08.2015 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

upcoming EVENTS \\

SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGEWednesday, August 12, 2015 \\ 7:30 - 8:30 A.M.Portage County Business Council | Foundation Room5501 Vern Holmes Dr | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

BUSINESS AFTER HOURSMonday, August 17, 2015 \\ 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.Thrivent Financial3233B Business Park Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

NEW BUSINESS TAX SEMINARTuesday, August 18, 2015 \\ 8:00 A.M. -11:00 A.M.Portage County Business Council | Foundation Room5501 Vern Holmes Dr | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

Ag Tour 2015 is set for Tuesday, September 15th from 11:45am to 4:30pm. Planned by the Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council, you and your business associates are invited to attend. The event includes 3 tour stops, bus transportation, a picnic lunch, guest speaker, socializing, and education.

The theme for this year’s event is “You Say Potato…”. The event begins with a picnic lunch featuring grilled hamburgers, brats, potato salad, calico beans, chips, dessert, and more. During lunch we will hear from Guest Speaker – Dick Okray, President of Okray Family Farms. Dick’s presentation is entitled “History of Potato Farming in Portage County”.

After lunch, we will head to Hamerski Farms, Plover, WI, where owner Don Hamerski will lead the group. The farm raises 1,000 acres of potatoes for the fresh market, along with 1,300 acres of sweet corn, snap beans and field corn. Don readily embraces change, and is constantly looking to improve his farming operation with the latest, state-of-the-art technology and equipment. His irrigation systems are all operated remotely with control panels at the farm’s headquarters. His packaging shed utilizes a Lectro-Tek automatic sizer and an x-ray machine for hollow heart detection. Hamerski Farms was the first farm in the Midwest to use the Fuji Ace robotic palletizer, which can handle as much as 20 bags per minute and can lift up to 400 pounds. They also became the first potato farm in the US to use an electronic grader for russet potatoes, and the farm added the country’s first ozone generator with a water injection system. Attendees at our Ag Tour event will see this high-speed, technologically advanced robot, the many automated advancements to the farm including balers, baggers, graders, sizers, and view their process of potatoes from trucking, to packaging, and to the end result of shipping to the store.

Another part of the event will be touring Great Northern Distilling. Great Northern Distilling is central Wisconsin’s first and only craft distillery making spirits from raw ingredients sourced from within 150 miles of their location in Plover. The tour will feature all aspects of production including recipes, mash cooking, fermentation, distilling, barrel aging and bottling. Products include their Potato Vodka, Herbalist Gin, Vanguard Whiskey and Opportunity Rum.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take a seat at their mixology bar after the tour to enjoy one of their signature craft cocktails (NA is also available).

Additional tour details to come.

Registration is now open. Register soon as space is limited. Casual attire please! Cost is only $21 person.

Click here to register and for further details about the event.

For questions contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Agenda11:45 am: Bus pickup at Great Northern Distilling, 1740 Park Avenue, Plover

(PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL VEHICLES MUST PARK AT GREAT NORTHERN DISTILLING)

12:00 pm: Picnic lunch and guest speaker at WPS Corporation1:15 pm: Arrive at Hamerski Farms2:15 pm: Arrive at TBA3:15 pm: Arrive at Great Northern Distilling4:30 pm: Event ends

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors: Guest Speaker - Dick Okray President, Okray Family Farms

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER2

On Wednesday, July 9, nearly 220 job seekers filed into the Noel Hangar, resumes in hand, intent on talking with one or more businesses about the job opportunities they had available.54 businesses participated with hopes of filling over 230 jobs currently available. Space was available for job seekers to sit and complete applications as well as review the list of full and part-time jobs available and map out businesses they planned to talk with. New this year were tables available for businesses to conduct interviews on-site. A new service added this year was having Tim Solinger, Owner, Great Impressions Resume & Career Services, LLC on site to meet, one-on-one, with individuals to review their resume and offer suggestions / tips on enhancing the content.Feedback from exhibitors is still being collected and will be ready to share in the coming weeks.

2015 JOB FAIR PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOB SEEKERS

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING BUISNESS PARTNERS FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORT!

Many thanks to our sponsors, speakers, and participating businesses that added to the success of the 2015 Job Fair. Good luck to all the job seekers that attended the event.

Thank you to Karen Schanock, PCBC Director of Program & Events, and the following Ambassadors who assisted with set-up, parking, and registration:

• Juany Heck, Advanced Neck & Back Care Center• Richard Blue, FirstMerit Bank• Sarah Agena, Flexible Fitness Solutions• Chris Fish, Graphic House Inc.• Dave Acaley, NRG Media• Amber Haferman, Wellington Place of Whiting• Dan Blumenstein, Younger Enterprise Systems, LLC

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The Legislative Committee of the Portage County Business Council hosted its’ inaugural Legislative Breakfast on Friday, July 17 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center.

52 business leaders and community members attended the two-hour event featuring the following local, state, and national officials or their representatives:• Senator Julie Lassa• Representative Katrina Shankland• Representative Nancy VanderMeer• Amy Sue Vruwink for Congressman Kind• Asst. Deputy Secretary David Anderson, Department of Workforce Development• Mary Ann Lippert, Department of Administration-Intergovernmental Affairs

Invited, but unable to attend were Representative Scott Krug and Camille Solberg for U.S. Senator Ron Kind.

Officials engaged in conversation with attendees over breakfast, discussing topics and issues that were important to them and / or their businesses. Individually, each official addressed the entire group for approximately 10 minutes on topics ranging from the current budget, workforce issues, healthcare, and more. Rob Manzke, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and Legislative Committee member, served as moderator for this portion of the event.

The event was well received with future sessions similar to this one to be discussed at an upcoming Legislative Committee meeting.

For questions about the Legislative Committee, please contact Mary Jo at the Portage County Business Council at 715-344-1940 or email to mmonday@portagecountybiz.com.

Committee Hosts Legislative Breakfast

Deb Marten, Marten Machining, Rob Manzke, UWSP, Representative Nancy Vandermeer, MaryAnn Lippert, Department of Administration, David Anderson, Department of Workforce Development

Legislative Breakfast 2015 Mayor Wiza, Andrew Halverson, Ellis Construction, Paul Adamski, Pineries Bank, Rachel Gadbois, Pineries Bank

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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 \\

THE STEVENS POINT BREWERY2617 Water Street

Stevens Point, WI 54481(715) 344-8897

http://www.pointbeer.com

What’s New? Stevens Point Brewery’s extensive collection of beer medals grew again at the annual U.S. Open Beer Championship held in Oxford, OH on July 4th. The annual competition’s expert judges awarded the craft brewer a Gold medal for Whole Hog Espresso Stout, Silver medals for Point Special Lager and JP’s Casper White Stout, and four Bronze medals for Ciderboys First Press, Ciderboys Grand Mimosa, JP’s Chai Tea Porter and local favorite, Point Premium Root Beer.

The Stevens Point Brewery has been a member of the Portage County Business Council since 1976. A helpful piece of advice we received is to always be open to change and not be afraid of taking risks. The Stevens Point Brewery has learned to adjust to the changing beer market and developed several different styles of beers to appeal to the ever-changing palates of craft beer drinkers. Sales of Ciderboys Hard Cider continue to grow since its introduction in 2012. The reason the Stevens Point Brewery stands apart from their competition is the high quality, great tasting beers and ciders that are produced everyday on Water Street, Stevens Point.

With six expansions in six years and an investment of $6.5M – the Stevens Point Brewery continues to improve our equipment and prepare for growth.

Social media plays a huge role when marketing a fun product like Point Beer or Ciderboys. It’s a way we can hear directly from our consumer – where they would like to purchase our products and their opinions/ideas. It is also an opportunity to get new product information in front of our fans.

A few years ago we attended a seminar brought to the Stevens Point area by the PCBC on exporting. I’m happy to say we currently export our products to the UK and Italy. In three words the PCBC has been: Dependable, Informative, and Innovative.

Staples Inc.David Mueller1250 Commons CirclePlover, WI 54467715-344-5354

DO YOU KNOW A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT WOULD BENEFIT FROM MEMBERSHIP?CONTACTMary Jo Monday715-344-1940 \\ mmonday@portagecountybiz.com \\

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER 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

portagecounty biz.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 NEWSLETTER5

Michael Smith, a Private Wealth Advisor with Michael Smith & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. at 3241A Business Park Dr., Stevens Point, was named to the list of FT 400 US Financial Advisors 2015 published by the Financial Times. The annual list recognizes elite financial advisors who represent some of the highest levels of success in the industry. As a Private Wealth Advisor, Smith provides customized financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations, and provided in a one-on-one relationship with his clients. Visit his website at: michaelsmithadvisor.com.

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Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group is pleased to announce their Stevens Point office’s May 2015 Chairman’s Circle list:Todd Reilly, Tiffany Broecker, Betty Garski, Robin Novak-Nelson,Bob Plucker, Laura Trzebiatowski, Nicole Paye, Pete MeinholzPoint Realty Group, Team Northwood. Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group is the number one real estate company in northeast Wisconsin and has 18 offices with over 450 sales professionals. Locally, the Stevens Point office is located at 5725 Windy Dr., Suite E in Stevens Point. They can be reached at 715-295-5005. More information on The Real Estate Group can be found at www.ColdwellHomes.com.

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Daubert Law Firm LLC is pleased to annouce Attorney Michael A. Stueland has been selected to the 2014 (and 2013) Wisconsin Rising Stars list. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit Super Lawyers.com.

Offices in Wausau and StratfordTelephone 715.845.1805 or 715.687.2400http://www.daublaw.com

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Attorney Michael A. Stueland of Daubert Law Firm LLC attended the 2015 Spring collection conference for the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys in Nashville, TN.

The National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys (NARCA) is a trade association dedicated to serving law firms representing clients in matters relating to legal debt collection. NARCA’s values are: Professional, Ethical, Responsible.

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Jason Krautkramer has joined Daubert Law Firm LLC. Attorney Krautkramer will focus his practice on business law, real estate, tax, probate, and trust administration. He is licensed to practice law in Wisconsin. He double majored as an undergraduate and has a B.B.A. in Accounting and Finance, Investment and Banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also has a Master of Accountancy with an emphasis in Taxation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is originally from Marathon, Wisconsin, and recently moved back to the Wausau area after graduating from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

The Samuels Group Welcomes Greg Melander.

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Four employees at Investors Community Bank celebrated milestone employment anniversaries in the second quarter of 2015: Christine Schnell, Deposit QC Specialist (Manitowoc), 15 years; Becky Cookle, Customer Service Associate II (Manitowoc), 5 years; Terry Schott, Regional Market President (Stevens Point), 5 years; and Jessica Zurcher, Crop Insurance Administrative Assistant (Manitowoc), 5 years.

Investors Community Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of County Bancorp Inc. and is committed to offering customized financial solutions to Wisconsin’s agriculture sector, agri-business and closely-held businesses. Founded in 1997, Investors has become one of the most successful bank startups in Wisconsin’s history. County Bancorp Inc.’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ market under the symbol ICBK.For further details, visit www.investorscommunitybank.com.

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Peoples State Bank announces Jaime Weyneth as the new Vice President of Loan Operations. In this role Weyneth will oversee the operations of the mortgage processing, consumer processing, commercial loan booking, and loan servicing functions.

Weyneth has 18 years of collective banking experience working as a credit analyst, loan processor, and most recently as a mortgage lender. During her tenure as a mortgage lender, Peoples has consistently ranked as one of the top mortgage originators in the markets it serves.

Weyneth will work out of the 1905 Stewart Avenue location in Wausau.

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Jonathan Grubb, Stevens Point, recently joined CAP Services as Deputy Chief Financial Officer, working at CAP’s administrative headquarters on Hwy 10 E in Stevens Point.

In the newly created role, Grubb supports CAP CFO Susan Henry in the management of the organization’s financial functions. His responsibilities include overseeing CAP’s loan portfolio, compliance and procurement procedures, and the 401K audit.

“We’re excited to have Jonathan join the team here at CAP in this new position,” said Henry. Grubb comes to CAP with nearly 10 years of accounting and finance experience. His previous work includes positions at Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point; Poppe & Potthoff, GmbH U.S. subsidiaries in Wood Dale, Ill.; and Jonlyn & Associates, Inc. in West Chicago, Ill.

“CAP does so much for the community,” said Grubb. “It’s great to be a part of the team that makes it all possible.”

Grubb has an undergraduate degree from North Central College and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Wisconsin and Illinois, and an IRS Enrolled Agent.

CAP Services is a private, nonprofit community action agency that has been helping low-income people in Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties attain economic and emotional self-sufficiency since 1966. For more information about CAP’s work, visit capservices.org.

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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: admin@portagecountybiz.com by the 24th of the month prior to the next newsletter issue.

business BRIEFS \\

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER6

business BRIEFS \\ continued

KELLER, Inc., Planners, Architects, Builders, a Design/Build General Contractor with offices in Wausau, Milwaukee, Madison and the Fox Cities, will design and build a 7,195 square foot addition for Sunny Day Child Care & Preschool under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Vern Nystrom, and Keller Architect, Rob Lindstrom.

Located at 1932 Godfrey Drive in Waupaca, construction has begun and is expected to be completed in November, 2015.

KELLER,Inc., will design and build a 6,280 square foot bus storage and maintenance facility for Lamers Bus Lines under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Mark Nysted, and Architect, Steve Klessig. Keller has built over 30 projects for Lamers Bus Lines over the past 29 years.

Owners, Allen and Kevin Lamers, are building the bus storage and maintenance facility to better serve the Mosinee School District.

To be located on the corner of Highway 151 and Bobcat Drive in Mosinee, construction will begin in July and is expected to be completed in October, 2015.

For more information on Keller, Inc., Top Metal Builder in the Nation as reported by “Metal Construction News” visit www.kellerbuilds.com.

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THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER7

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE » CLICK HERE FOR A MAP

Held at: Thrivent Financial3233B Business Park DriveStevens Point, WI 54482(located in the Portage County Business Park)

Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, outdoor activities, music on the veranda, and door prize giveaways.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS08.17.15 \\ 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

HOSTED BY:

RSVP by Friday, August 14, 2015

No Cost to Attend

A social event designed for and hosted by Business Council members to give business professionals an opportunity to network, share ideas, and have their facility seen by other members. The member host furnishes refreshments and hors d’oeuvres for the evening.

A different Business Council member hosts Business After Hours every month. Members are welcome to co-host the event with another Business Council member. Members should call Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or email at: kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com to book the month they are interested in.

FREE BUSINESS TAX SEMINAR ON AUGUST 18th IN STEVENS POINTHosted by Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the Portage County Business Council. The Portage County Business Council and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue are hosting a FREE Business Tax Seminar for new or existing businesses on Tuesday, August 18. New businesses will get a better understanding of basic tax regulations, while established organizations can make sure they have up-to-date information.

Tuesday, August 188:00 – 11:00 a.m.Portage County Business Council Foundation Room5501 Vern Holmes Drive – Stevens Point

At the Business Tax Seminar, tax specialists will present on key topics including:

• Business tax registration• Electronic filing with the My Tax Account online program• Withholding tax• Sales and use tax• Business tax incentives• Helpful resources available through the Department

This event is free, but you must pre-register. Click HERE to register now or email: admin@portagecountybiz.com.

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» CLICK HERE TO REGISTERNO COST TO ATTEND. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED.Small 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.

7:30 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. in the Portage County Business Council Foundation Room

TOPIC: “Educational Resources to Help Employers Support Working Caregivers”Because a large percentage of family caregivers also work, it is important for employers to be aware of caregiving issues. Caregiving has a cost for both the employees and the employers. Employees caring for aging loved ones take time off for many different reasons, some positions then require a substitute while others leave work undone. Either way, the employer is paying for unproductive time. That cost can be minimized by fostering workplace environments that are supportive of the needs of working caregivers. This X-Change will look at the cost of caregiving and introduces participants to several cases that are typical of the struggles faced by working caregivers. It shares information regarding several tools developed by UW Cooperative Extension to help employers as well as aging network professionals and educators that work with employers.

Key Points at this X-Change:

1. Identify the impacts of caregiving on both employees and employers.

2. Provide examples of the kind of caregiving situations typically experienced by employees who struggle to simultaneously balance work and elder care.

3. Access resources that will enable employers to foster a workplace environment that is more supportive of working caregivers.

SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE08.12.15 \\ 7:30 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. \\ PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM

Tonia Simmons,Caregiver Support

Services Director

Special THANK YOU to the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Portage County for their sponsorship of this program.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS:Tonia Simmons received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Human Resource Management. Tonia facilitates the Caregiver Coalition in Portage County and has experience working directly with caregivers to help identify financial and emotional resources available.

Cindy Piotrowski received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a double major in Communication and Psychology. Prior to working with ADRC Cindy was the Executive Director at the Epilepsy Foundation of Central and Northeast Wisconsin for eight years. Other career highlights include working as the Director of Operations for St. Vincent DePaul in Plover, WI and the Communication Manager for CAP Services in Stevens Point.

Cindy Piotrowski,Aging and Disability

Resource Center Director

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER9

AMBASSADORS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT

On July 14, 2015 Ki Mobility broke ground for its new global headquarters. The wheelchair manufacturer’s new 75,000 square-foot facility will be located at 5201 Woodward Drive, Stevens Point. Construction by Ellis Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2016.Members of our Ambassadors Club attended the ceremony to celebrate the beginning of construction.

SARAH AGENA HONORED AS AMBASSADOR OF THE 2ND QUARTER

On a quarterly basis, the Ambassadors Club takes the opportunity to recognize one of its members for outstanding commitment. This commitment is measured by their participation in meetings, events, grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies during a three-month timeframe.

During the second quarter of 2015, Sarah Agena was named the Ambassador of the Quarter. Sarah is the owner of Flexible Nutrition Solutions, located at 5501 EM Copps Drive in Stevens Point. She has been an Ambassador since July, 2010.

Congratulations Sarah on your recent achievement. The Business Council Board of Directors, Ambassadors Club, and staff appreciate your efforts.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS09.24.15 \\ 11:15 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. \\ PRESENTED BY WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ***When registering online, please indicate first name and salad choice in comments section***» CLICK HERE FOR A MAPThursday, September 24, 2015Presented by Wisconsin Public Service CorporationCost: $25.00 / Members $30.00 / Prospective Members

11:15 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.Stevens Point Country Club (Club House)1628 Country Club Drive, Stevens Point

All Women in Business Events are sponsored in part by Media Sponsor- Midwest Communications

For questions contact :

Karen Schanock 715/344-1940

kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com

About Our Speaker: Kelly Greig runs a successful business as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. She focuses on helping clients meet their financial goals through communication and education. She received her BA from Cal State San Bernardino and received her MBA in Marketing from UW Whitewater.

Helping those around her is a critical component in Kelly's daily life. She is currently serving her second year as the President for the Antigo Rotary Club. She is also actively involved in horse rescue through grant writing, donations, and equine foster care. Kelly is also a proud mother of 3 amazing children, ages 13, 10, and 3. Having an autistic son has taught her how to be the best mother she can be, and has shown her what life is really all about. Having gone through 2 divorces, and raising her children alone has forced her to become strong and resilient.

Through her successes and her failures, Kelly has remained hopeful that others around her will realize that they, too, can overcome. She is passionate about being a positive influence to all those she comes in contact with every day of her life.

Guest Speaker: Kelly Greig, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones

About Our Program: Every day, we are surrounded by people, places, and things that carry negativity and pessimism. Sometimes, it feels as if we can't surpass them. This is normal! We all know how this feels. The question is...Why are some people able to rise above? Why do some people always seem to finish on top? Why do things always seem to work out for some people? There is one thing these people have in common...and it is something each of us have the power to control in our own lives. It is The Power of Positive Influence.

Title of Presentation: “The Power of Positive Influence”

SAVE THE DATE…Thursday, December 10th event will be sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection and will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point.

Timeframe of Event:11:15AM Registration and Networking11:30AM Welcome11:45AM Lunch* (consisting of your choice of salad: Caesar Salad with Chicken or Asian Salad with Shrimp, Ice-water, and delicious assorted bars for dessert)12:10PM Master of Ceremonies-Radio Personality Stacy Cole from 95.5 WIFC12:15PM Guest Speaker- Kelly Greig, Edward Jones12:50PM Door Prize Giveaways1:00PM Closing*Gluten free options available upon request

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Back to Business Disaster Preparedness For Your Organization

Natural disasters and manmade catastrophes can bring day to day activities to a screeching halt.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 40% of businesses impacted by a disaster never reopen. This workshop will help small-medium sized businesses, non-profit organizations and government offices to think about business continuity and disaster preparedness plans. This workshop will provide simple tools to make your business ready and resilient in the face of disaster.

This workshop is FREE and open to businesses, non-profit organizations and government entities in Portage County. A complimentary lunch will be provided to all attendees.

Thursday, September 17, 2015 9:00 am—2:30 pm Holiday Inn Convention Center 1001 Amber Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54482

This workshop is hosted by Portage County Emergency Management and Wisconsin Emergency Management with support from the Department of Homeland Security.

To register for this complimentary workshop, Please email: WEMPPP@wisconsin.gov And include the following information:

Attendee name(s) Organization name Contact Phone Number Contact E-mail

If you have any questions about the event, send an email to:

Jennifer Laack WEMPPP@wisconsin.gov

(608) 242-3238

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The Portage County Business Council is excited to host the 14th Annual Wines of the World event scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2015.

Join us that evening from 6:00PM – 9:00PM at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point for an international journey as we sample a selection of wines from around the world featured by The Bottle Stop.

A taste-tempting array of fine cuisine prepared by the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center and Rockman’s Catering, a silent auction, specialty beers, and soft live jazz music will make the evening complete.

This event will provide an opportunity for guests to network, socialize, and have fun learning about wine.

Plan to attend 14th Annual Wines of the World Event \\ October 30, 2015 \\ 6:00pm-9:00pm

The Business Council extends an invitation to an event like no other. Click HERE to register online.

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An opportunity is also available for your organization to participate in various sponsorship levels (Members must be in good standing with their membership dues to participate), with attractive benefits at each. Here’s how it works:

• Company listed as Bordeaux sponsor on event program• Verbal recognition at event• Two months pre-event recognition in Business Council newsletter• Company logo displayed on Wines of the World webpage (including

a “link” to company website)• Eight tickets to the event• A company reserved table for preferential seating at the event (VIP

designated area)

• Company listed as Chardonnay sponsor on event program• Verbal recognition at event• One month pre-event recognition in Business Council newsletter• Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage• Four tickets to the event• A shared company reserved table for preferential seating at the

event (VIP designated area)

• Company listed as Chianti sponsor on event program• Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage• Two tickets to the event• A company reserved bistro table at the event (VIP designated area)

• Company banner hung at prominent location at event (banner provided by sponsor)

• Company listed as Stage sponsor on event program• Verbal recognition at event• One month pre-event recognition in Business Council newsletter• Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage• Four tickets to the event• A shared company reserved table for preferential seating at the

event (VIP designated area)

Requires Business Council approval before charm order is placed• Charm with company name given to all guests (350 charms to be

purchased by sponsor)• Company listed as sponsor on event program• Verbal recognition as Exclusive Wine Charm sponsor at event• One month pre-event recognition in Business Council newsletter• Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage• Four tickets to the event• A shared company reserved table for preferential seating at the

event (VIP designated area)

Requires Business Council approval before corkscrew order is placed• Corkscrew with company name given to all guests (350 corkscrews

to be purchased by sponsor)• Company listed as sponsor on event program• Verbal recognition as Exclusive Corkscrew sponsor at event• One month pre-event recognition in Business Council newsletter• Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage• Four tickets to the event• A shared company reserved table for preferential seating at the

event (VIP designated area)

Requires Business Council approval before wine stop order is placed• Wine Stopper with company name given to all guests (350 wine

stoppers to be purchased by sponsor)• Company listed as sponsor on event program• Verbal recognition as Exclusive Wine Stopper sponsor at event• One month pre-event recognition in Business Council newsletter• Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage• Four tickets to the event• A shared company reserved table for preferential seating at the

event (VIP designated area)

Requires Business Council approval before pen order is placed• Pen with company name given to all guests (350 pens to be purchased by sponsor)• Company listed as sponsor on event program• Verbal recognition as Exclusive Rating sponsor at event• One month pre-event recognition in Business Council newsletter• Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage• Two tickets to the event

Requires Business Council approval before napkin order is placed• Napkin with company name given to all guests (500 napkins to be

purchased by sponsor)• Company listed as sponsor on event program• Verbal recognition as Exclusive Dinner Napkin sponsor at event• One month pre-event recognition in Business Council newsletter• Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage• Two tickets to the event

Requires Business Council approval before napkin order is placed• Napkin with company name given to all guests (500 napkins to be

purchased by sponsor)• Company listed as sponsor on event program• Verbal recognition as Exclusive Cocktail Napkin sponsor at event• One month pre-event recognition in Business Council newsletter• Company name listed on Wines of the World webpage• Two tickets to the event

Bordeaux Table Sponsorship- $800

Chardonnay Table Sponsorship - $500

Chianti Bistro Table Sponsorship - $250

Stage Sponsorship - $500

Wine Charm Exclusive Sponsorship - $350

Corkscrew Exclusive Sponsorship - $350

Wine Stopper Exclusive Sponsorship - $350

Rating (Pen) Exclusive Sponsorship - $300

Dinner Napkin Exclusive Sponsorship - $250

Cocktail Napkin Exclusive Sponsorship - $250

To secure your sponsorship please contact Karen Schanock at: kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com or 715-344-1940 by: Friday, August 28, 2015.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER12

Offering loans for:

n Commercial Real Estate n Machinery & Equipment n Operating Expenses

Benefits:

n Local decision-makingn No prepayment penaltiesn Low Origination Fees

715-344-2110 • 1200 Badger Ave., Stevens Pointwww.covantagecu.org • 800-398-2667

Advertised rates eligible for specific types of commercial loans and are available only to borrowers with Tier 1 credit. Other rates and terms are available. Minimum loan amount is new money of $100,000. Loan amortization up to 15 years. All payment terms must meet loan policy requirements. Rate and term are accurate as of 7/13/2015. Only eligible borrowers meeting CoVantage credit requirements may qualify.

Call or Visit us today!

Your loan could be eligible for an INTEREST REBATE!

Helping with all your business needs:

Matt MeidlAssistant Vice President Commercial Lending

Matt specializes in commercial lending including real estate, equipment, operating, and line of credit loans. Matt serves members out of our Stevens Point office. Call 715-344-2110 ext. 4707

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3.99%5 Year Fixed

4.99%15 Year Fixed

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Give back to the community while connecting with your future workforce through upcoming events. To volunteer contact Judy Rannow at jrannow@portagecountybiz.com or 715-344-1940.

August 2015• LPC Committee Meeting (August 4, 2015 from 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM)• PIE Committee Meeting (August 5, 2015 from 7:30 AM– 8:30 AM)• TLPC (Teen Leadership Portage County) Orientation @ SentryWorld (August 11, 2015 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM)• LPC Opening Retreat (Aug. 20 & 21, 2015 from 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM)• Business-Education Forum (Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

September 2015• LPC Committee Meeting (September 1, 2015 from 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM)• PIE Committee Meeting (September 2, 2015 from 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM)

PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL FOUNDATION HAPPENINGS

Fundraising Changes for PCBCF Programs

PCBCF programs are supported in part through school and business donations. In the past, separate asks were made for Partners In Education and Leadership Portage County programs. Then additional asks were made as needed. This year, PCBCF staff have combined all investment opportunities and sponsorships. The goal is to limit fundraising to July and August for all PCBCF programs. Donors can choose to make a payment right away or submit an investment form indicating the donation amount and the month to be invoiced. This allows donors to select the areas they would like to support, how much they would like to donate, and when they would like to provide payment so they can better budget for the donations. Think about how you want to support workforce development through PCBCF so you are ready when the new forms roll out.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER14

Business-Education Forum to be held on August 25th \\ Click HERE to Register

In June, the business and education communities came together during the first annual Business-Education Summit. The conversations and networking were invaluable. One item that came from the summit was a desire to have more opportunities to meet. In order to meet this desire, PIE will host three Business-Education Forums each year. Forums will be less structured than summits and provide greater opportunities for discussions around identified topics.

PIE invites business, education, and community members to join us on August 25th from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Portage County Business Council for the next Business-Education Forum.

The focus of this forum will be roles of business, education and community in preparing Portage County students to successfully transition from school to career through integrated community, business, education and career pipelines while working to meet local employer needs. Related discussion topics include skills gaps that impact students and employers; the difference between education and training; education and training roles, responsibilities and expectations for local businesses, schools and community organizations; and asset mapping to identify niche workforce development initiatives that contribute to the shared measurements.

Shared Measurements: • Increase the number of students and businesses involved in career exploration and employability skills development • programs• Increase the number of students and businesses involved in formal school-to-work programs (PIE co-ops, internships and

youth apprenticeships).• Increase the number of individuals obtaining CTE Act 59 Industry Certificates and Certifications.• Increase understanding of career assessments (Work Keys, ACT, SAT, and Accuplacer) and them in a meaningful way for students, employers and the community.

Students attending summer school at Ben Franklin Jr. High learned quite a bit about careers from their teacher, Art Greco, and others in the community. The class focused on hands-on career exploration through business tours and guest speakers. Students really enjoyed learning about local businesses by visiting them. When asked what they liked about the class they talked about watching potatoes being processed, visiting such different businesses, and all the things people do in their jobs that they did not know about. For example, they were surprised to learn that police officers actually spend quite a bit of time doing paperwork.Thank you to the following individuals and organizations for making this summer class a great place to learn about careers: Ken at Whiting Fire Department, Deputy Megan Nowinsky at PC Sheriff Department, Noall at Holiday Inn, Ron at Pointe Precision, Tom at RPE, and Tom at Stevens Point Transit.

Stevens Point Transit Pointe Precision presenting at Ben Franklin RPE

Summer School Class Focuses on Career Exploration

Last year, PIE offered 8 new programs. 2015-2016 will be a year of continued expansion for PIE. We are excited to announce several new initiatives that showcase what PIE does best – connect business and education. Watch for program details in future issues of the Active Voice. • 3rd Grade Coding at Pacelli

Catholic Schools• 8th Grade College and Career

Readiness at Ben Franklin Jr. High

• Lego League Pilots• Girls in Engineering• Local Talent Showcase

Exciting New PIE Programs in 2015-2016

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER15

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 jrannow@portagecountybiz.com.

1. Be a Session Leader: view the tentative agendas for the 2015-2016 program by visiting the blog at https://leadershipport-agecounty.wordpress.com/agendas/ and if you find a session you would like to help with just let me know.

2. Host a breakfast or lunch: if you or your organization would like to host a meal, let me know which meal for which session.

3. Donate to the Scholarship Fund: if you want to help future LPC participants attend without worry about the tuition cost let me know.

4. Help with Class Projects: take a look at the 2015-2016 project options (https://leadershipportagecounty.wordpress.com/projects/) and let me know if you would like to help out with any of them. We are very excited about reconnecting with the Alumni this year for many of our projects. I know there are some of you that will probably want to help with the QR Code History Tour with Anton Anday.

5. Attend a Session: have you missed LPC or wish you were able to experience some of the new things going on in the program? If so, take a look at the agendas and let me know what session(s) you would like to attend. There is only a small fee to cover session expenses if you choose to participate.

6. Participant in an Interim Assignment: in mid-August take a look at the interim assignment options (https://leadership-portagecounty.wordpress.com/materials/interim-assignments/) and let me know if you would like to participate in one. This is a great way to connect with the new class and see something new. If you or your business would like to offer an interim assignment, we would love to hear from you.

7. Attend a LPC Alumni Event: Make sure to mark your calendar to reconnect with fellow LPC Alumni• Fall Picnic (October 2, 2015 from TBD) – UWSP Homecoming is October 3, 2015• Holiday Social (December 17, 2015 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM)• Annual Meeting & Professional Development (February 2, 2016 from 8:00AM – 10:00AM)• Spring Social (March 17, 2016 from 5:00PM – 7:30PM)• Spring Celebration (May 3, 2016 from 5:00PM – 8:30PM)

The LPC Committee has been busy getting ready for the start of the LPC program on August 19th. The ten-month leadership program kicks-off with a two-day opening retreat. This year, we anticipate a class of twenty-two. There are a few spots still open if you are interested in participating this year. For more program information and to access the application visit http://portagecountybiz.com/leadership-portage-county/. To view tentative agendas, proposed class projects and other materials visit the blog at https://leadershipportagecounty.wordpress.com/.

LPC 2015-2016 STARTS IN AUGUST

7 WAYS FOR LPC ALUMNI TO RECONNECT

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER16

WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE GOLF OUTING

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER17

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER18

AUGUST 20154 LPC Committee Meeting- 8:00-9:30 A.M., PCBC Office5 PIE Committee Meeting- 7:30 -8:30 P.M., PCBC Office12 Small Business X-Change- 7:30-8:30 A.M., PCBC Office12 Wines of the World Committee Meeting- 3:00 P.M., Amber Grill13 Ambassadors Club Meeting- 7:45 A.M., PCBC Office17 Business After Hours- 5:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M., Thrivent Financial18 New Business Tax Seminar- 8:00-11:00 A.M., PCBC Office19 Executive Committee Meeting20 SalesNet Meeting- 11:45 A.M.-1:00 P.M., NRG Media20 & 21 LPC Opening Retreat- 7:45A.M -4:30 P.M., PCBC Office25 Business - Education Fourm- 9:00-11:00 A.M.SEPTEMBER 201515 AgTour- 11:45 A.M- 4:30 P.M.

meetings & other DATES \\Executive BoardKeith Pilger - President, Anderson O’Brien Ken Erler - Vice President, Sentry InsuranceSue Wille - Treasurer, Ligman & Wille CPA LLCScott Glinski - Member at Large, SkywardErik Carlson - Member at Large, Ellis Stone Construction CompanyLisa Sobczak - Member at Large, ABR Employment ServicesDoug Ballweg - Member at Large, Delta Dental of WisconsinTodd Kuckkahn - Interim Executive Director, Portage County Business Council

Board of DirectorsTom Altmann - Altmann Construction CompanyLorraine Avery - Associated BankDan Beighley - Wisconsin Public Service CorporationLee Bush- Stevens Point Area Public SchoolsPatty Dreier - Portage County ExecutiveDavid Eckmann - University of Wisconsin - Stevens PointJim Firminhac - WoodTrust BankJames Gifford - Portage County BoardO. Phillip Idsvoog - Portage County Board Gregg Hansel- Pacelli Catholic SchoolsDeb Marten - Marten MachiningCherrie Marti - Ministry Saint Michael’s HospitalRichard O’Sullivan - Mid-State Technical CollegeJeremie Pavelski - Heartland Farms Inc.Susan Placzek - SentryWorld Sports CenterTom Davies - Village of PloverDawn Thrun - International Bank of AmherstAttila Weninger - Stevens Point Area Public SchoolsMike Wiza - City of Stevens PointWard Wolff - First Weber Group RealtorsRobert Worth - The Worth Company (Director Emeritus)

Board AdvisorsSara Brish - Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors BureauVolker Gaul - Mid-State Technical CollegeDan Mahoney - Village of PloverMichael Ostrowski - City of Stevens Point

2015 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECTORS \\

PCBC / Foundation StaffTodd Kuckkahn - Interim 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

Tonya Kowalski - Administrative / Marketing Assistant

Email Addressestkuckkah@portagecountybiz..com

mmonday@portagecountybiz.com

kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com

jrannow@portagecountybiz.com

kthompso@portagecountybiz.com

tkowalsk@portagecountybiz.com

The Active VoiceQuestions / Comments:

Tonya Kowalski \\ tkowalsk@portagecountybiz.com

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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.

PORTAGE COUNTY GIFT CERTIFICATES

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» CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFOFor questions, please contact Tonya at 715-344-1940 or tkowalsk@portagecountybiz.com.

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