Most Overpaid and Underpaid Jobs

Member Spotlight: Vande Hey RaleigH

Roofing

How to Find Killer Ideas, Shark-Tank

Style

ANNUAL DINNER and Awards Event

Getting More from your Chamber

membership

101 E. Wisconsin Avenue | Kaukauna, WI 54130 920.766.1616

www.heartofthevalleychamber.com

What’s Inside

February 2014

2 Heart Beat | February 2014

Emerging Leaders

Tuesday,

February 04, 2014 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Mark's East Side

Dining & Cocktails 1405 E. Wisconsin Avenue

Appleton, WI 54911

Presentation from Greg Linnemanstons from Weidert Group on how to Build Your

Business from LinkedIn.

No cost to attend.

Lunch available for purchase.

Mark your calendar for

these upcoming events!

To register, visit www.heartofthevalleychamber.com

Business After Hours

Thursday,

February 13, 2014 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Sponsored by: Hands to Heart, Forbes Financial Insurance -

Allstate & High Cliff Restaurant Come out and join us for cocktails

and networking at the Chandelier Club.

N162 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 400 Appleton, WI 54915

Cost: Members $0 Non-members $20

Business Over

Breakfast

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Heart of the Valley

Chamber of Commerce 101 E. Wisconsin Avenue

Kaukauna, WI 54130

Presented by: Jim DeLeers, DeLeers Construction

Learn how to keep your clients happy and gain maximum referrals and lasting relationships. Improve your company's level of customer service and keep your customers happy by enhancing the overall

experience.

Cost: Members $5 Non-members $20

www.heartofthevalleychamber.com

The Government Relations Roundtable Group invites you to join their monthly group meetings. Each month we may invite our Federal and State Legislators, our local elected and appointed leaders or our School Superintendents to engage in dialogue, keeping us informed of the latest issues. These meetings are designed to be a safe, respectful environment for both our business leaders and our legislators.

The next monthly meeting is Friday, February 14, 2014 from 8:00 to 9:00 AM, at the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce. Stadtmueller & Associates have been invited in to update us on the Grand KaKalin riverfront development project. If you have an interest in joining the Government Relations Roundtable Group call the Chamber office for more information at 766-1616 or visit www.heartofthevalleychamber.com

These monthly meetings are sponsored by AT&T.

Government Relations Roundtable Group

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4 Heart Beat | February 2014

In the hit show Shark Tank, contestants have only a few minutes to sell their big idea to sharp-toothed investors. It's a high-pressure pitch game in which only the best entrepreneurs survive. It's also a pretty good model for surfacing killer ideas. Just ask Tim Kippley, chief strategy officer at Geneca, a Chicago-based custom software development firm (and six-time Inc. 5000 honoree). Kippley instituted a version of the pitch contest and kicked his company's creativity into high gear.

Geneca's Revelation in 2012 was surprisingly simple, like most "aha" moments. The firm works with companies to create custom software applications. "Innovation is what we do for our clients," says Kippley--and it's what drives sales. "So we decided to look in the mirror and do the same things for our-selves that we do for our customers."

The result was the first Geneca Innovation Challenge, an internal competition modeled loosely on Shark Tank. Participating employees had three minutes to pitch their ideas to the entire company. Voting criteria were intentionally vague; attendees were asked simply to vote for the coolest and most engaging ideas--even if they had nothing to do with Geneca's core business. "Culturally, we think we can invent ways to do things better, faster, and cheaper," says co-founder and CEO Joel Basgall.

Before the Innovation Challenge, Geneca's invention process was rather ad hoc--once in a while, someone would stumble onto a good idea. Now, the Shark Tank competition ensures the whole company tosses around new ideas regularly. Plus, the contest lets employees collaborate and suggest improvements. "Now it's, 'We all think it's a great idea,' not just, 'Joel thinks it's a great idea,' " Basgall says.

In the first meetup, six people advanced to the next stage after pitching ideas that included an iPhone

app that detects alcohol levels and a GPS augmented-reality game. They received intensive coaching from the innovation team, a group of about 15 employees from all levels in the company.

The process yielded significant intangible benefits. "Taking finalists from ideation to production is a great way to develop our employees, because it allows them to walk in our clients' shoes," Kippley says. "Plus, people get to expand outside their normal roles, so we as a company benefit from the natural cross-pollination."

The winning innovation, created by recent college grad Jack Morrissey, was an app designed to track employees' achievements and allow superiors to praise good work. Geneca now uses the app to track its own employees. "I don't need to be the guy that comes up with the ideas," Basgall says. "I need to be the guy that helps create an environment where a great group of people can have and execute great ideas."

Below are five tips for running your own Shark

Tank contest:

1. Create an innovation team. Let employees opt in. Passionate people generate excitement and build a culture.

2. Be prepared to follow through. Will you execute on new ideas? If you don't, you're just paying lip service to creativity.

3. Lay the ground rules. Decide how your process will flow, if only so employees have realistic expectations.

4. Set a focus. Spotlight a major problem, customer issue, or cultural benefit you want to tackle. Your contest can be broadly or narrowly defined.

5. Think Big Picture. Reiterate the goal--to be more innovative or more customer focused--so the staff embraces the larger purpose.

The high-pressure pitch game isn't just good

TV--it's also a pretty good model for surfacing

your employees' best ideas.

How to Find Killer Ideas,

5

Keynote Speaker

Mark Skogen is the third generation of Skogen grocers and carries on traditions that began with his grandfather in 1946. Mark joined the company working alongside his father, Dave, as they expanded the business across the state of Wisconsin. In 2006 Mark became president and CEO of Skogen’s Festival Foods. Mark’s vision and commitment to the principles of servant leadership has enabled the company to grow into one of the Upper Midwest’s most successful grocers.

Festival Foods employs more than 4,700 associates who serve guests in 18 supermarkets throughout Wisconsin. They also operates The Marq, a banquet & catering facility with two locations in the Greater Green Bay area, two eateries inside the Lambeau Field atrium, and a restaurant in Suamico, WI. Mark will share with us how every business decision they make is based on their “Boomerang Theory”—empowering their associates to make decisions and take actions that will “Bring the Customer Back.”

$40.00 per person or for a reserved table of 10, see our Partner Opportunities on next page

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

5:00pm to 6:30pm - Cocktail Reception 6:30pm Dinner

Awards and Keynote Address to follow dinner

The Marq 3177 French Rd. De Pere, WI 54115

.

______ tickets @ $40.00 a piece = $ __________ Check Included __ Please Invoice __ Pay by credit card online

Company _____________________________ Contact Name _______________________________

Address _______________________________ City _________________ State ______ Zip _________

Phone number __________________________________ Mail this registration to:

Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce, 101 E. Wisconsin Ave., Kaukauna, WI 54130. For more information on the event or partnership opportunities, call 920.766.1616 or visit

www.heartofthevalleychamber.com

6 Heart Beat | February 2014

Food & Wine Pairing Dinner Menu

First Course: Mixed greens salad, Served with Raspberry Vinaigrette Paired with: SKS Sapphire Riesling Second Course: Chargrilled Breast of Chicken dredged in a mixture of ground pecan, parmesan and panko bread crumbs topped with sauce supreme and served with parsley baby red potatoes and fresh vegetables Paired with: Ruby Cabernet Third Course: Chocolate Velvet Layer Cake with creamy, fudge frosting Paired with: Silk Sweet

The Annual Awards Event recognizes the achievements of the past year, and celebrates our future goals as we work to make the Heart of the Valley Area the best place to live, work and play! We invite you, your employees, friends and family to celebrate the

accomplishments of our business community as we recognize Chamber members for their achievements

SOLD

SOLD

Logo on Chamber’s Website with link to sponsor site

Identified in Chamber e-news & printed publications

Identified on all printed materials promoting event

Identified in newspaper articles, press releases & stories

Logo on signage at the event, indicating Platinum Partner

Full page, full color ad in the Heartbeat Publication

Reserved table for 10, including drinks

Category exclusivity from tier 2 and 3 partnership levels

Opportunity to be featured “Member of the Month”

Provide promotional item to attendees

Logo on all table top decorations

First right of refusal for the 2013 Annual Awards Event

Logo on Chamber’s Website with link to sponsor site

Identified in Chamber e-news & printed publications

Identified on all printed materials promoting event

Identified in all newspaper articles, press releases &

stories

Logo on signage at the event, indicating Premier Partner

Full page, full color ad in the Heartbeat Publication

Reserved table for 10, including drinks

Category exclusivity from tier 2 and 3 partnership levels

Opportunity to be featured “Member of the Month”

Provide promotional item for hospitality bags

Logo on all table top decorations

First right of refusal for the 2015 Annual Awards Event

$2,000

Reserved Table for 10

Listed as Cocktail Reception Partner in event program

Logo on table tents throughout reception area

Full color, 1/2 page ad in the Heartbeat Publication

Opportunity to be featured “Member of the Month”

Opportunity to greet guests and provide promotional item

to attendees

First right of refusal for the 2015 Annual Awards Event

Reserved Table for 10

Full color, 1/4 page ad in HeartBeat Publication

Logo in event program

$1,000

2 tickets to dinner

Full color, 1/4 page ad in HeartBeat Publication

Business name in event program

$600

$125

7

$2,000

Reserved Table for 10

Listed as Dessert Partner in event program

Logo on table menu card

Full color, 1/2 page ad in the Heartbeat Publication

Opportunity to be featured “Member of the Month”

First right of refusal for the 2015 Annual Awards Event

Reserved Table for 10

Listed as Wine Partner in event program

Logo on table menu cards

Full color, 1/2 page ad in the Heartbeat Publication

Opportunity to be featured “Member of the Month”

First right of refusal for the 2015 Annual Awards Event

$1,000

$1,000

Becoming a partner for this annual prestigious event is a great way to promote your business. Partners receive

benefits designed to complement their marketing objectives and provide return on investment.

Contact the Chamber for more information on the partner levels or if you would like us to design a

partnership just for you.

Call Bobbie at 920-766-1616 or email bbeckman@heartofthevalleychamber.com

or reserve your partner level at www.heartofthevalleychamber.com

SOLD Presenting Partner

Premiere Partner

Platinum Partner

Cocktail Reception Partner

Dessert Partner

Wine Partner

Table Sponsor

Chamber Champion

8 Heart Beat | February 2014

The mission at Wichmann and Fargo Funeral Homes and Crematories is to provide exceptional and meaningful funeral service experiences for the families they serve

through teamwork, dedication and professionalism; and to provide the community with comprehensive death, dying

and bereavement resources. http://www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com

More of what you love for less than you thought possible. Connect with them on their website to learn about new items, Instant Savings, events and more.

www.SamsClub.com

Complete refinishing, collision repair and custom painting. Stop in at Dreher Collision Center to get your

vehicle back on the road looking its best, no matter what the accident. They aim to give each of their customers the

best auto service out there, while keeping your budget and schedule in mind.

http://www.drehercollision.com/

At Kamps Bar & Grill you’ll find their great food and menu,

leagues, events and entertainment !

http://www.kamps-bar-n-grill.com

For over a decade, their family has been providing families throughout the Fox Valley with the finest in personalized

service for chimney and hearth appliance services.

http://www.chimneyguy.com/

A passion for community development and urban planning began long before "Green"

became a trendy buzzword in the construction industry. As urban sprawl led to the deterioration

of our city centers, they participated in Main Street revitalization and neighborhood

development initiatives. http://www.stadtmuellerandassociates.com

Milton Propane's mission is to provide any propane service to an expanding regional area with the highest standard of safety,

dependability and ethics thru enjoyable relationships. Milton Propane, which serves over ten thousand customers,

distributes propane for residential, commercial, agriculture and recreational purposes in bulk or cylinder form. Six

regional service centers with a combined storage 500-thousand gallon storage capacity encompass 45 counties throughout southeastern and north central Wisconsin, and north central

Illinois to allow efficiency. http://www.miltonpropane.com

1st Choice Nutrition provides health supplements, natural personal care

products and a full line of sports nutrition products in the Fox Valley. They pride themselves on being knowledgeable, competitively priced and family owned

and operated. First Nutrition’s FB Page

9

Want your business featured here? Email bbeckman@heartofthevalleychamber.com

Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificates

make the perfect gift for every one. From golf to gas, groceries to lumber, gift

certificates can be redeemed at over 100 area business.

Weyers Equipment, Inc. continually strives to provide quality products and superior service to maximize the productivity and success of their MOST valued assets,

THEIR CUSTOMERS, and to make it an enjoyable endeavor. In doing so, Weyers will meet customer

expectations of: *Highest quality product *Best-in-class Service and Support *Individual and company

accountability http://www.weyersequip.com/

Land O'Lakes Feed LLC is a national organization serving producers and their families through 4,700 local cooperatives and independent dealerships throughout

the United States. The company, in combination with its wholly owned subsidiary Purina Mills, LLC, is North

America's leading feed company, providing producers, cooperatives and dealers with an extensive line of

animal feed, ingredients and services designed to help agricultural producers, dealers and cooperatives

compete in the global marketplace. http://www.lolfeed.com/

Fox Valley Coin & Diamond has the history of three generations of buying expertise and the

longevity of having the fourth generation in training. They also have a strong history of sell-ing coins all over the United States. They sell both locally in their store and through Mail Bid

Auctions and eBay. http://www.foxvcoin.com/

Kerrigan Brothers would love to have you come visit their winery. They are located

North of HWY 41 at N2797 HWY 55, Freedom Wisconsin. Go see their winery, enjoy

a taste of their wine and take a tour of their wine making process.

http://www.kerriganbrothers.com/

Fox Communities Credit Union will be awarding six, $750 scholarships to graduating high school seniors again this year. To qualify, the student must be a primary member of Fox Communities Credit Union, who will be continuing their education. Scholarships are based on community service involvement, and the thoughtful completion of the 2014 essay question. Applications, explaining all of the requirements, can be picked up at all Fox Communities Credit Union locations, or online at www.foxcu.org/scholarships. Applications are being accepted now through February 28, 2014. Scholarship winners will be contacted by April 11, 2014. Unison Credit Union is excited to announce the 2014 John Aman Memorial Scholarship contest. Unison offers $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors. The awards are given in memory of John Aman, the first CEO of Unison Credit Union. His commitment to the credit union industry and community were evident through his passion for volunteerism and putting the needs of our members first. Students who are a member or whose parents/guardians are members of Unison are eligible to apply. The student must have senior standing and plan to attend a two or four year program at a college, university or technical school. All applications must be received by noon on Saturday, March 22. Unison Credit Union is proud to announce a donation collected from its staff of $1,414 to Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs.

Stellar Blue Technologies, a digital marketing agency, hired Chrissi Watry as a Studio Marketing Assistant and Dalton Spranger as a Website Developer.

Frontier Builders & Consultants has announced it was awarded and has begun work on a 17,000 square foot grocery market near Rhinelander, WI. Schenck is pleased to announce that the following employees have recently joined the firm’s Fox Cities office: Alyssa Baehman joined the firm as a Staff Accountant in the tax department. John Cejka joined the firm as a Staff Accountant in the audit department. Emily Cook joined the firm as an Administrative Assistant in the human resources department. Ross Helein joined the firm as a Staff Accountant in the tax department. Carrie Mueller, SPHR joined the firm as Human Resources Operations Manager. Schenck would like to thank the following employees for their years of service to our firm: FOX CITIES OFFICE 25 Years

Amy Driessen, CPA, Shareholder Deb Schaar, Data Entry Senior

American National Bank Fox Cities is pleased to announce the addition of Craig King as AVP – Commercial Banking. Keller, Planners, Architects and Builders, a design/build general contractor with offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee and

Wausau will renovate Arla Foods under the direction of Keller Project Manager, Dave Stubbs and Architect, Steve Klessig. Join the City of Kaukauna for a public workshop, which will cover different topics associated with Kaukauna’s downtown. The workshop will be structured in nature, featuring opening presentations and small group exercises. The workshop is Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kaukauna City Hall Community Room at 201 W. Second Street, Kaukauna.

10 Heart Beat | February 2014

Any change or update within your business such as a promotion, new addition, award won, etc. can be included in

this section. News must be submitted by the 15th of the month for the following month’s publication. Send to:

bbeckman@heartofthevalleychamber.com

GOOD NEWS

Is Worth Repeating

11

Your business just joined or renewed your Heart of the Valley Chamber membership for the upcoming year. You have now obtained a key to assist you with your businesses growth and prosperity. The question is how do I use the key to unlock the opportunities I have paid for? Here is a check list of ten items to do as a member: Review the website listing for your business:

Make sure all the information is accurate. Including emails and phone numbers and who they go to. As owner of a business do you want everyone contacting you directly or your business? This is important as your information is typically placed in directories and on the web for all to see. Add your business description, videos and coupons to our Online Directory

Get Your Employees Connected: Many times businesses only have a primary contact or two receiving emails and information from the Chamber. To optimize your businesses potential to utilize all the services you have opened yourself to have all your employees sign up to receive chamber notices. This will allow your business the opportunity to take advantage of trainings and leadership development opportunities you may have not thought of for your employees.

Display Membership Plaque Openly: Studies have been done showing that people view chamber membership as a sign of credibility for a business. The best way to show you are a member is to put those items in full view. If you need a plaque call the Chamber office and we will be glad to deliver a new one to you.

Attend a Membership Orientation: Best advice is attending one every year. We are always adding new products and services to assist our members. Find out if there is a product or service that will assist you or your businesses bottom line.

Make the Chamber an Extension of Your Business: Are you looking for information about new businesses entering the community? Legislation that may affect your business? The Chamber should be the first call you make when you have a question you need help with. The Chamber may be able to answer your question on the spot or refer you to someone that may have the advice

you’re looking for.

Meet 1 on 1 with the Chamber’s Membership Coordinator:

When having this meeting know what your customers demographic is. A good membership coordinator will be able to provide you with the best events, programs and seminars available for exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities that will promote your business. Best practice is to secure your participation in advance. This will help you plan each event accordingly with time and money.

Attend Monthly Meetings: Repetition at events creates an atmosphere of trust among members. People like to do business with people they know and see. Also, remember it is not the size of the event but the relationship building opportunity. Some small events have enormous value.

Get to Know the Chamber Staff: These individuals meet with more business professionals than most people any given day. Knowledge of who you are and what your business provides can make you an easy referral for them.

Get Social: Your Chamber is on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter - find out what best fits you and participate in some of the discussions. Better yet provide information that makes you the expert in your field. These are great places to promote you without making a sales pitch.

Share Your News: Submit your upcoming events to our Community Calendar and send press releases and staff updates to the Chamber for inclusion in the HeartBeat newsletter. Take advantage of the Chamber’s free Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening assistance.

These ten basic steps will make your membership in the Chamber one that can provide you a strong return on your investment.

Getting more from your Chamber membership!

Sarah-Beth Janssen Strategic Risk Advisor The McClone Insurance Group http://www.mcclone.com

Give us a brief description/history of your business…. Over the years, it feels as though the insurance market has turned into a game, and quite frankly business owners are tired of it. As a strategic risk advisor at McClone it’s my job to not only assist my clients with finding the best solution to benefits needs, but to understand them on a deeper level, advise them through many aspects of their business, and help them create a fixed cost advantage. I truly enjoy working in this field and helping businesses achieve their goals. For more details on what I do, check out the short video at www.mcclone.com. Q: How did you get started in your field? I started out as an intern the summer before graduation with Aflac. After spending many years with Aflac, I teamed up with McClone and have evolved from running the voluntary benefits division to becoming a strategic risk advisor, helping my clients with many more of the obstacles they face. Q: Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today? Without question, my parents! They always had an outstanding work ethic and instilled this in me and my siblings. We learned at a young age that you work until the job is done. Q: What do you like most about working in the Heart of the Valley area? We live in a fantastic pocket in this country. My favorite thing about living here is being surrounded by genuine people who take pride in giving back to the community so that it will flourish in years to come.

Q: What is the worst job you’ve ever had? My worst and first job was a dishwasher at a local restaurant in my hometown. Thankfully two of my best friends worked with me, but it was not a very fun job. Q: OK, now the good stuff. What do you like to do for fun? I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and volunteering. My husband and I have two daughters and a third child on the way, so there's not as much time for traveling and volunteering as we’d like. Nevertheless, now we can incorporate some family time into our volunteering and travel plans. Q: What’s your favorite movie and why? I should be embarrassed, but I'm not. Home Alone and Home Alone 2 are my absolute favorite movies! I LOVE Christmas and there's something great about those movies that bring you back to the silliness of your childhood at a time when Christmas was most magical. Q: Is your desk messy or organized? Messy during the day but organized by the time I leave. Q: Green Bay Packers or another team? GREEN BAY PACKERS!!!! Q: Where was your best vacation and why? We toured Italy for our honeymoon, and it was an amazing vacation. The country, their culture and the his-tory behind their landmarks fascinate me. Q: What are the Top 3 items on your bucket list? Revisit and finish touring Spain. Learn to play the drums. Watch the Packers win a Super Bowl...in person!

12 Heart Beat | February 2014

Meet The Members

13

Give us a brief description/history of your business…. Keller, Inc. is a 100% Employee Owned General Contractor with the corporate office located in Kaukauna and additional offices in Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau. Q: How did you get started in your field? I started as an intern at Keller in 2010 while attending NWTC for Marketing. Q: Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today? I have been fortunate to have many great mentors throughout my life, but my parents have always been and continue to be the greatest impact on me. Q: What do you like most about working in the Heart of the Valley area? I love the hometown feel and running into someone you know just about anywhere. Q: What is the worst job you’ve ever had? I washed dishes at a golf course when I was 14 but I was happy to have what I then called a “real job” and learned a lot about working hard. Q: OK, now the good stuff. What do you like to do for fun? I spend a lot of time at our family cabin in Lakewood: snowmobiling, boating and relaxing. I also enjoy golfing and just spending time with family and friends. Q: Is your desk messy or organized? Most days it is organized.

Q: Green Bay Packers or another team? Go Pack Go! Q: Where was your best vacation and why? I recently spent some time in Spain. It was awesome just to experience new places and the unique culture. Q: What are the Top 3 items on your bucket list? Visit all seven continents. Get married and have children. Go on a vacation without planning anything… starting with heading to the airport and taking the next flight wherever it is going!

Stellmacher, Lindsay Director of Marketing / Co-Owner Keller, Inc. http://www.kellerbuilds.com

* If you are a Chamber member and would like to be featured, email Jamie! It’s free! *

Member Spotlight

14 Heart Beat | February 2014

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Phone: (920) 766-0156

Toll Free: (800) 236-8453

1565 Bohm Drive

Little Chute, WI 54140-2529

16 Heart Beat | February 2014

Signarama is the premier provider of a wide range of full service sign and advertising products. Our experts provide comprehensive consultation to ensure your sign displays a powerful, impactful message. Signarama is the sign industry leader with more than 27 years’ experience and with locations around the world to serve your sign needs. We offer the convenience of 24/7 online ordering combined with the expertise and knowledge of one on one in-store consultations. From concept to completion, let our dedicated, professionals show you the way to grow your business.

Signarama 1164 Westowne Drive | Neenah, WI 54956 920-727-1100

The Habitat ReStore sells new and gently used home improvement materials to the public at discounted prices. All proceeds from ReStore benefit the mission of the Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity. Materials in the store are from individual and business donors and include such items as appliances, cabinetry, furniture, hardware, tools, lumber and lighting. We offer free pick-ups for donations as well as a Deconstruction service. Donate or shop with us to serve more families in our community.

Habitat ReStore 3000 E College Ave | Appleton, WI 54915 (920) 830-8400

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1.Prep with a power pose. According to Harvard professor Amy Cuddy, two minutes of power posing--standing tall, holding your arms out or towards the sky, or standing like Superman with your hands on hips--will dramatically increase your confidence. Try it before you step into a situation where you know you'll feel nervous, insecure, or intimidated. (Just make sure no one is watching.) It may sound strange... but it works.

2. Dial up your energy level. Imagine you've just led a meeting. Now rate your energy level on a scale of 1-10. Most people will give themselves an 8 or 9. Unfortunately, most of the people in the room will give you a 3 or 4. What feels high energy to us can come across flat and lifeless to others. Next time, remind yourself to dial up the energy by 20 percent or so. You don't have to go all Matthew Lesko, but you should definitely display more enthusiasm and passion than you would under other circumstances.

3. When the going gets tough, start smiling. Frowning, grimacing, glowering and other negative facial expressions send a signal to your brain that whatever you're doing is difficult. That causes your brain to send cortisol into your bloodstream, which raises your stress levels. Soon stress begets more stress--and pretty soon you're a hot mess. Instead, force yourself to smile. It works. Plus when you smile, that helps other people feel less stress, too. Most of us mirror the actions of others, so if you smile, other people will smile. If you nod, others will nod. And if you frown, soon others will be frowning, too.

4. Play supermodel to reduce conflict. Standing face to face can feel confrontational. One way to reduce the instinctive level of threat you and the other person may feel is to shift your stance slightly so you're standing at an angle--much like models who almost never

stand with their bodies square to the camera. If you're confronted, don't back away; just shift to a slight angle. And if you wish to appear less confrontational, approach the person and stand at a 45-degree angle (while still making direct eye contact, of course.) Best of all, try to find a way to stand side by side, because that implicitly signals collaboration.

5. Don't gesture above your shoulders. Unless you're a referee. Otherwise it just looks odd. Watch any Steve Jobs presentation. He never raises his arms above his shoulders. That should be enough of a reason for you not to, either.

6. Talk more with your hands. The right gestures add immeasurably to your words. Think about how you talk and act when you're not "on." Then act the same way when you're in professional situations. You'll feel more confident, think more clearly, naturally punctuate certain words and phrases, and fall into a much better rhythm.

7. Use props to engage. Body positions affect attitude. People who stand or sit with their arms crossed and heads tilted forward are naturally more resistant and defensive. So pull them out of their resistant poses. Shake hands. Ask for their business card. Offer a drink. (I have a friend who is the king of, "I'm going to get a water, can I bring you

one?" He feels the act of handing someone a bottle of water is not only courteous but also forces them to open up their body position, which also helps overcome resistance.) Or if you're speaking to a group, ask questions that involve raising hands. Pass around relevant items. Find a way to get people to stand or change seats. The more people move and open up the more engaged they feel.

8. Think before you speak. Eye contact is important, but it's hard to maintain eye contact when you have to think. Most of us look up, or down, or away and then we swing back when we've gathered our thoughts. Here's a better way. If you have to look away to think, do it before you answer. Take a pause, look thoughtful, glance away and then return to making eye contact when you start speaking. Then your words are even more powerful because your eyes support them.

8 Powerful Ways to Improve Your Body Language

We're all students of body language.

Too bad we're not students of our own body

language.

Here are some tips to help ensure your body

language works for you and not against you:

The end of the year is a time when people contemplate starting their own business. Whether that contemplation is triggered by an end-of-year layoff or a new year's resolution, home-based businesses will be on the minds of many.

A home-based business can be anything from a single programmer or consultant who virtually hangs a shingle to a vintage clothing company, jewelry maker, window washer or cupcake baker.

"When I was between companies, I started a tye-dye clothing business at home," says Nellie Akalp, CEO of legal document provider CorpNet.com. Since her business these days is to help people creating companies, she shared some simple rules for making sure that you're protecting yourself while starting a business.

1.Pick the right business name. Make sure you do a search for your businesses' name, and clear the trademark. "Check first with your Secretary of State's Office for the use of your businesses' name in the state and county, and then do a national trademark search," says Akalp, whose company provides free name searches. "If you find someone else using the name, consider paying a service for a comprehensive name search to make sure you're not going to impinge on another company's trademark--the last thing you want to do is to have to change your business name after you've starting doing business."

2. Pick the appropriate business structure. Consult with a tax professional before you determine your businesses' legal structure. While you can start doing business as a sole practitioner today, there can be tax advantages to forming an LLC or an S-Corporation. Additionally, having a corporation can provide you with an air of legitimacy--you're no longer "some dude working out of his basement."

The decision to form an LLC or a Chapter s corporation can also be based on your comfort with formality. "An LLC provides maximum legal protection with minimum paperwork," says Akalp. "An S-Corporation is good for a

company who can handle the paperwork and you can qualify to be on the payroll as an owner. If you're not ready to incorporate, create a fictitious business name, also known as a "DBA" or Doing Business As name."

3. Get a tax ID. While a sole proprietor can give a social security number to vendors or customers for their records, it is best to get a tax ID, also know as an EIN, which issued by the IRS. "You don't want your Social Security number floating everywhere," Akalp states. It is also more professional to have an EIN. These are required for an LLC or Corporation.

4. Obtain a registered agent. If you're working from home, you may not want clients to know it. Since the legal address for your corporation is made part of the public record, you may want business and legal notices to be delivered someplace other than your home. For an LLC or S-corporation, a registered agent's address is substituted for yours for purpose of public notices. Additionally, says Akalp, if you're not incorporating, you can get a P.O. Box or use a mailing company for a DBA entity.

5. Get permits or licenses. As home-based business owner, it is your job to check on local permits. You may need a business license. A cupcake baker may have to undergo a health inspection and there may be zoning rules as well. Akalp advises, "Handle them from the start rather than dealing with it after the fact, as you may have back payments or penalties for ignoring the rules."

For more information visit with a local accountant and attorney. A complete list can be found on our website directory at www.heartofthevalleychamber.com

5 Tips to Keep Your Home-Based Business Legal

18 Heart Beat | February 2014

It's that time of year when people think about

starting a new home-based business.

Here's how to find the right legal structure

and stay-out of trouble.

19

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY AD

20 Heart Beat | February 2014

A new “hair robbery” phenomenon has emerged in the Venezuelan city of Maracaibo. A group known as “piranhas” is actually stealing women’s luscious locks and even have a preference for straight hair. According to Globovision, these robbers roam malls hunting for victims whose hair they can cut and sell to beauty salons to be used for extensions. The methods of the robbers can be rather violent — some victims have been held by gunpoint and forced to tie their hair into a ponytail in order to cut it off. While many salon owners do not buy hair unless they know where it has come from, many are looking the other way due to the increased demand. According to hair stylist Jhonatan Morales, interviewed by Globovision,the request for hair extensions has gone up by 30 percent. To combat the problem, the mayor of Maracaibo, Eveling de

Rosales, has said they are adding more security guards at the malls where this is occurring in hopes of preventing this from happening again. Unfortunately, for the women of Maracaibo, until this problem is resolved the recommendation from city officials is that ladies avoid wearing their hair down or in a ponytail.

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Our newsletter is sent via email at the beginning of each month to over 1300 present and future Chamber members as well as a general public

interest group. It is also posted to our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages. All ads are full color and can be linked to your company’s website

at no additional charge. Black and white ads are acceptable.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to be seen! Get an edge on your competition!

Affordable Advertising Opportunities

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22 Heart Beat | February 2014

Staying up-to-date on the latest news across the Internet does not have to mean visiting all of your favorite news sites or downloading multiple apps. There are a wide variety of news applications available that efficiently aggregate news and appeal to various reading styles. Flipboard helps you discover news. It is broken down by topic and brings world and social news together in a magazine format. You can select topics to follow, add your social networks and search for people, hashtags or your favorite sites to read articles curated from across the web. Articles can be saved for later or added to your own magazine. Your magazines or collections of articles, can then be shared with friends and managed from the web. Circa News aims to be the most efficient way to keep up on headlines. The app employees a team of journalists that condense news stories to the basic facts so they are optimized for the small screen of smartphone. You can follow news stories that you want to know more about and get push notifications when new information is available. It also provides links for more information if you want to get a more in-depth look of the story. For fans of RSS readers, Feedly is a great solution to deliver all your favorite news to one place. You can set up feeds for your favorite blogs, news sites, YouTube shows, podcasts, Craigslist categories, hulu shows and more. All of the updates are transformed into cards for fast loading and easy browsing.

There are also a number of “read-it-later” apps, like Pocket, that help you manage news that you find when you’re browsing web that you can’t read right away. Whenever you come across an interesting article, video or website that you want to check out later, you “put it in your Pocket.” Once something is added to the app, it automatically syncs across your phone, tablet, and computer so you can view it anytime on any device, without an Internet connection. Of course, if you have a favorite news outlet, you can search your app market for a dedicated app as many of the largest news publications and sites have great apps available. Think about your reading style, news preference and try out a few types of apps to find one that is Built for You.

Find the News App that Fits Your Reading Style

Can you imagine getting your paycheck in Bitcoin? That would be just dandy for a lot of IT professionals. Events company Tech in Motion polled 847 IT pros about accepting Bitcoin as payment for work and more than half, 51 percent, said yes; another 18 percent said maybe. Only 10 percent think Bitcoin won't last. It probably helps that the value of Bitcoin is really high right now. As of Tuesday, one Bitcoin is worth about $850, according to Coindesk.

More IT Professionals Say They Want Their Paychecks in Bitcoin

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Advancing Wisconsin Manufacturing Seminar Series WMC IS TEAMING UP WITH THE WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM

TO BRING THE ANNUAL WORKFORCE PARADOX CONFERENCE TO

COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE.

Wisconsin continues to battle the workforce paradox – high unemployment, yet employers desperately seeking qualified

workers. The WMC Foundation, in partnership with the Wisconsin Technical College System and all 16 Technical

Colleges, is proud to highlight current workplace solutions and an early preview of a new initiative to establish a 20-year

strategic plan for the state called – Future Wisconsin.

2014 Dates, Locations and Registration COST: $30/PERSON │ $20/PERSON FOR WMC AND/OR LOCAL CHAMBER MEMBERS

FEBRUARY

Feb 17 – Gateway Technical College, Kenosha - Register Feb 19 – Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton - Register Feb 21 – Blackhawk Technical College, Janesville - Register Feb 25 – Western Technical College, La Crosse - Register Feb 26 – Milwaukee Area Technical College - Register MARCH:

Mar 3 – Northcentral Technical College, Wausau - Register Mar 4 – Waukesha County Technical College - Register Mar 6 – Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire - Register Mar 7 – Indianhead Technical College, Rice Lake - Register Mar 11 – Nicolet Technical College, Rhinelander - Register Mar 13 – Mid-State Technical College, Wisconsin Rapids - Register Mar 14 – Lakeshore Technical College, Cleveland - Register Mar 17 – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay - Register Mar 18 – Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac - Register Mar 21 – Southwest Technical College, Fennimore - Register Mar 27 – Madison College - Register

Workforce Paradox Sessions: “Taking it Local” Program Agenda

7:30 a.m. Breakfast/Networking

7:45 a.m. Welcome: College President

8:00 a.m. Future Wisconsin Initiative: Talent Attraction and Retention – Jim Morgan, WMC Foundation President

8:30 a.m. Innovative Partnerships and Practices – Panel Presentation/Discussion

Innovative practices in K-12, college programming, and customized business solutions followed by discussion.

9:50 a.m. What You Can Do Back Home

10:00 a.m. Adjourn

Optional college tour at some sites immediately following the program.

2014 Sponsors

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