, Anderson O’Brien10 Small Business X-Change, 7:30-8:30am, PCBC11 Women in Business Luncheon, 11:45am-1:00pm, SentryWorld15 Business After Hours, 5:00-7:00pm, UWSP CPS Cafe17 Board of Directors Meeting / Annual Meeting, 7:30am, PCBC24 PCBC Office Closed25 PCBC Office Closed

meetings & other DATES \\Executive BoardKeith Pilger - President, Anderson O’Brien Ken Erler - Vice President, Sentry InsuranceDavid McHone - Past President , Central WI Management Services, LLCSue Wille - Treasurer, Ligman & Wille CPA LLCErik Carlson - Member at Large, Ellis Stone Construction CompanyLisa Sobczak - Member at Large, ABR Employment ServicesDoug Ballweg - Member at Large, Delta Dental of WisconsinLori Dehlinger Van Alstine - Executive Director, Portage County Business Council, Inc.

Board of DirectorsTom Altmann - Altmann Construction CompanyLorraine Avery - Associated BankLisa Bourget - Travel Guard, Inc.Patty Dreier - Portage County ExecutiveDavid Eckmann - University of Wisconsin - Stevens PointJim Firminhac - WoodTrust BankJames Gifford - Portage County BoardScott Glinski - SkywardAndrew Halverson - City of Stevens PointO. Phillip Idsvoog - Portage County Board Todd Kuckkahn - Stevens Point Area Catholic SchoolsDeb Marten - Marten MachiningCherrie Marti - Ministry Saint Michael’s HospitalRichard O’Sullivan - Mid-State Technical CollegeSusan Placzek - SentryWorld Sports CenterDan Schlutter - Village of PloverAttila Weninger - Stevens Point Area Public SchoolsWard Wolff - First Weber Group RealtorsRob Wyman - River Valley Bank (Ambassador)Gary Wysocki - Paragon FarmsRobert Worth - The Worth Company (Director Emeritus)

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

2014 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECTORS \\

PCBC / Foundation StaffLori Dehlinger Van Alstine - Executive Director

Mary Jo Monday - Director of Member Relations

Karen Schanock - Director of Programs & Events

Judy Rannow - Director of Workfoce Development

Kari Thompson - Business & Office Operations Director

Amelia Ruzek - Administrative / Marketing Assistant

Email [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

The Active VoiceQuestions / Comments:

Amelia Ruzek \\ [email protected]

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the TEAM \\ they make things happen!

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.

PORTAGE COUNTY GIFT CERTIFICATES

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

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Decree of Excellence Award 2014 Nomination Form

The award ceremony will be held at the Annual Dinner on January 27, 2015.

FEEL FREE TO ENTER YOUR BUSINESS OR ANOTHER BUSINESS COUNCIL MEMBER THAT

YOU FEEL IS DESERVING OF THIS AWARD

Nominations forms are confidentially reviewed and recipients are selected by

the Portage County Business Council Executive Board.

Nominations due by Friday, December 26, 2014

Business Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person __________________________________________________Email________________________________________

Business Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone________________________________ Fax___________________________________ Number of Employees_____________

Award Criteria Previous Recipients • Business is a member of the Portage County Business Council

• Business is an established Portage County business for at least 1 year

• Business has made significant contributions to Portage County’s

economic vitality and community service efforts (i.e. capital improvements;

an increased number of employees; special marketing campaigns,

employee involvement; sponsorship of events and activities;

and beautification efforts)

• Information submitted is based on the calendar year

• Business has not been a recipient of the Decree of Excellence Award

in the past three years.

Please consider_______________________________________ for the Decree of Excellence Award for the following reasons.

1. The growth and/or development which has been experienced includes:

2. The community involvement by our organization includes:

Return nomination form to the Portage County Business Council • 5501 Vern Holmes Drive • Stevens Point, WI 54482

Fax: 715-344-4473 • Phone: 715-344-1940 • Email: [email protected]

• 2013 – Sentry Insurance

• 2012 – Stevens Point Brewery

• 2011 – Blenker Companies

• 2010 – Skyward

• 2009 – The Worth Company

• 2008 – Anderson O'Brien Law Firm

• 2007 – Pointe Precision